Sheryl's story

Sheryl Martin - Downtown Music Born and raised in Las Vegas, I once dreamed of being a professional trumpet player on the famed Vegas strip. My obsession with the trumpet began after I saw the comedic rock opera, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” I pursued the trumpet and French horn throughout school, and continued playing at UCLA. After completing my degree in Women’s Studies, I worked in various sales and management roles at a high corporate level. Gaining knowledge and experience in the corporate world ignited a desire to become a business owner myself. Despite the great weather, beaches, and work, Los Angeles didn’t feel like home - I realized something was missing. I took a trip to New Orleans where I immediately fell in love with the diverse and deep musical culture that's remained omnipresent in the city. New Orleans is also where I met my husband, who was a trumpet player in the U.S. Naval Band at the time. Our shared love of the trumpet and music inspired us to name our son Quincy, after our favorite musician and composer, Quincy Jones. After planting roots in New Orleans, my family and I became involved and invested in the culture; we were quick to notice the lack of music stores in the area. After learning that the only music instrument shop in the French Quarter was soon to be shut down, I pounced on the opportunity and fulfilled a personal dream. Since then my team and I have been providing services and necessities for local musicians, as well as sharing our knowledge and love of music with visitors from around the world. We are now playing one role of many to ensure that music in New Orleans continues for generations to come. We've developed partnerships with local school and community music programs and have, and will continue to support our local musicians and venues in the greater New Orleans area.