5 Business Questions For KidzHitz

Huntingoton Patch visited KidzHitz this week to get a feel for business at the Main Street music school and recording studio.

For several years, kids throughout the Long Island are have signed up for music programs at KidHitz which teaches children about music theory and ultimately how to write, record and perform their very own songs.

5 Questions:

How did you end up here in Huntington?

 “The basic reason and purpose of what we do is help kids grow through music,” said owner Patrizia Floro. 

After putting together a mobile writing and recording workshop in about 11 years ago, Floro met with an executive at Time Warner in 2008 who scouted out a place for her on Main Street. 

“We figured it would be a great attraction to all the passerbyers,” said Floro.

Has the state of the economy really affected your store?

“I don’t know any other economy,” said Floro. “We opened in a bad economy. But have I seen the business grow year after year regardless of the economy?

She says part of the reason it works is becuase of Huntington itself and the fact that local parents will go above and beyond to support and encourage their children to do what they love.

How much do you offer at the store?

KidzHitz offers lessons for all instruments on all levels. Intrument rentals an sales are also available, but that's not all.

“Our other part of our business is writing and recording and publishing children,” said Floro.

The shop come complete with a recording studio and lesson rooms. One of their current successes is Meredith O’Connor, whose single “Celebrity” was recorded and published through KidzHitz.

Do you think the downtown parades on Main Street end up helping or hurting your business?

“The more people that you attract into the town, the better,” Floro said. “Whether you close the streets off or not, you’re just asking people to walk through the streets and that can only be good.” Floro and her students said she and her students take advantage of the parades as a way to go play their music for the town.

Who are some of the people on staff that help run the store?

Patrizia Floro is the owner and also a singer/songwriter published through BMG Music. The store's manager and head music teacher is Tom Cavanagh. Head drum instructor is Ross Nedelvich.

Want to be included in the feature? Send an email to editor Rich jacques at rich.jacques@patch.com to set up a interview.