Franklin Music Academy began in June 2010 with a simple idea: build a different kind of music school in Austin—one focused on confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of music.
What began with a simple LLC filing on June 4, 2010, has since grown into a music school that has served hundreds of Austin families and helped students discover the lifelong joy of making music.
But Franklin Music Academy was never built around the idea of creating professional musicians.
It was built around freedom.
Not just freedom for us as business owners, but freedom for students to experience music in a way that feels meaningful, sustainable, and deeply personal.
In May 2026, VoyageAustin featured Franklin Music Academy founder Shani Montique-Ahmad in its “Life & Work” series. The interview touched on our journey, philosophy, and what we’ve learned building a music school from the ground up.
Table of Contents
The Beginning of Our Music School in Austin
Before Franklin Music Academy existed, JP was teaching music in the public school system.
Like many educators, he cared deeply about his students but often felt constrained by systems that prioritized outcomes and requirements over individual growth.
We found ourselves asking an important question:
What if music education could be different?
What if students could learn in an environment that focused less on performance pressure and more on building confidence, creativity, and lifelong enjoyment?
Those questions eventually led to a decision that would change the course of our lives.
JP left his position with the school district, and together we committed to building something of our own.
At the time, we had no idea where the journey would lead.
We simply knew we wanted the freedom to create a different kind of music education experience.
A Different Philosophy
From the beginning, Franklin Music Academy has operated with a philosophy that isn’t always common in the music education world.
While competitions, auditions, and professional pursuits certainly have their place, our mission has always been broader.
We believe music preserves culture.
We believe music strengthens families.
We believe music creates connection.
Most importantly, we believe music should remain part of a person’s life long after childhood ends.
That’s why our goal has never been to create professional musicians.
Instead, we strive to develop amateur artists—people who feel inspired and equipped to enjoy music for a lifetime.
For us, success isn’t measured by how many students pursue music professionally.
Success is seeing an adult return to the piano after twenty years.
Success is watching a shy child confidently perform at a recital for the first time.
Success is hearing parents tell us that music has become a meaningful part of their family’s daily life.
Music is the vehicle, but the bigger goal is helping students become capable, confident people over time.
Building a Community
Over the years, our music school in Austin has become much more than a place where lessons take place.
We’ve watched students grow from elementary school beginners into young adults preparing for college.
We’ve seen families form lasting friendships through recitals, camps, and school events.
We’ve celebrated milestones, accomplishments, and personal victories that extend far beyond music.
Some students stay for a season.
Others remain with us for years.
Regardless of how long they stay, our hope is that they leave with more confidence than when they arrived.
What We’re Most Proud Of
When people ask what we’re most proud of after more than fifteen years in business, the answer isn’t revenue, enrollment numbers, or growth.
It’s the life we’ve been able to build around our values.
Starting Franklin Music Academy gave us the opportunity to pursue something that mattered deeply to us.
It gave us the freedom to create an environment where students can learn at their own pace, where families feel welcomed, and where music remains a source of joy rather than pressure.
The autonomy to build something aligned with our beliefs has been one of the greatest rewards of this journey.
And while the school has grown over the years, the mission remains remarkably simple:
Help people discover the joy of making music and give them the tools to enjoy it for the rest of their lives.
Thank You
To every student, parent, instructor, and supporter who has been part of this journey since 2010, thank you.
Franklin Music Academy exists as a trusted music school in Austin because of the trust you’ve placed in us over the years.
We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of your musical journey and excited for everything still to come.
Here’s to the next chapter.
Help Your Child Build Confidence Through Music
At Franklin Music Academy, we believe music is more than a skill—it’s a lifelong companion. We’d love to help your family get started.