On January 30, music school Music Compound celebrated a decade of impact with its 10-Year Anniversary Celebration at The Grove. The event – which brought together approximately 220 members of the community – featured heartfelt testimonials, a special film that showcased the company’s history and personal stories from students as well as those who have played a part in the school’s growth, dinner and dancing.

Music Compound was founded by fifth-generation Sarasotan Jenny Townsend; its business concept grew from a class project she created before earning her Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida - Sarasota-Manatee. Her project – which included market analysis and a business plan – turned into the roadmap for Music Compound.

Guests were greeted at the entrance with glasses of champagne; dinner was buffet-style. Townsend gave a warm welcome and then, during dinner, a film paying tribute to Music Compound’s history and impact was shown. A particularly touching moment in the program occurred when Denise Verhuel – Townsend’s very first music instructor – paid tribute to her dear friend and former boss with a heartfelt speech.

Music Compound, which was originally located in a strip mall on Cattlemen Road, was officially born in 2016. Townsend began with one teacher – Verhuel – and four studios. Now, at her new state-of-the-art, 10,000-square-foot facility on Bell Road – where the business recently celebrated its first year there in August – there are 20 private lesson rooms, five group studios for jamming and rehearsals, a larger concert space that features a pro stage, sound equipment and lighting, and lounges for students and parents to relax, connect and recharge. 

For its efforts, Music Compound has been recognized with numerous local awards. Last year, the school was recognized with the Music School Business Breakthrough Award by Build a Music School in early 2025. Townsend takes special pride in the many ways it fosters community across generations, musical genres and levels of expertise.

Since its founding, Music Compound has served over 5,000 members, from children to seniors; had numerous young members accepted into top music programs; employed nearly 200 total team members, with 38 experiencing their very first job at the company; given back $115,000 to our community through donations, scholarships, and support; partnered with scores of other businesses and organizations on a wide variety of community events and initiatives; encouraged area children to read more than 20,000 books through its Rock Your Summer Reading program; covered – through its rigorous Album Ensemble program – some of the world's most critically acclaimed albums by some of the most famous bands in history; and hosted music clinics with expert musicians.

“Our 10-year anniversary was a dream event, surrounded by member families, team members – nearly 40 past and present were there! – and members of our extended music community. It absolutely rocked!” said Townsend. "I am so thrilled for all we have achieved thus far and can’t wait to see what the next 10 years will bring for Music Compound!”

The Music Compound, located at 775 Bell Road in Sarasota, provides an environment to inspire, collaborate and educate children and adults in pursuit of their love of music. Visit musiccompound.com for more information.

About Music Compound
The Music Compound (775 Bell Road, Sarasota) provides an environment to inspire, collaborate and educate children and adults in pursuit of their love of music.  The goal is to transform dreams into reality by providing a contemporary and influential environment for musicians of all ages. For more information, visit musiccompound.com.