Interview with Wright Music
I first met Jonathan Watkins in the mid-1980s when he was working with another retail music store in the NYC area. He was always energetic, positive, and helpful regarding any of my instrumental needs. We continued to remain in contact as he ended up working for Sam Ash and ultimately running the Woodwind & Brasswind store in NYC prior to his purchase of Wright Music. In an industry where retailers are often thought of as just businesspeople, Jonathan proved to be a friend and is still thought of that way by the top woodwind instrumentalists. That trait along with his commitment to improving the profession and music education allows Wright Music to retain a unique position in the industry. Chrystal Conklin has also exhibited the same qualities over the past twenty-two years and is equally respected by educators and pros alike. It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to contact them for any question or purchase and know that you’ll be speaking with friends who will help you and service your needs quickly. This interview provides an inside view of the retail music industry, the benefits of dealing with a local music shop, and the opportunities for work in this sector of the music industry. It should also offer hope to young, aspiring professionals who are thinking outside of the music performance/music education fields for a career. Listed below are institutions that offer instruction and/or certification in instrumental repair. This is a field that needs capable technicians NOW!
About Wright Music
Wright Music, located in Port Washington, NY on Long Island has been in existence for over 50 years. In 2003 it was purchased by Jonathan Watkins, an experienced and respected professional in the music retail business as well as an accomplished bassoonist. Shortly after re-opening Wright Music, Jonathan hired Chrystal Conklin, an undergraduate clarinet and music education major at Hofstra University to work part-time in the shop. Several years later, Chrystal changed her focus to working in the retail music industry as her full-time profession. They service numerous educational districts on Long Island and in New York City, music instructors, and local residents while providing a full line of band and orchestral instruments, accessories, music, rentals, repairs and guidance. In addition, they work with the top woodwind professionals in the New York metropolitan area as well as throughout the country in providing top-of-the-line professional instruments, reeds, music, and accessories. They welcome in-store customers and offer a full complement of online services. Jonathan and Chrystal’s continued involvement as players allow them to retain a sensitivity to the requests of the raw beginner as well as the most seasoned professional. Wright Music is also involved in every important music conference on the east coast, the annual NAMM show, and at schools and universities throughout New York, Long Island, and New Jersey. They personify what a local music retail store can bring to the profession and their community as well as serve as an example for other such businesses.
Contact Wright Music at:
https://www.wright-music.com
The following schools are associated with the NAPBRIT (National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians) and offer certifications and/or degrees in instrumental repair:https://www.wright-music.com/
- Renton Technical College (Renton, WA)
- Western Iowa Tech (Sioux City, IA)
- Minnesota State College Southeast (Red Wing, MN)
- Badger State Repair School (Elkhorn, WI)
- Southeast Music Institute (Cartersville, GA)
The following schools offer training for people wishing to repair instruments, but without certification:
- University of North Texas (Denton, TX)
- Instrument Repair School (Denton, TX)