Today we’d like to introduce you to Linden Lantz.
Linden, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Before Bandwagon Music & Repair Linden taught middle school band for 10 years. During that time Linden studied Instrument Repair and saw a need for a music store in the Nashville area that specialized in Band Instruments. Taking a leap of faith in 2016 he started Bandwagon Music & Repair as a full service music store to service schools and professionals in Middle Tennessee. Started primarily as a repair shop it has grown to the go to place for anyone looking for repairs, rentals, lessons and more in middle Tennessee.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth, but many of the challenges have come from learning entirely new skill sets along the way. My background is in music education, so when I started Bandwagon Music & Repair I understood instruments, musicians, and how music programs work. What I didn’t fully understand yet was the business side—things like accounting, inventory management, financial planning, and how to scale a company responsibly. Much of the early journey involved learning those disciplines while actively running and growing the business.
Another major challenge has been learning how to lead a growing team. When the company started, it was just me. Today we have more than twenty employees across retail, repair, rentals, and lessons. Transitioning from doing everything myself to building a strong team has required learning a completely different set of skills around management, communication, and company culture.
Throughout the process there have certainly been moments where the path forward required difficult decisions and significant risk. But from the beginning I’ve always approached it with the mindset that failure was never really an option. This is the work I chose to pursue, and the responsibility of serving musicians, students, and educators meant that we had to find ways to keep improving and moving forward.
In many ways those challenges have become some of the most valuable parts of the journey. They’ve helped shape the culture of the company and pushed us to continually learn, adapt, and grow.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Bandwagon Music & Repair is a full-service music shop in Nashville that specializes in wind instruments. Our focus is supporting musicians at every stage—from students picking up their first instrument to professionals performing on stages around the world.
Our business centers around four core areas: instrument rentals, professional repair, retail sales, and private lessons. Much of our work is connected to school music programs throughout Middle Tennessee, where we help students get started with reliable instruments and continue supporting them as they grow as musicians. At the same time, our repair shop regularly services instruments for working musicians and touring professionals.
One of the things that sets Bandwagon apart is our deep specialization in band instruments and repair craftsmanship. Instrument repair is often the backbone of the music industry, and we’ve built our reputation on making sure instruments play the way they are supposed to. A well-repaired instrument can be the difference between a student quitting band and a student discovering a lifelong passion for music.
Over time we’ve grown into a place where wind players know they can come for trusted advice, quality instruments, and expert service. Today we support more than 900 active student rentals, complete over 4,000 repairs each year, and help more than 400 instruments find their “forever home” with musicians.
What I’m most proud of is that Bandwagon has become a place where musicians feel like they belong. Whether someone is picking up their first instrument in middle school or preparing for a professional performance, our goal is to provide the tools, expertise, and encouragement that keep music alive in our community and beyond.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I think the music retail and repair industry will continue to see significant consolidation. The traditional “mom and pop” music store that used to exist in nearly every town is slowly disappearing, often being purchased by larger regional or national operations. That shift is changing how musicians access instruments, service, and expertise.
Another major change is in the craftsmanship side of the industry. Fifty years ago, the idea of a master instrument craftsman was much more common. Today, many modern instruments are built in ways that prioritize replacement rather than repair. That means fewer people are being trained in the deep repair knowledge that once defined the trade.
At the same time, online retail continues to grow and will likely remain a dominant force in the industry. Many musicians are comfortable buying accessories and equipment online. However, instruments are still deeply personal tools, and many players still want the opportunity to experience them in person before making a decision.
Because of these shifts, I believe specialty shops will become more important, not less—but they will likely exist in specific communities where there is a strong music culture. Nashville is a unique example of that. The depth of musicianship here creates a real need for specialized expertise, especially when it comes to professional-quality instruments and high-level repair work.
That’s where we see the future of shops like ours: not just as retail stores, but as community hubs where musicians can gather, learn, and access the expertise they need. As the broader industry changes, places that provide both craftsmanship and community will become increasingly valuable to musicians at every level.
Pricing:
- Music Lessons – $140 per month for a 30 minute one-on-one lesson per week
- Repairs – Best to see in person for a free evaluation
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bandwagonmusicandrepair.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/bandwagonrepair
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bandwagonmusicandrepair
