A podcast dedicated to instrumental music retailers, featuring interviews with the best retailers in our industry, as well as other leaders.
Hosted by Donovan Bankhead, President at Ernie Williamson Music - a NAMM Top 100 Full-Line Instrumental Music Retail Business.
Navigating the Changing Landscape of Music Retail: My Candid Chat with Dave Simon
In this special episode, I was interviewed by Dave Simon from Ensemble Performing Arts, and I couldn’t be more excited to share our conversation with you. We dive into the rich history of Ernie Williamson Music—from its humble beginnings in 1935 in Pittsburg, KS, to its evolution into a multi-location powerhouse serving generations of musicians. Dave and I explore everything from the origins of our iconic music store and its fascinating acquisition story, to the challenges and triumphs of marketing in today’s digital world. We also discuss the vital role of social media and e-commerce in modern retail, and I share personal insights on embracing technology and innovation, including the impact of AI on business decisions.
I believe the stories and strategies we discussed on Dave’s podcast will resonate with the listeners of my podcast, offering a unique blend of nostalgia, practical marketing tips, and forward-thinking ideas. Tune in for an engaging, candid, and sometimes humorous look at how tradition and innovation come together in the ever-changing landscape of music retail.
26 Nov 2024
From Small Space to Big Player: The Journey of Dave’s Guitar Shop
Dave Rogers shares his journey from small space to big player in the guitar retail market, highlighting the importance of company culture, personal connections, and adapting to changing market trends.
13 Nov 2024
Band Instrument Repair in High Schools: A New Approach to Career and Tech Education
This conversation explores the innovative approach to teaching high school students about band instrument repair, initiated by Aaron Moss in response to the retirement of a local music store. The discussion covers the development of a curriculum, student engagement, funding through CTE programs, and the importance of balancing educational initiatives with professional repair services. Moss emphasizes the need for in-house repair solutions in schools, the high interest from students, and the potential career paths available in the repair industry.
Link to NAfME Article (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nqAO8TsBNWETwLF59lhWDBTAfq1glH1d/view )
Link to Aaron's Slide Deck (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nIgq-KZ4HCjaAiHUgGPmGYjqpL8b_SLf/view?usp=sharing)
Takeaways
The initiative to teach band instrument repair arose from a local music store's retirement.
Career Technical Education (CTE) funding was crucial for establishing the program.
Student interest in repair classes was consistently high, leading to full enrollment.
Classes were structured with prerequisites to ensure students had a foundational understanding of instruments.
The program included hands-on experience with real instruments, enhancing learning.
Funding for the program grew from an initial budget of $27,000 to over $100,000.
The curriculum was developed by paralleling existing classes, such as bicycle repair.
Moss aims to advocate for the repair industry and create pathways for students into apprenticeships.
Balancing educational repair initiatives with professional repair services is essential.
The future of band instrument repair education looks promising with ongoing discussions and collaborations.
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Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
8,339
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
15 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
12
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
51
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Guest appearances
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