Recording Studio, Rehearsal Studio and Music Lessons: Markee Music, Is Changing the Landscape for Florida Musicians

Mark Begelman, the 2-time winner of Ernest and Youngs “Entrepreneur of the Year” award, former Financial News CEO of the Year and Board member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is going back into the music business with partner, Keith Ridenour.

Mark and his partner, Keith Ridenour, have formed Markee Rehearsal and Recording studios (http://www.markeemusic.com). Keith was the founder of Ridenour Rehearsal, which, in its day, was the only recording and rehearsal studio in Ft. Lauderdale that catered to the serious hobbyist. Having sold “Ridenours”, Keith embarked on a successful song-writing career, having published and produced over 50 songs.

With the help of a few “friends”, specifically, David Frangioni, multi-platinum Chief Technologist & Engineer for Steven Tyler, Rascal Flatts, Ringo Starr and Ricky Martin, to name a few, teamed with Mark and Keith to create the state-of-the-art facility for rehearsal, recording and lessons.

“What’s so exciting about Markee is that it is truly a 21st century facility, offering unique capabilities and a multitude of usually separate offerings, such as lessons, recording and rehearsal space, under one roof. " said Frangioni. From Ridenour’s perspective, “to have someone of David’s stature and knowledge, sharing our vision and working to make this facility state-of-the-art, is a blessing”.
In addition to Frangioni, Begelman’s long time friend, Eddie Kramer, Chief Engineer and producer for Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Kiss and Sound Garden, is also involved with Markee.

Markee has 6 fully equipped rehearsal studios, a 700 square foot tracking/live room, studio control room, and 4 music lesson rooms. Thanks to Frangioni and Kramer, each room has been built to high STC ratings so musicians can practice and record in the most “sound correct” facility in South Florida with isolation among the various rooms. Each rehearsal room has a state-of-the-art sound system for optimum rehearsal sound playback and a camera that can record the rehearsal, which can then be burned onto a DVD for the band to take home. You can even stream your rehearsal over the Internet, creating a live, video “virtual” performance. Club owners, family members and fans can be part of the rehearsal, eliminating the need to “drive” anywhere to see and hear the band. And that’s just the beginning. Markee offers music lessons to students of all ages and proficiency levels.

“I always loved the lesson side of the business” says Begelman. Markee will have band camps, weekend warrior programs and a commitment to the new music maker. “We have experienced teachers that get students making music quickly.”

The recording studio at Markee is an all-digital, Pro Tools HD 96-track studio. The console features moving faders and total-recall of all automation and mix settings. The studio features the same equipment found in multi-million dollar facilities and makes this truly diverse musicians dream.

Though Markee will be able to record the likes of some of Keith’s former customers including legendary bands such as Foreigner and Cheap Trick, the targeted customer is actually the weekend warrior. Bands need a facility that’s well equipped, clean and “happening,” a place that is pure inspiration. “I have my day job, yet my band is very serious about playing and we want to make as good music as we’re capable of. Markee is the place for us and I believe for many other bands that have the same needs as we do. We built this facility for both the working musician and those that want to be.”
“Every musician that walks through the doors of Markee will be treated as just that... musicians. When it comes to music, there are no barriers, we’re all musicians”, whether it’s the first time player or the pro”, says Ridenour.

Professionally designed and decorated, until you visit Markee and experience the energy of the facility, as the BTO song says, “you ain’t seen nothing yet”.

Markee is located at 1700 S. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442. Visit the Markee website at http://www.markeemusic.com. or call at 954 794 0033.

Contact Information

Keith Ridenour

Partner

Markee Music

Contact via E-mail