Sound Beach Music Sets The Right Tone

Sally Morrison, who owns Sound Beach Music with her husband, Steve Subject, says there are several things that has kept the community coming to the store for a generation.

"We have 25 instructors that teach all types of music and voice--they teach an average of 300 students, seven days a week," she said. "We have a full stock of instruments, a wide selection of guitar and drum parts, many of which you can't get in most places, and if you bring an instrument in for repair we give you a loaner."

She said they also rent out band and orchestra instruments, as well as PA equipment.

"It [the store] was originally Tony Sanns Music, at another location," Morrison said. "My husband began teaching there, then began working there and became manager. On Jan. 1, 1985 he bought the store.

"It has been through some changes," she added. "We eventually moved to another location in Sound Beach on Echo Avenue and expanded the store. Then in 1994 we moved from Sound Beach to Miller Place Square, still on Echo Avenue. We further expanded the store in 2004."

Steve Subject has been teaching guitar and bass since 1975. He has performed all over Long Island, both as a soloist and with bands. He also composes his own music and has two CDs featuring his wife on vocals along with members of the Sound Beach Music family.

Morrison has been playing piano since 1987 and has been teaching for Sound Beach Music since 1996. She sings professionally and specializes in playing classical piano.

Todd Lee sat in the middle of the store, playing a guitar.

"I bought my first electric guitar from Steve when I was 14," he said.

Lee is in the rockabilly band the Long Island Hornets, who will playing at the Harborside Summer Concert Series in Port Jefferson Village on Aug. 11.

Elyse Harrigan accompanied by her chihuahua Nacho, were returning bells.

"We just moved from Sachem to Rocky Point," she said. "My son Brian is in the sixth grade and takes drum lessons here."

The place has a busy, friendly buzz: kids heading downstairs to take lessons, people perusing sheet music, others looking over the instruments.

Jonathan Greco manned the desk. He is a graphic designer who does all the printed material and the store's website. Jonathan is in the band The Architects.

"It's weird punk music, but it's community based with a good message," he said.

The store also just ran a contest for two tickets to Warped Tour.

From sheet music and music instruction to instrument rental or purchase, Sound Beach Music has established a harmony in the community beyond its doors.