Music Retail
Patrick Draine is the piano technician who established the Draine Piano Services, offering tuning, repair, regulation and voicing in the greater Boston area. Patrick joined the local chapter of the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG) in the late 1970s and has been active in the organization ever since...
Rick Jefferies was focused on pre-med when he attended college in Jackson, Tennessee, but had a change of direction when he took a part time job at a local music store. The store sold Steinway and Wurlitzer, which was a fitting introduction to the business for Rick, who continues to be involved...
Sandra Miller realized as a professional musician working in Memphis that she learned enough about her Steinway piano that she could sell them. So, she got a job at Amro Music and has become a Steinway specialist doing just that. Her passion comes out the moment you mention Steinway, a fact very...
Michael Guillot has applied his passion for music and education to the music retail segment of the industry, which has led to assisting and influencing retailers throughout the world. One program that has been an influence on retailers stems from his decade-long association with The Best In Show...
Joerg Hermsen began his passion for music playing classical guitar in grade school. He later picked up the bass and realized he wanted to have a career in music. While in college he started an internship in the manufacturing side of the music business and Joerg was hooked! He later joined TEAC...
Mark Despotakis has become a well respected arts advocate and strong supporter of music education policies as Director of Market Development for Progressive Music in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Working closely with music educators throughout the state, Mark has been able to serve his music store by...
Andy Strayer began his career in the music industry working for a music store, which he joined right after earning his music business degree at Wingate University in North Carolina. After several years in retail, Andy became a manufacturer’s rep for Leblanc and later for Pearl Drums. Along the way...
Orrin Foslien grew up around music. He started out playing the ukulele, then moved to the banjo and guitar. In high school he began singing in the choir and playing the trombone. Around 1962, he traveled to San Francisco hoping to play music, but ultimately ended up working in manufacturing. After...
Alan Merriam grew up in a home filled with music. His mother was a piano teacher and his father was a fan of the big bands. Alan took piano lessons and studied music in college before becoming a professional musician. Although he loved music, as a child he did not feel his lessons were very...
Roy Larrick was a well-known sales rep for Hammond Organs and Panasonic's Technics products before opening his own retail store. Larrick Piano & Organ in Northern California was established after Roy worked for Colton Piano stores in the area. Back in the early part of his career, Roy's...