Oral History Interviews

William Eaton is a master luthier, musician, and educator whose career has been closely intertwined with the evolution of modern guitar craftsmanship. His musical journey began at age seven when his Uncle Charlie gave him a ukulele and he learned to play “Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue.” By junior high he was performing guitar in a folk band, and in high school he expanded into rock ensembles, experiences that deepened his connection to stringed instruments. William built his first guitar in 1971 as an apprentice to John Roberts at Juan Roberto Guitar Works.

Tommy Bridges is a versatile brass musician whose lifelong dedication to performance has earned him recognition as an accomplished “doubler,” skilled in playing multiple instruments with ease. Music was woven into his family heritage — his grandmother was a songwriter whose works were recorded by Lawrence Welk and his Orchestra, and his uncle was a traveling musician who contributed to the early development of the USO during World War I. Inspired by this legacy, Tommy began playing baritone horn at age ten and quickly distinguished himself through constant practice and musical cur

Steve Bergsman is a seasoned journalist and author who spent over 25 years covering business and travel before turning his focus to the stories of unsung singers and musicians. Inspired to preserve overlooked legacies, he began writing biographical novels, starting with Johnny Ace, followed by Mary Wells and Billy Preston, before transitioning to deeply researched biographies, including his work on Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. Bergsman’s collaboration with Carol Connors, Elvis, “Rocky” and Me, was released as an audiobook and received a Grammy nomination.

Beth Schiemer is a music education advocate and co-owner of Brighton Music Center, a full-service music retailer serving Western Pennsylvania. Her passion for music began in the fifth grade when she joined band to be with a friend, but it quickly grew into a lifelong pursuit. Although she later attended a school focused on choral music, her father recognized her dedication and ensured she could continue playing clarinet in a public school band program, even helping guide her early development as a musician. His example as a strong music advocate became a lasting influence on Beth’

Katy Jacobson is a skilled band instrument repair technician, educator, and industry advocate dedicated to advancing the craft of instrument repair. Her musical journey began with piano before transitioning to trumpet in school, where she was inspired to pursue a career in music. While she initially planned to become a band director, her path shifted after attending the band instrument repair program at Minnesota State College–Red Wing, where she discovered her true calling. Katy earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Northern Iowa and completed her repair tra

Peter Ellman is the president of Ellman’s Music Center in Naperville, Illinois, a family business founded by his parents in 1963. Growing up in the store, Peter developed an early understanding of music retail, working alongside his brother in roles ranging from sweeping floors to supporting the company’s wholesale operations. A musician at heart, Peter played trumpet in school and developed a lifelong passion for big band performance. He also discovered a natural talent for singing, studying with a local opera vocalist and participating in choir. These experiences helped shape hi

Erik Dietz is the owner of Dietz Brothers Music, a Southern California-based music retailer founded by his father and uncle as a small teaching studio that grew into a full-service music store. Surrounded by instruments at home, Erik developed an early passion for music, beginning with electric guitar before transitioning to classical guitar. Following his father’s example, Erik began teaching music shortly after graduating high school in 2001, sharing that same passion with students for more than 15 years.

Ali “Zero” Zwayen was born in Baghdad, Iraq, where music was always present in his home thanks to his father, a self-taught keyboardist. Drawn early to the power and energy of heavy metal, Zero purchased his first guitar—a Yamaha electric—in 2008 and set out to pursue music as a career. Along the way he developed a distinctive style while expanding his skills as a songwriter, recording engineer and mixer, while also programming synthesizers and keyboards.

Jarrel Young is a Toronto-based songwriter and multi-platinum producer whose work spans hip hop, pop, and electronic music. Jarrel began his career producing hip hop before expanding his sound and creative reach across multiple genres, collaborating with a wide range of high-profile artists. Known for bringing honesty and emotional depth to his work, he approaches each project with a strong sense of musicality and genre awareness. In addition to his production work, Jarrel is committed to supporting fellow creators, helping artists protect their music and advance their careers.

Jun Yamato was born in Japan and moved with his family to New York at the age of three, growing up in the United States while maintaining a strong connection to his Japanese heritage. Music played an important role in his early years, and he performed trumpet in his high school band while also learning to play the guitar. Jun later pursued a career in law, focusing his studies on corporate law and contracts. After completing his education, he hoped to work with a Japanese company and soon found opportunities after relocating to Los Angeles.

Lyle Workman is a guitarist, composer, and producer whose multifaceted career spans performance, film scoring, and solo artistry. As a first-call session and touring musician, he has performed and recorded with an extraordinary range of artists, including Beck, Sting, Todd Rundgren, Frank Black, Tony Williams, and Michael Bublé, establishing himself as one of the most versatile guitarists in the industry. In addition to his work as a performer, Lyle has built a highly successful career as a composer for film and television.

Jennifer Witt is a flutist, educator, and marketing leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to music education and advocacy. Her musical journey began when her father recognized her desire to play and purchased a $50 used Armstrong student model flute from a neighbor—an instrument that set her on a lifelong path in music. Jennifer went on to perform in numerous flute ensembles and choirs, experiences that shaped both her artistry and her connection to the musical community. She has served as an adjunct professor of flute, directed flute ensembles, and maintained a private t

Tim Wilson grew up surrounded by music as the son of Don Wilson, co-founder of the legendary instrumental rock group The Ventures. Formed in Tacoma, Washington, in 1958 by Don Wilson and Bob Bogle, The Ventures became one of the most influential instrumental groups in music history with recordings such as “Walk, Don’t Run,” “Pipeline,” and “Hawaii Five-O.” Through his close connection to the band, Tim witnessed firsthand the dedication, innovation, and relentless touring that helped The Ventures sell more than 100 million records worldwide and inspire generations of guitarists.

