ABOUT COLES MUSIC SERVICE

Coles Music Service was started in 2008 by Ed Coles, Jr. with the intention of being a repair shop only.  In November 2012,  Ed sold the business to his cousins, Lauralee and Ed Houghton.  The business rapdily expanded to a full-service music store with an emphasis on school band and orestras.  Together, the family has expanded Coles Music Service to include a retail location in Sewell NJ which includes a Rental Program for band and Orchestra instruments. Coles Music Service opened numerous dealerships with popular brands in order to provide you with the best pricing with musical instruments, accessories, audio equipment, and sheet music.

Lauralee Houghton, Owner

Lauralee's love for music began in 4th grade upon hearing a student teacher play "Summertime" on the alto sax. She joined the school band in 5th grade where she quickly made lifelong friends.  Upon graduating Rowan University, Lauralee worked for 10 years running the family's construction business.  Having the opportunity to purchase her cousin's business, Lauralee made the leap back into the music world.  She strives everyday to make music accessible  to all those who want to play.

Russ Coleman, General Manager 

Ed Coles, Head Technician/Repair Supervisor (1958-2016)

Ed attended Glassboro State College as a Music Education major and is a 1981 graduate of Eastern School of Musical Instrument Repair, studying under Fred Kirschner. He has been a member of the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technician (NAPBIRT) since 1985. Ed has expanded and perfected his craft by attending over 250 hours of continuing education repair clinics and classes throughout the United States. He has earned a reputation as one of the top master technicians in the Delaware Valley. His clientele list is vast, including many professional musicians, including professors from local Universities. Ed oversees all repairs performed at Coles Music Service, ensuring the highest quality repairs for all of the clients. He is also a clinician, providing professional development repair courses for music educators and university students.

Jeffrey Sturmfels, Repair Technician/Repair Shop Manager

Jeff is our Repair Shop Manager at Coles Music as well as a band instrument repair technician.  He specializes in brass instruments, especially low brass.  Jeff initially started playing the trumpet in 4th grade then pursued euphonium in 8th grade.  Then he moved to the tuba in 10th grade and found his "home!"  Jeff graduated from Penns Grove High School in 2010.  Post high school, he went to Minnesota State College Southeast- Red Wing, where he received his diploma in the Band Instrument Repair course that they offer.  Immediately after graduation he found his place here at Coles Music.  Jeff says that he loves Coles Music so much "because of the trust that Lauralee and Russ put in me to help alleviate some of the burden from their shoulders.  Also, the willingness from Lauralee to always allow me to further my education and techniques."  Outside of work, Jeff enjoys practicing his tuba as well as taking lessons every week from Harry Salotti. 

Jacqueline Pastore, Woodwind Repair Technician

Jacqueline, or Jacqui, is our Woodwind Technician at Coles Music.  She has been with us for four years so far and specializes in flutes.  Her education is vast.  Jacqui started her education in the field at The College of New Jersey and then went on to Minnesota State College Southeast Tech at Red Wing where she graduated in 2015.  She has continued her education since then, receiving a certificate in bassoon repair from NAPBIRT University.  Jacqui is a great part of our team!  She says that Coles is "by far the best shop to work for in the state, if not further...beautiful space, great tools, understanding management, (and) fun atmosphere."  Some of Jacqui's hobbies outside of instrument repair include playing the flute in the Tri-County Symphonic Band and the South Jersey Flute Choir, listening to podcasts, and playing video games.