Craig Johnston was elected the new AMA president by the association’s executive committee at its meeting on October 31, 2017. He succeeds Roland’s MD Brendan Callinan in the role.

Craig is the owner of Keyboard Corner/KC’s Rock Shop in Boronia, VIC.

Craig’s association with Keyboard Corner started in the early 80’s as a student at its music school. When it was time to participate in his secondary school’s work experience program, Keyboard Corner obliged. Once he completed Year 12 in 1994 he started working at the store on a full time basis. When it was time for then owner Colin Steel to retire Craig purchased the business.

Keyboard Corner’s life started as a small electronic organ store in 1978 by Colin Steel, over the years the business evolved with the times and focused on keyboards, digital pianos and acoustic pianos. In 1993 KC’s Rockshop was established with Heinz Dabernig as a second business at the same premises so the store would have a GMI offering.

In the mid 2000’s a succession plan was hatched between Colin, Heinz and Craig and over 10 years Craig increased his stake in the business until 2016 when he became sole owner and merged the two businesses.

Craig has been a member on the AMA board since 2012 and has previously served as Treasurer and Vice President.

Also elected at the meeting were Vice President, Michael Shade of Yamaha Music and Treasurer, Tony Burn of The Resource Corporation. Jarred Finnigan of Sound Centre WA, was also added to the executive committee as a retail representative at the meeting, adding to those already elected at the AGM. For the full listing of the executive committee for 2017-18 click here