45 Years of Centre Music House: From Past to Present

Centre Music House has been a Framingham staple for many generations. Local music students and their parents have come to Centre Music House to buy their first instrument and take lessons. Sometimes, even taking lessons from the same instructor! Celebrating 45 years, the family-owned and operated music store is still going strong. Even with nationally known music stores opening locations in the area, Centre Music House has remained the top choice for Framingham residents.

To many residents, owner Corbit Larson is synonymous with the Centre Music House experience. With his friendly, affable manner and ham-it-up sense of humor, Corbit ensures that customers are satisfied and walk out the door with a smile. Recently, Corbit has been preparing the next generation of Larsons to make an indelible impact in Framingham through Centre Music House. His son, Max, is ready to lead Centre Music House into the next 45 years.

To get the full scoop on Centre Music House from past to present, we decided to check in with Corbit. Next week, we will check in with Max and what his plans are for the future of Centre Music House. Enjoy the following interview!

Centre Music House is currently celebrating 45 years of operation in Framingham. What does Centre Music House’s success mean to you?

The ‘success’ of Centre Music House means that we have shared the love of making music with thousands of kids of all ages over the years. It means that we have seen second generation students. It means that we have seen students go on to have successful careers in the music industry; in education, in performance, in industry. We hope that it means that we have helped former students and customers pursue a lifelong love of music.

When and how did you become involved with Centre Music House?

Soon after getting out of college I walked in the door at 18 Main Street into what was then the Eli Rabkin Drum Studio seeking guitar lessons. That was circa 1970, or was it 1776? In any case it was a long time ago and it was revolutionary. In the course of events I became friendly with the owner, Eli, and, at some point, he convinced me to leave a job in the fledgling computer industry in order to help him run this little music store in Framingham.

What are some key events in the history of Centre Music House?

When I first got into this business there were no fewer than 6, that’s 6, music stores in the town of Framingham alone: Devine’s Music, Colonial Music, and Liberty Music in downtown, Eli Rabkin Music in the Centre, Moody Music, and Nat Walsh Music in Nobscot. Over the years, others came and went, such as E.U. Wurlitzer and The Guitar Workshop. That’s just Framingham. There are two of us left.

When my new bride, Barbara, and I bought the business in 1980, inflation was raging nationally, and interest rates were in double-digits. Obviously, we were starry eyed and not thinking very clearly. But for us, it was a high point in our new lives together. History tends to focus on the bad stuff; wars and depression and famine, and we certainly lived through the retail version of those events. But I digress. Focus. Do you know that many musicians are ADD? Focus. Key events… I met my wife-to-be at the music shop. She, a piano student; me, a store manager. We married, bought the business, raised a family – 2 kids- in the town of Framingham.

What does Centre Music House contribute to Framingham and surrounding communities?

We have always tried to support any music-related venture in the community in whatever way we can. Most recently, we supplied violins at no charge to the “Hoops and Homework” after-school program in Framingham. We are currently the sponsor of the “Rock Off Main Street” monthly teen band program presented at the Amazing Things Arts Center in downtown Framingham. You will find our ‘ad’ in the playbill of FHS drama productions, in the FHS band programs. We answer the calls from our local schools to help out when needed. We take part in local events such as MetroFest and Earth Day. We also contribute to other community groups such as the Heritage Chorale and the MetroWest Symphony Orchestra. If it’s musical, we try to back it in any way which we can. Above all, of course, we do our best to help create new musicians through our teaching programs at Centre Music House.

Your son, Max, has been taking more of a leadership role with Centre Music. What do you think are Max’s strengths? What does he bring to the business?

Max has been a blessing twice. First, when he came into our lives, and, second, when he came into the business. He brings a youthful vitality and a knowledge of all things new, especially in the realm of social media and marketing. He brings a new set of eyes and ears and his brain is pretty good, too. He went through the bi-lingual program at Barbieri School and that comes to play in dealing with many customers and his study of Chinese also presents the occasional advantage. His presence has also freed up some time for me so that I can do things like work on my golf game. My playing partners will attest that it still needs work.

What can Framingham and surrounding communities look forward to with Centre Music House?

I am most proud of the staff at Centre Music House. We have a terrific staff of very talented and caring teachers. We have great support staff who are always available to answer questions and help out. We make every attempt to create a safe, fun, and family-friendly atmosphere. We will continue to offer the best in private musical instruction. We recently added group ukulele and beginner guitar classes. We offer performance opportunities to our students in two annual Student Showcases. And this fall we are bringing our monthly Open Mic to downtown Framingham, to be hosted by the Sofa Café on Concord Street. If anyone out there cares to give us $2 million, we would love to move to a larger location, but, for now, we plan on continuing to do amazing things musically at 18 Main Street.

For more information on Centre Music House:

Centre Music House is located at 18 Main Street, Framingham, MA 01702

By phone at: (508) 875-0909.

Visit their website at https://www.centremusic.com/