AMERICAN FORK — Fledgling Madonnas, Missy Elliots, Mozarts and Miles Davis' now have a place in Utah County to perform and practice.

The Music School in American Fork, 350 E. Main, celebrated a grand opening Saturday. Officials at the school, known formerly as Crescent School of Music, showed off a new 16,000-square-foot facility.

The building was converted from an old gym to a music facility, complete with 25 practice rooms, recording studios and a performance hall.

It is a far cry from the old location at 50 North Center Street in American Fork, where the school had 4,000 square feet and non-soundproof walls.

"There's not really any comparison," said Caleb Chapman, president and founder of The Music School. "This was designed as a music facility."

School leaders promote the technological aspects of the school. New iMac G5s are in each practice room, Chapman said.

The studio is for any of the 700 students but also for local artists and performing groups who need a state-of-the-art studio. Groups are also welcome to rent the performance hall.

Lessons through The Music Schools are on a semester schedule, with prices ranging from $65 to $70 a month. However, it's more than just a once-a-week program, Chapman said. The students can come for a lesson, come back to practice, take theory classes, give recitals and perform in groups.

And for mother Nancy Tobler, whose son, Josh Birch, plays seven instruments, that was a big selling point.

"It's not just private lessons," Tobler said. "It's an opportunity to work with groups of kids, that (Josh) had never experienced before."

Jeff Bolling, who plays the saxophone in The Music School jazz band — Super Band — said he loves the chance to perform with other students serious about music.