Mike Risko Music Receives Numerous Awards in its 20th Year of Business in Ossining

In its 20th year as a vital part of the Ossining community, Mike Risko Music has experienced a banner year, with multiple awards showcasing its importance as a local small business, a community partner, and a player as a national music merchant.

Mike Risko Music, which offers private music lessons, teaches a variety of group music classes, and has a fully-stocked music store and instrumental rental program for students throughout Westchester County, was most recently recognized on September 17, when it was honored for Excellence in Small Business by 914Inc magazine in its General Excellence category, for business successes and for making a difference in the small business community. As part of the honor, Mike Risko Music co-owners/husband and wife team Miriam and Mike Risko were featured in the third quarter issue of 914Inc in August.

“It was inspiring to be among so many successful small businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Mike Risko. “We are so thrilled to be recognized by 914Inc and we look forward to continuing to build our school and store and to offer the community a place where they can fulfill all their musical needs.”

In June the top trade association for music merchants, the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), named Mike Risko Music one of the top 100 musical instrument and product retailers in the world, for the second year in a row. It was also among the top three honorees in NAMM’s Music Makes a Difference category for its programs with local nonprofit community groups.

In late August, News12 Westchester recognized Mike Risko Music’s popular Rock Band Camp, which aspiring children learn how to be a part of a rock band, in a segment. “When we say being a ‘rock star,’ it’s not just being what everyone thinks of as a rock star – it’s showing kids that they can do anything – the world is theirs,” said Mike Risko in the segment.

This summer, Mike Risko Music received awards from two local magazines – Westchester Magazine’s Best of Westchester gave a Reader’s Choice Award for Best Music Store for the third time (2010, 2014, 2015), and Westchester Family magazine named Mike Risko Music among the top five places for music lessons in their family favorites category, and as the best place for rock music classes.

“It is so meaningful to us to have been recognized so broadly in our 20th year serving Ossining and its surrounding communities,” said Miriam Risko. “We started this business in 1995 and it has grown into something bigger than we could have imagined – and the best part is that we get to do what we love everyday – share our love of music with so many.”

Mike Risko Music, located at 144 Croton Avenue in Ossining, NY, is a unique and innovative performance oriented music school offering instruction on all instruments and voice in a wide range of musical styles including classical, jazz and rock. In addition to private music instruction, the school offers classes, workshops and frequent recitals that focus on developing musicianship and performance skills. The Mike Risko Music Store offers quality equipment, instruments and sheet music. Founded in 1995, Mike Risko Music has continued to grow as a part of the community, giving thousands of people the opportunity to play an instrument.