Today we’d like to introduce you to Todd Griffith.
Hi Todd, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been incredibly lucky to have parents who supported my love for music from the very beginning. They encouraged me to chase big dreams, which led me to study at Idyllwild Arts Academy, Juilliard, and Berklee College of Music. Those experiences completely shaped how I view music education… not just as lessons, but as life-changing opportunities to grow creatively and personally. That’s what inspired me to dedicate my career to building those same kinds of experiences for the next generation of artists.
I started out teaching and eventually became the director at a school called Bach to Rock. Around that time, I was also playing in a band in the Dallas area, and as things picked up, I decided to relocate to Dallas proper. That’s when I discovered the Dallas Academy of Music & Performing Arts.
When I visited DAMPA, I immediately felt something special, the energy, the community, and the focus on nurturing creativity. I found out their Assistant Director was leaving, applied, and got the role. A little while later, I stepped into the Director position, and in 2020, when the previous owner moved to California, my family took over operations with myself as the Director and my Sister heading our Marketing department.
Fast forward to today, and we’re proud to serve nearly 200 private students with programs that range from private music lessons and group classes to full-scale musical theatre productions and acting for TV & Film. Our students perform all over Dallas, and seeing their growth on and off the stage is what keeps me inspired every single day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not! We officially took over the school in March of 2020, just a few weeks before the world shut down for COVID. Practically overnight, we had to move everything online, shifting from about 150 in-person students to roughly 40 virtual ones.
Teaching music online has its place, but at the time, it was a huge adjustment for both our staff and families. Everything depended on the technology working on both sides of the screen, and that wasn’t always easy. We also had a second building that housed our Dance Department, which we unfortunately had to close since group classes weren’t really an option for most of that first year.
But looking back, those challenges made us stronger. They pushed us to get creative, build new systems, and find new ways to connect with students. Some of the families who started virtual lessons back in 2020 still take them today because it fits their lives so well. It wasn’t an easy start, but it taught us resilience, and ultimately helped shape DAMPA into the flexible, student-centered community it is now.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Dallas Academy of Music & Performing Arts?
Dallas Academy of Music & Performing Arts (DAMPA) is a full-service performing arts school located in the heart of University Park. We’re proud to be a place where students of all ages can learn, create, and perform in an environment that’s welcoming, inspiring, and, most importantly, safe. Our mission is to provide a space where kids (and adults!) can be exactly who they are, explore their creativity, and grow their confidence through the performing arts.
We offer private lessons, group classes, a thriving early childhood program, acting for TV & Film, and full-scale musical theatre productions featuring a live professional band. We also work with adult students who are industry professionals looks to hone their skills, or rediscovering their love of music later in life.
Our incredible team is truly what makes DAMPA special. Our Assistant Director, David Do, is a professional violinist and performer who brings unmatched artistry and leadership to our programs. Across our faculty, we have highly qualified teachers representing every style, from Singer-Songwriting and Musical Theatre to R&B, Classical, Jazz, and Rock. No matter the genre, our instructors teach a well-rounded foundation: how to read music, understand theory, play by ear, and apply those skills in practical, real-world ways. Students have the opportunity to join group classes, perform in ensembles, take the stage for solo performances, and prepare for college or professional auditions. Many of our students have gone on to study at some of the nation’s most prestigious high schools and universities for music and theatre.
Our facilities reflect our commitment to excellence. Every lesson room features an acoustic piano, and our main teaching space houses a baby grand. We also have a full on-site recording studio, where students can record original songs, audition tapes, or professional demo projects, all under the guidance of our experienced staff.
What truly sets DAMPA apart is the sense of community and care that runs through everything we do. It’s not just about lessons, it’s about helping students find their voice, take creative risks, and feel supported every step of the way. Brand-wise, I’m proud that DAMPA has become known not just for the quality of our programs, but for being a home for creativity, individuality, and excellence in the arts.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are so many people who’ve played an important role in my journey, both personally and professionally. First and foremost, my parents. They’ve supported every dream I’ve ever had, and being a new father myself this means all the more to me now.
From putting me in piano lessons at a young age, to being involved in every way they could through my drumline years, to giving me the opportunity to study at incredible schools like Idyllwild Arts Academy, Juilliard, and Berklee College of Music. I truly couldn’t have taken over this school without their unwavering support, and I’m forever grateful for the belief they’ve always had in me.
I also owe a great deal to Mr. Wylie, my percussion instructor from 6th grade through my years on the Marcus High School drumline. He instilled in me a strong work ethic and a deep respect for discipline and excellence—values that continue to guide how I teach and lead today.
Another major influence was Joe Gramley, my percussion instructor at Juilliard’s summer programs. He was the person who encouraged me to attend Idyllwild Arts Academy and truly live music full-time. His positivity, musicianship, and passion for education had a lasting impact on me, both as a performer and as an educator.
At Berklee, I was lucky to learn from an incredible roster of teachers, honestly too many to name here, who inspired my love for innovation, respect for musical tradition, and courage to push creative boundaries. They taught me that your career is something you build with intention, that your team matters as much as your talent, and that no idea is ever too ambitious.
And finally, to my amazing staff at DAMPA… thank you. Their genuine dedication to our students and commitment to creating a safe, supportive space where young artists can express themselves is what makes this school so special. I’m proud every day to work alongside people who care so deeply about what we do.
Pricing:
- Early childhood private lessons & group classes start at $199 a month
- Private music & acting lessons start at $267 a month
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dallasacademyofmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dallasampa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DallasAMPA
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dallasampa
