11th December 2023: A message from an AMA member, Classic Sounds

Today we share with you the sad news that Classic Sounds is shutting its doors.

Classic Sounds has been a proud family business run by Morley and Margaret John alongside their family for 22 years, with 3 generations working in both the shop and the attached music school. It has provided local musicians, schools, bands, clubs and budding musicians with all their musical requirements for decades but Classic Sounds has always been “more than just a music store”. It has been a safe and nurturing music centre for the local community, where all are welcome and supported whether you are looking for instruments, guidance, music books, lessons, repairs, rehearsal rooms or even just a friendly ear and a chat. The music school has thrived with over 300 students coming though a week and over 20 exemplary teachers, several who were once Classic Sounds students themselves.

The continued strains of the economic climate for small business, in particular retail, have just become too great and this, alongside the devastating and sudden loss of Morley’s beloved wife and our Mum Margaret, have been the deciding factors in this very difficult decision to close our doors and end this chapter of the Classic Sounds legacy. Both the shop and school will close on Saturday, December 16th 2023.

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all of you who have supported us over the years. All our customers, suppliers, students, staff and colleagues – so many of you have become friends. It has been a monumental journey and we will miss you all.

Morley and the whole John Family – from Classic Sounds, your local music shop.