Article and photos by Carl Gordon
“Caution: Exposure to music may cause sudden outbursts of joy, happiness, energy, creativity, awareness and spontaneous healing.”
This is the sign that greets you as you enter into Rick Barclay’s world, otherwise known as the Music Store, Inc., located next to the old Staples store at 1596 South Grand Highway across from the Golden Corral in Clermont.
Once you enter this 1,700 square foot bastion of sound, you are greeted by hundreds of instruments, music books and accessories that will aid your musical pursuits.
“Music is a great way to bring out the best in people,” says Barclay; a Pennsylvania native who moved to Clermont in 2010. He got his start in music playing drums in church and is also an expert at the keyboard.
The store is deceptively large and not only has the retail merchandise, but several rooms outfitted for private lessons, a green room for music videos and a sound room for producing tapes and records.
The latest album they helped produce is called Heavy Tales by John Zazula in early 2020. Zazula signed heavy metal groups such as Mettalica, Anthrax and Testament.
Several community events that the Music Store is actively planning include a Highlight Show for members of the Chamber of Commerce, a “No Limit” Women’s Conference under the direction of Janis Modesta among others.
The Music Store Inc. is open Monday through Thursday 10-8, Friday-Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 10-4. You can find them online at www.musicstoreclermont.com.
They are currently booking lessons, the recording studio and they offer consignment and repair services…they can be reached at 352-243-5868. All retired and active military receive an automatic discount in the store.
