Guitar Center Inc.
James Tsaptsinos recalls the Muppet themed drum kit his uncle purchased for him when he was just five years old. He was surrounded by music during his childhood and in high school formed bands with some of his friends. His passion for music led to a gig as technical manager touring with bands such...
Jim Mingo learned much more than he can put into words from his experience in his school's marching band. Jim developed many skills he uses to this day including how to work within a team and how to listen to others. While playing in college he worked for a sound company and later would provide...
Keith Dwiggins and his wife Michelle both work for Beacock Music in Vancouver, Washington. The store has always had that family feeling, being established by the husband and wife team of Dale and Susan Beacock, and now being operated by their children Russ and Gayle. Keith and Michelle just add the...
Damien Curry had been working for Guitar Center as the Product Marketing Manager for a few years when he began a night and weekend gig composing and recording music for television. Since 2007 his Diamond Mine Productions has created music for a long list of your favorite programs including...
John Maier had parents that were both singers and would often hang out at the theater where his parents would perform. He used to get in trouble for tapping his pencil during tests and would have to take his test outside of the classroom – early signs of a promising drummer! After developing a love...
Michael Doyle was traveling with a band when he had an opportunity to tour the Marshall factory. It was an eye opening and fortuitous experience. Several years later he was offered a job with Korg USA, and was able to rep the Marshall line for over nine years. After working for Fender (he got to...
Glenn Noyes and his brother caught the music bug from their father who was a professional trumpeter. Glenn started on guitar but switched with his brother who was playing drums. In 1976, their band played in the North County Battle of the Bands in San Diego county. They won first prize. It was a...
Howard Reitzes was brought up on classical piano but found a true passion for playing when he discovered the Blues. After trying his hand at the guitar, Howard fell in love with keyboards when he saved up and purchased a Vox Super Continental Keyboard. At 15, he put together his first Blues band...
Jay Wanamaker found his passion for music as a member of a drum and bugle corps and eventually honed his skills while attending the Crane school of music at SUNY Potsdam University in Potsdam, New York. After completing a graduate degree program at the University of Kansas, Jay took a job at Alfred...
Judd Goldrich and his brother worked alongside their father, Henry, in the store his grandfather Manny opened in New York City. Manny's became the hub of musical retailing and Judd grew up right in the middle of it! He loved the excitement of new products being introduced in the store and going...