The music store had been around since the early 50’s. People that took lessons there as a child returned later with their children and likewise when those children grew up, they brought their children. It was/is a truly vintage charming place and a place I called home base since landing in Los Angeles. Many kids grew up in this old fashioned establishment and I’m one of them. I landed green out of music school and it’s at Charles Music that I was able to grow into becoming the teacher and woman I am and want to be; modernly independent yet classically old-fashioned. The owner, George, is an alumnus of Berklee. I felt like a bonus daughter as they matched wonderful students to me. Many are still part of my life.
Charles Music came about the same era as Bobs Big Boy. It attracted people that loved the classic sensibility while life became more high tech. A music store is a place where people connect to their acoustic selves. This journey in learning music isn’t just learning to read notes to bang out a song. It’s more than muscle memory and being able to entertain. There’s a more profound lesson that even a child gets it. To learn how to listen to the world and be aware of how they practice to express themselves. I tell them that the piano bench teaches and says a lot about a person. People have quirky ways of displaying and mastering emotion. I’m there to coach them that they will never be defeated or bested by a string of notes.
Some of my favorite things my students say to me and theirselves.
“I got this.”
“That was easier than I thought it would be. It looked scary a while ago.”
“I can make that better. I want to play it again. Turn on the clock.”
I measured each piece with a stopwatch. If they hemmed in frustration or gave constant commentary while playing, time showed that they can yet streamline their acoustic self. And they always wanted to prove it to me and themselves.
It’s really special people that frequent family businesses in such a way that they are there every week. The Neighborhood Music Store. You’re neighbors in one space, without the walls. You strike up cool conversations that you continue the following week. Kids admire one another’s playing without the stress of a recital space. It’s really sweet when a student exits their lesson and the following student tells them that they sound great. It’s a rock star moment at a humble place. That’s the beauty of a neighborhood music store.
The comedy channel even came to film a bit with the owner, George.
Kids may grow up and families may move but Charles Music felt like a part of Glendale that would never leave. Next week, I bring home my studio supplies and decorations. This was drawn by a dad while he sat in during his daughter’s lesson.
I’ve been posting myself on blast. I’m looking for students that are looking for me. I won’t have Charles Music setting up my divine appointments for me anymore.
I enjoyed so many happy years driving Trinity to Charles Music. Maybe you parked right next to her when you came over.
A lot of wonderful people came to this mom and pop music store, not just musicians. Maybe I’m teaching the kid across the street who’s practices all the time playing SONGS for a pet sitting on their lap, or your school nurse that relates to kids and parents with a wise sensitivity you wish more people had, or that co-worker that gets tasks done spectacularly and doesn’t need applause.
Covid changed the world and online won the business of those that used to go to the shop down the street. I hope the future brings back family businesses. The trend of investment groups owning businesses has made for some sharp looking restaurants and bars but it still feels corporate. Clean, modern, and able to do a brief shutdown for a quick overhaul. Modern businesses upgrade like apps. Family businesses are more organic.
Support your local mom and pop family business. They are as organic as businesses can be. I don’t go to big chain stores if there’s a shop nearby. The business owner and American Dream is going to be an old-fashioned relic if we let big business eat them away. My student told me she wished she had money to buy the music store for me. I would’ve loved to see Charles Music into the bitcoin future.
It’s a sad week for me. I will check out other music stores in the area. I hope to find another family business, another Neighborhood Music Store. If you have ever entered Charles Music, you’ll understand the nostalgia and how family businesses are also friends of the community. It’s your last week to say goodbye. Swing by.
I’ll always be an old-fashioned gal with my modern streak. Say hello if you fancy piano lessons. I will be teaching online and at my home AND I accept bitcoin. And if you don’t know anything about bitcoin, I’d be happy to teach you a bit about that too.
Visit your local family businesses. If they have been there for decades, they will have great stories to tell. Return for another story and support their business.
The community concerts were hosted after hours. Student recitals. Lots of good people gathering to share their love for music, unplugging from high tech and feeding their acoustic self.
Thanks for being a significant part of my life, Charles Music, truly a magical place for many.
Magical especially for me.
JNET
