Oral History Interviews

NAMM's Museum of Making Music offers musical ensembles designed for adults seeking entry into playing instruments in a group setting. These programs are perfect for those new to music-making and musicians who have played in the past but haven’t picked up their instrument in several years. Regardless of your experience or background, the New Horizons Band and North Coast Strings provide a welcoming, non-intimidating environment where you can explore the joy of making music.

Eric Rigler’s lifelong connection to the bagpipes began when he was just 18 months old, sitting on his mother’s lap at a parade. Mesmerized by the sound of the pipe and drum band passing by, his fascination only deepened as he explored his father’s eclectic record collection, which included a few treasured bagpipe albums. By the time Eric was seven, there was no question what he wanted for Christmas—a set of bagpipes. What began as a childhood curiosity blossomed into an extraordinary career spanning more than three decades, marked by iconic performances in film, television, and p

Kyshona grew up in South Carolina, immersed in the rich musical tapestry of gospel, rhythm & blues, and roots music. Her early passion for sound led her to the guitar and a formal study of oboe at the University of Georgia, where she earned a degree in music therapy. As a dedicated therapist for over 17 years, she worked compassionately with veterans, at-risk youth, and incarcerated individuals, witnessing the transformative power of music. Seeing how personalized songs could spark healing and connection, she began writing her own music—not just for her clients but for the wid

Peter Schaaphok’s journey with drums began as a child in Hayward, California, where he quickly formed his first band, originally called Black Dawn, now known as Mystic Rage, which he still plays in today. Over the years, Peter has owned a variety of drum kits, from Royal Star and Pearl to Yamaha, before earning an endorsement from Tama, the brand he proudly plays today. His early development deal with Yamaha took him to the NAMM show, igniting his passion for the music products industry. In 2011, Peter and his wife Angela opened Music Depot, a dynamic combo store offering repairs,

David Marquette’s 

Jimmy Risdal found himself in Grass Valley, California, where he crossed paths with Mary Ellen Sorci, the owner of Foggy Mountain Music. With a background in construction, Jimmy quickly noticed the aging store, built in 1894, was in dire need of renovation. With a team effort, they carefully peeled away the old drywall, revealing the original rock and brick walls, and dug out a basement for additional storage space. The transformation was nothing short of remarkable, giving the store an authentic, rustic charm that perfectly aligns with the small-town feel of Grass Valley.

Mary Ellen Sorci was destined for a life filled with music, growing up in a household where her parents’ love for the craft set the tone. Her mother, a skilled violinist, and her father, a woodwind player and bandleader, instilled in Mary Ellen a deep appreciation for music. By her teenage years, she owned her own Martin guitar and found joy creating her own music. This passion eventually led to the founding of Foggy Mountain Music in 1975, housed in a building her mother owned in Grass Valley, California. Over the years, the store became the heart of the local music scene, a plac

Mike Snyder grew up in Maryland, where his love for drums developed during his teenage years. Spending countless hours at Chuck Levin’s Washington Music, Mike developed a deep connection with the drumming community, forging lifelong friendships and a sense of belonging. Years later, he experienced a similar camaraderie when he joined the team at Skip’s Music in Sacramento. Mike’s journey from working in the store’s warehouse in 2006 to advancing into management was not just a career path but a fulfilling mission.

Creed Maggiora fondly recalls the pivotal moment when his father, Skip, asked him to play drums for the inaugural performance of the Stairway to Stardom program in 1981. This annual event, which continues to inspire countless young musicians, was established by Skip to encourage collaboration among emerging talents. Growing up immersed in his father’s vibrant music store, Creed inherited not only the business but also the deep passion his father had for fostering the musical community. Skip also founded SM Productions, offering backline support for festivals, tours, and local even

Doug Hake was one of countless kids whose life was forever changed after watching the Beatles perform on the Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964. From that moment, Doug knew he wanted to play the guitar, and he quickly immersed himself in playing the instrument, finding it a powerful outlet for self-expression. His passion for music continued as he honed his skills as a songwriter and engineer, recording his own compositions whenever possible. In 1985, after relocating to Grass Valley, California, Doug was drawn to the local music store, Foggy Mountain Music, where he soon became a

