Canadian Music Trade - June/July 2021 | Page 12

KENJI YAMABE
Audio-Technica Canada Appoints Kenji Yamabe as New GM Following Audio-Technica Canada ’ s ( ATCA ) recent decision to take on distribution of its professional audio operation , the company has appointed a permanent general manager , Kenji Yamabe . This appointment also coincides with ATCA ’ s move to new , state-of the-art office facilities .
Yamabe comes from Audio-Technica Europe and takes over from Susanne Seidel , a business consultant who has been ATCA ’ s acting GM since June 2019 .
“ Although the circumstances created by COVID have not been ideal for anyone , I am proud of what we have accomplished as a team and delighted to be able to leave the company in such a robust position ,” says Seidel . “ We ’ ve had a strong business year . In conjunction with the gradual lifting of COVID restrictions , I am certain that the future is bright for the company , and I know that Kenji will do a great job in the next phase .”
Yamabe brings over 15 years ’ experience within businesses that operate on a global scale ; eight of which were spent working across various positions at Audio-Technica . The company says he has a track record of building strong working relationships between AT ’ s Japanese headquarters and its subsidiaries , evidenced by his work as business development liaison manager at Audio-Technica Europe .
For more information , contact Audio-Technica Canada : 450-506- 0245 , nromberg @ audio-technica . ca , www . audio-technica . ca .
‘ Musicology ,’ Canadian-made Collaborative Video App for Music Teachers , Launching Browser Version The Canadian-made Musicology app , which is designed for music teachers who struggle with conventional video conference platforms , will be launching a new browser version in July 2021 ahead of back-to-school . The iPad version launched in April 2020 ,
REBECCA FEATHERSTONE and now more teachers will have access to the app ’ s dedicated , interactive tools specifically designed to make online music lessons more intuitive , engaging , and enjoyable for both teachers and students .
The Canadian developers of the app say they ’ ve solved numerous audio / video problems teachers have faced with traditional conferencing apps . The full-duplex , peer-to-peer audio is designed to significantly reduce lag and audio drops . It also features interactive tools like a polyphonic keyboard , annotatable grand staff , and guitar / ukulele features . The new browser version will initially feature high-quality audio / video , screen sharing , a metronome , and emojis for the kids .
“ We ’ re extremely excited to launch the browser-based version of Musicology ,” says CEO Rebecca Featherstone , the piano teacher and entrepreneur who founded Musicology a year ago . “ All the headaches that music teachers are currently facing with ‘ big name ’ conferencing apps are about to disappear — the difference really is amazing . Finally , music teachers can offer fully-interactive , high-quality music lessons online . It ’ s almost like being in the same room together again .”
Featherstone says a more comprehensive browser version with MIDI keyboard capabilities is in the works for an August 2021 release and other features are coming this fall .
For more information , go to www . musicology . ca .
SFM Named One of Deloitte Canada ’ s Best Managed Companies for Third Time For the third year in a row , SFM has been named one of Deloitte Canada ’ s Best Managed Companies .
Established in 1993 , Canada ’ s Best Managed Companies is a leading business awards program and is open to Canadian-owned , private businesses as well as businesses with Canadian-based headquarters . The program recognizes excellence in the areas of overall business performance and sustained growth , and the efforts of the entire organization . Beyond that , the program measures more than financial performance . SFM maintains a portfolio of 70 brands , holding Canadian distribution rights for high-end brands like QSC , Shure , and Avid .
“ Earning this recognition for the third year in a row is an ongoing testament to the grit and determination of everyone at SFM ,” says Randal Tucker , president and CEO of SFM . “ This past year has been extraordinarily difficult for everyone , both personally and professionally .
Faced with unprecedented challenges almost every day , the resilience and commitment shown by everyone on our team has been nothing short of remarkable . And what we ’ ve been through together over the past year has only made us stronger . Receiving this recognition , the first two times certainly felt special , but to be once again recognized as one of Canada ’ s Best Managed Companies in the current business environment feels even more so .”
For more information , contact SFM : 800-363-8855 , info @ sfm . ca , www . sfm . ca .
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