FOLEY — A new venture from a Robertsdale High School band member alumnus is bringing music lessons and a full recording studio to South McKenzie Street.

Kevin Newsome is a Robertsdale native who took part in Robertsdale High School's band program before going to college to study music performance and composition. He earned his bachelor's degree at the University of South Alabama and his master's at Oklahoma City University, where he met his now-wife, Coryn.

Coryn double majored in musical theater and opera at Oklahoma City University, and the duo likes to say they complete each other.

"He kind of does all of the things. He's a man of many hats," Coryn said. "He can just play many, many different instruments. He's self-trained in many different areas, and then he also has the degree to back all of those areas up, like percussion and composition as well. Then I am the other end of that, which is like the vocals and acting, so then we can pick each other's brain in that interesting way and then be able to talk music-wise. It's just always been very thoughtful conversations for our relationship and then building a business together."

The two use their talents to teach music lessons in Baldwin County, but Kevin Newsome said the idea of owning a music studio has always been a dream.

Newsome Music Studios offers one-on-one music lessons spanning several instruments such as guitar, drums, piano and bass as well as singing and acting lessons. Individual lessons cost around $40 for 30 minutes and $75 for an hour, billed monthly. Kevin said they currently teach around 30 students, with the studio serving as a base for the students already under their belt.

"I've always wanted to have a recording studio, and we've both been music teachers for several years," Kevin said. "I've worked at several music shops across the country and performed all over the country, so I think this is just kind of the combination of all those ideas and dreams that we've had."

The couple is also building a full recording studio in the back, which they are aiming to complete by the end of the year. The studio also has a small music shop up front, selling guitars, pianos and drums along with accessories and gear for students and musicians.

"I've seen and I know so many musicians that are at the professional level, but I also feel like there's a real need and hunger for people who are just starting out, especially kids in high school," Kevin said. "I feel like this is something that I think that [Foley] is ready for and that we can offer lessons to the first little kid that's just starting out as well as all the way up to people who are advanced players that just want a little bit more growth in their playing."

"For me as a teacher, I think the most magical thing I've been able to give people is that feeling of 'I got it,' especially when it comes to something like singing," Coryn said. "When you get that high note and it just feels easy. I literally just did that with a student this last Thursday. We were just going for this high note, and it felt really hard. Then I gave some of my tips and tricks, and then we got it and it felt easy. I just want to be able to share that with more and more students, and I feel like our studio is an easy kind of path to be able to do that."

Newsome Music Studios, located in the Foley Island Shopping Center at 1119 N. McKenzie St., is open Monday through Friday from noon to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays for appointments only.

Those interested can register for classes by walking in or by messaging Kevin and Coryn Newsome directly on Facebook.