What if the guy who sold your musical instrument and accessories was a professional musician?

That's the question Jonathan Wright Watkins asked himself before he entered the music store business. As a bassoonist with a decade of experience under his belt, Jonathan was frustrated by trying to work with the average salesperson every time he needed something for his instrument. He wanted to speak with someone who understood the way his instrument worked - and what could make it sound better and play more easily. As in the music itself, Jonathan felt there was nuance in how the instrument could be adjusted to meet the individual player's style and skill level. The easy answer that most music stores gave - buy a new instrument - did not make sense to him in each case.

So Jonathan set out to create a different kind of music supplier. His first stint in the business began in 1980 with a mail order woodwind supplier. He built the company's business and learned how to differentiate among quality instruments for musicians at all levels - and how small adjustments could help even a good level student instrument produce better music. Jonathan's efforts attracted the attention of industry giant Sam Ash, which hired him as buyer for its Band and Orchestra division in 1990. After holding this position for a few years, Jonathan found he missed direct customer-centered problem solving, so he accepted a position as manager of Woodwind and Brasswind NY. In 2003 he decided to take his dream - and every musician's - to the next level by purchasing an established family-run music store in Port Washington, New York.

From this base - now known as Wright Music - Jonathan continues his work as an educator who happens to sell musical instruments, accessories and related services. He and his staff function as consultants for their clients, helping to identify the specific need, attendant problems and possible solutions before a purchase is ever proposed. They also function informally as consultants for manufacturers, helping them understand and meet the real needs of the marketplace. This gilt-edged approach to an industry that is often known for being a bit tinny has earned Jonathan a loyal following among school band and orchestra directors, parents of young musicians and a panoply of professionals. Wright Music counts among its clients:


o American Ballet
o Mannes College of Music
o New York City Ballet
o New York City Department of Education
o New York City Opera
o New York University
o NJ Symphony
o Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
o The Julliard School
o The Metropolitan Opera
o The Milwaukee Symphony
o The New York Philharmonic
o The Philadelphia Orchestra
o The Phoenix Symphony


A bassoonist for nearly forty years, Jonathan studied with recognized masters of the instrument. These teachers and their qualifications include:

- William Polisi, principal bassoonist with Tocanini's NBC Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic; faculty Member at Julliard and Mannes College of Music.
- Leonard Hindell, second bassoon with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic; faculty member at Manhattan School of Music, Mannes College of Music and New York University.
- Joseph Polisi, President of Julliard, Dean of Manhattan School of Music; recipient of doctorate in bassoon performance from Yale University.
- Marvin Feinsmith, bassoonist with the Denver Symphony, Israel Philharmonic and Mostly Mozart Festival.

Jonathan currently teaches bassoon privately and freelances with a variety of orchestras. He holds a master's degree in music from Hunter College, a bachelor's in music from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. He also attended Mannes College of Music.

Jonathan is proud to have as friends many of the world's most accomplished symphony and Broadway musicians. He is grateful for the opportunity to teach - and learn from - musicians of all ages and skill levels.

The History

Owner and president Jonathan Wright Watkins founded Wright Music Inc. in August of 2003. Previously known as the Port Washington Music House.

Located in scenic Port Washington, NY, the premises has been a music store for over 40 years. Mr. Watkins and his staff are proud to provide quality instruments, instrument repairs, accessories, and instrumental instruction.

In 2005 Wright Music Inc. was proud to bring on board Bruce Huron as repair department manager. Mr. Huron's knowledge and skills in the field of instrument repair have proved to be an invaluable asset to the business.

Recently, in 2006, Wright Music Inc. proudly became the Long Island Vandoren Showroom. The store now hosts Vandoren's full product line including mouthpieces, reeds, and accessories. Our fully stocked showroom is a must visit for any woodwind player.