TAUNTON – Longtime downtown staple Eastern Music has started a new chapter with a new owner.
Thomas Tran took over as new owner in June, succeeding Patia Campbell who owned and ran the musical instrument store for over three decades.
Quite impressive for Tran, considering that at time of writing, he isn’t even of legal drinking age; he turns 21 on August 26.
A passionate music lover and player, Tran said Eastern Music has been a major influence on his life, buying his first guitar from the shop at age 10.
When asked why he became the new owner, he said, “Music and the store have had a large impact on me personally. I’m hoping it could have an impact on other people and other kids in the community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue the legacy of the store.”
A true passion
Tran is a Taunton native and 2022 graduate of Taunton High School.
He said in high school his focus was music, taking as many music courses as he could, including Music Theory and Symphonic Bond, as well as after school programs dealing with Jazz Band and Guitar.
Late in his senior year of high school he started working at Eastern Music at 45 Main St.
Before taking ownership of Eastern Music, Tran held a part-time job there while also working full-time at his father’s business, Unity Carpet, Inc.
Tran also plays guitar in rock band, The Park Hill Romance, which he’s been playing in since his freshman year of high school. The band just released its first full-length album, Aquila, this past January. The band actively plays all across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and beyond.
“It’s always been a dream to be a full-time artist, and to work full-time in music is a great accomplishment.”
Taking over
Tran said earlier this year, Campbell informed him she was looking to sell Eastern Music. Tran started saving in order to make her an offer.
He said both his parents are proud and supportive of his venture; he credits his father, as well as Campbell, for teaching him what he knows about running a business.
Keeping tradition
Tran said nothing will be changing at Eastern Music.
In addition to its wide assortment of musical instruments and accessories it sells and rents, it also provides in-house repair services for instruments. Tran said longtime repairman, Ray Longo, is still with Eastern Music.
One thing Tran wants to improve is the selection of instruments being sold, saying he wants to include more high-end brands.
Eastern Music is also continuing to offer music lessons in all of its seven lesson rooms, ranging from piano to guitar, to drums, woodwind instruments, violins and other string instruments, and even vocal lessons, all taught by experienced musicians and/or music teachers who attended Berkley College of Music.
Bigger community presence
Tran wants to increase Eastern Music’s participation at city events, such as Downtown Taunton’s Sip, Shop, and Stroll.
He’s been communicating with other downtown businesses about collaborations, whether it’s playing music inside their spaces, or offering deals and discounts that transfer to his and other businesses when customers patron one.
“My neighbors have been very supportive. I love being a part of Main Street,” said Tran, adding he thanks Center on Main, Talisa’s on Main, Serendipity Bookshop, and Neighbors Coffee, amongst others, for the positive relations.
He said with this increased presence, he hopes to attract more musicians and aspiring musicians to come to the store, whether for business or for interaction. “I want the space to be comfortable safe space for artists so they are inspired to play.”
Hours of operation
Eastern Music is located at 45 Main St., Taunton. It’s current hours of operation are: Monday to Friday, noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tran is looking to expand evening and weekend hours after the summer.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.tauntongazette.com ’
