Music Retail

The 2009 Music China show recently concluded in Shanghai and NAMM, the trade association of the international music products industry, once again organized its NAMM University professional development sessions for show attendees. More than 1,100 people attended the NAMM University sessions, a 15 percent increase from 2008.
 

Creating a common vocabulary for a business as wide and diverse as the international music products industry isn’t easy. But that’s the primary goal of the Ad-Hoc Technology Committee formed by the NAMM Board of Directors in 2006. The group recently met at NAMM headquarters in Carlsbad to continue its work in creating a system for electronic transactions between trading partners. The committee extended the scope of its standards to include a 'Detailed Acknowledgement' document as well as continued its work in creating a system for product classification.

 David L. Abell formed his piano retail store in Beverly Hills back in the late 1950s.  Since that time he has established one of the finest reputations in our industry.  Noted musicians, industry leaders and movie stars alike have boasted of his quality of service and the fact that most of his deals have been based on a handshake.  David, however, is equally proud of the regular customers who may not be famous but are treated as if they were.  Back in the early 1960s, David L.

Henry Adler helped define the percussion industry with his music publishing company, drum shop and method books.  His amazing life in music began as a drummer during the big band era.  His many gigs and one nighters gained the attention of a friend who encouraged Henry to open a drum studio and music studio in the heart of New York City.  The Henry Adler Music Store near Time Square was an important resource for drummers, both those playing in town and those traveling.  He established the Henry Adler Publishing Company and released a method book he co-wrote with Buddy Rich on the rudiments of percussion, along with the Latin drummer’s guide and method book he wrote w

Hans-Jorg Andre’s great great grandfather formed Musikhaus Andre Musikverlag Johann Andre in 1774. The company was the first to bring lithograph processes to the production of printed music, making a profound and everlasting impact on the way music was printed. Over the years the publishing company expanded to become a music retailer in Offenbach. Under Hans-Jorg’s leadership the company embraced the computer age and on-line commerce.  

Bernice Ash began working at the Sam Ash Music Store in New York City in 1947, one year before marrying the founder’s eldest son, Jerry. Bernice and Jerry continued the tradition of keeping the retail store in the Ash family. Bernice is widely recognized as one of the pioneers of the development of the sheet music department, which included purchasing and inventory. As head of sheet music for all of the Sam Ash locations, Bernice has designed methods and procedures that have resulted in great working relationships with the publishers as well as many satisfied customers.

Paul Ash has great memories of his father, Sam Ash, the founder of Sam Ash Music in New York. Paul enjoyed the years he worked with his father and credits him for his knowledge of the music products business. Paul also learned his philosophy of customer care from his father, which he has continued to develop during his long career in the store. Although Sam passed away in his mid 50s, Paul and his older brother Jerry were determined to carry on the name and traditions. With nearly 50 stores in 16 states, the Ash brothers have accomplished their goals.