CornerStone Music reached an enormous milestone in 2011. Our store is 10 years old! Through all the celebrations and trials of running this business, during some of the best and worst economic times, we can honestly say that music makes all the difference!

It was important in 2001 when we started this adventure to create a nurturing place for young musicians, but it was equally important to have staff with the skill and performance experience for professionals. We sponsor activities in town that spotlight professional musicians, and we hold workshops that help everyone expand their skill set. Events like Steve Kaufman, a world-class flatpick guitar player.

At Cornerstone Music we are always striving to deliver a more authentic experience to our customers. Our store is always friendly and approachable. Come in and try out an instrument. When you visit, you should feel comfortable that you're dealing with other musicians who understand your questions and will go the distance to help you get exactly the instrument you need. Special requests and special orders are no problem for us if it helps bring about a more satisfying music experience.

Bob Battersby began drum and percussion studies at a young age first with Bill Schaffer and later with Bob Hohner. He rounded out his studies to become a music educator in 1978 receiving a Bachelor of Music Ed. with a minor both in Jazz Studies and Speech/Communications from Central Michigan University. His first teaching position was as an assistant band director in western Michigan, but soon performance opportunities and continued studies pushed teaching to the “back burner". Careers in retail sales, purchasing, construction trades, and building materials management were interspersed with performances and drum students until 2001. When the opportunity to acquire the local music shop presented itself, Mr. B made the decision to take it on. His primary duties include daily store operations, purchasing, instrument repair, servicing local school and church music programs, and when time permits he enjoys playing out and sharing some percussion skills with local students.

Our history in downtown Clermont, Florida is inextricably linked to our guitar specialist and a premier instructor for 18 years, Peter Bonaskiewich, who has been here longer than any of us.  Pete has the uncanny ability to grasp, retain, reproduce, and teach to others all types of musical styles. His favorites are rock, country, and blues, but he is comfortable with classical, pop, funk, and contemporary standards. Pete doesn't perform much these days. But if you do catch him playing somewhere about town, you will not be disappointed. He’s also the one who can assist with your selection of a fine acoustic or electric guitar, amplifier, as well as any or many accessories to complete your performance package.

Randy Coole, an accomplished drummer, joined us in 2005 specializing in sales, repairs, and off-site events. We're also assisted by Kris Muszynski with guitar instruction, and whatever needs doin' around the shop!

Our family and friends help us out in immeasurable ways that keeps this place we call CornerStone Music happening.  We're grateful to them all and perhaps will feature some of them on the site in the months ahead.