Today we’d like to introduce you to Robyn McCammon.
Hi Robyn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The year after I graduated college with honors as a first-generation college graduate, the recession hit. My family’s business, which had thrived and grown my entire life, rapidly began downsizing until it was clear I wouldn’t be able to build my future there. Simultaneously, my husband at the time decided to quit his master’s program only weeks before graduation (I know, red flag, right?). He instead decided that we should quit our jobs and invest our savings into starting a music school. I was terrified but he was not in a good place mentally—and little did I know that never would be—but not for reasons sympathetic by any measure.
Almost immediately after, he had his first affair, then asked for a baby, then led a secret life of depravity for nearly a decade before COVID hit and he couldn’t lie that he was spending all of his time at work while I homeschooled our special needs child, did all of the housework and meal prepping, then helped him “catch up at work” on the weekends. During quarantine, I discovered he had maxed out credit cards in both of our names to about $50,000, and that was THE LEAST horrific thing that was revealed.
Since then with the help of my family, his family, support staff at my daughter’s school, and my team at the Academy, I’ve been able to build and grow beyond my wildest dreams—and almost more than I can handle!! And that’s where we are now.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think I definitely went over a lot in the previous answer, but I can list them. My depraved, philandering husband, the recession, COVID, the surprise divorce during COVID, rebuilding the business the RIGHT way. Putting my special needs daughter in school. There are so many others but those are the bulk of it all!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I teach Advanced Contemporary Vocal Technique with a heavy focus on laryngeal health and anatomy.
I direct all band practices and shows at the Academy, as well as have students and myself perform at many different types of local events. I tell everyone that my mission is to improve people’s lives, to make them more fulfilled. Music is the way I do that.
I also publish a comic book called Don’t Fear Dawn, though I’ve taken a hiatus since my divorce while I rebuild my and my daughter’s lives.
Who else deserves credit for your story?
My parents deserve the credit for raising me to be strong and independent. I allowed myself to be co-dependent on a man we all thought we could trust for 17 years, and now they are helping me rebuild and recover the lost time and effort.
My 17-year-old cousin, who is more like a daughter to me, Alexys, stepped up and helped me rebuild the Academy nearly from scratch after being a student for years. My daughter’s support staff at school, have patiently educated me and continue to adapt the school experience for her needs. My team at work—Rebecca, Zack, Jeffrey, Skylar, Preston, and newly added Ian—have done more for our company than I could ever compensate them monetarily because they believe in this place so deeply.
Even those who have caused me adversity deserve credit (NOT THANKS AND NOT GRATITUDE) for making me stronger and wiser, for better supporting my loved ones, and to protect and fortifying them against monsters like they are.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.therockandmetalacademy.com
- Instagram: @therockandmetalacademy
- Facebook: therockandmetalacademy
