"Your Music Story" Sweepstakes

This year, we celebrate 50 years of serving our community through music.

What began as a small retail music store has grown into something far greater than simply a place to buy musical instruments. For five decades, our store has been a doorway—where children pick up their very first instrument, where beginners become confident players, and where seasoned musicians continue to refine their craft. We have been honored to provide not only instruments, but education, encouragement, and a steady source of support for every step of the musical journey.

Music has a unique way of bringing people together, and over the years our store has become a gathering place—where students, teachers, hobbyists, and professionals connect, share, and grow. We believe deeply that access to music matters. It builds confidence in children, strengthens community, and creates lifelong joy.

As we mark this milestone, we are also looking ahead. With gratitude for the past and hope for the future, we are seeking the right person, or persons, to steward this business into its next decade—someone who shares our values, believes in the power of music, and understands the responsibility and privilege of serving this community.

This store is more than a business. It is part of the fabric of our community. And we are confident that with the right leadership, it will continue to inspire, teach, and bring people together for generations to come.

If you believe in the power of music and are interested in learning more about carrying this legacy forward, we would welcome a confidential conversation. Contact Christian directly (Christian@TheMagicFlute.com).

Jan 1976 - April 2010

After 34 years, Mike Mitchell handed off the baton. Here he is at his retirement celebration where he was surrounded by current and past employees, family and friends.

April 2010

Christian and Tamara, the proud new stewards of The Magic Flute family and music community!

In 1976 Mike bought the store from B&G Music while in its original location near Scotty's market. To expand the business, he moved the store in 1978 to its first of two locations in Northgate One.

Christian applied for a job at The Magic Flute when he was in high school (1980). Those days were pre-digital and Mike didn't have an application form, so Christian made one, filled it out and submitted it! He's always been a go-getter.

In 1992 Mike bought Ye Olde Music Shoppe in San Anselmo to build out our sheet music department and most importantly, to get Linda Paplow, the well known Queen of Sheet Music, to join us. Linda retired in 2020 and we miss her bright smile and joyous laugh everyday, as do so many of our loyal customers. In 2012, the IJ did a great article about Linda that you can read here.

On October 2, 2011, for the first time ever, we closed the store on a Sunday(!) so that we could all join in the celebration and nuptials of Michael "The Fiend" Creamer and Marilyn Burkholder, two long time employees who met, and fell in love, at The Magic Flute. 💕

This year, 2026, we were honored to receive special recognition at NAMM (National Association of Music Manufacturers) for our 50 years in business. But, we were even MORE honored to have Tom Holmes and his son Lucas accept the award on our behalf, pictured here with NAMM's President and CEO John Mlynczak.

We’re celebrating 50 years of making music in Marin and we want to hear from YOU!

Magic Flute Music Lessons students, tell us what you love about music and enter to WIN a Special Edition 50th Anniversary Tee Shirt! We’re giving away one a month for the whole year!

Next time you're in the store,

1. Grab an entry form
2. Fill it out, tear off the top half and pin it to the board
3. Fill out the bottom half and drop it in the box
4. Winners will be randomly selected and announced each month starting April 1!!

One entry per student. By entering you agree to allow us to take your picture and post it on the board in the store, and here, if you win. Yay!