Thesis, New Venture Studies Spring 2018 Introduction – Statement of the problem This thesis details my journey in research and consideration into the decision to purchase Kendor Music, a small business that I have work for the last 17 years. Kendor Music 1. History of Kendor Kendor Music, based in Western New York (Delevan NY), was founded in 1953 by three music teachers, and was the first publisher of educational jazz ensemble publications. Throughout their 65-year history, jazz has continued to be at the forefront of their legacy, the company has gained prominence in other educational music markets including string orchestra and instrumental solos and chamber groups. Kendor is also the exclusive distributor for Doug Beach Music, and Sammy …show more content…
2018, p1-140. 140p), however the print music segment of the industry is estimated at 300 million dollars a year in the United States. This segment is typically broken into two areas: educational music, and popular sheet music. Traditional music publishers obtain the rights to print music from the creator/copyright owner, creates the print music, and then sells their music to music stores throughout the world, who then market and sell directly to consumers. The industry continues to be stale or declining with a 2.5% industry decline last year (RPMDA 2017 convention overview article). This is due primarily to illegal downloads on the internet, which has forced many music stores throughout the country to close or merge. Many music publishers, including Kendor Music, have embraced digital delivery, but it is only a small portion of their overall sales (quote Kendor digital sales …show more content…
I spent the first 2 years alongside one of the partners in the sales department. I had the opportunity to become very familiar with our customers (music stores) throughout the world and became familiar with what the ultimate customers’ needs are (music teachers and students). After two years at the company, I had the opportunity to move into the editorial team at the company as the Director of Publications and Copyright Administrator. I would assist the editor (another 50% partner) in selecting new materials, coordinating the marketing for the company as well as oversee all copyright related activities (licenses, contracts, etc.). 15 years later, I still oversee these same areas, but have become Editor in Chief where I select and edit all new materials. As the industry has evolved, I also oversee all digital assets for the company including a direct to consumer website as well as converting all our product to also be available as digital