Tower District shop expands classes for aspiring musicians

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A new shop has opened up in central Fresno to help turn you into a musician.

On Saturday, dozens of people walked through what is now the Fresno Music Academy and Arts. After 18 years of being just a voice shop, the academy expanded its services across the street and bringing in some of the area's best teachers to help those who want to learn the art of music.

The expansion called for classrooms being added to what was once the popular Internet cafe "Hashtag" in the Tower District.

Founder Debi Ruud said it's a dream come true.

"I feel like I'm giving back to my community and I want to see as many people fall in love with music as I do," she said. "It's a gift to the community, it really is."

The new facility added 12 classrooms and instructors said you can come in as a beginner or a seasoned professional. They can teach children as young as 2-years-old who want to give music a shot.