Walter & Irene Ostanek
Walter and Irene are the reason there's an Ostanek's Music Center today. Having built the business from it's humble beginnings at the original location on St.Paul Street in St.Catharines in the early '60s to its current location on Geneva Street where we continue to serve the Greater Niagara Area still today.
You can visit Walters website here - Walter Ostanek Band
Rick Ostanek
Rick is the manager of the shop, he does all the purchasing and makes sure the rest of the staff isn't slacking off. (This includes making sure there aren't any rubber band fights going on while there are customers in the shop!)
Rick works all the time, but when he does get time off he's usually on his bike, in a canoe or playing with The Lincoln Underground. Everybody likes Rick, so if you don't then there's something wrong with you!
Darcy Patrick
Darcy is in charge of instrument and amplifier repairs, sales and handles all the book orders for the shop. He's electrocuted himself more times than he can remember... no really!
A huge Beatles fan from youth but an even bigger fan of his son who he enjoys spending time with. Darcy also plays bass in the band Groovy Food and enjoys collecting bass guitars, running and collecting bass guitars...!
Nelson Toews
We have an awesome drum department largely in part due to this dude. Nelson is a drum fanatic, and that's putting it mildly! He can tell you where anything in the drum department is, but ask him what he ate for breakfast that day and you'll get a blank stare!
Nelson plays in three bands, (Johnny & the Cruzers, Practically Hip, The Lincoln Underground), and loves to tinker in his home studio. Playing practical jokes on Darcy is a favourite past time of his.
Wally Tomczuk
The voice of reason, that's Wally. He loves all things with strings, and real nice boats too. Wally is in sales and customer service and really enjoys getting under Darcy's skin!
Wally once formed a band called JR Flood that featured on drums none other than Neil Peart himself! (Just before he was called to join Rush). That alone makes Wally the coolest cat on staff!
We're not worthy... we're not worthy!
Frank Pizzacalla
Frank is in sales, guitar repair and computer recording, he's also a bit of a tech freak! Frank works occasional hours now but has been with us for over 15 years having started in the early '90s. He was here for a lot of the big changes including the renovation of the store and the addition of a dedicated drum shop.
When he's not at the shop Frank can be found at his computer creating websites like this one, or recording music. Visit Frank at his website here.
Scott Hastings
Scott started at the shop on a Co-Op program which ultimately led to a part time position in sales and customer service. Although Scott is among the youngest on staff he's still the most mature one of the bunch. If there are any shenanigans going on, its not likely Scott that started it!
You can find Scott at the shop only on Saturdays now as he's moved on to become an electrical engineer and has recently married and started family, congratulations Scott!
Phil Martin
Phil is the newest staff member to Ostanek's Music and handles sales and customer service in most departments.
When Phil isn't putting hours in at the shop he's usually gigging with a local band or playing with a theatre group. His main instrument is bass guitar but he's also an accomplished drummer as well.
Phil's a pretty laid back guy but he also practices Martial Arts... so watch your step dude!
Over 35 Years of Service
Our goal has always been to provide the best service with the greatest value to each and every customer. Ostanek's Music Center is a family owned and operated business serving the Greater Niagara and surrounding area. We pride ourselves on decades of experience, service, and knowledge in the music instrument retail business.
You can always expect our best service and competitive prices, all with a personal touch. Let our knowledgeable and friendly staff help you with your next music instrument purchase.