Music empire sounds off about 130 years
A friendly rivalry between brothers is at the heart of a 130-year-old Auckland music empire.
Lewis Eady, the longstanding music business in Epsom, opened in 1884.
Since then it has passed through four generations of the Eady family, fostered upcoming musicians and sold thousands of instruments.
The store began after a challenge between Arthur Eady and his brother Lewis.
Arthur already owned a music business and wanted Lewis, who was a double bass player, to start a competitor.
Lewis’ great-grandson John trained as a clarinettist and played professionally in London before taking over the business in 2006.
As a young musician he says he took the store for granted but came to love the community built around it.
He was in his late 30s when he took over from his father John Eady Snr.
‘‘Once you’re immersed in an industry, it’s hard to escape,’’ the Eden Terrace resident says.
The company set up the Lewis Eady Charitable Trust to foster young musicians. John says it came about after his own struggles when training overseas.
There were some scholarships and sponsorship on offer but wider support for musicians was lack- ing, he says. Concerts and contests are hosted by the trust for tertiary level performers.
It helps musicians get comfortable with performing to audiences, John says.
‘‘We get a real buzz out of it.
‘‘Yes there’s a commercial spin-off of it ... But the ultimate goal is getting these kids into international careers.’’
John says his daughters Stephanie, 21, and Natasha, 16, dabbled in music before exploring other careers. Eight-year-old son Hugo plays the piano and drums.
Lewis Eady will receive a birthday present from the piano manufacturer Steinway early next year – a more than 300-kilogram iron piano frame, called a model D.
This year also marks 130 years since the model D was created.
The Eady music business is believed to be the oldest family-owned and operated in the South Pacific region.
The family celebrated the 130th birthday last week with in-store open mic nights, poetry readings and also held instrument workshops.