Boulder Music Shop HB Woodsongs Has Been Sold
Longtime musical staple HB Woodsongs is changing ownership after 55 years of operation in Boulder.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Sondra Blanchard has announced the sale of the historic music shop HB Woodsongs to former Reverb.com executive Kevin Drost. The store has served the Boulder community since 1971.
Why it matters
The transition marks a new chapter for one of the region's oldest music retailers, which has maintained instrument services across six different locations throughout its history.
The shop currently manages a rental program of 1,000 instruments and has operated out of six distinct Boulder locations since its founding.
The players
Sondra Blanchard
She is the outgoing owner of HB Woodsongs who purchased the shop in 2017.
Kevin Drost
He is the incoming owner and the former chief financial officer of the online musical instrument marketplace Reverb.com.
The details
Kevin Drost, the former chief financial officer of Reverb.com, plans to keep the existing retail, lesson, and consignment programs intact while exploring new support options for local students. The store, which celebrated its 55th year of business in 2026, has been a fixture of the local music scene since it first opened as Folk Arts Music.
Timeline
The shop first opened as Folk Arts Music in 1971.
New owners renamed the store HB Woodsongs in 1985.
Sondra Blanchard and Shawn Cupolo purchased the business in 2017.
Shawn Cupolo died in 2021.
The store marked 55 years of business in 2026.
Market Landscape
This transition ensures the survival of a legacy independent music retailer in an era dominated by large online instrument marketplaces. By bringing in a former Reverb.com executive, the store is positioned to bridge its local retail heritage with modern e-commerce expertise.
Local musicians and students can expect the shop to continue its current instrument rental, retail, and lesson programs without disruption. Customers may see new support initiatives for students introduced as the new ownership integrates its professional background into the local store operations.
The takeaway
The continuity of HB Woodsongs highlights the enduring importance of physical music shops in local community education. Musicians looking for instrument support can expect consistent service while the shop explores future growth.
Further reading
For more updates on local retail shifts, visit the Boulder Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ColoradoBiz.
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