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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Guitar Center Music Foundation appoints Curtis Heath as Board President and Chair to lead next era of innovation in music philanthropy
Under Heath, the Foundation welcomes new board members from across the Guitar Center family to unite business and creative leadership in expanding music access
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIF., December 2, 2025 – The Guitar Center Music Foundation (GCMF) today announced that Curtis Heath, President of Guitar Center Business Solutions, has been appointed Board President and Chair. Heath’s appointment marks a new chapter for the Foundation as it works to expand access to music education and deepen its impact in communities across the country.
Joining Heath on the Foundation’s Board are Greg Glaser, Vice President of Custom House and GC Pro at Guitar Center, and Jerry Brandehoff, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer for Guitar Center. After many years of dedicated service as Board Chair, David Helfant will continue supporting the Foundation as a member of the Board of Directors. Together, they bring creative, business, and strategic leadership that strengthens the Foundation’s mission to inspire and empower people through music.
As President of Guitar Center Business Solutions, Heath oversees professional divisions including GC Pro, AVDG, and Custom House. A Navy veteran and experienced executive, Heath is known for building high-performing teams and aligning artistry, technology, and community. His leadership within Guitar Center focuses on connecting creators, corporations, and educators through access and innovation, a vision he now brings to the Foundation’s national platform.
“Music has the power to change lives, and our mission is to make sure that opportunity exists for every child,” said Curtis Heath, Chair of the Guitar Center Music Foundation. “The science is clear that when kids have access to music, they develop stronger minds, healthier emotions, and greater confidence. I’m honored to help lead the Foundation into its next chapter, where together we’ll turn instruments into an opportunity for the next generation of creators, dreamers, and innovators.”
Guitar Center Business Solutions includes three divisions that connect the company’s professional and creative expertise. GC Pro serves as Guitar Center’s professional audio and production arm, delivering large-scale solutions for studios, venues, and touring professionals. AVDG designs and integrates advanced AV systems for corporate, higher education, healthcare and stadiums, while Custom House provides boutique services for artists, producers, and songwriters. Each division serves a distinct audience but shares a common goal of connecting people to the power of sound.
Greg Glaser, Vice President of Custom House and GC Pro, leads artist relations and partnerships across Guitar Center’s professional divisions. Custom House works directly with today’s hitmakers and renowned creators to source gear, design studios, and support tours and recording projects. GC Pro delivers large-scale pro-audio and production solutions for major venues and House of Worship nationwide.
Jerry Brandehoff, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer, leads Guitar Center’s merchandising organization, which includes buying, planning, and private label brands across all channels. He is a dynamic retail executive with more than 30 years of experience at global companies including Wayfair, Gap Inc., PVH, and Williams-Sonoma Inc. His leadership brings a business perspective that connects Guitar Center’s retail strategy to the Foundation’s philanthropic mission.
“We believe making music should be within everyone’s reach regardless of your affluence,” said Gabe Dalporto, CEO of Guitar Center. “The Guitar Center Music Foundation fulfills that mission by making music accessible to those in need, and giving the next generation of rock stars the opportunity to play.”
The appointment of Heath, Glaser, and Brandehoff marks a new chapter for the Guitar Center Music Foundation. With leadership spanning business strategy, artist relations, and merchandising innovation, the Foundation is positioned to expand its reach and deepen its impact nationwide. Together, this team will strengthen partnerships, champion access to instruments and education, and inspire the next generation to experience the power of making music.
For more information on the Guitar Center Music Foundation, visit https://guitarcenterfoundation.org and connect with the Foundation online.
Photo file 1: CurtisHeath.JPG
Photo caption 1: Curtis Heath, Chair of the Guitar Center Music FoundationPhoto file 2: GregGlaser.JPG
Photo caption 2: Greg Glaser, Vice President of Custom House and GC Pro at Guitar Center, and newly named member of the Guitar Center Music Foundation’s BoardPhoto file 3: JerryBrandehoff.JPG
Photo caption 3: Jerry Brandehoff, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer for Guitar Center, and newly named member of the Guitar Center Music Foundation’s Board
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ABOUT THE GUITAR CENTER MUSIC FOUNDATION:
For some, music may be just a hobby. But for others, music serves as a crucial lifeline – a path to healing, an opportunity to nurture untapped talent, an escape from the grim realities of everyday life, a break from generational trauma, or the start of a social revolution. The Guitar Center Music Foundation (GCMF) is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to the healing, transformative power of music. Thousands of individuals nationwide benefit yearly from GCMF’s grants and other efforts aiding veterans, hospital patients, the unhoused, and those affected by natural disasters, as well as youth in both schools and after-school programs. By providing these programs with all types of instruments and advocating for the benefits of music education and music therapy, GCMF furthers its mission of giving people the chance to create and express themselves through music. For more information about The Guitar Center Music Foundation, please visit http://guitarcenterfoundation.org/.
ABOUT GUITAR CENTER:
Guitar Center is the leading retailer of musical instruments, lessons, repairs and rentals in the U.S. With more than 300 stores across the U.S. and one of the top direct sales websites in the industry, Guitar Center has helped people make music for more than 60 years. Guitar Center also provides customers with various musician-based services, including Guitar Center Lessons, where musicians of all ages and skill levels can learn to play a variety of instruments in many music genres, GC Repairs, an on-site maintenance and repairs service, and GC Rentals, a program offering easy rentals of instruments and other sound reinforcement gear. Additionally, Guitar Center’s sister brands include Music & Arts, which operates more than 250 stores specializing in band & orchestral instruments for sale and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors, parents and students, and Musician’s Friend, a leading direct marketer of musical instruments in the United States. For more information about Guitar Center, please visit guitarcenter.com.ABOUT GUITAR CENTER BUSINESS SOLUTIONS:
Guitar Center Business Solutions is the professional division of Guitar Center, bringing together GC Pro, AVDG, and Custom House to deliver world-class expertise across music, technology, and experience design. The group serves artists, institutions, and businesses nationwide with integrated audio, video, and production solutions that power studios, tours, venues, classrooms, and commercial spaces. Custom House leads the division’s creative work with today’s hitmakers, supporting recording projects, live performances, and studio design. GC Pro provides professional audio solutions for studios and touring professionals, while AVDG designs and installs advanced AV systems for corporate and performance environments. Together, these divisions reflect Guitar Center’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence across every corner of the music industry.Press Contact
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