Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan Pablo Diaz.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Juan Pablo, So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I am a Colombian immigrant who moved to the U.S in 2001 at the age of 18. I started playing guitar at age 11, and throughout high school so I decided to study music in College (Jazz performance). I supported myself mostly by playing shows and teaching privately.
In 2005, I was hired as a guitar instructor at a small music school where I taught for two years before the owner offered me to take over the business. I accepted and took over the place along with my brother Daniel Diaz (Admin) and my then girlfriend Luciana Cereseto (Marketing/branding).
We spent countless hours re-designing our business model, mission and vision and started LIVE! modern school of music (LMSOM) in 2007. The mission of the school is to innovate in youth development tools through contemporary music education.
Over the next two years, our student base tripled and pushed us to relocate to a new facility. With the help of our family, we were able to design and build a custom space which is now our HQ in North Miami since 2010.
Through our programs, we quickly turned into a hub for youth in the community of Miami and raised awareness at a national level. In 2013, LMSOM was invited to become a member of Berklee City Music network. This prestigious music college has allowed provided scholarships and endless educational experiences for our students at a professional level.
LMSOM is today, a community of 350 students and their families with a team of 15 including staff and teaching artists. We teach Electric guitar and bass, drums, percussion, Piano, voice, woodwinds, brass strings. Our students also participate in Contemporary music ensembles, Music Production classes, recording sessions and public concerts throughout the year. We also have a beautiful website! www.lmsom.com.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Right from the start, we struggled a lot while taking over the school. I had partnered up initially with the former owner of the place and help him re-vamp the programs as it was on the verge of closing. I unknowingly became legally responsible for a 50k debt with the IRS and Florida Tax revenue as I was now 51% owner of the company.
I was 24 and very inexperienced in making business deals, so I had to hire legal counsel to help me out of it. That’s when my brother Daniel and wife Luli jumped in onboard and were able to buy-out the rest of the business from the old owner.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Live! Modern School of Music – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
LMSOM is today one of the most recognized music schools in Miami. We use contemporary music education as a tool for youth development and have an active community of young artist performing around town and mentoring their younger peers. We take pride in our effort to meet the students where they are to maximize their potential and spark unique artistry in them.
How would you describe the type of kid you were growing up?
I was always very social and outgoing, I was the president of my class in high school and was always community oriented. My family always struggled financially, so I started teaching private lessons and playing in bars in Bogota at age 14.
Contact Info:
- Address: 88 Sans Souci Blvd North Miami, FL 33181
- Website: www.lmsom.com
- Phone: 305-8930191
- Email: info@lmsom.com
- Instagram: @liveschoolofmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveschoolofmusic/
Image Credit:
Luciana Cereseto (yellowluli.com), Valeria Ayala (valeayala.com)
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
