Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael and Rebecca Leonard.
Michael Leonard started repairing musical instruments in 1983 while he was a student at New England Conservatory majoring in saxophone performance. He met his wife Rebecca, a clarinetist, while he was there. Word spread about his skills as a repair technician and he was soon repairing instruments for his friends, colleagues and the school even while his performing career was taking him all over the world. His business expanded over the years and eventually included a rental and retail business. For years Leonards Music operated out of the Leonard’s home in Wayland in a workshop over the garage. In 2009, Leonards Music moved to its own building in Bedford, MA.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Leonards Music owns all of the instruments we rent out. Coming up with enough cash to purchase new inventory each year as the business expanded was a challenge. In the beginning, we were lucky to have family that gave us our first loan.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Leonards Music – what should we know?
Leonards Music rents, sells and repairs all band and orchestra instruments. We pride ourselves in offering quality instruments and superior service. Most of our competitors send out their instruments to be repaired. We do all of our repairs in house. Since we started just as a repair shop, we can do all of the servicing of instruments ourselves.
When one of our rental customers’ needs their instrument repaired, they let us know and we can be at their school within 48 hours to pick the instrument up and bring it back to our shop. All instruments are returned to the school within 24 hours. Parents love the convenience of having everything taken care of for them. They never even have to travel to our shop unless they want to. We love making music easy for parents and students.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Michael first studied instrument repair at a local flute company, but really did most of the learning on his own. Being able to play all of the instruments that he repairs is a huge advantage. Being a performer, himself helps him understand the needs of the professional musician.
Contact Info:
- Address: 128 Great Rd., Bedford, Ma 01730
- Website: www.LeonardsMusic.com
- Phone: 781-271-1189
- Email: info@LeonardsMusic.com
- Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/leonardsmusicbedford/?ref=page_internal
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
