Crossroads Music

Photograph By Moments To Memories

Cookeville Tennesse seems to be coming to life these days with music. A subject that is of course always close to my heart, I get excited when I hear about new studios and music stores that are settling down in smaller towns around Tennessee. I recently heard about Crossroads Music, a music store that opened back in September in Cookeville. I attended high school with one of the co-owners and his wife, and I couldn’t be happier for them as they make music more accessible to Cookeville and the communities surrounding them. Crossroads Music is owned and opertated by Travis Copeland and Greg Taylor. The store offers local musicians the option of not having to drive a hundred miles for quality music gear or the not having to take part in the risky business of shopping online and having to buy an instrument or gear before you play it. Along with quality gear, Crossroads Music also offers an array of music lessons with affordable rates. I recently had a chance to interview co-owner and musician Travis Copeland and talk a little more about the store, music lessons, and the importance of music in the lives of our children.




Crossroad Music Youngest Fan Aiden Copeland (Photograph By: Moments To Memories)



Interview with Crossroads Music Co-Owner Travis Copeland

Question: When did the idea of a music store pop up?
Answer: I was a manager at another local music store for 4 years. I was also teaching 40 guitar students a week there as well. When the partners split I was offered a chance to be a partner in the new venture. I would be doing the same thing just a Owner/Operator.

Question: When did you realize that opening a music store could be a reality?
Answer: It was in August of 2010. That's when Greg Taylor (my business partner) proposed that we open a store back in Cookeville.

Question: Why did you choose the location of Cookeville?
Answer: Cookeville is just about in the middle of Nashville and Knoxville. If you want to get quality gear you are going to have to drive an hour and a half either way.
I did not like to do that. I try not to order instruments online either. I have had terrible experience in the past doing so. It was always better to try before you buy, for me anyway. Cookeville is a very fast growing city. With an ever growing music scene. Music store's have worked here in the past but the higher price of local stores with a sinking economy keep customers looking for a better price. That's is where we come in. Internet Pricing at a local store.

Question: How does it feel to be running a family operated business of your very own?
Answer: Its is a wonderful feeling. I feel grateful everyday for a chance to help out my fellow musicians get the things they need at a fair price.

Question: Where did the name Crossroads Music come from?
Answer: My partner Greg is a big Eric Clapton fan. He came up with it. I thought it was kinda fitting so we kept it.

Question: How important would you say music is to your family?
Answer: Music has always been a huge part of my life. My father was the song leader out our church for many years. Growing up my Mom and Dad bought me a guitar at 14 and feel in love with it. I started playing in church shortly after that. I have always loved different styles of music.

Question: Can you tell us a little about the music lessons offered at your shop?
Answer: Our lessons start at 15 dollars for a 30 min session with some of the best local and national talent. We offer guitar, piano, dobro, banjo , mandolin, violin (or fiddle), woodwinds, harmonica, and soon drums! In every major style and genre. We pride ourselves on being very professional instructors, but we also have a lot of fun.

Question: What can customers expect when they visit Crossroads Music?
Answer: Hopefully, our customers will feel right at home. Our very knowledgeable staff are always ready to help in any way. Anything from answering questions about string changing to how to set up complex P.A. System. They are no dumb questions. We also have private sound proof studios so you can check out a nice acoustic instrument or vintage amp without interruption. We have a very unassuming way of doing things at Crossroads Music. I don't like to be bothered myself when i am shopping, but if i have question or need something i like to know some one is around to assist me. We want people to feel comfortable when they are here. Not like "How can I help you? This costs 499.99." We know most of or customers on a first name basis.

Question: As music lovers what is your opinion about music education in the public school systems?
Answer: It is just as important as math, reading, or science. It has been proven in studies that children who play an instrument will naturally do better in other core subjects in school. No sport that i am aware of does that in all three categories. For those who read music get so much information from one note. Not even our alphabet does that. One single music note tells how to play that note, when to play that note, for how long, where that note is, and what it's name is. It is an international language as well. We may not be able to speak to one another, but those who read music can play the same thing. It teaches discipline, sacrifice, and social skills. Look at a school band. Individual instruments be it a guitar, clarinet, flute, drums, whatever, alone sound wonderful. When you include all of those together you get a group of individuals dependent on one another to preform as a whole.

Crossroads Music is located

549 East Spring St. Cookeville, TN 38501. 1.2 miles from Highway 111.

Also follow them on facebook by clicking Crossroads Music Facebook for a direct link.

*This article is also found in the online publication Cookevilletimes.com