March 25, 2026 I Acquisition
Robert M. Sides Family Music Center Purchases Johnstonbaugh’s Music Centers
From left: Robert M. Sides' Alysa Sides Greevy, Johnstonbaugh's Music Centers' Bob Johnstonbaugh and Robert M. Sides's Peter Sides.
Robert M. Sides Family Music Center, headquartered in State College, Pennsylvania, has purchased Johnstonbaugh’s Music Centers. Former owners Bob and Judy Johnstonbaugh closed on the deal on March 6 — the same day as their retirement party.
“Our employees Alex, general manager, Nathan, sales manager, and Kelly, office manage and accountant, have been a huge help in getting operations, customers and staff transitioned so smoothly,” said Peter Sides, president and third-generation operator of Robert M. Sides Family Music Center. “We’re honored that Bob chose us as the next stewards of JMC. We’ll be exhibiting side by side at the PMEA All-State Conference at the end of April and are looking forward to collaborations and sharing best practices between JMC and RMS going forward.”
Bob started the business as an instrument repair technician, much like Robert M. Sides, selling and tuning pianos out of his home back in the 1930s. Other similarities between the two companies include road reps with deep roots in music education and performance, a full-service repair shop with highly experienced technicians and lesson studios teaching hundreds of students weekly.
