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DECEMBER 2025 I VOL. 36, NO. 11
PUBLISHER Kevin R. Maher EDITOR Katie Kailus EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Kimberly Kapela CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Ed Enright SALES MANAGER Chris Maher DESIGNER Žaneta Čuntová
CHAIRMAN Kevin Maher PRESIDENT Frank Alkyer ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT Sue Mahal
CIRCULATION MANAGER Evelyn Hawkins BOOKKEEPING Evelyn Hawkins
OFFICES Phone: (630) 941-2030 Email: editor@musicincmag.com CUSTOMER SERVICE (630) 941-2030 ext. 122
Jack Maher, President, 1970–2003 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Free to qualified retailers and suppliers of musical instruments.
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December 2025
WEST MUSIC MUSIC INC.’S 2025 RETAILER OF THE YEAR GUITAR CENTER SWEETWATER JIM’S MUSIC PAIGE’S MUSIC THE EXCELLENCE ISSUE I 35 R Retail Excellence Awards | 36 Supplier Excellence Awards | 50 S YAMAHA GATOR D’ADDARIO KHS EASTMAN MUSIC COMPANY P Product Excellence Awards | 56
30 I FROM THE TOP
Kepma Guitars USA’s Marty Kloska talks about the brand’s ever-expanding sales team.
West Music’s Ryan West
RETAILER ASK THE 62 I ASK THE RETAILER X More insightful tips from our 2025 Retail Excellence winners. 28 I WOMEN OF NAMM X Gator’s Crystal Morris discusses important factors to consider as a leader. 27 I NAMM YP X Martin Guitars’ Matthew Kennedy gives his best networking tips. 24 I AI IN MI X Peter Dods shares tips on how to maximize AI’s output. 26 I VIEW FROM THE REPAIR BENCH X Steve France on how to start a repair apprenticeship program in your store.
14 I NEWS X Bill’s Music Celebrates 60 Years X G&L Musical Instruments Reportedly Closes X NAMM Show Wins Gold at Trade Show Executive Awards X KMC Music Distributes Hiwatt, Park, WEM Brands X Roland, DW Host OxtoberFest Event X Reverb Names New CEO X Jordan Kitt’s Expands Sales Team 12 I INDUSTRY PROFILE X Hal Leonard’s new sales team members discuss how they’re transforming their MI distribution through strategic aggregation.
Hal Leonard’s Donny Gruendler and Jeff Wadulack.
The Bill’s Music team. From left: Tracey Higgins, Brian Higgins, Bill Higgins, Jamie Higgins and Nancy Higgins.
Cover photo by John Beyer.
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O ur annual Excellence Awards issue has always been a favorite for our staff and readers alike. Since the awards’ inception in the early 1990s, the December issue has highlighted the year’s best and brightest in MI retail, supply and products. As such, it’s also perennially an issue that’s full of better business ideas from some of the sharpest minds in MI. From discussing how Yamaha’s sales enablement team maintains consistent dealer com- PERSPECTIVE I BY KATIE KAILUS A YEAR OF MAKING MORE MUSIC MAKERS
munications to breaking down why Guitar Center gave all 13,000 employees ChatGPT licenses, this year’s issue is no different and will surely spark some MI ideas to take into 2026. But technology and sales enablement aside, nearly all 10 companies profiled in this year’s awards coverage cited a similar company mission: to make more music makers. Our 2025 Retailer of the Year, West Mu- sic, a full-line dealer based in Coralville, Iowa, is heavily involved in its local school music scene, servicing some 343 school districts in the area. In 2020, it launched its Music Construct- ED program to help educate and support music teachers.
“We came together to create professional development resources and a lot of virtual resource opportunities to build an ecosystem for the education community,” Ryan West, company president, says in the coverage that starts on page 36. “Over the last five years, we’ve tried to partner with various teachers all over the country to have them create content that’s really useful and been practiced in the classroom.” Ultimately, this initiative has helped grow the number of students inter- ested in making music. The retailer’s slew of early childhood music classes do the same. “Our tagline is ‘play now, play for life,’” West said. “I really like that because it captures the idea of supporting a music maker from the very beginning of their journey all the way to wherever it might take them. With our focus on elementary education, we’ve worked hard to put real emphasis on that area through our music education catalog. It’s all about creating a great pre-K through eighth-grade general music experience, one that sets up a lifetime of making music.” Sweetwater’s CEO Mike Clem, Eastman’s VP Ryan Richman and Guitar Center’s CEO Gabe Dalporto all touch on the same idea in their individual write-ups, with Clem mentioning creating more music makers is a large part of the online giant’s 2026 plan. Read these companies’ stories and take their insights with you into 2026. And remember: the real prize is creating more musicians. More musicians means more music is being played, and that’s a win for the entire industry. MI
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A Community in Harmony W e were humbled and thrilled to be featured on the cover of your October issue. The irony certainly wasn’t lost on us that the article about our Portland, Oregon, “community in harmony” appeared during the same month as disparag- ing national news likened an isolated two-block area with dancing inflatable frogs and ukulele-playing retirees to a war zone. Portland is far from that. We have a rich culture that includes music venues, record- ing studios, boutique instrument manufacturers, repair shops and dozens of music retail stores. We joke here that it seems as if everyone plays an instrument, and it’s not uncommon to see a band fronted by a tube sock wearing autoharp player in pigtails. We also like working together in the face of adversity. Music Inc.’s timing on this feature was perfect, and Katie Kailus did a great job listening beyond our own individual sto- ries to see the larger message of a community in harmony — one that is much different from the misinformed national narrative that’s on autoplay. Harmony is what music is all about, isn’t it? You can’t have it without melody. It takes multiple voices to create it, and by its very definition, harmony can’t exist in isolation. In our brick-and-mortar busi- ness alliance, the three of us have learned to share resources and knowledge while keeping expertise and needed sales reve- nue in our community. We hope we’ve offered up a retail model that encourages collaboration, with an abundance ethos that demonstrates in real time that there’s plenty of business for all. Thanks for taking an inter- est in our story and giving us a
Sales Success feature. I always enjoy seeing what other compa- nies are doing for the holidays, both in terms of sales and for their teams. Recitals will be in full swing when this is pub- lished and although I’ll have heard “Jingle Bells” played so many times, there’s no mistak- ing the excitement surround- ing the holidays. Music plays a big part in that excitement through concerts, caroling or simply humming along while you’re shopping at a local re- tailer. Thanks to everyone for sharing, and Happy Holidays! Kidder Music Peoria, Illinois Cheers to Continued Success B eing an owner of a few music brands, I can’t thank Kevin Beth Kidder Houlihan Owner Maher and Kimberly Kapela, as well as the entire Music Inc. Mag Team, enough, for their support and creative vision throughout the years. When you get the rare op- portunity to mesh business with pleasure, magic happens. To the Music Inc. Mag Team: Thank you for always being willing to work with us and our unique needs, always being able to draw out the key points in a feature story [like our November issue Industry Profile], and always having your finger on the pulse for our industry. Cheers to many more years.
