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ABOUT

Over 1,300 Students of All Ages | Over 50 Instructors
Over 20 Types of Lessons | Open Seven Days a Week

From early on, creating a music academy at Sweetwater was a passion of our founder, Chuck Surack. He wanted a place where students of all ages and playing styles could come to learn or perfect their crafts while investing in the diverse arts scene of Fort Wayne, Indiana. In its formative years, the Sweetwater Academy of Music & Technology started with a small group of teachers offering instruction on a handful of instruments. But thanks to their teaching excellence, convenient on-site amenities, and an ever-increasing number of passionate, local musicians, the Sweetwater Academy of Music & Technology has grown beyond anyone’s wildest imagination.


When you arrive at the Academy today, you’ll find the finest music educators teaching lessons in everything from guitar, piano, and band and orchestra instruments to digital recording, DJing, live sound, and beyond. You’ll also have a chance to participate in our popular music programs, such as Rock Camp, Drum Camp, and Build-a-Band. What began as a dream to open an on-site music school at Sweetwater has blossomed into a vibrant community of musicians and a wide variety of musical disciplines. Through it all, the Sweetwater Academy of Music & Technology has remained committed to the arts and artists in our community.

Staff icon Meet Our Team
Camille Zoske
Academy
Director
Megan O’Keefe
Academy Event Coordinator

Instructors

We are proud to offer a huge team of instructors that boasts outstanding musical talent and experience — each instructor is an expert in building and developing relationships with their students. You will feel comfortable and encouraged from the first day you begin your musical journey with us.


Performance Opportunities

Learning a musical skill is great. But there’s nothing like the thrill and fulfillment of live performance with other like-minded musicians! The Sweetwater Academy of Music & Technology offers a variety of performance opportunities, including open mic nights, jazz and acoustic jams, drum circles, and recitals. We also have regular opportunities for you to take your music to the people and work the stages of the area’s most popular music venues.

Expertise

You’ll enjoy your time at the Sweetwater Academy of Music & Technology so much that you may forget that we’re the nation’s largest online music retailer, as well. For decades, Sweetwater has been leveraging our expertise in all things music to grow trusting relationships with musicians all over the world. We are committed to maintaining that expertise and level of trust within all aspects of our company. And you’ll experience it with every lesson you take.

Camps and Programs

The Sweetwater Academy offers multiple programs aimed at taking your new skills to the next level. From Rock Camp and Drum Camp to Build-a-Band, you can learn everything from how to write and record your own songs to what it is to wow a crowd. We also offer masterclasses aimed at specific instruments for more advanced musicians. If you love the idea of learning as a team, then you’ll definitely want to check out one of these fantastic opportunities.

See how the Academy can help you bring your music to the next level.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE, THERE’S TONS OF FUN TO BE HAD. CHECK OUT ALL THAT SWEETWATER HAS TO OFFER.

The Sweetwater Academy of Music & Technology offers 26 private, soundproof instruction rooms where students can learn and practice music, and the greater campus offers plenty to do before and after your lesson, too. Dine, snack, or grab a coffee, play games in our free arcade, relax in our full-service salon, or take a ride down our world-famous indoor slide.

Sweetwater Store

MUSIC STORE

Located at Sweetwater

The Sweetwater Music Store is Northeast Indiana’s premier spot for music instruments, gear, and accessories. From our massive guitar galleries to our drum room to our fully loaded demo studios, we offer the most comprehensive selection of music equipment and quality instruments available. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to help you find the best gear for your needs and your budget.

Crescendo Club & Cafe

CRESCENDO CLUB & CAFé

Located at Sweetwater

Enjoy a truly cosmopolitan coffeehouse experience at the world-class Crescendo Café. Open to the general public as well as Sweetwater staff and visiting musicians, we serve up coffee created with the latest expresso technology, along with the finest local ice cream, chocolate, and baked goods. Stop by and discover some of Fort Wayne’s favorite tasty treats. 

Downbeat Diner

DOWNBEAT DINER

Located at Sweetwater

We’re absolutely delighted to welcome you to our Downbeat Diner, where you’ll find restaurant-quality food at cafeteria prices. Fresh ingredients and whole foods are just part of Sweetwater’s commitment to healthy living. Our friendly and professional staff prepares everything we serve from scratch from 6 in the morning to 7 in the evening.

Wavelengths Salon+Spa

WAVELENGTHS SALON+SPA

Located at Sweetwater

Treat yourself with a complete list of services from haircuts and facials to massage therapy and more from Wavelengths, our on-campus registered Aveda Concept Salon. Of course, Sweetwater employees love the convenience, but it’s also open to the public by appointment.

Arcade & Game Area

ARCADE & GAME AREA

Located at Sweetwater

Got a few minutes before your lesson at the Academy or a clinic in the Performance Theatre? Meeting the family for lunch? Why not play a game or two in Sweetwater’s family-friendly arcade and game area? Here you can join in a game of pool or try your hand at one of the various classic arcade games — it’s all free!

Gear Exchange

USED GEAR

Located at Sweetwater

Turn your old gear into cash or credit toward the music gear and instruments you really want. Just chat with one of our used gear experts, and they’ll be happy to help you sell your gear on consignment or trade it in on the sport for in-store credit you can use in our Music Store.