A Letter from White House of Music T hank you to the Music Inc. team for the wonderful fea- ture on White House of Music and my recent appointment as the NAMM chair. I [was] truly honored to be included in the January 2026 NAMM issue and grateful for the thoughtful way you highlighted our shared mission and commitment to serving the music makers in our communities. My wife Tracy and I appreci- ate the work Music Inc. does to support and elevate independent music retailers and create more awareness of all that’s happening at NAMM throughout the year. Chris & Tracy White Owners White House of Music Waukesha, Wisconsin Innovation, Education & the Future of Music Making W e’d like to thank Music Inc. for the opportunity to reflect on Casio America’s journey in the January 2026 issue’s “From the Top” feature. The conversation offered a valuable moment to step back and consider the importance of thoughtfully balancing inno- vation with the craftsmanship and reliability musicians have trusted for generations. As discussed in the inter- view, technologies, such as AI and smart connectivity, pres- ent exciting possibilities when used intentionally to enhance creativity, accessibility and the way people engage with mu- sic. Our goal is to introduce innovation that is practical, intuitive and rooted in real mu- sical needs. This philosophy is reflected in recent innovations like Dimension Shifter, which debuted at NAMM 2026 and introduces a new, intuitive way for musicians to shape sound
consumer. With the landscape of trade shows evolving, our biggest takeaway was the importance of “experiential” retail — it isn’t just about stocking the new re- leases from brands like Martin or Boucher, but about telling the story of these instruments through content and community. Nothing makes this new real- ity more effective than meeting in-person at The NAMM Show, where those connections and product stories are first present- ed. It proved that while the way we discover gear is changing, the demand for high-quality, special- ized acoustic instruments has never been stronger. By the way, we also released a podcast episode talking more in-depth about our NAMM expe- rience on The Acoustic Shoppe’s YouTube channel. Jeremy Chapman Owner I ’m writing regarding your on- line article on Conn Selmer [moving its Ohio operations to China and] leaving America behind by firing more than 100 workers. I think this is a horrible decision by Conn Selmer to double down on building in- ventory in China. I urge them to reconsider! The Acoustic Shoppe Springfield, Missouri Ugh, C’mon Conn Selmer Join the renewal of American manufacturing! If the company actually leaves America, the re- sult will be massive shortages and price hikes. Anthony Mantova Owner Mantova’s Two Street Music Eureka, California
Chris White holds up his cover issue of Music Inc. at The NAMM Show Newsstand.
through natural movement rather than traditional foot controls. [Editor’s Note: For more on the Dimension Shifter, turn to page 40.] That mindset also extends beyond our instruments. Casio’s continued investment in envi- ronments that foster collabora- tion and creativity, including our new U.S. headquarters in Jersey City, reflects our belief that innovation thrives when people are empowered to work, connect and create together. De- signed with open workspaces and areas for hands-on product demonstration, the space brings teams together in a way that encourages meaningful connec- tion across all divisions. We also appreciated the op- portunity to share Casio’s con- tinued commitment to music education and inclusivity, from
supporting first-time learners through the Privia line to invest- ing in spaces and partnerships that empower creativity at every level. Music has the power to build confidence, foster connec- tion and open doors, and we believe access to high-quality in- struments and education should never be limited by experience or background. We are grateful to Music Inc. for spotlighting these conversations and for fostering thoughtful industry leadership. Yusuke Suzuki President & CEO Casio America Jersey City, New Jersey Thank You for the Support T he 2026 NAMM Show high- lighted a significant shift in how we, as retailers, must bridge the gap between manu- facturer innovation and the end
EDITOR’S NOTE: MUSIC INC. ENCOURAGES LETTERS AND RESPONSES TO ITS STORIES. EMAIL LETTERS TO EDITOR@MUSICINCMAG.COM.
10 I MUSIC INC. I APRIL 2026
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