chance to share a different side of Portland with your readers.
that make their musical journey easier. Looking ahead, we’re ex- cited to continue expanding on these ideas with new in-store experiences, behind-the-scenes workshops, and additional sea- sonal promotions that highlight our workshop and luthier ser- vices. We’d also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff and the musicians who sup- port us. Their enthusiasm and trust are what make it possible for us to keep innovating while staying true to our mission of making music more accessible.
Hank Failing, Ryan Lynn & Brad Boynton MLK Music Mall retailers Portland, Oregon
Bundling for the Season W e were honored to be featured in a recent issue and are grateful for the spotlight on Violin Shop Tampa’s holi- day bundles. Since the article’s release, we’ve seen even more momentum building — not only with customers here in Florida, but with musicians across the country who connect with us through our online shop. The response to our curated string bundles has been especially encouraging, showing us that players value both the quality of products we carry and the care we put into creating packages
Evan Rubinson CEO Meters Music Tampa, Florida
Rachel Phillips Marketing Director Violin Shop Tampa Tampa, Florida
Holiday Success T hank you to Kimberly and Music Inc. for including Kidder Music in the October issue’s Unwrapping Holiday
EDITOR’S NOTE: MUSIC INC. ENCOURAGES LETTERS AND RESPONSES TO ITS STORIES. EMAIL LETTERS TO EDITOR@MUSICINCMAG.COM.
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INSIDE NEWS > Page 14 NAMM Show Wins Gold at Trade Show Executive Awards > Page 20 Reverb Names New CEO > Page 22 G&L Reportedly Shuts Down Operations
and took the business from zero locations to 300 for Guitar Center, then took over Music and Arts, as well. Then, I talked with the team at Muse about partnering with Jeff to reimagine the musical instrument distribution business for the 21st century. What I’ve learned through- out my career is that I like building things, from music careers and making records all the way through to building businesses. The opportunity to do that with this special group got me really excited. JEFF WADULACK: I’ll start by saying I don’t have a musical bone in my body. Fun fact though: Richie Sambora from Bon Jovi is my first cousin. But, my sales journey began when I wanted to be a professional baseball player. Those dreams ended at the University of Miami when I hurt my shoulder and couldn’t play anymore. I was working out at a gym and told the owner I needed to cancel my membership because I couldn’t afford it. He offered me a weekend job selling memberships, and I discovered I really enjoyed that competitive edge I’d been missing from sports. I spent nine years in the health club in- dustry, starting as an individual sales rep and working up to general sales manager overseeing five clubs. Eventually, I moved into healthcare, working for a company that provided education and resources for nurses and doctors caring for vulnerable patients. I did that for five years. Then, a former col- league introduced me to the COO of Muse Group, and they talked about transforming the B2B business in the music industry. I told them I didn’t know anything about music, but after researching what the company was trying to build, I was hooked. I love building things from the ground up, and this was about taking an 80-year-old legacy giant in Hal Leonard and figuring out how to find synergies with Muse, an upstart, tech-focused company.
Hal Leonard’s newest sales team members, Donny Gruendler and Jeff Wadulack, discuss their vision for transforming MI distribution through strategic aggregation. — By Katie Kailus BUILDING SUCCESS THROUGH AGGREGATION Donny Gruendler Jeff Wadulack
E arlier this year, Hal Leonard brought on two new sales leads, Donny Gruendler, head of strategic partnerships for MI, and Jeff Wadulack, head of B2B sales growth. With their help, Hal Leonard is working to integrate the 78-year-old brand’s strengths with its partner organization, Muse Group’s, digital capabili- ties. Their goal: Transform Hal Leonard from a traditional distributor into a comprehensive aggregator that bundles instruments, print ma- terials, digital content and educational tools into complete solutions for retailers and mu- sicians alike. We spoke with Gruendler and Wadulack to hear more about their plans for the future of Hal Leonard.
and what led you to Hal Leonard? DONNY GRUENDLER: My journey started as a mu- sic student in Detroit. I earned a scholarship to Berklee College of Music to study drums and percussion, completed my undergrad in music performance and a master’s degree in music. That led to a career as a touring and recording musician. Eventually, I moved into teaching at Musicians Institute, and I found myself turning down performance work because I enjoyed teaching so much. I worked my way up and by 2013–2014, I became CEO and president of MI College of Music. I thought that’s where I’d retire. Then, Guitar Center called and asked if I wanted to build the largest music lessons program on the planet. I jumped at that opportunity
MUSIC INC.: Can you share your backgrounds
MI: What instruments do you play, Donny?
