Passionate About Music and Learning
Our Story and Mission
Our mission is to foster musical growth through expert instruction and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like home.
Tracy's Tunes began in 1994 with one studio in a basement in Colchester, CT. I had one student. I immediately grew to more than one student, and I was constantly sending parents all over the state to pick up supplies for their students. One day, I decided to try and carry some of these items to save the parents a trip. So, I got a store front in town, and started carrying the supplies and accessories our students needed most. I also brought a few more teachers and employees on board, to teach a wider variety of instruments. Now we have two teachers, four studios, and over 100 students! We offer lessons on Piano, Guitar, Percussion, Flute, Clarinet, Ukulele Saxophone, Trumpet and Trombone.
Meet Our Team of Skilled Instructors
Our instructors bring years of experience and a personal approach to teaching, helping students build confidence and achieve their musical goals. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned player, you’ll find the support you need at Tracy's Tunes.
Glenn Hansen started formal music training with Walter Damas in New London, Ct. at the age of eight years old, staying with Walter for ten years. "He started me as a beginning drummer and prepared me up to my audition for college. I was accepted to Julius Hartt College of Music in Hartford, Ct. I studied at Hartt from fall 1966 to spring 1970 in applied music and music education. During my time at Hartt I also taught at the Hartt School, a community division of the College."
Music Education opened up an exciting new world of various instrument studies. After completing my studies I ended up being proficient in 14 different instruments and earned my teacher certification from Central Conn. State University.
At age 12 being noticed for my proficiency on the drums I was asked to instruct and lead the performing drum and bugle corp for the Modern Dance Studio in New London, Ct. They also backed me in the creation of a swing band in which I wrote the arrangements myself.
I taught in the school systems of Middletown, Ct. and Groton, Ct. retiring in 2003 after being in a airplane crash and getting Traumatic Brain Injury. After the doctors explained what kind of activities would help me return to as near normal as possible I decided to learn some new instruments. It worked wonderful for me and the doctors were impressed with my rehabilitation. It was about that time that I started to work at private music schools, Mundel’s Music in Groton, Ct. and Tracy’s Tunes here in Colchester.
In May 2003 I started the musical project now known as The Glenn Hansen Orchestra, Inc. , a 501c3 non-profit corporation. My father had been a trumpet player for the great Benny Goodman Orchestra, and between the people he introduced me to and the people I met on my own I put together a mentoring system whereby we take the recording artists and retirees from the great big bands and have them mentor young music students and bring them out to perform with us in the public forum. We have opened for the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Count Basie Orchestra and have been blessed with the leader of the Artie Shaw Orchestra performing with us for six Months. He had a huge impact on some of the music students at Bacon Academy.
This is Tracy Johnson. Owner, manager, and instructor at Tracy's Tunes!
Tracy Johnson has been teaching private music lessons for over 25 years. She specializes in flute, saxophone, clarinet, piano, trombone and ukulele. Tracy studied music at UCONN, and graduated with a BA in music. Since then, she has successfully completed the ARC program to become a certified music teacher.
Tracy Johnson is the proud owner of Tracy’s Tunes and has been teaching here as well as the Music Center of Norwich. She has also taught general music at Jennings Elementary School in New London. As an avid performing musician she is a member of the Colchester Civic Orchestra, and also plays in the pit for the Colchester Community Theatre. In addition, Tracy Johnson has played in bands such as the Glenn Hansen Orchestra, and The Illusions. She has performed in venues such as the Mohegan Sun, and Dodd Stadium.
“I love to work with students of all ages and abilities, as each one presents its unique challenges. I’ve taught students who don’t speak English, as well as students with physical and/or emotional disabilities. Each year, my students are invited to play at our annual recital. Some of my students have made it into Eastern Regional Band, All State Band, and gone on to study music in College. Many of them have incorporated music into their area of study such as Music Therapy, and composing music for movies and video games!“
Come to Tracy’s Tunes and see our cheerful studios with a friendly atmosphere!
