Derek Adams Founding Partner

Derek was born at an even earlier age than his partners. He was born in Blackburn where he served an engineering apprenticeship. After studies at Teacher Training College, he Lectured in Mechanical Engineering at Nelson & Colne College. Having been given responsibility for the running of the Engineering Training unit at the college, he was settling into a steady career in Education when, in1975, he was invited to form a partnership to create Blackburn Music Supplies, initially to provide instruments for pupils at the Blackburn School of Music. As news of Blackburn Music Supplies spread, it became impracticable to operate on a part-time basis so, in 1979, Derek left his job in education to open a full-time shop in Paradise Lane, Blackburn. As the premises were underneath the Central Methodist Church, and were accessed down a few steps, ‘The Music Cellar’ was born! For Derek this meant a full-time involvement in music, which previously had only been a hobby.

 In the following years, shops were opened in Chorley and Preston.

" The Preston shop was opened in 1986 by Philip Kubilius, who was joined there in 1988 by John Bennett. This proved to be a successful and popular shop, offering a wide range & depth of instruments and accessories. In 1999 we decided to concentrate our efforts there with the closure of our Blackburn & Chorley shops. This move enabled us to give an unparalleled choice & of instruments etc, a feature that we believe has served the music community of Lancashire well.  We have recently expanded our premises & moved our Piano showroom to the Riversway area of Preston."

 Derek has for many years served on the committee of the Ribble Valley International Piano Week, where he is currently treasurer. He is also on the committee of the Friends of Blackburn Cathedral Music and is involved in the Thwaites Theatre in Blackburn.

  You can phone Derek on 01772 251407 or 01772 739071