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JW: The retailer then becomes that one-stop shop for the customer. The student is going to want all these different pieces eventually, and it may take them longer to find them. We’re helping to speed up their journey by giving them everything they need upfront, and we’re supplying that to the dealer. DG: The big-box retailers can sell all those things separately, but we believe by enabling our neighborhood dealers and community dealers, who’ve already built trust with the end user, we’ll solidify that trust. When cus- tomers walk in, it’s a full solution. They don’t have to think about it. MI: Interesting. Will there be digital connections, like QR codes, linking products to Muse platforms? DG: Good question. Using the conga exam- ple, normally you’d have to buy everything separately, but you’ll get your congas and cases together, your drum key to tune it, and the book will be in the cases with the congas. Then there’s that digital connec- tion, whether it’s a QR code or some other code, all comprised together, both hard and soft goods. MI: Can you discuss the recent partnerships with LP and SSL? How do these impact Hal Leonard and retailers differently than past brand relationships? DG: These are our two hero brands of our new direction, going from additive to in- tentional. That doesn’t mean we want to minimize our other partners, as we work with Gibraltar, Paiste, Remo, SJC Drums and they’re all super important to our portfolio. But, LP and SSL just happen to be the first two under our new signing. We want to offer culturally relevant, significant brands that we believe in and know will solve problems for dealers and end users. We have a whole generation of guitar players and drummers learning re- cording for the first time. We want to offer them the SSL solution. Think about how many No. 1 records were mixed on an SSL console in the 1980s and 1990s. We want to bring these big brands and say, ‘This is what you can now use at home.’ And the same goes for LP. I don’t think there’s a more culturally relevant percussion brand in the world right now. Being able to offer that to students is something we’re re- ally proud of. We can go to our mom-and-pop stores and our whole dealer network and say these are two of the most relevant brands right now, and you can get them through us in your shops. These brands really are hand-picked by Jeff and me to bring to our dealers. MI
our brick-and-mortar hard goods? That’s the magic in front of us. Step one is what Jeff and I are talking about now. Step two is imagining a world where we flow from a piece of printed music all the way through Ultimate Guitar to the end user. JW: The digital piece is the most exciting part for me, especially coming from an advertis- ing and marketing background. When I first started, there was a lot of print advertising, then everything went digital. Now, some are coming back to print.
DG: Drums are my main instrument, along with percussion, but I also play piano. MI. Nice. How are you blending Muse’s digital offerings with Hal Leonard’s MI and print catalog? DG: Jeff and I are attached at the hip on this. Looking at the MI side, our business in the past was very additive instead of intentional, like a lot of early publishers, it was ‘Let’s publish a lot of things and see what sticks.’ We were very much like that in distribution, as well. We want to move from additive to inten-
“We want to move from additive to intentional. We want to sign brands we truly believe in that are culturally relevant and will make a difference in musicians’ lives.” — Donny Gruendler
tional. We want to sign brands we truly believe in that are culturally relevant and will make a difference in musicians’ lives. Within that, we want to do things that only Hal Leonard can do. Instead of being a distributor alone, we want to be an aggregator. Jeff oversees the sale of print, we have digital offerings, musical instruments, all these relationships, all this content. We want to offer something to our B2B partners and direct-to-consumer custom- ers that no one else can. Imagine receiving a music instrument bundle that includes software to teach you how to play, streaming services for inspira- tion and recording equipment, moving from a distributor on the MI side to an aggregator of both instruments and content. When we put all those things together, we don’t believe we can be stopped. JW: I think it’s about being that one-stop shop for anyone’s musical needs, from the end con- sumer to the retailer selling the products. We’re giving them all the right tools to make their proposition resonate and drive the sale. MI: What other initiatives are you focusing on in these new roles? DG: Well, our accelerator is: How do we fully integrate with the Muse ecosystem? How do we become one company under one umbrella really well, and how do we leverage all that digital goodness alongside
When I came here, I was shocked that there was still so much print music. I thought, ‘Why isn’t everybody on an iPad?’ But it comes down to people wanting to learn in the modality that’s best for them. That print piece still drives a lot of our students. They prefer it. That’s how we build lifelong music makers. We have to keep providing that piece while helping our dealers and distributors grow their digital presence. We know there’s opportunity in the marketplace. It’s about figuring out what resonates, when it resonates and timing. MI: How does the aforementioned aggregator model unfold for MI retailers specifically? DG: When we talk about the aggregator, we see a world where we’re helping dealers at the community level stock their stores with what people want. We’re a partner to them. We don’t envision them just picking pieces out of our catalog ad hoc — we want to come to them with full solutions. Imagine ordering a set of LP congas, but we say, ‘We have the congas packaged with the app that teaches you how to play, the book you’ll need and the accessories for tuning, all in one bundle, just the way you need it.’ We’re trying to solve the chal- lenge for the retailer and end user, helping our mom-and-pop stores stock exactly what people want without having to think about it. If you’re new to playing music, we have a full solution for you.
