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Quick Reference: String Together — Partnering with Local Music Stores

String Together brings free guitar string-changing events to music stores on Make Music Day. Sponsored by Elixir Strings, the first 12 people at each participating store get free strings and a changing lesson.

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All Make Music Vermont events must be registered through the MMVT team. Do not register stores directly with the Make Music Alliance. To sign up a music store, email info@makemusicvt.org.

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Deadline: Store registrations must be submitted by May 30, 2026. Contact the MMVT team well before this date so we can register your store.

How It Works

A music store signs up to host a String Together event on June 21
Elixir Strings sends free string sets to the store
On Make Music Day, the store hosts a free string-changing session
The first 12 people who show up receive free Elixir strings and a hands-on lesson in how to change them
The store gets foot traffic, visibility, and goodwill on the biggest music day of the year

What the Store Needs to Provide

Item	Details
Staff or volunteer	Someone to demonstrate string changing (store employee, teacher, or local guitarist)
Space	A counter or table area where people can work on their guitars
Basic tools	Wire cutters, string winders (most stores have these)
Time	1–2 hour window on June 21st

Vermont Music Stores to Approach

Consider reaching out to these types of shops:

Guitar and music retailers
Instrument repair shops
Music schools with retail sections
General stores that carry strings
Pawn shops with instrument sections

Talking Points for Store Owners

When approaching a store, emphasize:

Zero cost to the store — Elixir provides the strings
Guaranteed foot traffic — 12+ customers walking in on a Sunday
PR opportunity — Make Music Day gets local and national press coverage
Community goodwill — supporting free music education
Easy to execute — just host a string-changing demo for 1–2 hours

Promotion Tips

Have the store promote the event on their social media and in-store signage
Cross-promote with other Make Music Vermont events happening nearby
Encourage the store to offer a Make Music Day discount on accessories alongside the free event
Post on local guitar and music Facebook groups

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Know a music store that would be a great fit? Email the MMVT team at info@makemusicvt.org with the store name and contact info. We'll handle registration with Elixir Strings.

How It Works

A music store signs up to host a String Together event on June 21

Elixir Strings sends free string sets to the store

On Make Music Day, the store hosts a free string-changing session

The first 12 people who show up receive free Elixir strings and a hands-on lesson in how to change them

The store gets foot traffic, visibility, and goodwill on the biggest music day of the year

Talking Points for Store Owners

When approaching a store, emphasize:

Zero cost to the store — Elixir provides the strings

Guaranteed foot traffic — 12+ customers walking in on a Sunday

PR opportunity — Make Music Day gets local and national press coverage

Community goodwill — supporting free music education

Easy to execute — just host a string-changing demo for 1–2 hours

Promotion Tips

Have the store promote the event on their social media and in-store signage

Cross-promote with other Make Music Vermont events happening nearby

Encourage the store to offer a Make Music Day discount on accessories alongside the free event

Post on local guitar and music Facebook groups

📧

Know a music store that would be a great fit? Email the MMVT team at info@makemusicvt.org with the store name and contact info. We'll handle registration with Elixir Strings.