Our 50 Year History | NEW-Naperville Music

Your Music Store for 50 Years

Naperville Music celebrated it's 50th anniversary in 2024.
A birthday that is a testament to the vision of its co-founders, Rich Karnuth and Mark Gardner.

It started in their teenage years, as they played at local gigs. It was during the 70's that Rich nurtured a dream to establish a music business that would not only sell instruments but also serve as a hub for music education, instrument rentals, and repair services for the community and surrounding school districts.

Rich brought the dream to life, opening a small family-owned shop stocked with a humble assortment of instruments and services. As the years rolled by, the business flourished, expanding its offerings and earning a reputation for excellence in the music community.

But every dreamer needs a partner, and for Rich, that partner emerged in the form of Mark Gardner, a friend and fellow musician, who with Rich became an owner, and whose passion for music mirrored Rich's own. Together, they steered Naperville Music through countless challenges, guiding it to greater heights.

The 80's took Rich to Florida, where he embarked on a new music store venture, Rock Warehouse. Meanwhile, Mark continued to orchestrate the daily operations of Naperville Music, ensuring it remained strong.

After a decade-long hiatus, Rich returned to Naperville, greeted by a business that had bloomed in his absence under Mark's guidance . Recognizing the need for expansion, Rich and Mark seized an opportunity to purchase the Twin Centers Shopping Center, the very place where Naperville Music had begun its journey. With this acquisition, they would construct an addition to the shopping center to accommodate their growing inventory and clientele, securing their place in the community for years to come.

Rich and Mark have passed the baton to a new generation. The spotlight now shines on Russ Karnuth, Rich's son, and his partner Nate Swygert. Having honed their craft over 15 years within the store's walls, Russ and Nate are carrying forward the legacy of Naperville Music. With a commitment to innovation and a dedication to bringing the joy of music to every doorstep, they stand ready to lead Naperville Music into a harmonious future, where every chord strummed and note played resonates with the spirit of passion and possibility.