Laurice Van Den Oosten, a native of Fahy, started her own business at the age of 19, going from teaching piano from home to running a private school with 150+ students, 10 members of staff and offering over 30+ services in Art, Music, Therapy and Education.
She began her journey on James Street, Westport, in a small retail unit and in January of this year re-opened the pre-existing Westport Radio Station building to use for her classes.
"It hasn’t been the easiest year with the pandemic on the rise, but we’ve had so much support from our students, family and friends trying to spread the word", said Laurice, who explained that while online teaching has proven difficult, it is manageable in some cases; however, she looks forward to getting back to normality in the new year.
Some of the services in Westport Art and Music School include: Private tuition in piano, guitar, bass, ukulele, banjo, clarinet, flute, saxophone, tin whistle, voice, harmonica, fiddle, violin, piano/button accordion.
The school also runs group sessions in traditional music, choir groups and youth assembly. As for Art services, there is mixed media, watercolour, life drawing, animation, graphic design, photoshop, kids art and art college portfolio preparation.
As well as this, the school offers guidance to those in need of assistance in Junior and Leaving Certificate Music and Art practical exams and also accommodates the Royal Irish Academy of Music Examinations in the school.
For more information contact (098 ) 44 573 or visit the website https://wams.mymusicstaff.com for registration.
