For years, the Topeka music scene has lacked a centralized location. However, for the last three months, David Schaffer has been running a new business called the Live Music Institute.

This cozy little building, located near the Taco Tico on 17th Street where Midwestern Music once resided, has the potential to become a beacon for anybody aspiring to music, no matter what the talent, skill level or desire.

“It’s essentially like a YMCA for musicians” said Schaffer, owner of the music institute.

Aspiring musicians can learn how to play a new instrument or improve their current skills, meet other musicians, make a band and learn the ropes. All this happens under the supervision of seasoned musicians who know how to help.

Currently, the Live Music Institute is offering lessons, and in the very near future it will sell instruments and record artists with the construction of a recording studio. When completed, the building will allow Topeka musicians to stay in town, where they can do everything from fine tuning their trade to recording their first album, and even print items such as fliers for publicity.

“This place is great, and you won’t find another like it,” said Josh Vowell and Mike Lindsay, both tutors at the institute. “That is why we want people to know about the Live Music Institute.”