FROM THE TOP JOHN FULTON I CONN SELMER
models. It’s a testament to the hard work of our develop- ment artists, as well as our product teams. MUSIC EDUCATION HAS SEEN SOME SHIFTS DUE TO BUDGET CONSTRAINTS AND A SHORTAGE OF MUSIC TEACHERS. WHAT ARE A FEW WAYS THAT CONN SELMER SERVICES ITS TEACHING COMMUNITY AND ITS DEALER BASE? Teachers have an impossible job. They’re expected to in-
I try to be open with everyone in the company and lead with honesty and directness, and I expect the same in return. I care deeply about the music industry, Conn Selmer and our employees, and I believe our dealers, artists, and team members all deserve to know where the company is headed and what it will take from each of us to get there. Recently, our distribution center called me out because I hadn’t visited in a while, and they felt their ideas weren’t be- ing heard. That was a humbling moment for me. It made me
spire young minds with limited budgets, administrators who may not understand their work or expertise and parents who oftentimes expect their child to quit. Our dealers support these educators by bringing the store to the schools. Store staff work tirelessly during back-to- school to make sure every student has an instrument. When educators need instruments, accessories or just someone to lean on, our dealers’ ed services reps are always there to support them. Conn Selmer supports this ecosys- tem through our Division of Education, investing millions to provide world- renowned educational clinicians, con- tinuing education through Conn Selmer Institute, back-office support through
realize I needed to reprioritize, be pres- ent and take the time to intentionally lis- ten to everyone across the organization. Since then, I’ve made it a point to walk through the distribution center regularly and make myself available to anyone who wants to share ideas or feedback. WHERE DO YOU HOPE TO SEE CONN SELMER GO IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? Conn Selmer has a long history of building the finest instruments. Our instru - ments have been played in almost every major symphony in the world and sought after by generations of musicians. Over the next five years, I see Conn Selmer continuing to honor that tradition while
“I FOCUS ON LEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AND GIVING EMPLOYEES THE SPACE TO PERFORM AT THEIR BEST.”
our partner, CutTime, lesson support with Music Professor, instrument financing, and much more. All of these services are provided in partnership with our dealers to create a true collaboration between Conn Selmer, our dealers and educa- tors to give students the tools they need. YOU MENTIONED YOU’RE A VIOLINIST. HOW DOES THAT IMPACT YOUR LEADERSHIP OF A B&O COMPANY? Let me tell you, violinists are some of the most competi- tive people in the world. I worked extremely hard to make All-State in high school and earn a college scholarship. I learned early on that leadership means making tough choices and living with them. You also quickly realize that you cannot make everyone happy. I’m sure there are still people in orchestras who complain about my bowings! More importantly, playing taught me humility. Every time I thought I had reached the top, I would find someone who played faster or with better musicality, so I tried to learn from them to get better. That lesson translates directly to business. Almost everyone at Conn Selmer can do their job better than I can, so rather than telling them how to do it, I focus on leading in the right direction and giving em- ployees the space to perform at their best. We learn from each other every day, and that is how the company grows. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MANAGEMENT STYLE?
driving innovation and modernization, all while preserving our historic sound. You will see us focus on strengthening partner- ships with dealers, artists, and educators, and we will make significant strides in operational efficiency. In short, I expect Conn Selmer to grow its market share through operational excellence, innovation and strong partnerships. As our tagline says, we are the art of sound, and I look forward to seeing a new generation create art with our instruments. QUICK LEFT TURN ON THIS CONVO: WHAT’S THE LAST SONG OR BAND YOU STREAMED? On my way into work this morning, I was listening to Noah Kahan. I really enjoy his folk/pop style. LOVE NOAH KAHAN, AS WELL. FINALLY, IF YOU WEREN’T WORKING IN THE MUSICAL INSTRU- MENT INDUSTRY, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’D BE DOING FOR WORK? In my dreams, I’d be a motorcycle travel influencer, rid - ing my BMW 1250GS all over the world and document - ing my adventures. In reality, I’d most likely be a high school orchestra director. I’m a violinist, and my music educators had an immeasurable impact on my life. One of my favorite things has always been being a clinician. Even though I haven’t done it in years, there’s nothing better than helping students achieve more than they ever thought they could. MI
38 I MUSIC INC. I NOVEMBER 2025
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