Dom Di Sisto made a humorous observation years after opening his music store, Holden Hills Music, near Adelaide, Australia: most of his instructors were the same bandmates he had rocked out with in his youth. Starting guitar at age 10, Dom quickly became a fixture in local bands, and after school, he saw a need to create a space for young people to learn rock instruments. His store thrived, offering lessons and locally crafted Maton Guitars, and eventually, Dom became the U.S. distributor for the brand. While attending a NAMM show in 1999, Dom met Joe Lamond, and their conversatio

Cary Nasatir grew up in Chicago, surrounded by rhythm and the beat of his father’s drums, often visiting the iconic Frank’s Drum Shop. It was inevitable that young Cary would develop a love for percussion. He vividly recalls the vibrant atmosphere of the shop, where he took lessons from renowned drummers like Roy C. Knapp and Cozy Cole, and eagerly sought autographs from legends like Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich when they performed clinics at Frank's. But what stands out most for Cary is the sheer joy and exuberance he felt every time he played the drums. As his playing career progre

Dorothy Morrison loves sharing her musical journey, one deeply rooted in faith and family. Raised in Oakland, California, her father, a pastor, and her mother, a missionary, nurtured Dorothy and her nine siblings in the church, where their mother taught them hymns. The siblings performed together as the Young Comb Children, gaining local recognition. By her teenage years, Dorothy’s powerful voice caught the attention of Edwin Hawkins, who invited her to join his choir. In 1967, she sang lead on the iconic gospel hit “Oh Happy Day,” which became a chart-topping anthem of hope durin

Dana Massie is regarded as one of the chief audio architects of digital signal processing (DSP).

Jeff Peterson was born on the Island of Maui. He grew up on a ranch on the slopes of the Haleakala volcano where he was introduced to the rich heritage of Hawaiian music and guitar by his father, a paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy). At an early age, he began to pick up influences from such Hawai‘i slack key greats as the Gabby Pahinui Band, Leonard Kwan, and Sonny Chillingworth. During his studies of jazz and classical guitar, Jeff explored a wide variety of musical genres. Jeff has worked with a wide range of artists including Eric Clapton, James Galway, and Michael Feinstein and the awa

George Kahumoku Jr. lives on Maui with his wife Nancy, maintaining their 3-acre farm, growing fruit and vegetables, dry-land taro (for his famous home-made poi) and tending goats, chickens, and ducks. For nearly 20 years George has performed his famed weekly Slack Key Show on Maui, which produced 4 Grammy-winning CDs. He has won multiple Na Hoku Awards. He founded the Hawaiian Music Institute at the University of Hawai‘i-Maui College to preserve the legacy of Hawaiian music and prepare the next generation for music careers. A renowned storyteller, George collaborated on two books

Bill Smith’s journey into recording engineering began at 16 when his home tapes sparked a relentless curiosity for the craft. After cutting his teeth at various New York studios, a key opportunity at Todd Rundgren’s Secret Sound Studio confirmed his passion, and in 1989 he made the move to Los Angeles. A pivotal role at Cherokee Studios eventually led to a 14-year stint at Capitol Records, where Bill had the fortune of working closely with engineering icon Al Schmitt. His longtime friendship with Beatle’s engineer Geoff Emerick was also the source of great knowledge and inspiratio

Ellis Sorkin’s early exposure to music came through his family’s connection to Herb Alpert, but his own curiosity and drive launched his career. At 14, watching a recording session fueled his fascination with the craft of engineering. An apprenticeship arranged by his father in 1973 set Ellis on a path that saw him working with legends like Joni Mitchell, George Harrison, and Quincy Jones at the storied A&M Studios. His expertise and connections within Los Angeles’ recording scene led him to create Studio Referral Service in 1980, a pioneering business that helped artists and

Steve Genewick's journey into sound engineering was sparked by his childhood fascination with music and a desire to be part of the band without being on stage. His path led him to Cherokee Studios, where he absorbed knowledge from talented engineers like his future collaborator, Bill Smith. This connection ultimately brought him to Capitol Records, where Steve spent over two decades, most notably working alongside the legendary Al Schmitt. As Al’s trusted Pro Tools expert, Steve’s role was vital in many high-profile projects, forging a deep bond with his mentor.

