Middle C strikes a chord with Tenleytown

Sales Associate Elizabeth Ennis says the store’s pet, Mozart, is a favorite among children. Photos by Danielle Nahabedian

WASHINGTON — “If they want to be a rock star, we have someone who does that,” Elizabeth Ennis says of the clientele of Middle C Music Corporation.

Nestled in the heart of Tenleytown and tucked behind a patch of trees lies Middle C, owned and operated by Myrna Sislen and a cast of friendly characters.

Among these is aspiring costume designer and American University alum Elizabeth Ennis. A sales associate of almost five years, Ennis shared the impact this store has on the community and beyond. Middle C is a thriving, independently owned business that capitalizes on its convenient location in Tenleytown and the exclusivity of their trade, she said. 

The store hosts music lessons run by a variety of teachers who appeal to aspiring musicians from 3 to 80. Ennis estimates that about 40 percent of the students are adults, who study a myriad of instruments ranging from piano and guitar to the harmonica and the ukulele. Beyond the appeal of lessons, the store allows local musicians to sell their work and offers special discounts to piano teachers.

This store has proved itself essential to the community.

“Myrna always says, ‘We wouldn’t be here if the community didn’t want us to be here,’” Ennis said.

This especially rang true when a local Best Buy wanted to have a music section, which could potentially put Middle C out of business. The community rallied around Middle C to maintain their musical presence in the area. “The community fought to protect the store,” Ennis said. Consequently, Best Buy does not carry music in its store in Tenleytown.

Middle C also has made its mark outside the United States through its work with the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay. In this culturally and economically deprived country, this organization creates instruments out of trash and provides them to underprivileged children. Middle C donated 40 factory-made instruments to the program to allow the children the opportunity to work with professional-grade instruments. The orchestra recently visited Tenleytown and attended a reception held by the store.

The Top 100 Award is displayed proudly near the register.

Middle C was recently named one of the Top 100 music stores by the National Association of Music Merchants. The shop received an award for its special event with the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay. The award is displayed proudly near the register of the store.

The store even has its own mascot, a cockapoodle named Mozart, who is popular with all the children. Ennis said, “It’s more than just a store.”