Music Retail
Frank D'Arcangelo grew up in a house that always had music playing. He has memories of his parents record collection and large stereo system that seemed to always be playing. He took to the drums and grew up in an area with a vast amount of resources for musicians. In his oral history interview,...
Brian Marsh joined his brother, Robert, on the ground floor of his DJ retailing business. The two brothers sought to grow the store and provide the best customer service possible. Their attention to details and interest in offering the most innovative products soon grew their reputation to the...
Robert Marsh came into the music retail business following a frustration of purchasing equipment as a DJ. He was inspired by the role the DJ brings to a party, a nightclub, or family gathering but found there were areas to improve the business. He took a chance by asking his parents to refinance...
Camille Scheidemann is the current owner of Frank and Camille’s Piano Store on Long Island, New York. For her, it all started when Dennis Awe, the young, amazingly talented organist/store owner told Camille’s father he would teach her to play if they purchased the Lowrey Heritage organ. That...
Derek Ash recalls that every family gathering always included talk of the music store. After all, Derek's great-grandfather was the founder of the family's business, Sam Ash Music. Thanksgiving was only complete with turkey, pumpkin pie, and talk of the upcoming holiday sales! Derek's first NAMM...
Adam Ash likes to joke that he never attended sleep away camp during the summers from school as his summer months were spent in the store, and he wouldn't have had it any other way! Adam's great-grandfather formed Sam Ash Music, with the help of his wife, Adam’s great grandmother. Since then, the...
Steve Prisco has been active in music since he was 14 years old playing trumpet for the school band program. He studied graphic design and worked on the early computer desk top publishing programs for creating advertisements. In 1989, Steve began working for Sam Ash Music. He worked closely with...
Barry Horowitz first joined the team at Sam Ash in 1971! The small retail store was just expanding under the direction of the founder's two sons, Jerry and Paul. Jerry became like a second father to Barry, taking extra time to create learning opportunities. As a result of Jerry's encouragement,...
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...
Howie Mendelson played the recorder and trombone in school but, like so many of his generation, picked up the guitar when he heard the Beatles. Unlike most, Howie didn't just see the Fab Four on television, he saw them perform live at Shea Station in New York in 1965 and again in 1966! Nine years...