Turramurra Music marks 50 years in Sydney
Turramurra Music marks 50 years in Sydney
Sydney independent music retailer Turramurra Music is marking its 50th anniversary this month, with an in-store celebration planned for 5 September as the family-owned business reflects on five decades serving Australia’s music and professional audio communities.
Founded by Rob Stevens in 1976, the business began as a small store in Turramurra on Sydney’s Upper North Shore. Music tuition and record sales helped establish the business before it expanded into neighbouring premises and developed into a specialist retailer covering instruments, recording and professional audio.
The anniversary is being marked with a 50th Birthday Sale running from 3–11 September, alongside Saturday’s in-store event, which will feature free coffee, a display of vintage instruments and an opportunity to meet Stevens and the current Turramurra Music team.
“When I started in 1976, I certainly wasn't imagining where we might be 50 years later,” said Rob Stevens. “Reaching this milestone is a real honour, but what means the most is the people who have been part of the journey. We've had wonderful staff, past and present, loyal customers who have supported us for decades, and great friendships across the music industry. I'm enormously grateful to them all.”
The store has also had links with Australia’s music scene throughout its history. Future Midnight Oil members Jim Moginie and Martin Rotsey taught guitar there during its early years, while INXS, The Angels and The Radiators were among the bands known to visit while travelling north from Sydney.
Today, Turramurra Music offers retail alongside repairs, hire, systems design and installation, training and technical support, with a team covering instruments, recording and professional audio.
“The way people discover music, make music and shop for gear has changed enormously since 1976, but the fundamentals of looking after people well have not,” said general manager Mat Stevens. “We still believe in having knowledgeable people customers can actually talk to, letting them try and experience equipment for themselves and building relationships that last well beyond a single purchase.”
The anniversary follows the company’s recognition at the 2026 NAMM Show, where it was named NAMM Best Community Retail Store and one of three global finalists for NAMM Music Retailer of the Year.
“To be celebrating our 50th birthday in the same year that we've been recognised alongside some of the best music retailers in the world is pretty special,” Mat said. “We're enormously proud of our history, but we're also excited about where we go from here. Fifty years is a chance to celebrate and say thank you, but we feel the best is yet to come.”
