Music Retail
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...
Larry Nitka grew up listening to the big bands as his father was a sideman during the great Swing Era. His father, Artie Nitka, became a well-regarded authority on the recorder, writing method books that are still in print today. While writing and teaching, Larry's father started a music store near...
Bud DiFluri enjoyed a long and successful career in the music industry in both retail and manufacturing. He managed the Yamaha band and orchestra department in New York City with a focus on sales and marketing, which he also focused on while working as the Senior Sales and Marketing Manager for New...
Ian Goldrich grew up with a father who knew the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix, making him one of the coolest kids in school. As the owner of Manny's Music, his dad, Henry, knew everyone in music and everything about the gear, a job Ian could not wait to be a part of. Ian worked with his brother, Judd,...
Bob Harrison tells many stories of his father and aunt working in music retail when he was a child. His aunt, Mary L. Spence, owned a store with her name on it in Plainview, Texas. She was a pioneer in the music industry as well as in business. Bob's father, Nolan, ran her store when Aunt Mary died...
Jim Salzer opened his first store in 1966 with a focus on selling records. At the time Jim was a concert promoter in Southern California and really understood what teenagers and young adults were interested in hearing. His concerts involved acts such as The Doors, Led Zeppelin, and The Grateful...
Brendan Murphy is the fourth generation of Murphys to hold an executive position with the M. Steinert & Sons Company, which follows three generations of Steinerts. For most of that time (back to 1869 in fact), they have proudly represented Steinway Pianos. Brendan played a critical role in the...
Peggy Falcetti and her husband, Sam, opened Falcetti Music in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1957. Since that time, Peggy and Sam have been very active in many community music programs. Peggy has served as the chairperson of the New England Music Festival since 1977. The festival is sponsored by the...
Joe Mullens has always had a strong passion for music, and made the decision one day to turn that passion into a career. He worked as a store manager for a local music shop chain until they closed their doors in the early 80s. After working as a landscaper for a few years to save up some money, Joe...
Rich Covas owned Modern Music store's three locations for thirteen years beginning in 1966. The locations covered band and orchestra instruments as well as guitar, keyboards, and drums. The company also offered music lessons and repair. In fact, providing lessons is how Rich first began working in...