ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - A local Elk Grove citizen is making noise as a world-class music teacher and entrepreneur. Michael Hemsworth was raised and educated in Elk Grove and operates the popular NewSongs School of Music.

Even as a young man, Hemsworth seemed to be in a hurry to get important life achievements done. He graduated early from high school and got his college degree at 18. He started his own business as a piano teacher at 18 and married at 19. He has three children, ranging in ages from 12 to 21.

An early put-down by a band instructor helped shape Hemsworth’s philosophy about how students should be treated. On a wall in his business are the words, “This is a safe place where mistakes are allowed.”

Bright thank-you notes from students, hanging on another wall, prove this is more than just a slogan. Morgan, one of Hemsworth’s students, wrote, “Thank you for being so patient with me and being a great teacher.”

The school’s motto echoes this sentiment of individual progress: “NewSongs-Find Your Voice.”

Hemsworth said, “I never expected my business to grow so rapidly, but part of what has happened is due to my inability to say no.”

As a result, the total number of students currently being served is 1,100, plus more students on public school campuses. NewSongs School of Music has four locations in total: two in Elk Grove, one in Sacramento and one in Citrus Heights. 

Seventy-five employees in total staff these facilities. Several of the NewSongs music teachers specialize in multiple instruments. Some company employees have been with NewSongs for a long time, like Nancy Smith, NewSongs’ bookkeeper for seven years. 

At NewSongs you can learn to play almost any instrument, get singing lessons and perform at recitals. 

All abilities are welcome. This opportunity is open to young ones, starting at the early age of 18 months, toddlers, teens and adults. 

Home-schooled kids can round out their music education by attending NewSongs. Also, there is a program through the Special Needs Center that provides a recreational outlet for special education students. Consumnes River College students can receive work experience and gain college credits.

“The staff wants everyone to have fun,” Hemsworth said. “September was pirate month. We wore eye patches and talked like pirates.” Argh, Mateys!

October’s themes are pajama week, crazy socks and hats, and costumes during Halloween.

Incentives are given to students to produce even more homegrown success stories.

But as with every business, there were obstacles along the way. 

“When COVID hit we geared up with Zoom and that took quite a bit of adjustment,” Hemsworth said. “But I’m proud to say we retained all our employees during that time.”

Now back on board, and in-person with multiple practice rooms for different instruments, enclosed areas for one-on-one lessons and a recital stage with room for an audience, the business is thriving and contributing new songs to our community.

NewSongs has two Elk Grove locations: 10481 Grant Line Rd #100 and 3159 Dwight Road #100. Learn more at newsongsmusic.com.