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remained in the Higgins family. “We’re a family store, so it was started by my dad and my mom, and I’ve got two sisters and a brother-in-law working with me,” Brian said. “The fact that we achieved a 60 year milestone in the place we grew up, in our little community of Catonsville here, we did it as a family. It’s only been one owner right from the beginning, and it stayed right within the family. My mom is so proud that we’ve made it to 60 years.” The Higgins family has experienced four generations of customers walking through its doors. “There’s a real family atmosphere when you come into our store,” Brian said. “People have literally grown up shopping in the store and that’s something to be proud of. It’s re- ally large, but it still has that small family atmosphere, and we’re proud of that.” To celebrate the milestone, Bill’s Mu- sic hosted a 60th anniversary dance at the Knights of Columbus on Oct. 11, with more than 250 attendees, including former em- ployees and long-time customers. “We had a lot of older employees and customers [attend],” Brian said. “We had one of the most famous bands in Baltimore that we used to book back in the 1970s for the dance floor.” — By Kimberly Kapela {billsmusic.com} Also, the influencer and content-creator community has been one of The NAMM Show’s fastest-growing segments in the last two years. Receiving the TSE Staying Connected Award solidifies NAMM’s commitment to this ever-growing segment of show attendees. “The NAMM Show is dedicated to serv- ing our global retail audience while creating massive brand demand with our influencer audience,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM presi- dent and CEO. “Winning these awards for two incredibly vital audiences demonstrates that The NAMM Show is truly the leader and visionary in adding value to the industry we serve.” The 2026 NAMM Show will celebrate NAMM’s 125th anniversary, along with 50 years in the city of Anaheim, California from Jan. 22–24, 2026. {namm.org}
Tracey Higgins, Brian Higgins, Bill Higgins, Jamie Higgins and Nancy Higgins.
BILL’S MUSIC CELEBRATES 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS B ill’s Music in Catonsville, Maryland, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.
down the East Coast,” said Brian Higgins, man- ager. “We have a ton of inventory. We’re one of the absolute largest music stores that you’ll ever walk into, which is 36,000 square feet.” Over the years, the store has expanded seven times along Frederick Road and now offers new, used and vintage instruments, rentals, repairs, lessons and band rehearsal spaces. More than 500 students visit the store weekly, and six decades later, the store has
Since the grand opening by founder Wil- liam “Bill” and Nancy Higgins in 1965, the store has become a destination for musicians and the biggest family-owned music store in Maryland, drawing customers from across the state and the East Coast. “We built up a nice reputation, not just in our local area, but all of Baltimore and up and
NAMM Show Wins Gold at Trade Show Executive’s 2025 Awards N AMM received the highest honors from the annual Trade Show Executive (TSE)
Gold 100 Awards & Summit. The association won two highly competitive Grand Awards, the Fastest-Growing Gold 100 Retail Show in 2024 and Staying Connected Award, both highlighting shows that set the gold standard for the industry in 2024. The awards, held Oct. 14–17 in Rancho Mirage, California, spotlighted the 100 largest and most distinguished trade shows of 2024 in the U.S., the Gold 100 brought together more than 200 show organizers and vendors to celebrate the successes of the last year and discuss the event industry’s most significant trends. The TSE Gold 100 Awards & Summit culminated at the Awards Gala, where the coveted Grand Award winners were announced — with this year’s winners representing the
NAMM’s Cindy Sample (left) and John Mlynczak hold up the two awards they received at the event. biggest and brightest shows that set the gold standard of excellence in a variety of categories. NAMM took home the gold for fastest- growing retail show, recognizing The NAMM Show as the largest bounce-back of a retail- focused event in the U.S.
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JodyJazz founder and president Jody Espina presents the DV JC Jody Custom at the Best New Products Showcase. Inset: The Music China 2025 Global Launch Best New Product award and certificate.
