Music & Arts, one of the nation’s largest musical instrument retailers and lesson providers and part of the Guitar Centerfamily of brands, announces the acquisition of Ken Stanton Music, a major player in the Atlanta band-and-orchestra (B&O) market. Music & Arts, celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, is deeply committed to music education through sourcing musical instruments, lessons, repairs and rentals in the B&O market sector to communities across the U.S. – serving students, parents and educators in the process. Since 2021 the company has focused on increasing its market share through both organic openings and the acquisition of existing stores in cities nationwide. Ken Stanton Music represents one of Music & Arts’ largest acquisitions in several years and supports the company’s ongoing growth strategy. The acquisition includes four separate retail locations and a warehouse/distribution center. Ken Stanton Music’s services will continue uninterrupted as they transition to Music & Arts locations. These stores will join the existing Music & Arts stores in the broader Atlanta metro area, significantly enhancing Music & Arts’ market share in the region.
Focusing on band & orchestra, guitars/drums, pro audio and more, Ken Stanton Music has been a musical instrument powerhouse since its founding in 1949. Its locations in Marietta, Alpharetta, West Cobb and Stone Mountain include strong rental and repair services and a thriving e-commerce business. Similar to Music & Arts’ commitment to establishing trusted relationships with music educators within the community, Ken Stanton Music has three dedicated educational reps who have built personal relationships with many of the region’s band directors.
“After 73 years of Ken Stanton Music in Atlanta, it’s time to pass the torch to the next team to carry on our legacy,” stated Kenny Stanton. “After all that time, the only things that really matter are our customers, people, educators, and vendor partners. I want to thank all for everything you’ve done to support us through the years. I’m very pleased to see Music & Arts doing right by the same people in this transition, and you can all rest assured you will see the same folks in the stores and in the schools day in and day out.”
“As Music & Arts expands, we are proud to share our mission of furthering the cause of music education in our nation’s communities,” stated Jeff Gottlieb, President of Music & Arts. “In particular, we’re thrilled to carry on the well-earned legacy the Ken Stanton brand has had in Atlanta and the music retail industry for generations. Customers can expect the same stunning and varied assortment of band & orchestra instruments, guitars, basses, drums and pro audio, catering to every manner of musician from amateur to professional. And we will continue to serve these patrons and music students with private lessons, rentals and repairs, just as it has always been.”
Since 2021, Music & Arts’ successful growth strategy has included a focus on acquiring specialized B&O retailers looking to transition to new ownership. These stores provide services including lessons, rentals and repairs. Importantly, an emphasis on seamless transitions has resulted in strong employee retention and maintaining existing community and school relationships. Recent acquisitions have included Master Musician in Palm Springs and Murrieta, CA; Center Stage in Augusta, GA; Whole Note Music in Stockbridge, GA; Howren Music in Charlotte, NC; all four locations of the legendary Mississippi Music; Tigard Music in Tigard, OR; Central Instrument Company in Cuyahoga Falls, OH; and Music Training Center in Ardmore and Montgomeryville, PA. Recent organic store openings have included Tucson, AZ; Edison, NJ; Savannah, GA; Summerville, SC; and Rockwall, TX, as well as a new Music & Arts store-within-a-store at Guitar Center New Orleans.
Additionally, the advent of these new Music & Arts locations follows the acquisition of Be Part of the Music, a nationally renowned music education advocacy organization. Be Part of the Music provides a wide range of free content (videos, documents, advocacy materials) and “done-for-you” solutions (website builders, automated solutions, pre-built campaigns) for the recruitment and retention of school music students.
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