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Rick Waite
Director of Artist Relations
West L.A. Location
(310) 477-1945
rickw@westlamusic.com |
Rick Waite, Director of Artist Relations, has been with the company for over 25 years. A guitar player since high school, Rick was friends with band members from Toto and Chicago before they gained international recognition. Around the store, he's known as the guy who's always ready to offer a hug and a smile. When asked what's the coolest thing about working at West L.A. Music, Rick doesn't hesitate: "I started out working with friends who are now famous. It's exciting to provide top gear for pro musicians. When West L.A. Music was still a young company, Don Griffin (President and Owner) and I made an effort to go out and visit people and make this the place where the pros shop through building personal relationships. I'm happy to say that Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, and Jackson Browne are personal friends of mine. It's nice to know that the pros rely on us. My mantra is, if you want to consider yourself a pro, hang out with the pros. Learn from them. One of the best reasons to do business at West L.A. Music is our expert sales staff that's in training every morning with manufacturer reps. Pros shop here because pros work here. We have people who've scored films, commercials, played with major artists, platinum songwriters, orchestrators, etc. They've all brought their expertise to West L.A. Music. We like to think of ourselves as family. Come on in and see for yourself!"
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Mark Spiwak
Pro accounts Recording Department and Sales Manager
West L.A. Location
(310) 477-1945
marks@westlamusic.com |
Mark Spiwak, Recording/Pro Audio Manager of the West L.A. store, has over 30 years of experience, and is the senior salesman at West L.A. Music. Mark caters to high end engineers and musicians alike. He specializes in customizing studio solutions for all aspects of the audio and film industry.
Mark got his start in the music business as a musician playing with several top national acts recording and touring the U.S. and Europe. In 1975, he worked for Guitar Center Hollywood and proceeded to open seven additional stores around the country for them. He opened two of his own stores in 1986 called Midi City. For the last twenty years West La Music has been his home and his clients have been many of the top film composers, musicians, actors and post production facilities and even a President of the United States. For over four years Mark tended to the needs of President Ronald Reagan and his office for recording Reagan’s memoirs, political endorsements, news releases and personal appearances. "I really enjoy working with so many talented people on a daily basis. It makes for a very challenging career to help my customers dreams become a reality."
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Joe Taupier
Assistant Manager and Recording Department Manager
Universal City Location
(323) 845-1145
joet@westlamusic.com |
Joe Taupier, Professional Accounts Manager and Recording Department Manager at the Universal City store, started his career in 1987 in Boston, Massachusetts, at the legendary E.U. Wurlitzer. A West L.A. Music veteran of ten years, Joe has custom designed numerous digital recording systems for many leading post production facilities and music studios.
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Mel Tribble
Assistant Manager
Universal City Location
(323) 845-1145
melt@westlamusic.com
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Steve Rapoport
Software Department Manager
Universal City Location
(323) 845-1145
steve44@westlamusic.com |
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