OH Taxonomy
Chuck Perl and his childhood friend, Steven Bender, formed Ambico Incorporated in 1967 to supply music stores with a line of products and accessories. Their first big success came with guitar straps, in fact it was Ambico that supplied several guitar makers and wholesalers in the United State with...
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...
Michael Mohr recalls Vladimir Horowitz coming to the house when he was a child, and he was just like a member of the family. The great maestro was a friend of Michael's father, who was trusted with Mr. Horowitz's prized Steinway piano. Michael grew up to work for Steinway & Sons, not only in...
Prenta Ljucovic immigrated to the United States from Yugoslavia in 1973. A friend from back home suggested that she seek a job with Steinway & Sons, especially given her pervious training with woodwork. Speaking no English, Prenta began working in the factory on Long Island assembling keyboard...
Wally Boot spent 52 years working in the Steinway & Sons piano factory on Long Island New York! As it turns out, Wally was born on Steinway Street, just down the road from the factory. All three of his brothers worked for Steinway and after Industrial Arts School, Wally joined them in 1962. He...
Bill Youse is proud of the fact that his grandfather, George, worked in the Steinway & Sons piano factory on Long Island as did his father before Bill joined the company in 1973. Bill's first job was actually the summer before when he would cut the grass. He was able to work alongside his...
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...
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...