I was crawling around, and over, musical instruments practically from the moment of my birth. Dad was a professional musician, and a band and orchestra director. In addition, he was a piano technician, and bought and sold instruments back in our hometown in Pennsylvania. I'd often tag along while Dad and Mom went to some church or other to work on the church's instruments.

So you would have little doubt that about the time I started to walk and talk, I started to play musical instruments! Unfortunately, I had a breathing obstruction that prevented my success with wind instruments. That left strings and percussion.

Today, I wish I'd started on the violin earlier. There's an old time fiddlin' tradition on both sides of my gene pool. A few years ago, I finally attacked the fiddle, and that's coming along fine now.

Back then, I told Dad that I wanted to be a drummer. "Drums?!" he thundered. "Don't you want to play a melody?"

"How 'bout guitar?" I countered. "That's a COWBOY instrument!!" he replied.

So I play drums and guitar.

To Dad and Mom's credit, once the decisions were made, they supported my choices with lessons and fine instruments. And that support paid off, at a fine location as well.

This is where Educator's Music comes in. I learned my drums and guitar from fine teachers at that Lakewood institution. Over the years, I've come to appreciate the great people there more and more. Recently, they found two vintage type leather handles to match two cases for me. That kind of customer service makes them a go-to location for all things musical.

Presently located at Wyandotte and Detroit Avenues, Educator's Music came into being in the early 1950's. The store was founded by John Stavash Sr. and his late wife, Eleanor. Over the years, the store grew and developed a comprehensive sheet music department serving band, orchestral, and choral directors. The store continues to support a repair facility, private lessons, and a comprehensive line of instruments from well-built student lines to those built for the discriminating professional musician.

A house behind the Detroit storefront houses their repair facility, lesson rooms, sheet music, and the family music museum; although presently, the design of that building is under revision.

The Stavash family continues to own the business. Stavash offspring Carol and John Jr. are both involved these days, while John Sr. enjoys his semi-retirement.

I had the great privilege some years ago of having John Sr. take me through his fascinating museum and shop. At that time, he was trying to perfect a child's plastic flute-type instrument. Although a master musician in his own right, having played all over the world, his interest in children being successful with their music came first in his heart.

The many instruments in the Stavash Collection reflect an eclectic mix of styles and periods. Each tells its own story in a sublime way. Though some, no doubt, have great pecuniary value, all are special. Native American flutes nestle close by Scottish drums and Civil War instruments. John Sr. is an excellent story teller and a compassionate caretaker of these beautiful and historical instruments.

As school opens once again, it is important to note that Educator's Music continues to be a modern and vibrant place of business. Band and orchestra rentals can easily be arranged. Some of the most up-to-the minute instruments are made available for the needs of a worldwide clientele of beginning, intermediate, and advanced musicians.

As the store's name indicates, education continues to be the central focus of activity throughout the establishment. Whether through lessons, sheet music supply, rentals, or instrument repair and service, Educator's Music is ready to meet the needs of Lakewood's musical community, as they help to mark the pulse of this city.