From Work At Home Guitar Teacher To Full Music School

Andrew James Hymel is the owner, proprietor, and music director
of Andy Hymel School of Music in Gretna, Louisiana, just outside
of New Orleans. It is a success story that has blossomed from
one man's dream of music education into a consortium of
teachers and students who strive for excellence and value the
importance of the preservation of the arts in today's New
Orleans.

When asked about his Post Katrina experience, Hymel relied, "It
was scary to reopen the school and it was like starting over,
but I felt the community needed something to use as an outlet
for the emotions caused by Katrina. We weren't just rebuilding
a music school; we were rebuilding the minds and souls of our
students and their families."

Andy Hymel earned a degree in Jazz Performance from Loyola

University in New Orleans, LA. At a young age, his musical
talents developed from "jamming" with neighborhood musicians in
the Algiers area, notably Frank Saucier, a regular solo artist
at Kerry's Irish Pub in the French Quarter. In the 80's, he
honed his guitar skills at the World's Fair with the vocal
group "Celebration" and is to this day appreciative of that
opportunity.

While his music accomplishments were self-developed, his
community involvement and business acumen were mostly inspired
by his dad.

His father, Lloyd Hymel, is a pillar of the Algiers community
and an elder of Saint Andrews the Apostle Church. He was
Chairman of the West Bank Chamber of Commerce, President of the
Petroleum Club and the West Bank Rotary Club, and Vice President
of AMF Tuboscope in Harvey, Louisiana.

One of his brothers, Philip Hymel, is the Chief Financial
Forecaster of Entergy New Orleans and recently served as
President of the University of New Orleans Alumni Association.
Another brother, David Hymel, is in the oil and gas business
and for years organized the oil field "Chili Cook Off";
recently at Boomtown Casino and previously at Alvin Andrew
Callender Naval Airforce Base in Belle Chasse, Louisiana.

Another brother, Greg, owned and operated a Zack's Frozen
Yogart franchise and is a Ginger Baker "Cream" style drummer.
His is also an artist/painter and is displayed in several
restauraunts in the New Orleans area. Obviously, the senior Mr.
Hymel set a solid foundation for his children to excel in
business and community development.

With that said, it is apparent that Andy Hymel has parlayed his
strong family values and love of music instruction from a work
at home business into a full blown, reputable, school of music.

Branching off from the security of working from home, Hymel
first opened his school at 601 Terry Parkway in Gretna, LA, in
an area commonly known as Terrytown. What started as a handful
of students quickly blossomed into a full school of music with
280 students strong and has had to relocate to a larger
building at 1800 Stumph Boulevard. Predominantly a guitar
teacher, he also teaches piano and bass. His drum instructor,
Jumpin' Joe Gelini, graduated from Berklee School of Music in
Boston, a great accomplishment considering only 2% of those who
attend Berklee actually graduate. The school has a wide variety
of teachers, including band directors and vocal coaches,
covering several instruments and genres. Even Hymel's high
school guitar teacher from Holy Cross is on the payroll!

Mr. Hymel (not his dad Lloyd) believes that music education can
start at the Pre-K level and has programs and original songs in
place for the youngest of students. He also has courses geared
for "Baby Boomers" as well.

In between those age groups, one of his most amazing
accomplishments is that 5 of his students have received full
scholarships to various schools of music and EVERY one of his
10 students who have applied to NOCCA was accepted on their
first audition!

One former student begins as an understudy this fall with the
Metropolitan Opera Association. Another, Alex Zander, is a
published singer/songwriter. Alex is an entire story yet to be
written. Stay tuned.

In addition to his accomplishments as a teacher and
entrepreneur, he has written and recorded hundreds of original
songs and his efforts are starting to be recognized. Most
notably. the son of Clarenece "Frogman" Henry, marketing
himself as Clarence "Frogman" Henry Jr. , is considering many
of Hymel's songs for his soon to be released CD.

For Andrew James Hymel this is only the start. As an unabashed
Beatles fan, an admitted student of New Orleans music, and an
unwavering ambassador of music education, the sky is the limit!

Whether you listen to me or not, you will certainly hear from
him.

About The Author: Nathan BF Gurley is owner of Gurley
Residential Appraisal Services, LLC in New Orleans, LA & is
Editor of http://nathangurley.com/ "Work at Home Weblog" at
http://nathangurley.com/ :
tp://NGurley1.successuniversity.com/new Enroll in Success
University!

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