CONTEMPORARY MUSIC CENTER OWNER WRITES BOOK Music retailer Menzie Pittman discusses his new book “The New Musician,” what he hopes fellow retailers will get from reading the book and more. — By Kimberly Kapela
I n mid-2024, Menzie Pittman, owner of Contemporary Music Center in Haymar- ket, Virgina, released his book “The New Musician: The Art of Entrepreneurship in Today’s Music Business.” The book explores the importance of entrepreneurial skills for musicians in today’s music industry and offers insights and advice from some of the industry’s brightest. We sat down with Pit- tman to hear more about his debut book. Music Inc.: What made you want to write a book on the music industry? Menzie Pittman: The first was that there are many talented young musicians who simply can’t afford the cost of a reputable music university. So, what happens to those who aren’t fortunate enough to attend notable music schools? They still need access to that important information. My intent was to bridge that gap by providing a dependable working guide that was wide in scope. I knew I had access to successful business leaders, as well as a wide array of unique musicians, who were willing to share their insights on how to sustain a career in today’s music
a variety of creative topics. A good example would be the chapter on entrepreneurship. It’s no secret that today’s musicians no longer have the luxury of letting someone else make their business decisions for them. They have to wear many hats, and the book is a guide that empowers them to do so. MI: Why should a fellow MI retailer pick up your book? MP: Every savvy retailer wants to be one step ahead of the competition, and we cer- tainly want to be leaders in the discussion of music education. Whether a retailer has a music lesson program or not, “The New Musician” puts the MI retailer inside the conversation. It makes no difference if you’re selling gear or providing music education to students — the purpose of the book is to shed light on what it takes for a creative to succeed. Every interview subject in this project has cracked that code, whether they’re a musician, studio engineer, university president or even the former Secretary of Education. The book is an open dialogue about success, and that topic is relevant to all retailers. MI B.A.C. Musical Instruments Strikes Partnership B .A.C. Musical Instruments has partnered with Dynasty Japan, a distributor of marching and wind instruments in Japan. Dynasty Japan will now offer a selection of B.A.C.’s woodwind and brass instruments, including its 825 Marching brass and bugles, bringing the company’s designs to musicians across Japan. Dynasty Japan will provide details on product availability, pricing and purchasing options through its website and social media channels. Dynasty Japan, headquartered in Mizuhodai, Saitama Prefecture, Japan, is a manufacturer and distributor specializing in marching and wind instruments. As the exclusive distributor of the Dynasty brand, the company is committed to equipping musicians with high-quality instruments. {coolisbac.com}
industry. Lastly, I had strong relationships with music educators. When you put all those pieces together, “The New Musician” is a natural byproduct. MI: What are some takeaways you hope readers get from the book? MP: The most important takeaway from the book is that it’s honest and informative. It’s a collection of thoughts and opinions offered up by music industry heavyweights, the likes of Brent Mason, Chuck Rainey, and Dave Cobb. Even Glen Campbell’s daughter Ashley Campbell contributed to the project. One spe- cial aspect of the book is that every chapter is followed by an essay, written by myself, about
Yorkville Sound Distributes Manhasset Stands Y orkville Sound has announced its Cana- dian distribution of Manhasset Specialty Yorkville Sound’s vice president of sales and marketing. “We look forward to deliver- ing Manhasset-level excellence to Canada’s classrooms and concert halls.”
Company’s full line of stands and accessories. Based in Washington state, Manhasset Specialty Company has been a leader in the manufacturing of concert-style music stands worldwide since 1935. “Yorkville’s partnership with Manhasset is directly in line with our growing band and orchestra initiatives,” said Jeff Cowling,
The distribution partnership with Yor- kville Sound and Manhasset Specialty is effective immediately. Canadian retailers can contact their Yorkville Sound sales rep- resentative for more information. {yorkville. com; manhasset-specialty.com}
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