About Us
Staff
Studio OwnerMike Olson is the owner of Blast House Studios LLC, along with the Madison Music Foundry LLC and 24/7 Rehearsal Studios LLC. Mike has been involved with music for most of his life starting his music experience playing in punk rock bands and organizing shows that have taken him throughout the country gaining a deep appreciation for the power of music and the community that surrounds it. In the fall of 2006 he made the leap into the entrepreneurial life and self employment as he opened the Madison Music Foundry. Now along with Blast House Studios and 24/7 Rehearsal Studios he works (pretty much everyday) to provide quality resources for musicians of all talents, ages and backgrounds with the resources needed to work their skills and perfect their craft.
email: mike(at)madisonmusicfoundry.com
Operations ManagerBrett began playing the piano before he could walk. By eighth grade he started teaching himself to play guitar and before long, music occupied nearly every second of his free time. When thrust into the corporate world after earning his Art Degree from the University of Wisconsin Madison, Brett continued to be musically active while sharpening his organization and management skills in the office. Brett currently plays bass and guitar in the Madison based band Pale Young Gentlemen which was named "Band of the Year" for 2007 by The Isthmus and has toured nationally with shows in 36 states. When not playing music or disc golf, Brett enjoys art, film, travel, coffee, maps, and board games. Brett's responsibilities at Madison Music Foundry focus on overseeing the day-to-day activities of the lively 7,000 square foot facility. With the primary goal of providing the best possible experience for every musician at the Foundry, Brett is available to help you.
email: brett(at)madisonmusicfoundry.com
Education Director Ken started playing bass when he was 13 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Music in Bass Performance from UW-Madison studying under jazz great Richard Davis (Miles Davis, Bruce Springsteen, Sarah Vaughn). After college he played in many bands and toured extensively with Madison-based Irish rockers The Kissers. As the founder, manager, and a member, Ken had plenty to do as the band played over 1,000 shows in 39 states across the U.S. The Kissers were voted Madison's Favorite Local Band six times by the Isthmus Readers Poll and in 2009 received the Best Rock Album award from the Madison Area Music Association Awards for their album Live Candy Ratz. In 2010 Ken completed an MBA in Arts Administration from UW-Madison. He his happy to combine his real life experience of being a full-time musician with the management skills he learned in his graduate work to help Madison Music Foundry offer the best in music education.
email: ken(at)madisonmusicfoundry.com
Hospitality Manager Sandy enjoys her work keeping the lobby of Madison Music Foundry a friendly atmosphere for parents and students. She is a Hurricane Katrina rescue dog and a cancer survivor. Her favorite past times include couch warming, chasing her ball down the hallway and receiving treats from many generous people. Sandy does not currently have an email account.
