ArtistDirect News
Jeff Hanson Opens Musicology School in Winter Garden After Cancer Battle
Jeff Hanson, the former manager behind Creed, Paramore, and Sevendust, is set to launch Musicology, a contemporary music school in Winter Garden, Florida, on September 1, 2026. The campus, located at 15504 Stoneybrook West Parkway, Suite 130, will offer lessons in vocals, guitar, piano, drums, DJing, woodwinds, brass, songwriting, and production.
Hanson’s journey began in the 1990s as a classic‑alternative DJ and club owner. In December 1997, he spotted Creed performing at Floyd’s Music Store in Tallahassee—a moment that would spark a career in artist management. After relocating to Orlando, he expanded his roster to include Sevendust, Alter Bridge, Tantric, and Candlebox, among others. The acts he shepherded have sold roughly 60 million records, and he is poised to receive a third RIAA Diamond Award.
The trajectory of his life changed in 2016 when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 neck and head cancer. Doctors projected a 30 percent survival rate. Facing the possibility of a limited future, Hanson stepped away from touring and management to focus on his children and a new purpose. He attributes part of his recovery to a nationwide prayer chain organized by more than 1,000 children he coached in Southwest Orlando.
Inspired by Flea’s nonprofit music school in Los Angeles, Hanson conceived Musicology as a place where music education could thrive for all ages. He brought on board Jay Stanley—founding member of Matchbox 20—as part owner and guitar teacher, and Mark Goff, vocal coach and choreographer for the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC, as a key instructor.
The school will provide private lessons and host field trips to the Rock Hall of Fame, studio visits, and a Parents Night Out program. Speaking engagements have been secured from Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC, Will Hunt of Evanescence, Kevin Miller of Fuel, and Peter Keys of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Instruction at Musicology will draw from contemporary methods pioneered by guitarist Troy Stetina and drummer Carmine Appice. Tuition will remain comparable to other local schools, but students will also benefit from cultural and experiential opportunities such as movie nights and meet‑and‑greets with established artists.
Beyond teaching, the campus will serve as a community hub for retired musicians seeking a space to practice and perform in Orlando venues. Hanson also plans to expand, with future campuses slated for his hometown of Tallahassee.
The grand opening on September 1 will mark the culmination of Hanson’s transition from industry executive to educator—a transformation sparked by a cancer diagnosis that forced his retirement and ignited a new commitment to giving back to youth and the broader music community.
Hanson’s journey began in the 1990s as a classic‑alternative DJ and club owner. In December 1997, he spotted Creed performing at Floyd’s Music Store in Tallahassee—a moment that would spark a career in artist management. After relocating to Orlando, he expanded his roster to include Sevendust, Alter Bridge, Tantric, and Candlebox, among others. The acts he shepherded have sold roughly 60 million records, and he is poised to receive a third RIAA Diamond Award.
The trajectory of his life changed in 2016 when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 neck and head cancer. Doctors projected a 30 percent survival rate. Facing the possibility of a limited future, Hanson stepped away from touring and management to focus on his children and a new purpose. He attributes part of his recovery to a nationwide prayer chain organized by more than 1,000 children he coached in Southwest Orlando.
Inspired by Flea’s nonprofit music school in Los Angeles, Hanson conceived Musicology as a place where music education could thrive for all ages. He brought on board Jay Stanley—founding member of Matchbox 20—as part owner and guitar teacher, and Mark Goff, vocal coach and choreographer for the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC, as a key instructor.
The school will provide private lessons and host field trips to the Rock Hall of Fame, studio visits, and a Parents Night Out program. Speaking engagements have been secured from Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC, Will Hunt of Evanescence, Kevin Miller of Fuel, and Peter Keys of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Instruction at Musicology will draw from contemporary methods pioneered by guitarist Troy Stetina and drummer Carmine Appice. Tuition will remain comparable to other local schools, but students will also benefit from cultural and experiential opportunities such as movie nights and meet‑and‑greets with established artists.
Beyond teaching, the campus will serve as a community hub for retired musicians seeking a space to practice and perform in Orlando venues. Hanson also plans to expand, with future campuses slated for his hometown of Tallahassee.
The grand opening on September 1 will mark the culmination of Hanson’s transition from industry executive to educator—a transformation sparked by a cancer diagnosis that forced his retirement and ignited a new commitment to giving back to youth and the broader music community.