KMC Music Named Exclusive U.S. Distributor for Hiwatt, Park, WEM K MC Music has been named exclusive distributor for Hiwatt, Park and WEM in the U.S. Britampco has continued a legacy of handcrafting amplifiers, pedals and speaker cabinets in England since the 1960s, providing professional-level equipment for modern musicians while also appealing to classic amplifier enthusiasts. Hiwatt amps are known for their high headroom, build quality and versatility, making them ideal for studio and live performances. Park amplifiers, known for its hand- wired build quality, reshaped 1960s and 1970s rock music, and rare Park pedals like the ‘fuzz sound’ are highly sought after. WEM, pioneers of early P.A. systems with unique grill cloth and “tadpole” piping, were widely used by musicians in the ’60s and ’70s. “We have been impressed by the KMC ethos of ‘musicians first,’ by their enthusiasm for truly great gear, and by their understanding of promoting the best musical tools to artists and players to help create the next generation of truly great music,” said Alex Bak, director of Britampco. “We are excited to develop our partnership and brands together based on these shared values and, of course, the love of a post-work pint.” {kmcmusic.com} Yorkville Adds 3 Brands to Distribution Portfolio Y orkville Sound has added three new, exclusive Canadian distribution partnerships with Alhambra Guitars, Founded in 1965 in Spain, Alhambra Guitars is celebrated for its handcrafted classical and flamenco instruments. Sadowsky, established in 1979 in New York, is known for its electric basses favored by professional musicians. Warwick, founded in 1982 in Germany, has become Sadowsky Basses and Warwick Instruments, effective immediately. synonymous for crafting basses and accessories from premium tonewoods. Canadians interested in carrying these brands can contact their Yorkville rep for more information. {yorkville.com}
JodyJazz Wins a ‘Best New Product of the Year’ Award at Music China 2025
J odyJazz has announced the new Jody- Jazz DV JC Jody Custom Alto Saxo- phone Mouthpiece was selected as the 2025 Best New Product of the Year in the woodwinds category at October’s Music China show in Shanghai. The annual Best New Product Awards are presented by the Music China Organiz- ing Committee, recognizing outstanding innovation, design, and craftsmanship in the global musical instrument industry. Jody Espina, JodyJazz founder and president, accepted the award during a special ceremony held on the open- ing day of Music China 2025, on the show’s main outdoor performance stage. In addition to the award itself, Espina was presented with an elaborate certifi- cate commemorating the achievement, symbolizing the Organizing Committee’s recognition of the mouthpiece’s excep- tional design and artistry. As the winner of the Best New Prod- uct in the woodwinds category, Espina was also invited to participate in the “New Product Launch Roadshow,” where the winning manufacturers were given the opportunity to present their prod- ucts live. During his presentation, Espina dis- cussed the design inspiration and develop-
ment process behind the DV JC Jody Cus- tom Alto Mouthpiece and also performed two songs accompanied by backing tracks, demonstrating the mouthpiece. Following the ceremony, Espina was interviewed by members of the selection committee, with video highlights and social media coverage appearing across Music China’s official platforms. The DV JC Jody Custom Alto was also featured for the duration of the show in the New Products Area Display, a special exhibi- tion dedicated to showcasing all of this year’s winners. “We are deeply honored by this recog- nition from the Music China Organizing Committee,” Espina said. “The DV JC Jody Custom represents the culmination of years of refining my personal DV mouthpiece. To have it acknowledged on this international stage — especially in a country with such a vibrant and growing saxophone com- munity — is truly meaningful.” The DV JC Jody Custom Alto mouth- piece is the latest addition to JodyJazz’s acclaimed DV Series. Based on Espina’s own custom-modified DV mouthpiece, the model delivers versatility, power and warmth, making it ideal for professional performers across a wide range of musical genres. {jodyjazz.com}
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DR Strings, Fodera Guitars Partner with Pink Aid D R Strings and Fodera Guitars teamed up with Pink Aid to sup- port to breast cancer patients. DR Strings’ Pink Strings for Pink Aid campaign returned during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, joined this year with a new partner: Fodera Guitars,
ARTIST APPROVED
a Brooklyn-based instrument maker. Together, they’re sup- ported Pink Aid’s “Play It Pink” program, a nationwide effort har- nessing the power of music to uplift and support underserved breast cancer patients. DR Strings donated the proceeds of every set of Neon Pink guitar strings sold during
October to Pink Aid. Fodera Guitars created and donated a one- of-a-kind custom pink bass guitar, valued at more than $6,000, with proceeds from its sale benefiting Pink Aid. “Music is about connection, and we are proud to connect our craft with such a meaningful cause,” said Laura Fodera, CEO of Fodera Guitars. “By joining forces with Pink Aid, we hope to strike a chord of compassion and help ensure patients don’t have to choose between lifesaving treatment and providing for their families.” Pink Aid is the only national nonprofit delivering emergency financial aid within 48 hours to breast cancer patients in cri- sis. Through its Pink Purse Emergency Assistance Program, Pink Aid helps patients keep food on the table, the lights on and transportation available to get to treatment. {fodera.com, drstrings.com} Vidami Expands to Android with Firefox Support V idami has expanded its compatibility by launching Android support via the Firefox Add-On and new Firefox browser support on Mac and Windows. This milestone brings hands- free functionality to millions of learners on phones, tablets and
The frontman for indie rock band Young Rising Sons talks about his first guitar and how his musical journey began on piano. ANDY TONGREN, YOUNG RISING SONS Music Inc.: What was your first instrument? Andy Tongren: The first instrument I learned was piano. We had one in my childhood home, and I took a few lessons but mostly taught myself just by fumbling around. In middle school I got really into Blink-182, so naturally I wanted a guitar. That Christ- mas, after some convincing, my parents gave in and got me one of those Crate guitar-and-amp starter packs — a dark sunburst Strat. I absolutely loved that thing. MI: What is your all-time favorite instrument? AT: Although it might be what I’m least proficient at, I would say piano. Everything just makes sense to me when it comes to theory, and I feel like I generally do my best writing at the piano. There’s definitely an analytical approach to songwriting and visualizing the keys helps me figure out which part needs to live in which register. MI: What instruments are currently in your arsenal? AT: This project has allowed me to open things up quite a bit more. I’ve been having a lot of fun with the banjo and mandolin lately. I would love to learn pedal steel. MI: Are there any new or emerging pieces of gear you’ve recently tried that have caught your attention? AT: Not necessarily super new, but I love a nice rubber bridge guitar. Orangewood in particular does a great job with them. It’s just an instant vibe and difficult to replicate and really nail. — By Kimberly Kapela
desktops — whether they’re using the wireless Vidami Blue or the Original Vidami controller. “Our community has been asking for Android support, and we’re thrilled to deliver it,” said Amy Hayashi-Jones, co-founder and CEO of Vidami. “Now you can keep your hands on your instru-
ment, stay in the flow and learn anywhere — on any device.” Vidami Blue is a patented wireless foot controller that elimi- nates the frustration of stopping and starting online video lessons by hand, saving time and making learning easy. With Vidami, learners can set loops, adjust playback speed, play/pause, and rewind entirely with their foot, creating a seamless way to prac- tice playing. {vidami.com}
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fixtures due to both asbestos and the ini- tial damage incurred by the incident, has forced the family to step back and evalu- ate the status of Yale’s Music Shop,” the shop said the Facebook post. “It is with a very heavy heart that the Yale family has concluded that we cannot recover from the devastating loss as a small, family owned, retail business in the current economic landscape. Like most other small businesses in recent times, it has been a great struggle to stay relevant in a digital world, and this loss is the final breaking point from which Yale’s Music Shop could no longer recover. Therefore, Yale’s Music Shop will not reopen as a retail store selling instru- ments, accessories, sheet music and books, and musical lessons.” Though the brick-and-mortar store will not reopen, the Yales plan to continue operations in a new form. They’ve been selling their remaining inventory through the Facebook page and eventually plan to rebrand under a new business name. — By Kimberly Kapela {yalesmusic.com}
Owner David Yale poses in store. Photo courtesy of Yale’s Music.
