Meet Mike Smail, Music Store Owner And Fostering Music Partner

Mike Smail is the owner of Smail’s Custom Drum Shop, a long-time pillar of the Kittanning music community. We’re thrilled to count Mike among our incredible partners—and we recently sat down with him to learn more about his experience working with Fostering Music. 

The Fostering Music relationship with Mike Smail and Smail’s Custom Drum Shop goes back years ago—even before our founder, Christy Stitt, had the idea to start this music nonprofit. 

Mike and Christy met when Christy dropped off her son, Luke (now a Fostering Music instructor himself!), for drum lessons. 

They hit it off, and thanks to their friendship, Mike was one of the first people Christy thought of while opening Fostering Music.

“They’ve helped me so much through the years,” Mike says. “So when Christy came to me and asked if I’d help, I agreed. Not only because of our friendship, but because I think it’s a great organization and it’s helping kids who really need it.”

Running Kittanning’s Favorite Music Store—And Supporting Fostering Music

Mike’s love for drums started years ago when he picked up his first pair of drumsticks back in 4th grade. 

He’s since turned that passion into his own shop. “We’re a full-line music store—and not just drums,” Mike says. “We sell brand-name instruments, both new and used, as well as lessons for it all!

“I’m also like a drop-off center where people can donate instruments to Fostering Music. I house a lot of the instruments for them until they’re ready for use.”

For Mike, supporting Fostering Music has simply been one more extension of his passion for music. 

In reflecting on one of his first Fostering Music drum students, Mike says, “I’ve seen the positive effect on his life. He’s constantly progressing, but there are still setbacks and gains, just like in life. Helping to overcome them in the music realm will hopefully translate into the real-world applications in his life.”

A Love For the Fostering Music Mission

One of our favorite parts of working with Mike Smail: He understands the mission behind our work. 

“I like the fact that giving the gift of music to a child lasts a lifetime,” Mike says. “It’s not something that wears out.

“I think it suits foster kids even better because of their uncertain circumstances. It will always go with them, no matter where they go, and it is something permanent for them to hold on to when so much else is out of their control.”

Donate Today

You can help more foster children receive music lessons and instruments by donating to Fostering Music today! Use the button below to get started! Every dollar helps, and you can choose to make a one-time donation or an automatic monthly donation.