IN THE HOTSEAT WITH…Nigel Hill, Yamaha Music London

Guardian of Yamaha’s flagship London retail outlet, once Chappell of Bond Street, former orchestral musician. Equally revererential towards Rachmaninov and Steve Guppy…

Name: Nigel Hill

Job Title: General Manager, Yamaha Music, London

What does that involve? Day to day running of this flagship location. This includes three showroom floors that contain the UK’s largest portfolio of Yamaha Musical Instruments, plus sheet music and accessories. Managing a Grade II listed building in the heart of Soho and the cut and thrust of London’s West End. Additionally welcoming many VIP visitors from Yamaha, media and other MI retailers.

The best thing working for Yamaha Music London? The passion, drive and creativity of the people I work with at Yamaha and Yamaha Music London.

And the worst? The psychological, physical and financial cost of commuting by public transport to and from Central London!

Are you now or have you ever been in a band?  A band of sorts – I played with pro-orchestras in the UK and Europe during my career as a solo artist. The sound is, er, kind of “classical symphonic wash”.

Pick three Desert Island Discs… Impossible to choose 50, let alone three. To keep you happy: Bach – Das Wohltemperierte Klavier, Rachmaninov –  2nd Symphony, When You’re Smiling (Leicester City FC version)

If you had a golden rule, what would it be? Always know what your competition is doing and never stop listening to the customer. They are more often than not right.

Tell us about the oddest customer you’ve ever encountered. A surgeon to the rich and famous who walked in to our store for the first time to ask directions as we were closing one Christmas Eve. He put a £10 cash deposit on a Disklavier Upright Piano which was playing  in the foyer of the store, as he had left his wallet with his partner. He returned the next trading day and ordered a full concert grand version, the most expensive instrument we sell, along with additional Pianos for his residence, paying in full on the spot.

Ever had a job outside the industry? Pro-musician for 10 years, working as a classical piano soloist.

Best advice you’ve ever been given? “Don’t die wondering”. Work hard, don’t wait for things to happen, make them happen for yourself and inspire others through pure graft – never give up.

Worst? “Whatever happens, happens for a reason”. Sure it does, but look deeply at what has happened, so you can make a better decision next time and don’t make the same mistake again. And a good one I heard last week from a colleague – “All advice is useless”!!

What would you call your autobiography? Not sure I could write it or anyone want even want to read it, how about calling it Unfinished Business.