Dawkes Music Marks 60 Years of Serving UK’s Wind, Brass Community

Dawkes Music is celebrating its 60th anniversary, marking six decades as one of the United Kingdom’s leading MI retailers specializing in woodwind and brass instruments. Founded in 1966 by Jack Dawkes as a woodwind repair business in Uxbridge, the family-owned company has grown into one of the U.K.’s largest wind and brass retailers, offering new and pre-owned instruments, more than 10,000 accessories and replacement parts, and a dedicated repair workshop. The business is now led by the third generation of the Dawkes family, with the fourth generation recently joining the company. Its current owners are Jon and David Dawkes.

Dawkes credits its 60 years in business to always putting the customer first and paying attention to the customer experience. Originally, the business was based in Uxbridge near the RAF barracks and a lot of the early growth came about through trusted relationships. From there, word spread and musicians trusted Dawkes to take care of their gear.

“Although the digital age has brought about access to new customers far and wide, we’ve tried to keep that personal touch,” said Sam Gregory, Dawkes’ product specialist. “We’re all musicians. We get the problems and challenges inherent with playing wind instruments, and we’re here to help people overcome them and enjoy everything instrumental music can bring.”

The anniversary follows a major expansion of the retailer’s facilities, allowing Dawkes to increase its programming and community outreach.

“We’re hosting more events and gigs to help welcome musicians and non-musicians into the building to see the power of live music,” Gregory said. “We’re also working on new charitable partnerships and making sure we can support the great work many community music projects do in the U.K.”

Community engagement has remained a key part of the retailer’s business strategy.

“It all comes down to partnerships, trust and support,” Gregory said. “We’ve always tried to support local musicians by keeping their instruments serviced and in the best condition, and being there for them when they want and need to upgrade their gear. Many of our staff also play locally in bands and orchestras and as such we feel part of that community. There are many small things we do in terms of financial support for events, but the most important thing is for musicians, parents, and teachers to just know we’re here when they need us.”

As part of its anniversary, Dawkes has also reviewed its internal operations, focusing on employee development and ensuring staff have the training and resources needed to continue delivering a high level of customer service.

“We wanted to celebrate with our customers, and we’ve actually run and planned for 60 events through the course of the year,” Gregory said. “This series of events culminates with our annual Clarinet and Sax Weekend on Oct. 3–4, and a special 60th anniversary weekend of events and gigs over Nov. 13–15. We’re very grateful to all our amazing customers, those who’ve been with us for decades and those who are new to us. I personally have been fortunate enough to see some kids go on the full journey from getting their first instrument from Dawkes, all the way through to going to music college.” MI