Everything Band Podcast

Episode 43 features composer and publisher Walter Cummings. Walter and his wife Janet co-founded Grand Mesa Music Publishers in the early 1990's and have not only survived as a business in a competitive industry, but have had 25 years of nearly continuous growth. Walter shares his story and some of his thoughts about what has made his business so successful. Topics: Walter’s background growing up in Mississippi and his journey from band director to composer to publisher including a surprising link to an earlier podcast guest. Walter’s willingness to take risks and how that has been a large part of the success of Grand Mesa Music. How the saying “You must be present to win” led to the growth of Grand Mesa Music and led to a meeting with Randall Standridge at the Arkansas Bandmasters Meeting Advice for composers who might want to find a publisher, including some tips for keeping a fresh cache of ideas available for new works. Links: Grand Mesa Music Publishers Wagner: Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral Biog