Thunder Bay's Music World Academy marks 50 years as a family-run success

Five decades later, and Thunder Bay's Music World Academy remains a family-run business.

The store, located on Simpson Street, is marking a major anniversary this year: five decades since it was founded by the late Cosimo Riccio, an accordion player.

"Back in '76 ... my father Cosimo basically with lessons and and teaching," said co-owner Enzo Riccio. "It all started from his passion."

"Then we basically flipped from lessons to retail, and here we are."

Today, Music World Academy sells all kinds of instruments, including guitars, drum sets, pianos and keyboards, violins, banjos, and yes, accordions.

"We try to have a little bit of everything in terms of guitars, drums, some recording gear," co-owner Joe Riccio said. "People can even try to record at home and do some of that fun stuff."

And while the store has moved a few times over the years, it's always remained on Simpson Street, Enzo Riccio said.

"This is all we've ever known," he said. "There were like three moves. So we were in the 500 block of Simpson, and the 200 block of Simpson, now in the 400 block of Simpson."

"We're in a very nice location here. The building is beautiful. We have more square footage."

And the extra space means more instruments on display.

"It's amazing seeing a little kid come in," Joe Riccio said. "When they see the room of of guitars that we have, their eyes just just sparkle."

"Everyone wants to be a rock star, right?' he said. "We try to help people on their journey, and let them try a few things out."

And when it comes to the next 50 years, one thing that's certain is Music World will remain a family-run business, Joe Riccio said.

"We have my father, my mother, my brother, my sister, and my wife even works here," he said. "Now we have the kids all helping out."