Chris Mason
Chris Mason
I’ve been working in school music retail for over 10 years, and I know how much time and energy goes into running a successful music program. Before joining Sweetwater, I managed one of the busiest rental locations for the largest rental provider in the state, where I spent a decade helping families and educators get what they needed—quickly and with as little hassle as possible.
While I was there, I also earned my MBA with a focus in Business Management from Sacred Heart University. That experience gave me a broader perspective on how to build systems that actually work for teachers, schools, and families.
Now at Sweetwater, I get to combine my industry knowledge with a company that truly supports music education. My goal is to be the kind of partner who makes your job easier—whether that’s helping with rentals, sorting out logistics, or just being someone you can count on when things get busy.
As one of the School Relationship Managers here at Sweetwater, please let me know anytime I can offer help or advice.
(800) 222-4700 ext 2763
E-mail Chris-
Education/Certifications Teaching Experience:
I earned my Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Management from Sacred Heart University in May 2022. Prior to that, I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, also at Sacred Heart University, graduating in May 2009.
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Where did you grow up?
Pattenberg, NJ
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How were you involved with music before coming to Sweetwater?
Growing up through grade school through college, I was always involved with concert, jazz, pep, or marching band.
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Why did you first apply for a job at Sweetwater?
Working for as long as I have in music retail, I knew that there was a better way to serve customers and educators. I think it is only appropriate a company put in as much to do right by you all and you put in as educators and parents into your student's music education.
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Do you speak any other languages?
Latin
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What is your primary instrument and what brands/models do you play?
My primary instrument is bass guitar. I currently play a Fender Jazz Bass, an Ibanez SR600, a Samick Cobra, and a Fender T-Bucket acoustic bass.
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Do you play any other instruments?
I started playing trombone in 4th grade and have kept it up over the years. Along the way, I also picked up the ukulele and some acoustic guitar during my career.
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Are there any other musicians in your family?
There's a budding 7-month-old musician in my family right now :) She is showing real progress!
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Other stuff we should know about you (hobbies, talents, interests, etc.):
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, seeing concerts, tabletop and videos gaming, and of course playing music in my spare time. I try to travel as often as I can, to enjoy
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Favorite Musician other than yourself:
Victor Wooten! The GOAT of Bass Players
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Real-life hero:
Jon Stewart, not only is he a comedic gem, he stands for what he believes in for the benefits of others.
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How would your customers/fellow music education advocates describe you?
Dependable, consistent, punctual, and outgoing
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How would your best friend describe you?
Loyal, introspective, funny, and a man of great integrity
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What did you dream about doing for a living when you were growing up?
I have always known that I wanted to be involved with music. It has always felt like a haven for me. I guess it's a way of saying I am living the dream.
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What in your background prepared you most to help your customers with their audio needs?
My 10 years of music retail experience have made me familiar with most of the needs a band or orchestra instructor may encounter.
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What in your background prepared you most to help Band and Orchestra Directors with their rental instrument needs?
My decade in a rental-heavy instrument retail store has made me keenly aware of instructor needs and common pitfalls that parents come across, which allows me to deliver the quality service you all deserve
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What do you enjoy most about being part of the Sweetwater team?
What I enjoy most about being part of the Sweetwater team is the decades of knowledge and experience that everyone brings to the table. Even though we're spread out across the country, there's a strong sense of connection—we're constantly reinforcing each other, sharing ideas, and pushing each other to grow. It's a team that truly feels united, no matter the distance.
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What is the most important thing you've learned at Sweetwater?
It's been burned into my head since the first day training at campus. "Do the right thing." This is the mentality I am bring to the job everyday, because every music educators life should be a little easier.
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What's the biggest gig you've ever played?
Giant's Stadium for a marching band compeition
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Fake-life hero:
Ted Lasso, no show will ever make you a better human being
Interview with Chris...
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My experience with Chris has been great! Any time I have had a question or concern, he has promptly responded to me and gone above and beyond to make sure an issue was resolved.
Amanda G from Voluntown Elementary School
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Chris is timely, professional, and a great communicator. He is highly responsive and genuinely cares about the experience of his customers. He always gives you his honest opinion and is just great to work with all around.
Niall R from Saxe Middle School
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I am constantly impressed by Chris. His response time is amazing and he is always able to solve any issue big or small with my rentals. My faith in rental companies has been restored by using Sweetwater!
Amy C from Ashford School
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"Chris is terrific - he ensures that my students can go on the Sweetwater site and see all the materials I ask them to have for our class so I don't have to cut and paste links into emails to parents and students - it streamlines my classes and lessons so students are prepared to learn. Even with a new baby at home, Chris drove to my school in the middle of the day to hand me a replacement string that I desperately needed - above and beyond, right? Right."
Vickie K from Fairfield Woods Middle School
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Excellent customer service, excellent product, excellent staff! I love that I can always reach a live person with questions. I always get individual treatment.
Kathy from Wilmington, NC
