Independence School of Music - Independence Ohio - sitemap 

Private lessons  - Piano - Guitar  - Drum - Strings - Flute  - Oboe  - Clarinet - Trumpet - Trombone - Saxophone - Percussion  -

From Box Stores to Baby Boomers.   (reprinted from methodmusicbooks.com)

I am very excited about few trends in the music industry. Many music school owners express concerns about the negative impact of Big Box stores and the internet on the sale of music instruments through music stores. Box Store customers create a short term problem, because many of them have never stepped foot in a music center such as Independence School of Music in Independence Ohio.

On the other hand, because of their traffic and merchandising expertise, these box stores will sell more instruments than might of been possible through the smaller specialized music school retailers. Customers having bought their first musical instrument soon are going to be looking for private music lessons from their local music center, instrument repairs, eventually a step-up instrument, expertise on their instrument, music accessories, and music books.

Savvy music store operators will begin putting marketing programs in place to welcome these "box store customers" with the message "now that you bought a new guitar at the discount house or on the internet, Why not let our qualified instructors show you how to get maximum pleasure out of it... and let our qualified technicians fix it"

The other trend, is that baby boomers now into their mid to late 50s represent a tremendous opportunity for music stores.  The boomers studied an band instrument, sang in the choir, and participated in the school orchestra... or wish they would have. Then as they raised their children, boomers made sure that their kids participated in the school music programs to help them get into a good college. Boomer believe in private lessons for their kids.  Now they are ready to "find themselves" through recreational music, and they need a good music school teacher to help them do it.

The boomers have discretionary income, and time on their hands. Music schools, and music teachers need to tap into this wealth of talent, just waiting to get back into playing their trumpet, or perhaps take up piano, and so on.

While this might not replicate the music industry boom of the 90s, it might well make the difference between thriving over the next few years, or just surviving.

It took me by surprise when the Brecksville Gazette suggested I advertise in a section read mostly by senior citizens. I protested that seniors watch their money closely and are not likely to splurge on music lessons. It was pointed out to me that seniors are not known for spending their lifetime savings on themselves... but there is no limit to what they will do for their grandchildren. Almost every week I get a phone call from grandma inquiring about music lessons for her grandchildren. I even have some coming in now for semi-private lessons under our buddy lesson group less program to learn to play guitar together.