YALE’S MUSIC SHOP CLOSES DOORS FOLLOWING CRASH A fter nearly 35 years serving musicians in the Athens, Pennsylvania, commu- nity, Yale’s Music Shop is closing its doors following a vehicle accident in May.
Initially, the Yale family began cleaning and assessing the damage, but recovery efforts were halted when asbestos contamination was discovered within the building. In a Facebook post on Oct. 11, the family an- nounced that the financial costs of recovery were too great to overcome. “The extensive loss of product and
The longtime family-owned music store was forced to cease operations after a bus crashed into the side of its building, causing significant structural damage and product loss.
Brighton Music Center Hosts ‘Harmony for Hope’ Fundraiser
I n September, Brighton Mu- sic Center held “Harmony for Hope — Live Music & Fundraiser,” an event created to support Noah Schiemer, the eldest son of Brighton owners Beth and Richard Schiemer, following his di- agnosis with Hodgkin’s Lym- phoma. The fundraiser, which will become an annual tradi- tion, aims to raise money for
Noah and Richard Schiemer
UPMC The Hillman Cancer Center in the Shadyside neighborhood. The MI industry showed overwhelming support, with compa- nies, including Gator, Dean Guitars, Washburn Guitars, Blackstar, On-Stage, Zildjian, Conn-Selmer, NUX and CA House Music do- nating raffle items. Many of the vendors know Noah through his regular attendance at The NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, and reached out immediately after learning of his diagnosis to offer support. The event featured performances by local acts, including Concrete Soul, Dave Parker, The Extractions, J Roger Davis and IntEruptions, all longtime customers of Brighton Music Center. In addition to live music, a bake sale organized by one of Brighton’s elementary music educators and a booth from a locally-owned brewery helped raise funds. Brighton Music Center reported that the event raised more than $10,000 for Noah’s treatment and care. {brightonmusic.com}
18 I MUSIC INC. I DECEMBER 2025
Martin Guitar Hosts 1st Sustainability Summit C. F. Martin & Co. hosted its first-ever Sustainability Summit on Oct. 9 at
approach has always been to meet people where they’re at — whether they’re a fan, manufacturer, artist, or venue — and help them move down the path toward sustain- ability. It’s a process, not a destination.” “Being here has really opened my eyes to how musical instruments themselves are a mechanism for change,” said Dylan Siegler, SVP and head of sustainability for Universal Music Group. “We all form the supply chain of the artist — record labels, manufacturers like Martin, and everyone in between — creating the possibilities that help artists be more sustainable in all of their practices.” Sessions throughout the day explored topics such as responsible tonewood sourc- ing, carbon-neutral touring, circular econo- mies, and the use of reclaimed and alter- native materials. From wood composites made of biodegradable matter to reimagined supply chain partnerships, attendees left inspired by what collaboration can achieve. {martinguitar.com}
the company’s solar-powered Commerce Lane facility in Tatamy, Pennsylvania, a short drive from its Nazareth headquarters. The daylong event, themed “Setting the Tone: Sustainability in Music & Manufac- turing,” brought together more than 100 artists, industry leaders, educators, and sustainability advocates to explore real- world solutions at the intersection of music and environmental responsibility. The summit featured keynote presenta- tions, panel discussions, artist-led demonstra- tions, and live performances, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices across the music and manufacturing industries. Representatives from Reverb, the Forest Stewardship Council, Sustain Music & Na- ture, Columbia University’s Climate School, Hearne Hardwoods, Unified Wood Economy, and more shared case studies and actionable strategies for creating lasting environmental
Martin Guitar president and CEO Thomas Ripsam speaks at the event. impact.
“Martin’s been such a clear leader in sus- tainability, and that’s what my nonprofit is all about,” said Adam Gardner, co-founder of Reverb and member of the band Guster. “Our
DECEMBER 2025 I MUSIC INC. I 19
REVERB NAMES BEN STAHL CEO R everb has named Ben Stahl as the company’s new CEO, ef- fective immediately.
