World Music owner Lloyd Ernstes (right) teaches students of all ages how to play 16 instruments.[/caption]After working for 15 years as a computer programmer, Lloyd Ernstes wanted to pursue an endeavor where he could combine his passion for music with his desire to help people.
"I was a computer programmer and I made good money and it afforded me the ability to travel around the world, but it was just too much stress," Ernstes said. "I decided I just really enjoyed music and helping people, so that is why I got into this business, mainly to help people."
Ernstes left his job as a computer programmer and used his background in music to land a job as a music teacher with Mars Music and H&H Music. Ernstes said he has played music and played in bands since he was a kid. He was also offered a music scholarship to Blinn Junior College and completed his degree as a music major at the University of Houston.
For several years, Ernstes worked at Mars and H&H as well as several other places teaching music. When both H&H and Mars went out of business, Ernstes went into business for himself out of necessity and opened World Music of Sugar Land in Missouri City in 2005.
"I was able to buy a few things when they went out of business and got enough stuff of my own, so I thought I would open up my own business," he said.
When World Music first opened, Ernstes only taught music lessons but gradually began selling musical instruments and equipment as other music stores also went out of business.
The business now buys, sells and repairs musical instruments and equipment in addition to its core business of offering music lessons to people of all ages. Ernstes also has a recording studio in the store and offers music recording services. Customers of World Music can find a wide range of musical instruments, including guitars, horns, saxophones, keyboards and drums.
"I enjoy selling a variety of things," Ernstes said. "What I really try to do is find the right things for people."
Ernstes said buying and selling instruments was profitable in the early days of his business, but in recent years it has become more difficult due to the rise of large music franchise stores, such as Guitar Center and Music and Arts. However, despite the challenges he faces in terms of selling instruments and equipment, Ernstes said music lessons allow him to keep his doors open. Teaching students is the aspect he enjoys most about his business.
"I am just a small mom and pop type of place, I cannot really compete with the likes of Guitar Center," he said."But I teach lessons and that is what I basically do right now, and it is what I enjoy doing."
Ernstes offers one-on-one lessons and can teach 16 different instruments. Ernstes said his lessons do not come straight from a book, either.
"What I try to do is teach [my students] what is in the book and then give them the theory so that anybody trying to learn will get more than what is just in the book," he said. "They learn to read music, and a lot of places don't teach that, but I think it's very important for people to read as well as write music."
Lessons at World Music do not require a contract and are paid on a month-to-month basis in advance. Ernstes said he has about 25–30 students per month.
"My goal is to inspire people [to love] music," Ernstes said. "I try to get them to understand that music is a great avocation but a terrible vocation. The secret to success is all about playing every day. And that does not mean practice, it means have fun because life is short."
