Industry Updates and People News

The Best Music Shop Closes

After 15 years with Yamaha Australia, followed by 20 years in retail, Ian Evans has decided to close his Jindalee, Queensland store as of July 1, 2016. This announcement closes a Music School with 300 Students and 6 teachers. The Best Music Shop employed 5 Staff , and had a great relationship with the Music Industry, including hosting Weekend Warriors, and some wonderful customers.

Industry Veteran, Barry Croll Retires

The changes to Future Music recently announced saw the retirement of Barry Croll, a passionate advocate for music education, and a seminal industry marketer and retailer. Barry was a driver of the original Melbourne Music Expos in the 1980s, and he was responsible for the Melbourne School Bands Festival, both legacies that endure to this day in one form or another. After a long career at Music Junction and then MJ Blackburn, he established Future Music in 1998, a specialist in knowledge and service in the supply of musical instruments, software and print music to the education sector.

The AMA wishes him and Ashlyn well.

Changes at Maton and National Music

Michael Pappas has been appointed to replace Michael ‘Axle’ Foley at Maton Guitars who has moved on to another career and location in Warnnambool. Michael was with Maton for many years and will be well-known to many in the industry.

Michael Pappas was with National Music for over a decade after being with ELFA for some years. National Music is interviewing over the next week or so and a new Territory Manager for Victoria will be starting soon. We wish both gents all the best.

Gallins Musicians Pro Shops to close in Queensland

Following the rebranding of Gallins Musicians Pro Shops in Underwood and Mermaid beach, QLD in 2015 to Allans Billy Hyde, AMG has announced that the Fortitude Valley, QLD and Annandale, NSW will close on June 30. Gallins will continue to operate in Prahran for the time being, but will join all other retail stores in the group under the Allans Billy Hyde brand.

Future Music Changes 

Industry veteran, Barry Croll and his daughter Ashlyn Hiscocks have announced that they will hand over the reins in July to long-time partner Palmi Snorrason.

Ashlyn said in a press release. “In establishing Future Music in 1998, Barry and I created a music business unrivaled in the industry for specialist knowledge and individual service in the supply of musical instruments, software and print music to the education sector. Future Music continues to flourish and is set to grow from its well established base, regarded amongst the best school music departments in Australia. Our company’s philosophy and focus have always been driven by a team of experienced musicians with a passion for music education.

We welcome back Ben Bainbridge as manager of the experienced Future Music team including Tim Solly, Matt Stewart, Judy Anderson, Michael Cooper, James Fisher and Bryn Evans.  Now located in Blackburn within the Music Junction center, the next chapter in the journey continues to be serviced by a passionate and knowledgeable team.  In a context of closing music businesses Future Music is in a very positive place, meeting all expectations and is set for the Future.

Since commencing his service to the music industry in the 1970’s, Barry Croll has been instrumental in the creation of so many initiatives that have set young musicians on a path to a career in music.  From working with schools and universities, keeping educators informed about the cutting edge of music products, his devoted work towards developing Concert Bands in schools and the establishment of events including ‘Music Expo’ and The Melbourne Schools Bands Festival, Barry’s service to the music industry has always been driven by his unending passion for music and excellence in music education.  Barry’s commitment has served Australian music well.

I’ve enjoyed 25 years in the industry, walked amongst school music departments, made many friends and enjoyed the challenges of keeping the Future Music engine running.  Whilst Barry is deservedly looking forward to years of retirement and I swap traffic and parking, for chats about rain fall and cows on the road, we genuinely thank you for the relationships, we continue to share a passion for music and look forward with excitement to the future”.

The AMA acknowledges the outstanding contribution that Barry Croll has made to the music products industry and in particular, Music Education in schools. “Barry has been a mentor to many people, including myself”, said Rob Walker. His passion for band music, music students and teachers is legendary and his legacy is significant”.