About The Director
If you’ve ever walked into 601 Studios, Music & Arts Academy, you’ve probably felt it right away, that rare mix of energy, creativity, and genuine warmth that makes it feel less like a school and more like a second home. That specific vibe is entirely by design. When founder and director Mitchell McGinnis was first envisioning the academy, he conducted extensive market research and discovered a glaring gap: local families felt they didn't have a reliable place where their kids could learn music from truly effective, credible instructors.
Mitchell set out to change that, driven by a simple but powerful vision: to create a space where students could grow both as musicians and as individuals.
From Mississippi to Princeton and Back
Mitchell’s own journey with teaching and performing started right here in Mississippi. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages from Mississippi College, where he first fell in love with the intersection of communication, culture, and creativity. Craving a deeper understanding of the voice, he then headed to Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. There, he earned a Master of Voice Pedagogy, diving deep into the science and art of how people actually learn to sing and express themselves.
While in Princeton, Mitchell worked at a thriving performing arts academy. It was there that he saw what was possible: students who genuinely couldn’t wait for their lessons, families who felt completely at home, and teachers who collaborated like family. That culture stuck with him. When he returned to Mississippi, he knew exactly what he wanted to bring to his hometown.
Built in a Crisis, Growing by Word of Mouth
Turning that dream into reality meant taking a massive leap. In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mitchell began laying the groundwork, and in 2021, 601 Studios officially opened its doors in Jackson.
The community's response was almost immediate. What started as a small, passionate studio quickly took off. Today, 601 Studios has expanded to two locations (Jackson and Gluckstadt), boasts a team of more than 30 teachers and staff, and has earned its reputation as the top-rated music and arts academy in the area, backed by over 130 five-star Google reviews.
A Culture of Collaboration
Under Mitchell’s leadership, the 601 team doesn’t operate in silos. The faculty meets regularly to bounce ideas off one another, collaborate on technique, and constantly refine how they teach. That dedication to teamwork is exactly why the academy works so well; every instructor is genuinely invested in seeing their students thrive.
A perfect example of this is the Homeschool Days program, a project incredibly close to Mitchell's heart. It gives homeschooled students a dedicated space to connect, learn, and create together, blending high-quality music education with a built-in social community where friendships form naturally.
The Power of the Stage
Performance is woven into everything they do at 601 Studios. Twice a year, the academy hosts large-scale recitals that give students the chance to step into the spotlight, celebrate their progress, and share their hard work with family and friends. These aren't stuffy, intimidating recitals. Instead, they are high-energy, encouraging celebrations of how far each student has come.
Beyond running the day-to-day operations of the studios, Mitchell stays deeply active in the performing arts world:
• Show Choir Coaching: Since 2014, he has directed and coached show choirs, helping young singers find their footing and confidence on stage.
• Songwriting & Recording: He actively helps students write and record original music.
• Elite Prep: He coaches performers prepping for college auditions, pageants, and national platforms like American Idol and The Voice.
The Big Picture
At the end of the day, everything Mitchell does comes back to a core belief: music changes lives. Whether it’s a five-year-old mastering their very first chords or a high school senior preparing for a major audition, his goal is to ensure every person who walks through the doors feels inspired, supported, and proud of what they can achieve.
For Mitchell, 601 Studios isn’t just a business or a place to book lessons. It’s a community built on creativity, connection, and confidence, and he’s grateful every day to share that with the families who walk through the doors.