I have taught music, primarily guitar for more than 30 years in Raleigh. I’ve never counted how many students I’ve taught, but estimate around 6,000. I also am a singer songerwriter and have released 5 CDs in the last 12 years. Several of my students are recording and touring artists who are making a good name for themselves in the music industry. When we bought out present house which is much larger than what 2 people need, my first thought was to share it with my students, friends & neighbors for intimate concerts for artists who can open their mastery of music & the arts to those that want to learn and experience music. It was also an opportunity to share our beautiful home on three acres of land and is convenient to the entire Triangle. It would give opportunity for students and those who appreciate music to learn more about different styles of music and perhaps further their own musical talents. The artists who perform here are also educators. I have studied with many myself.
Here is a copy of a business license I’ve maintained for Bett Padgett’s Guitar Studio, licensed for my home at 1213 Dixie Trail. I have carried this for 30 years. I thought the purpose of this license was so that I could teach, record have recitals and bring artists to my home for demonstrations. I recently learned I needed a home occupation permit (one time fee only) to teach which I immediately applied for and received. Why then do I pay $50/year for a business license?
We had our first concert in July, 2000. We host ~ 9 shows per year. We invite friends and open up our entire house and grounds --- we take the risk of theft and damage. We ask people to RSVP and to make a donation to the artists for their expenses. We provide refreshments to the audience, and also share our meals and home with the artists who are or become close friends. We make no money from this endeavor; we actually spend money to have them. How many businesses do you know that operate like that? People come and bring food to share, like a neighborhood potluck. If they chose, they can wear name tags stating their hobby so that making conservation & and new friends (building community) is easy. People assemble peacefully, and leave peacefully and quietly. We have had no complaints from any of our neighbors about the 89 shows we have had, many of whom enjoy the concerts and are glad they live close by. Our house is somewhat isolated as we have 3 acres of land and live next to Hymettus Woods, which has 4 acres of land. There is a church across the street and we have 500 feet road frontage and lots of parking on the premises.
These gatherings are also a place where people discuss current issues and voice concerns. There is a lot more than just music that happens here. There is a chemistry between the people and the artist, but also a fellowship between the people who come. These are very special and unique events. (I invite you to attend one and see for yourself!) Many of our friends have come to nearly every show and the volume of letters of support and petitions signed and notarized may give you an indication that many citizens agree that this is not a business.
At a recent concert, Amy White sang a song she had written
about disillusionment with the government, but wanting to put a hopeful line
sang:
“Sometimes one voice rises above the crowd
Sometimes the crowd makes one voice
But the people who are paid to listen
Turn deaf ears to all but their own ambition
And leave us all….dying on the vine”
We are questioning why this is interpreted as a business. In a meeting we had on October 29th at 9 AM with Chief of Inspections, Larry Strickland, and staff members Walt Fulcher and inspector Martha Lobo as well as our Councilor Thomas Crowder, we learned that it is because we have more than 3 of these in a calendar year. We also learned that any type of gathering is limited to 3 per year and the number of people in the gathering or the collection of money was not an issue, it is solely on the number ‘3’. It was again explained; 3 gatherings applied to Cub Scouts, Garden Club, Book Club, Bible Studies, choral ensemble practices, political and charitable fundraisers even birthday parties. These were not our words but interpretation from inspections. So, we have asked for an interpretation of this zoning law. If we are in violation of the code, so are all of these mentioned above?
It’s important these days to feel like we are all part of a vibrant and strong society that supports citizens and the arts. Freedom is the essence of our country’s strength and the freedom to have friends in my home for discussions and music is my constitutional right.