“Over the past 12 years, I’ve admired the vibrant platform Re- verb has built for musicians across the globe, and I’m honored to be part of the community,” Stahl said. “Whether we’re launching new
Ben Stahl
product features to empower buyers and sellers or unlocking new modes of sonic expression for players through Reverb content, our mission remains the same: to make the world more musical.” Stahl’s appointment follows his leadership roles at com- munity-driven creator platforms SoundCloud and Vimeo, where he focused on user feedback to inform product im- provements and drive business growth. At Reverb, Stahl plans to put the platform’s community of buyers, sellers, creators and brands at the forefront of every decision, leaning into the marketplace’s newfound independence to create exceptional products. In the last six months, Reverb’s efforts to better connect music makers with gear through features, such as Wallet and sell in-store, have helped sellers discover increased demand from musi- cians eager to try out different instruments. {reverb.com} JORDAN KITT’S MUSIC ADDS TO SALES TEAM J ordan Kitt’s Music’s has appointed Cath-
Winners of the 2025 Pearl River Kayserburg International Youth Piano Competition.
Pearl River Hosts Annual Global Piano Competition P earl River recently hosted its 42nd annual Kayserburg In- ternational Youth Piano Competition, which continues to foster young musical talent worldwide with a new format, a distinguished advisory council and hundreds of regional stages culminating in the International Grand Final in Xiamen, China. The competition’s footprint is extensive, with more than 200 domestic and international sub-competition zones with more than one million contestants participating on a Kayserburg stage throughout its history. Preliminaries for 2025 began in March, spanning multiple countries and regions to select finalists for the autumn finale in China. Categories span four main groupings (student, duet/en- semble, college and open), subdivided into 10 divisions. After regional events, selected winners proceed to a Preliminary Grand Final, with results slated by late August. The Interna- tional Grand Final takes place in Xiamen, China, from mid- September through October. Winners of the 2025 International Grand Final were an- nounced. In the Young Children Division, Qi Tianyang took first place, while Xiao Yuchen claimed first in Children Division I and Li Yongjun won Children Division II. Teenagers Division I was won by Li Yunze, and Tan Xincao won first place in Teenagers Division II. In the Piano Duet Category, Liu Xuanxi and Liu Zhanhao earned first place. Yao Zihan won the College Category, and Zheng Wenbo was recognized as the top performer in the Professional Teenagers Division. Chen Zhilin took first place in the Young Pianists Division. The top award combines RMB 10,000 (approximately $1,400 USD) and SGD 30,000 (roughly $23,300 USD), a trophy and certificate, an awards-ceremony performance, and a Winner’s Concert at Victoria Concert Hall in Singapore, plus a profes- sional support program offering airfare to compete in major WFIMC-member benchmark competitions within two years. Second and third prizes include parallel recognition and pro- fessional support. Teachers of winners receive Outstanding/ Excellent Awards certificates, underscoring education’s central role in the pipeline. {pearlriverusa.com}
erine Fields to its Fairfax, Virginia, showroom sales team and Jimmy Ren for its Rockville, Maryland, showroom sales team.
Jordan Kitt’s Catherine Fields (left) and Jimmy Ren.
Reporting to store manager Brad Prentice, Fields is a composer and pianist with a diverse body of works for wind band, symphony orchestra, voice, piano and chamber en- semble. She has received commissions from the Acropolis Reed Quintet, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Concert Band and the Waynesboro Symphony and com- posed select works for the American Festival Pops Orchestra, Mason Wind Company, Mason Percussion Ensemble and Hub New Music. Reporting to store manager Tom Grace, Ren is a second bassoon with the Alexandria Symphony and Allentown Symphony, and will serve as acting principle bassoon with the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra for the 2025–2026 season. {jordankitts.com}
20 I MUSIC INC. I DECEMBER 2025
ROLAND, DW’S OXTOBERFEST EVENT 2025 BRINGS 20-PLUS NEW PRODUCT PREVIEWS R oland and Drum Workshop (DW) re- cently joined forces for OxtoberFest
2025, a three-day dealer event that brought together the drum retailers and artists from all over the world for a first-hand look at the latest innovations across the Roland and DW suite of brands. Held Oct. 7–9 in Oxnard, California, the annual OxtoberFest event featured a dynamic mix of more than 20 new product previews, interactive round- tables and live performances. Attendees got a first look at upcoming releases from Roland, DW, DWe, PDP, Slingerland and Latin Percussion (LP). New for OxtoberFest 2025, the second day of the event was held at The Canyon in Agoura Hills a longtime fixture in Southern California’s music scene. Artists demon- strated new products onstage, allowing dealers to experience the gear through a P.A. system in a live music venue. As Roland/DW head of drums and DW CEO Chris Lombardi welcomed dealers to The Canyon, he added, “The art and craft of drumming culminate here with our brands today. As a dealer, you demonstrate your sincere commitment to customers just by being here, and you are the most important conduit. Engage, learn, take notes and have fun. As you can see, we changed the venue this year to make room for all this incred- ible new gear and to make the experience as enjoyable as possible.” In a video message, Roland Corporation CEO, Masahiro Minowa, expressed gratitude to event attendees for their participation. He emphasized the uniqueness of showcasing electronic and acoustic drum products to- gether, noting that a shared commitment to innovation and inspiring drummers united everyone present. Minowa also conveyed optimism that the event would foster con- fidence in the future of everyone’s shared business efforts. Shane Kinney, owner of Drum Center of Portsmouth in North Hampton, New Hampshire, said he found value in the one-on-one time with brand managers and dealers at OxtoberFest. “It’s invaluable to share our experiences from the past year and connect with new colleagues,” Kinney said. “After 25 years in this industry, it can be hard to get excited
Attendees of Roland’s OxtoberFest 2025 event.
