Spring-2023

Marcia Stearns music bookstore, Bookmark Music, on Forest in Pacific Grove, is a beloved local resource for musicians, music teachers and students. SHORT CUTS NEIGHBORS I n 1994, Marcia Stearns opened a performing arts bookstore in downtown Pacific Grove. She quickly noticed a demand for sheet music and refocused her selection. Today, Bookmark Music specializes in printed music for music departments from the elementary to university level, along with students, hobbyists, symphony orchestras and others. In addition to carrying an extensive in-store selection, Stearns can import specialty scores and track down hard-to-find pieces. Her team works closely with customers to understand variables like skill level, instrumentation and more. “Everyone who comes in the store has a situation or a question—we don’t call them problems—that needs to be solved in the best way for them,” Stearns says. The store also stocks music-themed gifts, acoustic guitars and a range of ukuleles. Stearns occasionally welcomes small ensemble perfor - mances by local students too. She appreciates how music changes young lives. “If you’re learning music as a child, you’re basically forging brain pathways that have to do with critical thinking, interaction and coordina - tion. You’re learning a new language that you’re actually reading and hearing. All those things help you, physically and mentally,” Stearns says. “I’m not the teacher. I’m just helping them get what they need to get there.” Bookmark Music is located at 307 Forest Avenue in Pacific Grove. For more information, visit www.bookmarkmusic.com or call 831/648-0508. Local Sheet Music Store Ser ves Diverse Audiences B Y R ENE E B R I NCK S 74 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 3 Photo: Kelli Uldall