Staff

Owner: David Rennard

When you are born into a family with a long heritage of musicians, it is inevitable you’ll be bitten by the music bug eventually. David started taking piano lessons as a young child. He soon became interested in his sister’s ukulele which led to learning guitar by age 10. Performing professionally primarily as a guitar player, David has also performed bass guitar, keyboards, and vocals in a variety of bands throughout his career. He has composed and recorded many songs including the theme song for Eagle Creek Park.
After 10 years as a music educator, David had an opportunity to acquire Phelan Music Studios in 1987 and created Carmel Music Center in the same building it exists today, what is now currently the longest running retail business in Carmel’s Arts and Design District.
David is happy to still be so visibly active contributing to the enjoyment of music to both beginning and seasoned musicians and feels blessed to be able to see many former young students who now bring their children in to purchase their first instrument and take music lessons.
Sales Associate: Jim Nowlan

Jim received his music education at Ohio State University and has been playing music professionally since 1968. His musical travels have taken him coast to coast. Originally from Detroit, he moved to San Diego in 1985 and spent 30 years there teaching and playing guitar.  Jim started working at Carmel Music Center in 2015 as a product specialist and guitar technician. Jim brings joy and smiles to students and customers at Carmel Music Center.  Don't let his size fool you, he's really quite harmless without a guitar.
Sales Associate: Hidi Cramer

Born with a song in her heart, Hidi began her journey towards becoming a musician with many a bashful recital on unpracticed, unlearned instruments in her early childhood. After being gifted a violin from her grandmother in middle school, she began her formal musical study as a violinist. While being granted opportunities to pursue classical training, she realized a passion for performing folk rock and Celtic music. This passion, paired with a desire to always be learning has led her to pick up the guitar, Irish whistle, and Celtic harp.
Outside of the store, Hidi teaches Japanese, volunteers, and is involved in the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary.
Sales Associate: Frozen Violin Guy
Since: April 20, 2006

Frozen Violin Guy has been busy playing outside our store since he first joined our team. He has been diligent in his playing, standing outside in the rain, the snow, the cold, the heat. He has truly been a great asset to the team here. Some even say that you can see him move if you stare long enough. Our violin instructors have pointed out that there are a few technique issues to be addressed however.