about new percussion product releases. We’ve been to the top of the mountain, but this year, I’m genuinely excited about what’s coming next from these brands. Many products in our industry are evolu- tionary, but several items showcased today were truly revolutionary.” Several artists joined OxtoberFest to celebrate and showcase the new products. Thomas Lang, international drumming virtuoso and educator, served as event MC and DWe demonstrator. He was joined by Kevin Ricard (demonstrating for LP), Grammy-winning percussionist known for his work with Stevie Wonder and The Tonight Show Band; Scott Pellegrom
(demonstrating for PDP), celebrated for his explosive live performances; Danny Seraphine (demonstrating for Slingerland), Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and founding drummer of Chicago; Nate Morton (demonstrating for Roland), drummer for NBC’s The Voice; Gil Sharone (demon- strating for DW), virtuoso drummer of Dillinger Escape Plan; and Dave Elitch (demonstrating for DW), drummer with The Mars Volta. Later in the evening, the artists sat in jamming on the soon-to-be- released gear with the OxtoberFest house band led by Ed Roth, including a surprise performance by Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith. {roland.com}
DECEMBER 2025 I MUSIC INC. I 21
GRETSCH DRUMS ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP TRANSITION G retsch Drums has announced a
G&L Musical Instruments Reportedly Shuts Down G &L Musical Instruments, the guitar company founded by Leo Fender in 1979, appears to have shut down after 45 years, though no formal announcement has been made. Speculation surrounding the brand began circulating online in late October after posts on a G&L fan page suggested that Washburn also announced several strategic developments. Along with an expanded sales and marketing team, enhanced web and promotional content, and advanced analytics capabilities, the company is building a revitalized artist relations program and reimagining its product development process. “The work the in-house design team has done to position the next phase of Washburn Guitars at the front of the pack is amazing,” said James Tsaptsinos, vice president global sales/GM, JAM US MI/ Pro. “Nuno has been such an integral part of the Washburn electric guitar story for decades. We now have an opportunity to stretch out a bit and aim for the next big thing in Washburn.” {washburn.com} Washburn Guitars, Nuno Bettencourt Part Ways A fter three decades of collaboration and creative partner- ship, guitarist Nuno Bettencourt announced he’s decided to part ways with Washburn to pursue his own brand, Nuno Guitars. Bettencourt’s departure was amicable and reflects his desire to explore new creative opportunities by building his own brand. “After 35 years with Washburn, I’m truly grateful for the partnership and all that we achieved together,” Bettencourt said. “Launching my own guitar brand has long been a dream, and the time is now.”
leadership transition at its U.S. production facility in Ridgeland, South Carolina. Af- ter more than 25 years of shaping the sound and reputation
Gretsch’s Josh Safer (left) and Paul Cooper.
of Gretsch’s USA-made drums, longtime production leader Paul Cooper is passing the baton to his successor, Josh Safer. Since joining Gretsch in the late 1990s, Cooper has been instrumental in carrying forward the brand’s proud legacy. His craftsmanship has directly influenced series such as the USA Custom and Broadkaster, keeping them at the forefront of professional drum making. “When I first met Paul, I knew he had the heart and the hands to honor the Gretsch tradition,” said Fred Gretsch, president of Fred W. Gretsch Enterprises, LTD, who person- ally brought Cooper into the company. “Over the past 25 years, he has done more than just build drums — he has built trust, respect, and continuity for generations of Gretsch players. We owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude.” For the past two decades, Safer has trained under Cooper’s guidance, learning every detail of the craft and every nuance of the Ridgeland operation. With his deep knowledge of Gretsch’s processes and the distinctive qualities that define its U.S.-made drums, Safer now steps into the leadership role. “Paul is a one-of-a-kind human being — a remarkable personality whose dedication and skill have made an incred- ible contribution to the Gretsch brand,” said Hans-Peter Messner, CEO and president of GEWA music. “We are forever thankful. At the same time, I’m excited to see Josh take on this responsibility. With his experience, vision, and passion, I’m confident he will guide Ridgeland into a bright future.” Though stepping back from day-to-day operations, Cooper will remain an ambassador, advisor and creative partner for Gretsch. “I am truly thankful for the opportunity I’ve had at Gretsch since 1998,” Cooper said. “It has been an amazing journey. I’m so grateful to the wonderful team who have worked alongside me over the years and to the thousands of drummers and Gretsch fans I’ve met.” “I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to lead Gretsch USA production,” Safer said. “Working closely with Paul for 22 years, he has instilled in me not only a deep understand- ing of everything Gretsch, but also an ethos of integrity that will guide me as I lead the brand into the future. I assure you, I will work tirelessly to continue delivering ‘That Great Gretsch Sound.’” {gretschdrums.com}
the company had ceased operations. Reports sur- faced of staff furloughs, an impending sale, and large amounts of G&L parts and materials be-
ing discarded into dumpsters throughout the month. Adding to the speculation, sources online claim that Fender may have purchased G&L’s intellectual property, including trademarks associated with the “Leo Fender” name. Neither G&L or Fender has issued an official statement addressing these reports. According to The Orange County Register, G&L’s parent company, BBE Sound Inc., has officially dissolved. “According to the California Secretary of State’s online business search tool, BBE, which was the parent company of G&L, terminated its corporate status with the state on Oct. 28,” the outlet reported. MI — By Kimberly Kapela
22 I MUSIC INC. I DECEMBER 2025
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