While developing his career in the entertainment industry, country western artist Steve Austin thought nothing would ever beat touring, performing and hearing the applause of adoring fans, but when his son Matthew was born 10 years ago, everything Austin ever loved paled in comparison to being a father.

“When my son was born, I knew I wanted to come off the road and be involved in his life,” said Austin. “My son Matthew is the reason I’m here.” Austin opened Steve Austin Music, which is now located on Main Street. Through the store he provides lessons in voice, guitar, drums, mandolin, beginning piano, bass guitar, banjo, fiddle and harmonica. He also sells a wide variety of music equipment as well as instruments.

Austin worked hard to earn the trust of the Portland community through patience and faith.

“It took about two years for the customers to really start coming in,” said Austin. “While I was waiting for the customers, I spent my time praying and fixing up the store to look even better.” Once the customer base started building however, it was very loyal.

“This community has been very supportive since I arrived,” said Austin. “I also love that it is such a faith-based community and the Lord plays such a big part here.” According to Austin, he has made more friends in the time he has been in Portland than he made during his 20 years of traveling.

“I had friends but they were spread out,” he said. “One might be in New Jersey, another one might be in another state. I didn’t have a social base. Now, I know half the town by name and its really nice.” Austin believes that his love of teaching comes through God and allows him to give back to a field he has loved for so long.

“I discovered that I have a gift for teaching,” he explained. “I can meet someone one on one where they are and build upon it. They sense that I really enjoy the process and that helps them relax and enjoy it too.” His students are between five and ninety years old and the only thing they have in common is the desire to learn.

“I have one elderly student who is around 80,” said Austin with a smile. “Whenever he masters something, he chuckles to himself. I love it.” Austin recommends that parents treat music in the same way that they treat their children’s academic subjects.

“It is up to the parent to be assertive when it comes to music,” Austin continued. “When their kids come in they need to say ‘did you do your math, your spelling and practice your guitar?”

When asked what instrument parents should encourage their children to learn first, Austin didn’t hesitate.

“If they are 10 or younger, they should start with drums or piano because they are the easier ones to learn. If they are older than 10, let them follow whatever instrument interests them. By that age, they have the coordination and the ability to stay focused on the lessons,” Austin elaborated.

Austin still performs professionally and can be found at www.SteveAustinMusic.com.