Now, they are aiming to pass that passion on, by opening the Guitar Loft Music Studio in downtown Smithville in the coming weeks.

On Sept. 8, the family hopes to open above the new Harold Olij law office on St. Catharine Street.

"I've seen the enjoyment it brings our family," said owner Jim Edwards. "So I want to pass it on."

The business will offer instrument sales and repairs, as well as guitar, vocal, piano and drum lessons.

Music has always been a passion for the Edwards family and each family member will be included in the new business.

Jim's wife, Kathi, is taking on the sales and marketing aspect of the new business, while his sons, Brock, 21, and Josh, 18, will be joining their father in completing guitar lessons.

Sara Lampman has been hired to perform vocal and piano lessons, while Mike Baker will help out in the repairs and recording aspects.

Together, their mission is to provide the highest level possible in the quality and variety of instruments as well as teaching talents.

The family, which lives at 35 Las Rd. in Smithville, will offer private lessons, semi-private lessons, and group lessons to people from across West Lincoln.

One of the goals in setting up shop downtown is to create a sense of convenience for those driving in from out of town.

The Guitar Loft will be a 1,100 square foot business with three lesson rooms. The family plans to have the business open by Friday, Sept. 8, and will cater to all ages.

They hope to bring a family feel to the Guitar Loft, providing a unique lounge area with available coffee and snacks for parents who wish to wait while their child receives their lesson.

"We want to create a warm and inviting feeling for patrons," explained Brock.

Both Brock and Josh have their Grade 5 certificates in guitar theory from the Eric Golding Studio. After following in their father's footsteps from very early years, "they are now better than I am," said Jim.

Brock began his musical career as soon as he could crawl, dragging around his father's '69 Lancer guitar whenever possible. He received his own guitar at age seven, began lessons at 12, and started teaching those same lessons five years later.

Josh started on the guitar later than his brother, waiting until age 13, but Brock admits his little brother can really hand it to him in Guitar Hero.

Hours will be Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The shop will be closed Sundays to allow the Edwards family to share their musical passions at the Smithville United Church, where they attend regularly.

Both Jim and Brock Edwards will work at the Guitar Loft full-time.

The Guitar Loft team has a number of qualifications that highlight their musical talents.

Lampman has a BA in Music from Brock University as well as a number of awards for music composition from the Sears Drama Festival.

Jim has been trained and holds diplomas from the Conservatory of Music.

Mike Baker, who will be the facility's studio technician, has more than 15 years of experience in instrumental repairs and recording. He owns his own business in Stoney Creek, called Why Fret.

As for Brock, he was nominated for Best Instrumental Recording in 2007 at the Hamilton Music Awards. He was also the grand prize winner at PoultryFest Idol in 2004.

To contact the Guitar Loft for more information, you can contact the Edwards family by calling 905-957-4839 or e-mailing theguitarloft@gmail.com.