Morganton Music Patch strikes a chord in downtown Morganton

At Morganton Music Patch, the smell of wood and the hum of guitars may whisk you into a music trance. Staff members can be seen repairing instruments, creating a space where music can be made, taught, and performed.

The music store has become a hub for music enthusiasts since relocating to its Sterling Street storefront in January 2024. Morganton Music Patch, a repair-focused string instrument shop with retail, sells a variety of instruments and accessories, including violin, viola, cello, banjo, electric guitar, and more.

“Anything with strings on it pretty much,” owner Robert Gucwa laughed.

Retail has helped the company grow, but the business couldn’t depend on retail alone from the start. Gucwa has used his leverage from previous locations to grow the business to a comfortable customer base. The new location has proven to be a good move for the company, according to Gucwa.

On a Tuesday afternoon, The Paper reporter walked into the sounds of guitar strings and a banjo playing a light melody, while a staff member at the counter repaired a violin.

THE JOURNEY

Gucwa’s music journey began as a child, starting with the piano, and moving to other instruments in his teens. He never formally studied music; his love and talent grew out of passion. In college, he majored in chemistry, though his love of music never went away.

Gucwa first found his footing at Kudzu Music in Boone, where he learned guitar repair and began teaching. That store has been integral to his development, both as a musician and as a business owner.

Every move for Gucwa has worked out for him in a divine order.

Gucwa began teaching and repairing instruments at West Union Art Studios where he grew his clientele organically. The location served as a proving ground to see if the business would work.

In 2021, Gucwa expanded further with his first storefront in Tannery Square on West Fleming Drive, later expanding to the larger downtown Morganton location three years later. Business has consistently been good since making the move.

“Last year was by far the best year that we’ve had so far and it’s a much nicer space, better location. We’ve always had a lot of support from the community, so I feel like we’ve been embraced,” Gucwa said. “We’ve had more visibility here … the ability to carry more products. That continues to draw in more people.”

The store also offers music lessons. The staff consists of eight music teachers available for lessons.

Growth wasn’t limited to Morganton. He also returned to where he began at Kudzu Music in Boone.

He was able to purchase the store and build a strong relationship with the previous owners, who entrusted him with the legacy of the business. Kudzu Music has been in business for 30 years, Gucwa being the store’s third owner.

“It’s been a risk, but a very calculated one. It all happened very naturally,” Gucwa said.

Gucwa’s typical week is split between locations. He spends three days a week in Boone and two in Morganton overseeing the operations of his growing music businesses, and one day working at a violin shop in Charlotte.

“I’m really lucky to have been able to make a living with this,” Gucwa said.

UPCOMING EVENTS

As spring sets in, the schedule at Morganton Music Patch is starting to heat up. The store currently hosts Bluegrass Jam Session for musicians at noon on the first Saturday of every month. Nearly a dozen musicians gather to play the genre. April 5 is the next session.

The store will host its second concert later this month. Chris McGinnis & Mawmaw’s Angels will perform at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 11, at Morganton Music Patch and at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, at Kudzu Music in Boone. More dual shows are planned for the future. An expanded stage and seating for up to 60 people are also in the works.

“We have really good acoustics in here. The last time we hosted a concert, it was a nice experience,” Gucwa said. “It gives me an opportunity to support the musicians that support me. That’s important to me.”

BROADENING THE SCOPE

This time of year is considered rental season for students in band classes and performance groups. To gear up for rental season, the Morganton store will expand its selection to include brass and woodwind instruments available to rent.

A shipment of instruments from Jupiter Music is expected to arrive at the Morganton location next week, allowing the store to offer trumpets, trombones, flutes, clarinets and saxophones for rental.

According to Gucwa, teachers and schools will normally send students online or to a nearby chain store for instrument rental. Expanding the rental selection available at Morganton Music Patch gives the community an opportunity to support a locally owned business.

Public schools in Burke and Caldwell counties haven’t offered stringed instruments for decades — something Gucwa wants to change.

He believes it’s due to a lack of funding.

“Music programs in general are very sparsely supported,” Gucwa said. “I think that’s an opportunity that all children should have.” He noted nearby Cleveland County does offer a strings program in its public schools.

Through his work, Gucwa has built a loyal clientele, nurtured organically from his early days at the arts studio, and now continues to shape the future of music in the community. Gucwa has taken entrepreneurship and proved that it’s possible to build and grow a business based on your passion.

“You end up working harder than you would for anyone else, but it’s a blessing to be where I’m at now,” Gucwa said. “I’m fortunate to be in a community that supports me and that I’ve been able to make it this far.”