Launched in July 2024, Upbeat Performing Arts, a new music studio on Washington Boulevard has been swiftly establishing itself as a vital resource for the Ogden community by providing a diverse range of music classes and workshops for both children and adults.
The studio is owned by Samantha Allen, a Weber State University alum with a degree in Vocal Pedagogy, who strives to share her music passion and “provide music classes that the community wants.”
Currently, Upbeat Performing Arts is focused on outreach and increasing student enrollment. Allen emphasized the importance of ensuring the class’s options are always tailored to students’ and their parents’ interests. Allen will continue to create opportunities for students by developing new classes and workshops.
With a team of university-trained musicians, the studio offers traditional private lessons for people of all ages and skill levels in nearly every instrument, including voice, guitar, saxophone, piano, cello, flute and more. The studio also offers various options of unique musical education designed for children.
Among others, Kindermusik Program and Ogden Musical Theatre’s workshops have been well-received by the student community. While Kindermusik focuses on early childhood musical development for children aged 6 and under, Ogden Musical Theatre’s purpose is to “give every child an opportunity to get the unique experience of being the lead … and feel like a star on stage,” Allen said.
Allen said one of her main goals is to encourage ambitious ideas and help children and their families cultivate their musical interests beyond the public school system.
The idea of starting a music studio has been a passion for Allen since high school. After working for three years in the only music studio in her hometown Casper, Wyoming, Allen was inspired by watching her own mentor develop a studio and see what was possible. During that time, she received firsthand experience at how a music studio is operated.
“There was a lot I had to learn about how to operate a business, how to file taxes and how to hire people,” Allen said.
Getting involved with the Entrepreneurship program at Weber State University was one of the key ways to acquire the knowledge and skills needed. She said the resources provided by the program helped her better understand and prepare to launch her business.
“Do not give up on wanting to do music, but open your mind to new ways of doing music,” Allen said.
