Swan Song: Caldwell Studio of Music to Close

It's another day at the Caldwell Studio of Music. Students of all ages are coming into the music shop for their instrument lessons, with some parents browsing sheet music while they wait.

Toward the back, the muffled sound of brass instruments can be heard underneath the cool jazz playing on the radio in the front. Behind the counter, as always, is Beverly Sannito.

The only difference on this day is the conversation. Customers are asking about a banner hanging in the front window, announcing the store's permanent closing next month.

It may be hard to believe, but after more than five decades, the Caldwell Studio of Music will be no more as of July. 

Earlest Days

Sannito and her husband, Richard, are originally from the "Belleville/Bloomfield" area and were married in 1962.

A graduate of the Berklee College of Music, Richard opened the store in 1952 at its original location at 397 Bloomfield Ave., before moving to its current spot at 449 Bloomfield Ave.

While Richard, who played the clarinet, saxophone, flute and piano, gave lessons in the back, Beverly maintained the books up front.

"Dick couldn't do it while he was teaching," Beverly Sannito pointed out. 

Over the years, Beverly said downtown Caldwell has "changed tremendously" as she looked out the store's front window. A Bloomfield native, Beverly knew the the area well even before the studio opened since her father worked at the A&P.

"The sidewalks were always crowded," she said. "When the Willowbrook Mall opened up [in 1969], that all changed."

Considering her husband was an accomplished musician and the business she's been involved with for most of her life, it's perhaps surprising that she's "never" picked up an instrument.

Instead, she's kept busy mastering another kind of musical composition.

Behind the front counter is the official inventory register of the store. During the lifespan of Caldwell Studio, everything has been recorded—by hand—in a large rectangular binder.

When flipping through it, the dog-eared pages and faded ballpoint pen markings tell a story of musical history—it almost looks like sheet music.

"No computers," Beverly said with a laugh. She pointed to the dilapidated cover. "I think I've replaced that just once, ever."

Just then, the phone rings. It's a customer looking for a certain kind of drum part and it's price. In an instant, Beverly finds the brand, model number and price in the book—it was high-speed old school.

The couple raised three children, Rich, 47, Kim, 45, and Scott, 41, who all have their own careers in the "business world"  and will be unable to take over the studio, Beverly said.

According to Beverly, Kim was interested in joining the business after completing college, but "Dick discouraged it," she said.

While he was a full-time musician, Richard preferred his children to simply enjoy music instead.

"He said they could minor in music and play in clubs, etcetera." Beverly said.

According to Beverly, there has been some interest from buyers to purchase the business, but only the musical instruction—the store's roots—part of it.

"They're not interested in the retail side," she said.

Just One Last Song

After many years, Beverly is ready to spend some time away from the business.

"I've been working for a long time," she told one customer. "I want to go away a few times, you know."

When asked later if she'll miss the the customers, without skipping a beat she said, "yes, but I'll see them in ShopRite!"

She's modest, but proud of  the contributions the studio has provided the community, and appreciative of what it's given her family.

"This store put my three children through college," she said.

Until the final note fades in June, it's business as usual at the Caldwell Studio of Music. Teachers are still teaching, and will try to accommodate students after the store closes.

All merchandise, from sheet music and drum sticks to guitar strings and all kinds of musical things are currently 50 percent off, and will be reduced by 60 percent in June.

It's the end of an era, but for Beverly Sannito, in particular, the beginning of a new one. With a smile, a deep breath and an undertone of amazement, she concluded, "I'm out of here on June 30."

No Sour Notes: A Quick Q&A with Beverly Sannito

Which decade was the busiest for The Caldwell Studio of Music?

Probably the '60s ... and the '70s. And, the students were much more serious then.

When was there a dip in the business?

Probably the '90s. (changing musical trends and expanded music programs in schools were cited as reasons)

How many students has the Caldwell Studio of Music had since opening in 1952?

We were thinking about that—definitely thousands. (Writer's note: I thought Beverly was going to give me an exact number from her binder!)

What kind of music do you like? 

I like jazz—I never liked rock!

Did you always sell merchandise?

The lessons always came first, and then about 1969, we first got records in. Between then and 1979, we really increased our inventory.

What has been the all-time favorite instrument that folks wanted to learn?

Guitar, followed by piano.

Was there a least favorite?

Well, we only taught things with which we could offer with a full schedule for teachers.

How did you react to other music stores opening in the area?

Competition is never bad—you just do a better job. It didn't seem to affect us.

Did anything crazy ever happen here? 

One time, when we had records, the "B" section was right next to the door. A kid came in, grabbed the entire Beatles section and ran out the door. My husband—who wasn't exactly young at the time—chased after him, down Hanford Place. The kid dropped the records all over the street and kept running!

How are you going to feel after you close the shop, on that last business day?

I'm going to be sad. You make a lot of friends, your customers are your friends.

Fun fact: The Caldwell Studio of Music is probably the longest-running business currently operating in The Caldwells, but Beverly isn't entirely sure: "The appliance guy may have been here first." (Bloomfield Appliance, at 426 Bloomfield Ave.)

Writer's note: Although I never took lessons there, the Caldwell Studio of Music nonetheless provided myself and countless others a musical education in another way. For most of it's lifespan, the studio also had a record/tape/CD section, as well as some related music merchandise like posters, photos and more. For most of my youth, stuff from the studio covered my bedroom walls and rocked out on my turntable. Thanks, Caldwell Studio of Music!