FROM THE TOP JAKE CONNOLLY I CONNOLLY MUSIC
HOW MANY EMPLOYEES DOES CONNOLLY HAVE TODAY?
hours, I’m living proof that it’s never too late to start. I’m not cer- tain that learning to play directly impacts my leadership style,
but it has deepened my appreciation for the dedication and talent of both student and professional musicians, and for how fortunate we are to work in this industry. WHAT’S THE LAST BAND OR ARTIST YOU STREAMED? Ray Charles! I recently watched the movie “Ray” again and had to stream every song of his I could find. IF YOU WEREN’T WORKING IN THE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT INDUSTRY, WHAT DO YOU TH INK YOU’D BE DOING FOR W ORK? Wow. Well, I’m glad I don’t have
We currently have 23 full-time employees and work with 15 in- dependent rep firms with approxi - mately 53 salespeople. DO YOU PLAY AN INSTRUMENT YOURSELF, AND, IF SO, HOW DOES THAT INFLUENCE YOUR LEADERSHIP? I played trumpet briefly in el - ementary school, but I didn’t grow up playing an instrument. When I started in the business, I appreci- ated that I could rely on the knowl- edge of the musicians around me while remaining focused on the business side of the industry.
“I’M PROUD TO SAY THAT CONNOLLY MUSIC HAS A LONG AND SUCCESSFUL HISTORY OF PRESERVING DISTINCT BRAND IDENTITIES.”
to make that decision and, funny enough, I’ve never thought about it. It would need to be something I’m pas- sionate about, so most likely something entrepreneurial in the fitness, golf or skiing industries. MI
However, after many years in the business, I missed not be- ing able to play an instrument and eventually began taking lessons as an adult. While I still need to increase my practice
32 I MUSIC INC. I JUNE 2026
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