September 2019 Volume 36, No. 9
THE NEWS MAGAZINE FOR MUSIC PRODUC TS RETAILERS
For our 14th annual Independent Roundtable, we present the Retailer’s NAMM University Session at Summer NAMM
Lessons Learned By Brian Berk
We are changing things up a bit. Instead of our traditional Independent Retailer Roundtable, our 14th annual edition of this story features a transcript of the NAMM University educational session the Music & Sound Retailer presented on July 19 at the Summer NAMM Show. This session, moderated by the Retailer’s editor Brian Berk and titled “New Innovations in Lesson Programs,” featured a fantastic panel. Answering our questions were four columnists for the Retailer: Kimberly Deverell and Robin Sassi of San Diego Music Studio, Tim Spicer of Spicer’s Music and Will Mason of Mason Music,
as well as a special guest, whom we affectionally dubbed our “plus one,” Michael Cathrea, owner of Resonate Music School & Studio. Brian Berk: Thank you ever ybody. Let’s first start with a little information about each store. Let’s start with San Diego Music Studio. Kimberly Deverell: We are in San Marcos, Calif. We do lessons, rentals, repairs, retail. A little bit of everything. We are celebrating our 25th year in business. I am not the owner. (continued on page 24)
Gibson CEO’s Journey
'JC' Curleigh’s speech was a Summer NAMM highlight By Brian Berk
If one were to ask what the biggest change at Summer NAMM this year was, the answer would be simple: Gibson Brands Inc.’s presence. As most are aware, Gibson emerged from bankruptcy with a new leader, James “JC” Curleigh, who has made a plethora of changes since, utilizing his vast experience of leadership in other industries. Curleigh, clad in a white denim jacket and Levi’s jeans, presented a lengthy speech at the NAMM Young Professionals event on July 19 at Summer NAMM in Nashville to discuss his career, why he joined Gibson and what MI retailers can expect from the guitar manufacturer in the future. Here’s a detailed look at what Curleigh, a citizen of three countries — Canada, the United States and the United (continued on page 34)
INSIDE
Holiday Sales Guide Page 36