From Work At Home Guitar Teacher To Full Music School

Andrew James Hymel is the owner, proprietor,his strong family values and love of music
and music director of Andy Hymel School ofinstruction from a work at home business into a
Music in Gretna, Louisiana, just outside of Newfull blown, reputable, school of music. Branching off
Orleans. It is a success story that has blossomedfrom the security of working from home, Hymel
from one man's dream of music education into afirst opened his school at 601 Terry Parkway in
consortium of teachers and students who striveGretna, LA, in an area commonly known as
for excellence and value the importance of theTerrytown. What started as a handful of students
preservation of the arts in today's New Orleans.quickly blossomed into a full school of music with
When asked about his Post Katrina experience,280 students strong and has had to relocate to a
Hymel relied, "It was scary to reopen the schoollarger building at 1800 Stumph Boulevard.
and it was like starting over, but I felt thePredominantly a guitar teacher, he also teaches
community needed something to use as an outletpiano and bass. His drum instructor, Jumpin' Joe
for the emotions caused by Katrina. We weren'tGelini, graduated from Berklee School of Music in
just rebuilding a music school; we were rebuildingBoston, a great accomplishment considering only
the minds and souls of our students and their2% of those who attend Berklee actually
families." Andy Hymel earned a degree in Jazzgraduate. The school has a wide variety of
Performance from Loyola University in Newteachers, including band directors and vocal
Orleans, LA. At a young age, his musical talentscoaches, covering several instruments and genres.
developed from "jamming" with neighborhoodEven Hymel's high school guitar teacher from Holy
musicians in the Algiers area, notably FrankCross is on the payroll! Mr. Hymel (not his dad
Saucier, a regular solo artist at Kerry's Irish Pub inLloyd) believes that music education can start at
the French Quarter. In the 80's, he honed histhe Pre-K level and has programs and original
guitar skills at the World's Fair with the vocalsongs in place for the youngest of students. He
group "Celebration" and is to this day appreciativealso has courses geared for "Baby Boomers" as
of that opportunity. While his musicwell. In between those age groups, one of his
accomplishments were self-developed, hismost amazing accomplishments is that 5 of his
community involvement and business acumenstudents have received full scholarships to various
were mostly inspired by his dad. His father, Lloydschools of music and EVERY one of his 10
Hymel, is a pillar of the Algiers community and anstudents who have applied to NOCCA was
elder of Saint Andrews the Apostle Church. Heaccepted on their first audition! One former
was Chairman of the West Bank Chamber ofstudent begins as an understudy this fall with the
Commerce, President of the Petroleum Club andMetropolitan Opera Association. Another, Alex
the West Bank Rotary Club, and Vice PresidentZander, is a published singer/songwriter. Alex is an
of AMF Tuboscope in Harvey, Louisiana. One ofentire story yet to be written. Stay tuned. In
his brothers, Philip Hymel, is the Chief Financialaddition to his accomplishments as a teacher and
Forecaster of Entergy New Orleans and recentlyentrepreneur, he has written and recorded
served as President of the University of Newhundreds of original songs and his efforts are
Orleans Alumni Association. Another brother,starting to be recognized. Most notably. the son of
David Hymel, is in the oil and gas business and forClarenece "Frogman" Henry, marketing himself as
years organized the oil field "Chili Cook Off";Clarence "Frogman" Henry Jr. , is considering many
recently at Boomtown Casino and previously atof Hymel's songs for his soon to be released CD.
Alvin Andrew Callender Naval Airforce Base inFor Andrew James Hymel this is only the start.
Belle Chasse, Louisiana. Another brother, Greg,As an unabashed Beatles fan, an admitted student
owned and operated a Zack's Frozen Yogartof New Orleans music, and an unwavering
franchise and is a Ginger Baker "Cream" styleambassador of music education, the sky is the
drummer. His is also an artist/painter and islimit! Whether you listen to me or not, you will
displayed in several restauraunts in the Newcertainly hear from him.
Orleans area. Obviously, the senior Mr. Hymel setNathan BF Gurley is owner of Gurley Residential
a solid foundation for his children to excel inAppraisal Services, LLC in New Orleans, LA & is
business and community development. With thatEditor of "Work at Home Weblog" at : Enroll in
said, it is apparent that Andy Hymel has parlayedSuccess University!