Tony White developed a love for music at a very early age after his father brought home a piano when Tony was just three years old. The following year his father added an Elton John tape and piano method book, inspiring Tony to begin lessons before he had even started school. That passion for learning music remained with him throughout his life, as he continues taking lessons even today. Founded in 1976, Bonners Music quickly became one of the United Kingdom’s respected music retailers. At age 15, Tony joined the company through a school work-experience program and officially beca

Taylor Walsh grew up in a family deeply connected to music. Her great-grandfather was a concert violinist and served as first chair of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, while her grandfather played piano, her father performed on guitar and bass, and her brother became a singer. Raised in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, Taylor developed her own fervent passion for music through school band programs where she played clarinet. She attended Indian River State College and later the University of Central Florida, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Music and Event Management.

Carl Verheyen developed a fervent passion for the guitar that led to one of the most respected and versatile careers in modern music. For more than five decades Carl has excelled as a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, arranger, producer, educator, and session musician, becoming one of Los Angeles’ elite first-call players. Since joining the British rock group Supertramp in 1985, he has performed before millions of fans worldwide while also leading the acclaimed Carl Verheyen Band. His remarkable recording career includes work with artists ranging from B.B.

Hélène Webman is a music industry innovator and co-creator of the ToneWoodAmp, a groundbreaking device that allows acoustic guitarists to experience effects and amplification directly through their instrument. Working alongside her husband Ofer, Hélène helped bring the concept to life through hands-on development, transforming an experimental idea into a widely adopted music product. Launched through a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2014, the ToneWoodAmp quickly gained attention for its ability to inspire creativity and expand the sonic possibilities of the acoustic guitar wit

Ofer Webman is a dedicated music industry professional whose work reflects a deep passion for connecting artists, retailers, and audiences through shared musical experiences. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Ofer has been actively involved in the MI industry for many years, bringing both a customer’s perspective and a professional understanding to his role.

Linda A.

Paul Sitar has focused his career on emerging technologies, studying how new tools affect artists, creators, and the music industry. Long before artificial intelligence and machine learning became common in business systems, he was already examining their potential benefits and challenges for creative professionals. During the early days of Napster, Paul became interested in how digital distribution was changing the business model for artists and how musicians could continue to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Brett Simons’ musical journey began in Northwest Indiana, famously picking up a borrowed guitar missing its top two strings—an accident that led him to discover his natural affinity for the bass. Known in the industry as a "chameleon," Brett has built a career defined by his ability to adapt to diverse musical landscapes, from the intricate vocal harmonies of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys to the legendary horn-driven rock of Chicago. His resume also includes significant tenures with Dwight Yoakam, Fiona Apple, and Melissa Etheridge.

Billy Sheehan is widely regarded as one of the most influential and technically innovative bass players in rock music. Born in Buffalo, New York, he began playing bass as a teenager and quickly developed a distinctive style that blended melodic phrasing, powerful tone and advanced techniques such as tapping and harmonics. Billy first gained national recognition with the band Talas before joining David Lee Roth’s solo band in the mid-1980s, performing on the acclaimed album Eat ’Em and Smile and touring worldwide. He later co-founded the supergroup Mr.

Skip Saylor is a respected recording engineer, producer and studio owner whose career has spanned decades in the recording industry. Based in Southern California, he is the founder of Skip Saylor Recording, a studio known for its welcoming environment and high-quality productions across a wide range of musical styles. Over the years Skip has worked with an impressive roster of artists in jazz, pop and R&B while building a reputation for both his technical expertise and his ability to bring out the best in the musicians he records.

Jay Roberts is an educator, guitarist, and founder of the Roberts Music Institute in Seattle, Washington, whose career has been deeply rooted in music education from an early age. The son of renowned guitarist and Musicians Institute founder Howard Roberts, Jay was surrounded by instruments throughout his childhood and attended his first NAMM Show in 1976. Initially drawn to the drums — encouraged by his mother, a professional drummer — he began teaching at just fourteen, demonstrating an early commitment to helping others learn music.

Mike Risko is an educator, author, retailer, and professional guitarist whose career has been defined by a passion for sharing the joy of music making. After purchasing his first guitar — a Les Paul earned through long hours cutting neighbors’ grass and shoveling snow — Mike began playing in garage bands before performing with local wedding groups, experiences that allowed him to develop versatility across many musical styles. He soon discovered a love for teaching, offering private lessons and cultivating a distinctive instructional approach that later became the foundation for s

Baron Raymonde’s lifelong passion for music began in New York City where he started piano lessons at age six under Dr. Emile Del Terzo at Carnegie Hall Studios before discovering the saxophone a few years later. He continued his musical studies at the University of North Texas, earning both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music while developing the versatility that would define his career. Following college, Baron toured for more than a decade with Matt “Guitar” Murphy of the Blues Brothers and recorded on Murphy’s album The Blues Don’t Bother Me.

Brad Rabuchin’s musical journey began in Pasadena, California, after seeing Mason Williams perform “Classical Gas” on television using a guitar filled with swimming fish, an image that sparked Brad’s lifelong passion for the instrument. Initially drawn to acoustic fingerstyle guitar, he later expanded into electric guitar while developing his musical voice through self-study and guidance from respected teachers including Ted Greene, Joe Pass, and Derol Coraco.

Davide Pusiol was born in Italy and grew up in Venice, where the music of the 1960s helped shape his lifelong passion for guitars and music making. Inspired by the creativity and excitement of artists such as The Beatles, Davide began playing guitar at the age of 13 and quickly developed an interest not only in performing, but also in learning how instruments were built and repaired. He remained deeply influenced by The Beatles throughout his life and continued to listen to their music every day.