By Peter Barhydt
Musicologie, the national music education franchise founded in 2014, has opened its first Connecticut location in New Canaan, marking a new chapter in the town’s cultural and educational landscape. The new studio, which officially opened its doors on September 27, already serves more than 100 students—ranging in age from six months to 86 years—and offers lessons in 16 instruments.
Inside the newly built space, Community Manager John Siragusa described a facility designed for every kind of learner. “We have nine rooms, including a grand piano room and dedicated spaces for drums, bass, guitar, and voice,” he said during a recent tour. “We’re especially proud of our ‘Junior Room,’ where our youngest students—ages six months to five years—start their musical journeys. That’s also where our ‘Rockstar Program’ happens, where kids form real bands.”
Musicologie’s approach emphasizes individualized instruction and a flexible curriculum. “Each lesson is student-driven,” John explained. “If a student comes in and says, ‘I want to learn this song,’ we make that happen. If someone wants to prepare for a theater role or learn alongside their child, we tailor everything to their goals.”
The studio’s philosophy, he said, extends beyond individual lessons. “We’re trying to serve every part of the community—children, adults, seniors, and anyone who wants to make music part of their life,” John said. “We’re starting outreach programs, including partnerships with seniors and groups that often get overlooked.”
Musicologie’s owner, Peter Yu, a New Canaan resident, brings a background in finance to the venture. “Peter’s whole idea was that music education needed more support,” John said. “He looked at the community and said, ‘There are so many programs for sports—but what about music?’ He wanted to create a place that builds confidence, connection, and creativity.”
The company’s national model offers a mix of one-on-one lessons and group programming, including the parent-child “Junior Program” and performance opportunities for student bands. While the New Canaan location has yet to host its first concert, plans are underway. “All Musicologie schools hold two to three performances per year,” John said. “We’re looking at venues now for open mics or a holiday concert. We want every student to have a chance to shine—but also to feel comfortable if they’d rather not perform.”
Musicologie operates seven days a week, though Sundays remain optional for now. The New Canaan team hopes to expand further into neighboring towns such as Norwalk and Stamford but is focused on grounding itself locally first. “We know about 90 percent of our students are from New Canaan,” John said. “So everything we do—our classes, our events, even our outreach—has to make sense for this community.”
During the visit, we also discussed ways for Musicologie to share its story and events with the broader community through the New Canaan Sentinel. “We want to support the paper and work together,” John said. “Peter’s big on relationships—he’s worked with many local businesses before—and he understands that partnership is what makes a town thrive.”
The New Canaan studio reflects that philosophy: it’s more than a place for music lessons. It’s an environment designed to bring people together—through rhythm, melody, and connection. “We’re here for everyone,” John said, standing near the grand piano in the entrance. “If you’re six months or 86 years old, if you want to sing, play guitar, or just be around music—this is your place.”
