Riff Music School was founded by Joel Menchey and Tim Spicer, two lifelone musicians and industry leaders who share a passion for helping others discover the joy of music.

Joel brings over 30 years of experience as owner of Menchey Music Service, a multi-generational music store with 9 locations across central Pennsylvania and Maryland. In 2015 Joel co-launched Performance Play Music School in Aurora, Colorado with his brother Dan Menchey.

In 2006, Tim and his family launched a youth rock summer camp. That vision expanded in 2012 with the opening of Spicer’s Music, an Alabama-based lessons, retail, and production company, Since then, it’s been named Alabama’s Small Business of the Year and has become a hub for musicians of all ages. 

Tim and Joel are highly involved in the music industry, having both served on the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Board of Directors. Together, they’ve combined their expertise and heart to build Riff Music School, a place where students of all ages find confidence, creativity and community through music.

Learning an instrument at Riff Music School isn’t just about playing the right notes. It’s about belonging. Riff is about seeing your child (or yourself) grow in confidence, creativity, and self-expression. And with over 50 years of combined experience in music education, we know how to make that happen — for the beginners, the dreamers, and the late-night practice warriors alike.