Tommy Vicari’s career is a testament to the power of collaboration and passion for music. Prince's label, Warner Brothers, entrusted Tommy with producing the 17 year old's debut album, a partnership that would help launch one of the most iconic careers in music history. Tommy’s contributions as a Grammy-winning engineer are equally impressive, with his skills shaping recordings at legendary studios like Capitol Records and A&M Studios. Since launching his independent career in 1975, Tommy has worked with music giants like Quincy Jones, Joni Mitchell, Paul Williams, and George

Allison Hargis was teaching middle school in the Poway Unified District when a student’s mother approached Allison about an opening for a band director in nearby Carlsbad. Allison learned about the need for a conductor for the New Horizon Band located at NAMM’s Museum of Making Music.  She was thrilled as she had always enjoyed teaching music to beginners and found educating adults very rewarding. She later joined the museum staff as education manager, a role that has resulted in her many lifelong friends with fellow music lovers.

Rocky Smolin was surrounded by music as a kid and gravitated toward the guitar during the Folk boom of the 1960s. As his career in software development grew, music was set aside for a while until one day he realized he wanted to learn the bass. And so, he did! Rocky is a proud member of the New Horizons Band located at NAMM’s Museum of Making Music. This program was created for people who never had the opportunity to play an instrument or for those who played back in school and want to pick it up again. No matter what your circumstances, New Horizons Music provides a non-intimidat

Lloyd Gonzalez may not have picked up an instrument as a child, but his love for music, especially the soulful sound of the saxophone, has been with him for as long as he can remember. Driven by this lifelong admiration, he sought opportunities to learn and eventually found his place in the New Horizons Band at NAMM’s Museum of Making Music. This supportive and enriching environment has been the perfect stage for Lloyd to realize his musical aspirations. The structured yet welcoming atmosphere has allowed him to progress steadily, building skills he once only dreamed of.

Roark Galloway started playing in elementary school on the clarinet and enjoyed learning to read music.

Sharon Muyco’s mother purchased a piano for her when she was a child, and she played for many years. With an interest in singing, Sharon studied voice at the American Conservatory in Chicago along with nursing, which became her career. Throughout her career, she had a strong passion for music and earned her master’s in music where an interest in playing a stringed instrument developed. Sharon is a proud member of the North Coast Strings located at NAMM’s Museum of Making Music.

Friedbert Wissmann pursued studies in information technology at the Technical University of Dresden and composition at the Carl Maria von Weber University of Music in Dresden earning diplomas in both fields in 1982. During his academic years, he was an active member of Schicht Theater, a song and theater group known for its politically charged performances, where he played the keyboard. After graduating, Friedbert began his career as a lecturer in composition, specializing in electronic sound generation. In 1984, he founded the Studio for Electronic Sound Generation as part of a c

Janet Rose’s musical journey has been as varied as it is compelling. She first explored the violin as a young child, but the saxophone quickly caught her heart in school, inspiring her to take lessons at local music stores. Over the years, Janet experimented with various instruments but eventually discovered her true calling with the electric bass—a sound that resonated deeply with her soul. A proud member of the New Horizons Band at NAMM’s Museum of Making Music, Janet is an enthusiastic participant in both the orchestra and jazz band, where she shines in ensemble settings.

Harry Peacock’s stepfather was a professional jazz musician in San Diego who encouraged Harry and his brother to learn an instrument. For two years his stepfather became Harry’s first music teacher before taking lessons from a retired clarinetist for the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra. Harry played clarinet until he attended college when he put the clarinet down. After he retired, he decided to start playing again. Harry is a proud member of the New Horizons Band located at NAMM’s Museum of Making Music. This program was created for people who never had the opportunity to play an

Colleen Foster grew up in a musical family with her father often playing the organ and piano. She played throughout school in the bands on clarinet and flute. She put playing music aside to focus on her career, however after retiring she looked for an opportunity to play again. Colleen is a proud member of the New Horizons Band located at NAMM’s Museum of Making Music. She joined the band playing her flute but soon realized the band did not have a tuba, so she learned the tuba! The New Horizons Band program was created for people who never had the opportunity to play an instrument

Endre Granat prolonged the legacy of his former teacher and friend by writing The Heifetz Scale Book. The method book, published by Lauren Keiser, put down what Maestro Jascha Heifetz never did, his teaching philosophy and techniques on paper.  Endre became very close to the maestro and played viola with him for years. This publication is just one chapter in Endre’s vast and interesting musical journey. His father, a violinist, turned his son on to the instrument at just 4 years old. By the age of 8 he was already being trained at the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest, a school he w