LEWIS MUSIC STORE LLC
KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA

The store is now run by Arthur's son, Brian Lewis! Having acquired the family business in 1989, Brian modernized the the store while still providing Lewis Music's personal, courteous, prompt service. Brian personally repairs your brass and woodwind instruments.  Brian Lewis never planned it, but he maintains a legacy of more than 50 years in business at Lewis Music in Mineola, a legacy inherited from his late father, Arthur. Brian was studying for a bachelors degree in music education at Queens College when his father was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease in 1986. His mother was also ill and he started helping his father in the music business he had opened in the early 1950s. “I started helping him repair [musical] instruments. I really liked it,” Lewis said, adding, “His repair skills were still there.” Lewis, 52, recalled that he faced a tough decision after graduating college: accept a full-time teaching position in the Syosset School District or continue working in the family business. He ultimately apprenticed repairing instruments under his father’s tutelage and took over the business in 1989 as he taught part-time in the Syosset district. The business isn’t the only legacy that his father gave him. Arthur played saxophone and his two sons, both influenced by their father’s love of music, both became accomplished professional trumpet players. “I like to do it. The kids are great. I like to be involved in every facet of the music business,” Lewis said. Lewis said then Sinatra tunes the group plays behind vocalist Ron D’Abruzzo, help to draw bookings these days. Lewis said maintaining the music store business primarily by offering music lessons to 125 to 150 students a week, selling and renting instruments to school districts, and continuing to repair them. Thoughts about expanding the business were thwarted by instrument sales on the Internet, which he said affected his school business as it permanently transformed music retail sales. “Back in the old days, people did business with my father and me because they liked us,” adding that the personal service they offered inspired loyalty. He opened a storefront on Willis Avenue, eventually moving to Mineola Boulevard. Brian moved the business to its present location on Jericho Turnpike in Mineola. Brian Lewis is a professional trumpet player and can be heard with his "New Vintage" Orchestra & CONGA Tribute Band throughout Long Island and the tri-state area. His group also provides school clinics and jazz workshops.