When AbLe Music & Dance Studio opened its doors on July 5, 2018, it was little more than a single teacher, a piano, and a small garage room. Today, under the direction of founder Ellie Barlow, it has grown into a thriving, multi-teacher music and dance academy with a building of its own in Colorado City — a testament to what happens when passion, community, and a commitment to teaching come together.
A Story of Steady Growth
What started as piano and voice lessons has expanded into instruction on more than 14 different instruments. Three years ago, the studio broadened its offerings even further by adding dance, giving students new ways to develop their talents and express their creativity.
At its busiest, AbLe Music has supported 120 musical students and 6 instrumental teachers, while the dance program has seen as many as 50 ballet students in a single season. While enrollment numbers ebb and flow, the studio’s momentum and vision continue to grow.
That growth is now taking a tangible new form: a newly constructed building, still being completed, that will include a spacious dance room, a comfortable waiting area for parents, and three dedicated teaching rooms. It’s a labor of love and a slow, steady process — but one the AbLe team is thrilled to be building specifically around the needs of their students and teachers.
A Home for Every Student
Now located at 85 West University Ave, AbLe Music & Dance offers instruction in a wide range of stringed and percussion instruments, voice, and dance for students of all ages and skill levels. Whether through one-on-one lessons or group classes, the studio is dedicated to creating a space where every student feels welcomed, encouraged, and challenged to grow.
Cultivating the Next Generation of Teachers
According to Barlow, what truly sets AbLe Music & Dance apart is its dual commitment — not only to students, but to the educators of tomorrow. The studio serves as a launching pad for advanced students and aspiring instructors to begin their teaching journey in a supportive, well-organized environment.
“We believe that great teachers are developed through guidance, experience, and a genuine love for helping others succeed,” Barlow says. By creating a safe place for instructors to learn while they teach, the studio has watched many student teachers go on to pursue music education at the college level, build careers in the arts, or even open studios of their own.
Recitals, Performances, and Community Connection
Music and movement come alive throughout the year at AbLe. The studio hosts two recitals annually — one in the spring and one in the fall — while AbLe Dance puts on its signature Spring Dance Recital each April at Cottonwood Park, along with a smaller Christmas Dance Recital in December.
Beyond the studio walls, AbLe loves sharing its talents with the wider community. Students and teachers have performed at Fourth of July celebrations, Renaissance Festivals, Cherish Families’ Christmas events, community markets, weddings, and private parties — bringing music and dance to life across Colorado City and beyond.
Join the AbLe Team
As the studio continues to grow, AbLe Music & Dance is currently looking to welcome new team members: one ballet teacher and one to two instrumental or voice teachers who share their passion for teaching and the arts.
Our Mission
At AbLe Music & Dance, our mission is to inspire a love of music and dance while cultivating the next generation of artists, performers, and educators. Through mentorship, excellence, and community, we strive to build confident musicians, expressive dancers, and capable teachers who will enrich the lives of others for generations to come.
Ready to start lessons, join the team, or book AbLe Music & Dance for your next event? Visit www.ablemusicstudio.org or reach out at 928-693-5128.
