New business sings a tune for children in South Fork


SOUTH FORK- Hookten Harmony is a new business in South Fork and owner Keeley Hookten is eager to begin voice lessons for area children. Hookten has been visiting the South Fork area since early childhood, having vacationed here with family. “I always wanted to live in Colorado. I love the mountains, the snow and we enjoy hiking, skiing and everything in between so this is a dream come true,” said Hookten.
In March of this year while visiting family, Hookten and her husband decided that they were going to begin looking for their forever home in the town they loved. “It was so great. My husband had a job interview and we had come down to look at homes and everything just kind of fell into place. In March, when we got here, everything shut down because of the pandemic and I told my husband that I didn’t want to go back to Texas. His job interview worked out and we were able to find a beautiful home, so we made the move.”
Hookten began to notice that there was not a lot of activities for children in the area outside of what is offered in surrounding towns like Del Norte and Creede, so she decided to make one more leap of faith and began looking for students. “I have a bachelor’s degree in music and anthropology and have been teaching voice and piano lessons for eight years. I also have a Masters in vocal performance and pedagogy, so I thought I would try to make a living out of what I love.”
Hookten is also looking to expand beyond voice and piano lessons and eventually offer dance as well as offer date night childcare for the area. “I am currently looking for commercial space for my business but in the meantime, I am accepting students at my home. I hope to expand and offer a wide range of artistic programs for children in the area. My father was a musician, and I grew up watching him play and sing, I absolutely loved it and knew that was what I wanted to do.”
As of right now, Hookten has four students and she is hoping to gain more interest. She is even going so far as to build a temporary dance floor and bar in her home to be able to offer her dance lessons sooner. “I am hoping people will let me know what programs they would be interested so that I can use that to offer other services sooner. It is just so great that when you jump in feet first, things have a way of working out and I hope to continue.”
Hookten is asking interested parents or guardians visit her on Facebook Page at Hookten Harmony, through their website at hooktenharmony.com/lessons and leave feedback on what programs they may be interested in coming to South Fork. “I am accepting students right now and will be expanding as soon as I find the right building to meet our needs. I really look forward to bringing artistic programs to the area and can’t wait to see what we do next.”
Those interested in signing up for a class can also reach Hookten at 719-873-3598.