For nearly 45 years of dedicated service to the Canandaigua and surrounding communities, Mobile Music is thrilled to announce a new chapter in its history with a change in ownership. Effective on the first of the new year, long-term employee, Jason Leach and his family assumed ownership of the business, ensuring its continued legacy of excellence.
Mobile Music, a full-line music store in Downtown Canandaigua since 1981, began with the original owner, Timothy Chaapel’s, passion for music and a 1972 Astro Van. After graduating from Morrisville State College with a degree in certified instrument repair technology, Chaapel’s father suggested an on-the-road repair concept to service local school music programs within the region. Hitting the road and making calls to 15 local schools, hence the name, Mobile Music, Tim tirelessly repaired instruments in the back of his van with a workbench, tools, and accessories on hand for teachers’ and students’ needs.
Chaapel’s hard work reaped the rewards of his labor, establishing his first brick-and-mortar location in a one-counter shop on Niagara Street in Canandaigua in less than six months of beginning his mobile service. He and his wife, Denise, who has also played a vital role in Mobile Music’s accomplished history, continued to occupy four other locations in Downtown Canandaigua as their business and need for space grew. Statistics have shown that most mom-and-pop stores don’t survive beyond their first five years, Mobile Music has achieved the improbable and quickly became an anchor in Downtown Canandaigua. Overcoming adversity through the years, this business has endured economic downfalls, big-box retail takeovers, the online shopping boom, a pandemic, widespread budget cuts in music and arts programs, and so much more.
Today, Mobile Music serves 52 area schools, while developing a highly respected music education program. It is known for its professional music educators, rentals, and repair department, drawing over 1,000 customers and students weekly. Under the leadership of Tim and Denise Chaapel, Mobile Music has built a strong reputation for friendly and knowledgeable customer service, quality craftsmanship, professional music education programs, and a charitable partner to our local communities’ music programs. In reminiscing on the years, Tim expressed he is, “incredibly humbled by the community’s support for the past 45 years.” Mobile Music has always strived to encourage and enhance music education within the community and beyond.
As Mobile Music is ready for its next chapter, the Chaapels are pleased to transfer ownership to a former employee of many years, Jason Leach, keeping the integrity of a family-owned local retailer. Getting back to his passion of solely repairing instruments and piano tunings, Tim is looking forward to remaining on staff at Mobile Music. Mr. and Mrs. Chaapel share that they, “are elated to be able to turn the store to an employee with a passion to keep the name, staff, and same level of service our community, customers, school educators, and students have come to appreciate.” Leach and his wife Sarah are committed to building upon Mobile Music’s success, noting that “Music is so vital to our community. My family and I are so thrilled and honored to continue to provide a place for music to thrive.” Though Mobile Music may be changing keys, its sweet melody will play on.
Keep up to date on Mobile Music’s latest happenings on their website at www.MblMusic.net or their Facebook page.
