Music Time School The History of Music Time School The history of Music Time School really dates back to 1975. During this time the music industry in the Dandenong region was thriving with 5 major music retailing outlets in the area. These included Allans Music, Yamaha Music, Haywards Pianos and Organs, Brashs and Dandenong Music. Each of these retail outlets had its own Music School, which was primarily used to assist people to play when they purchased a musical instrument. The largest of these music schools was the Yamaha School, which was controlled from Yamaha Foundation in Melbourne. In 1979, Mr. Barry Lee, who was an employee of Yamaha Music and Mr. Geoff Dart, Manager of Allans Music, Dandenong left their respective companies and joined forces to create "The Happy Keyboard" retail outlet in the Keysborough Shopping Centre. A house was purchased to accommodate "The Happy Keyboard" Music School. In 1982, "The Happy Keyboard" was expanded with the purchase of Yamaha Music, Dandenong, thus the Happy Keyboard Music School and the Yamaha Music School was now joined to become the one school called "The Happy Keyboard Yamaha Music School". The school was situated in the upper level of the Hub Arcade Dandenong. In 1985, Barry Lee decided to go his own way by selling off the retail arm of the business with Geoff Dart keeping ownership of the Music School business. Although Geoff had control of the School, part of the ownership arrangement with Yamaha was that the Foundation still maintained say in the running of the school. At the time this was a tremendous asset to have as the Yamaha name had universal acknowledgement. However, by 1987 the Yamaha Organization and the "Happy Keyboard Music School" parted company. The school now stood on its own and was known as "The Happy Keyboard Dandenong Music School". The school taught all instruments with a curriculum that included modern dance and ballet. In 1988, an expanded new premises was sought and found on the upper floor of 207 Lonsdale Street above the Commonwealth Bank. (The current location of the School). New studios were built which included sound proofing, extra lighting and security and was officially ready for teaching on the 2nd February 1989. In 1992, the school's name was changed to Music Time School, Dandenong and became one of the major music schools in the area. It also became an examination centre for the Australian Music Examination Board. The Australian Guild of Music and Speech and the Australian and New Zealand Cultural Arts Limited. In 1995, Geoff's son Brad (previously working in the music faculty of Wesley College) took over the running of the school with Geoff and his wife Pam retiring to northern New South Wales. This is the operation as it stands today. The school has stood the test of time with no other music houses, retail or education existing in the Dandenong area. The school still employs teachers from its early days and also has a number of past students who have since become teachers with the school. Music Time School boasts a long and successful history, and has always aimed, and will always aim at giving the best in music education.