Schmitt Music is thrilled to announce its new CEO, Peter Schmitt!

After 36 years as President and CEO of Schmitt Music and 50 years at the company, Tom Schmitt is stepping into a new role as Executive Chairman, with his son Peter Schmitt taking the helm as incoming CEO.

The leadership transition coincides with another major milestone for Schmitt Music, as we prepare to celebrate our 125th year as a family-owned and operated business this November.

Peter Schmitt, the great-great grandson of founder Paul A. Schmitt, joined the company in 2014 as the first member of the fifth generation to join the business. He soon began leading the development of Schmitt Music’s orchestral strings offerings as Orchestra Division Manager.

“I am humbled by the chance to carry forward the time-honored, customer-focused practices that have made Schmitt Music an industry leader for over a century.” – Peter Schmitt, CEO, Schmitt Music

“While the company’s leadership is changing, our values and focus will remain the same,” said incoming CEO Peter Schmitt in a letter to company employees. “At its core, Schmitt Music is about more than simply selling instruments and lessons. It is about making connections—with each other and with our customers. It is about our people, the programs we offer, and how we participate in the communities we serve. I am humbled by the chance to carry forward the time-honored, customer-focused practices that have made Schmitt Music an industry leader for over a century.”

Above: Incoming CEO, Peter Schmitt, and his father, Tom Schmitt, Executive Chairman, photographed at the “Music Wall” (former Schmitt Music headquarters in downtown Minneapolis).

The music industry has changed drastically over the years, yet Schmitt Music has remained a market leader thanks to its outstanding staff and ongoing dedication to customers. Peter Schmitt plans to continue to lead the business with the same guiding principles, while looking ahead to creatively imagine future programming and services for students, families, teachers and schools.

“It’s very exciting to know that our legacy of unparalleled customer service, family leadership, community involvement and devotion to quality is poised to continue for another generation.” – Tom Schmitt, Executive Chairman, Schmitt Music

“It’s very exciting to know that our legacy of unparalleled customer service, family leadership, community involvement and devotion to quality is poised to continue for another generation,” said Tom Schmitt, Executive Chairman. “I have every confidence in Pete’s ability to lead and manage the company, in his work ethic, his judgment, his character and his understanding of the business.”

4th and 5th-Generation Schmitts (L-R): Ted Schmitt, Doug Schmitt, Tom Schmitt, and Peter Schmitt

Family-owned and operated since 1896, Schmitt Music has grown from its original print music store in Minneapolis, to one of the nation’s largest and most-respected full-service music retailers.

There are currently four family members from the fourth and fifth generations active in the business. Alongside CEO Peter Schmitt and Executive Chairman Tom Schmitt, VP and Co-Owner Doug Schmitt has been with the company since 1983. Doug’s son, Ted Schmitt, joined the company in 2016 and currently serves as VP, Financing & Analytics.

Schmitt Music’s passion and mission have remained the same for 125 years – Enriching lives by helping people make music!