About Us
The Story of Rose City Instruments
Rose City Instruments was founded in 2026 to help musicians in the Pacific Northwest and beyond find quality professional and entry-level professional instruments, accessories, and repairs. Founded by Andy Smith, the business is all about establishing relationships and growing connections in our community.
Meet Our Owner
Andy Smith, DMA
Andy Smith’s musical journey has taken him around the world across a wide range of musical genres. A uniquely versatile figure in the music community, Andy has built a career as a professor, performer, repair technician, and leader in both the for-profit and non-profit worlds.
Originally from Syracuse, New York, Andy began his musical life as a trumpet player in fourth grade. Despite practicing diligently, the trumpet never quite clicked. His middle school band director, Burt Dunlap, suggested a change—and without knowing any better, Andy picked the tuba. That decision changed everything.
Over the past 20 years, Andy has served as principal tuba with multiple orchestras, performed as a soloist in four countries and throughout the United States, taught at the collegiate level, repaired instruments for some of the world’s finest players, and managed the Repair Parts Department at Conn-Selmer.
Our Owner's Philosophy
Andy believes instruments are a powerful way for musicians to discover and refine their unique voice and sound. As a repair technician with a deep passion for large brass repair, he brings the same level of care, precision, and pride to tuba and euphonium work that many shops reserve only for smaller instruments. His repair-first perspective informs every instrument he sells and services, with an emphasis on playability, longevity, and real-world performance.
Rose City Instruments was founded to serve musicians on the West Coast by providing access to exceptional instruments, thoughtfully selected mouthpieces, and high-quality modifications and repairs—all under one roof. Andy is known for his honest, dependable, and reasonable approach, helping players make confident, informed decisions without pressure or upselling.
Andy holds degrees from Ithaca College, the Eastman School of Music, Renton Technical College, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He is a member of NAPBIRT, NAMM, ITEA, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Outside of the shop, Andy enjoys playing tennis, conducting the Orchestra and Wind Symphony and serving as Deputy Operations Officer with the Blueprint Ensemble Arts and Theatre Initiative, exploring new cuisines, spending time with family and friends, and working on woodworking projects in his garage.