Heid Music

Peter Heid enjoyed his career playing with many of the dance bands of the 1930s and 1940s in his hometown of Appleton, Wisconsin. After the war, he used his love of music to open a small store, Heid Music, in the heart of downtown Appleton. The store continued to grow over the years as Peter found specific product niches and sales techniques. However, he always looked for ways to increase the store’s relevance to the music community around them.

Paul Heid grew up in the music retail world. His father formed Heid Music in Appleton, WI, and Paul along with his brother, Robert, followed in their father’s footsteps. Paul served on several industry boards including NASMD and NAMM. During his time on the NAMM Board, Paul served as Chairman (2003-2005) and was instrumental in the establishment of NAMM International and NAMM’s relationship with China in the early 2000’s.  

Todd Heid of Heid Music grew up watching the shop operate and found his passion for the business during his high school years. In the early years of Heid Music, the store had a large product spread including household appliances and TV sets. Todd’s father took over in 1985 with a focus on expanding the business. His sister came into business in early 1990s and Todd took over in 2008. The store currently has 5 locations and has a large focus on music education.

DeDe Heid met her husband Todd while selling his music store, Heid Music, their newspaper advertising. After attending numerous NAMM Shows with Todd, as well as other business meetings, DeDe decided to get involved with the store around 2009 and now serves as the Executive Vice President of Heid Music.

Kristin Masarik loves the moment when a young student comes into Heid Music with their parents to pick up an instrument for their school's band program. They are bewildered and nervous, yet when they make their first sound and their parents light up as bright as the child, Kristin knows they are playing a role in getting that student started in music in a positive and meaningful way.

Kara McCanna began playing violin at an early age alongside her sister, sparking a lifelong passion for music and craftsmanship. Over the years, she has performed with both the Bozeman Symphony and the Wisconsin Philharmonic, experiences that deepened her love for the instrument and the community of musicians around it. Kara studied at the Chicago School of Violin Making and the instrument repair program in Red Wing, Minnesota, where she honed her technical expertise and creative precision. She has crafted several violins of her own, including the one she most often plays in perfo

Julie Wagnitz manages the school road reps for Heid Music in Wisconsin, supporting the team that interacts most with the local band directors. Her passion for music developed in large part to her father who played accordion in Polka bands. She went on to play several instruments including banjo, bass guitar and trumpet.