Music Loft

About me:

It’s hard to find a small store with a down-to-earth atmosphere these days. Everywhere you turn you’re bombarded by commercial chain stores. Everything seems to be pert of a chain, from food to clothes to music. The Music Loft however has been breaking that trend for 30 years. The legacy of the Music Loft started when Arnie Erickson opened up shop above a jewelry store on 1st Avenue in 1973. He co-managed the store with two women, Carol Mick and Maxine Braasch. The 2nd floor location gave a quaint uniqueness and inspired the name, Music Loft.

The “Loft” initially focused on combo gear, featuring brands like Gibson, Marshall, Univox, and Alvarez. They also sold Gulbransen organs, which were quite a challenge to carry up the narrow stairway to the 2nd floor store. Arnie’s son Craig helped out, managing a small vinyl record department. He sold to a contingent of faithful college students up the street.

The ‘70s saw the Music Loft prosper into more lines such as Fender, Crate, Peavey, and more. Continued success and lack of space forced the store to relocate to a former ice cream shop just down the street.

The private lesson program flourished, with instruction in almost any instrument. The store expanded their services to encompass a complete band and orchestra department.

The expansion of the band and orchestra program led the store to a 3rd larger location, across the street form the original location. It is this building at 1445 1st Avenue S.E. that houses the current Music Loft Location.

The current location is almost as unique as the first. It’s in a house that dates back to the early 1900’s. This gives it a very interesting design and décor. There are practice/lessons studios upstairs and in the basement, an acoustic room on the 2nd level and the main floor is split between the band and combo departments. Even though the house is old, the Music Loft’s stock isn’t. They always provide the most up-to-date gear. Carrying the Line 6 Variax modeling guitars, Korg keyboards (including Tritons), and a multitude of digital recorders. Other brands include Fender, Paul Reed Smith, Ibanez, Marshall, Mackie, Crate, Ampeg, Korg, etc.

The band/orchestra department has instruments in every level from beginning to professional. From the small piccolo to the gigantic euphonium, they have you covered with brands like Gemeinhardt, Getzen, Vito, Conn, and more. They offer instruments for both sale and rent. The Music Loft also offers a full-service repair department for brass and woodwind instruments, staffing 2 expert repair people.

The store saw another expansion lately, opening a 2nd location in Cedar Rapids’ “historic Czech Village”. This new location celebrated its 1-year anniversary in June. The Czech Village Music Loft sticks true to the Music Loft’s belief in customer satisfaction. They carry a wide variety of guitars, amps, and drums, while also offering the band rental program.

The thing that makes both stores stand out is that they are one of the few music stores in Iowa to offer a 24-track digital recording studio. It is ran on an appointment only basis, and is equipped with in-house engineers, all with a deep background in music. From mixing in studios in Los Angeles to engineering for Sony records.

One of the overseers of “Rivertown Recording” is current manager Craig Erickson. The studio is no stranger to Erickson who has recorded 5 albums for Shrapnel and is putting out his 6th for his current label the European Provogue records.

Craig has been involved in music since 2nd grade, when he started playing cornet. He took private lessons and played in school bands for years. He first started playing guitar at the age of 13. Starting his first band less than a year later. He learned quickly and his passion for music lead him to other instruments such as bass, keyboards, and drums. His instrumental skills lead him to positions in college bands, playing for Cedar Rapids Community Theatre productions, and playing in various rock, blues, and jazz ensembles. He currently fronts his own band that plays an eclectic blend of blues, rock, fusion, and funk.In 1991 Craig was signed to a major record label and has recorded in various places from Los Angeles to Canada. Over the years he has toured the United States and Europe. He is slated for his 5th European tour this October. He will be touring to promote his newest album for Provogue records.

This musical prowess is no accident though; Craig was raised in a musical family. His mother was a piano teacher and his father and storeowner Arnie was a national touring musician. Arnie grew up in Pennsylvania where he played gigs with his 2 guitarist brothers in various ensembles. Playing primarily jazz, Arnie became known as a great jazz guitarist and teacher of jazz. He toured across the United States, playing in many famous jazz clubs. Arnie’s cross-country traveling lead him into the Midwest where he met his wife Connie and eventually settled down. After moving to Cedar Rapids Arnie continued to play in various bands, even playing together with his son, Craig at parties and clubs. Arnie taught hundreds of students while running the store. One of the most famous is Peter Harris who went on to play with Bruce Hornsby, Chuck Mangione, and Blood, Sweat, and Tears.

A music store founded and run by longtime pro musicians is a welcome feature in an era when many music stores and the music business in general is run by big corporations whose love of music is not high on the priority list.

From the Music Loft’s amazing lessons program to the large inventory of instruments to suit any person and skill level the store has always given it’s customer’s the utmost respect and has always strived to provide a friendly hometown atmosphere.

It’s the attitude that makes the difference and at the Music Loft their staff whole-heartedly believes in doing all they can to make your shopping experience superb. So call, email, or just stop in and help the Music Loft celebrate 31 years of business in America’s heartland.