“Although the digital age has brought about access to new customers far and wide, we’ve tried to keep that personal touch,” said Sam Gregory, Dawkes’ product specialist. “We’re all musicians. We get the problems and challenges inherent with playing wind instruments, and we’re here to help people overcome them and enjoy everything instrumental music can bring.” The anniversary follows a major expansion of the retailer’s facilities, letting Dawkes increase its programming and community outreach. “We’re hosting more events and gigs to help welcome musicians and non-musicians into the building to see the power of live music,” Gregory said. “We’re also working on new charitable partnerships.” As part of its anniversary, Dawkes re- viewed its internal operations, focusing on employee development and ensuring staff have the training and resources needed to continue delivering a high level of service. “We wanted to celebrate with our cus- tomers,” Gregory said. “[So,] we’ve actually planned for 60 events throughout the course of the year.” MI — By Kimberly Kapela
Jon Dawkes (left) and David Dawkes.
DAWKES MUSIC MARKS 60 YEARS OF SERVING UK’S WIND, BRASS COMMUNITY D awkes Music is celebrating its 60th an- niversary this year, marking six decades
tion of the Dawkes family, with the fourth generation recently joining the company. Its current owners are Jon and David Dawkes. Dawkes credits its 60 years in business to always putting the customer first and paying attention to the customer experience. Origi- nally, the business was based in Uxbridge near the RAF barracks, and a lot of the early growth came about through trusted relation- ships. From there, word spread and musicians trusted Dawkes to take care of their gear.
of specializing in woodwind and brass instru- ments. Founded in 1966 by Jack Dawkes as a woodwind repair business in Uxbridge, the family-owned company has grown into one of the U.K.’s largest wind and brass retailers, offering new and pre-owned instruments, more than 10,000 accessories and replace- ment parts, and a dedicated repair workshop. The business is now led by the third genera-
20 I MUSIC INC. I OCTOBER 2026
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