Maryland
Larry Noto’s father, Joe, opened Music Land in 1971. Back then Joe wanted to create a store that would provide instruments and repairs to both the gigging musician and students. Larry grew up in the store and has memories of playing in the empty boxes as a child, but he didn’t work in the store...
Jimmy "Cricket" Lockard earned his nick name while playing the electric guitar in the sound of a chirping cricket. Since there were two other Jimmy's at the time, the name Cricket stuck -it's even on his business card. Cricket began going to Hot Licks Guitar Shop as a customer, playing for hours...
Paul McDermott is one of the most passionate music retailers you will ever meet! As founder of Hot Licks Guitar Shop in Waldorf, Maryland, Paul has used his passion to bring the joy of music making to countless number of his customers over the years. He has established an impressive lesson...
Jyotindra (JP) Parekh is the owner of Rice Music House in Columbia, South Carolina. He is very active in educational programs within his community and has served the industry on many levels including being on the NAMM Board of Directors. His long industry history includes over 25 years with his...
Alan Levin is the eldest child of Chuck and Margie Levin, the founders of Washington Music Center, which began as Chuck Levin’s Music Center. Alan was a child when the 1968 Washington DC riots destroyed the music store. The event gave way to one of the industry’s best examples of resilience and...
Robert Levin was the youngest of Chuck and Marge Levin’s three children, literally growing up in the store. From his earliest memories, he can remember observing and learning his father’s many successful traits and techniques that were at the core of building such a successful business. Along...
Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Company serves as a focal point for the music makers all around the DC area and is one of the premier music retail stores in the country. The store also stands as a lasting tribute to the man behind the name, Mr. Chuck Levin. Mr. Levin passed away before he could...
Marge Levin was the secret behind the great success of Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center in Maryland, a fact Mr. Levin was proud to admit. Marge was born in Washington DC and met Chuck, then a young pawnshop owner, while she was on a date with another man. Within a short time they realized they...
Wil White worked for Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center for nearly 30 years! It all began on October 6, 1987 when he was looking for a job and answered an ad for a cashier. He was hired by the founder, Mr. Levin, who impressed on Wil his passion for music. Wil witnessed firsthand the way...
Bill Higgins enjoyed the country and hillbilly music he heard growing up. He surrounded himself with music his entire life. In 1965, Bill and his wife Nancy, opened Bill Higgins Music just south of Baltimore in Catonsville, Maryland. The store expanded over the years to include teaching, instrument...