50 Years of Music World

50 Year Celebration | September 19, 2026

Join us on Saturday, September 19th as we celebrate 50 incredible years of Music World! Stop by the store for a day filled with live music, prizes, special surprises and plenty of memories as we look back on five decades of serving the Thunder Bay music community. We will be celebrating the customers, musicians, friends and families who have helped make Music World what it is today. Come share a story, enjoy some music, and help us celebrate this incredible milestone!

Celebrating 50 Years of Music World
1976–2026

For 50 years, Music World has been a substantial part of Thunder Bay’s musical community. Helping musicians discover, learn, and grow through the gift of music has always been Music World's goal.

What began as a small teaching academy in 1976 has grown into Northwestern Ontario’s largest musical instrument showroom while remaining proudly family-owned.

Where It All Began

Music World was founded in 1976 by Cosimo Riccio, a professional accordion player, whose passion for music shaped everything that followed.

Cosimo began playing at age 13 and went on to perform throughout Thunder Bay, winning Accordion Solo at the Lakehead Music Festival Competition at just 18.

A Teaching Academy First

In its early years, Music World focused on music education by offering lessons in accordion, guitar, and drums. Cosimo aspired to help generations of musicians take their first steps in their musical journey.

Growing With Thunder Bay

1976 – 519 Simpson Street
1982 – 219 Simpson Street
1998 – Expanded to 217 Simpson Street
2013 – Moved to 443 Simpson Street

By the late 1990s, Music World shifted its focus toward offering a wide range of musical instruments and gear, while continuing to support musicians at every stage of their journey.

Music World Today

In 2011, Music World expanded online, helping to serve more musicians; in-store, across Canada, and globally.

In 2013, Music World moved to 443 Simpson Street; becoming Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario’s largest musical instrument showroom with over 7,000 square feet of display space.

Trusted Brands We Carry

Fender, Gibson, Taylor, Martin, Marshall, Roland, Boss, Yamaha, Ibanez, Pearl, Tama, Paul Reed Smith, EVH, Jackson, Gretsch, Bose, Rode, Sabian, Yorkville, Mackie, Peavey, Ampeg, Electro-Harmonix, Deering Banjos, Orange, Seagull, Art & Lutherie, Vox, Blackstar, Mesa Boogie, Ludwig, Fishman, Ernie Ball, D'Addario, Alfred, Hal Leonard, Audio-Technica, BC Rich, Dean, Charvel, Cordoba, Jim Dunlop, Epiphone, ESP LTD, Schecter, Evans, Remo, Meinl, Hohner, Promark, Vic Firth, Levy's, Amahi, Perri's, Radial Engineering, Shure, Takamine, Washburn, Zoom, and many more...

Special Moments

Over the years, Music World has welcomed special guests and hosted memorable events, including Eric Singer (KISS/Alice Cooper), Taylor Guitars Roadshow with Michael Lille and Kenny Echizen, Gibson Night in Thunder Bay with Shawn Crockard, Gibson Custom Shop Trailer, Bass Ninja Felipe Gomez with the Bass and Bike Tour, Martin Guitars clinics with Brand Ambassador Diane Ponzio, Riversong Guitar clinics with Mike Miltimore, Remo Tune-Up Days with Tim Anderson, Guitar clinic with Dave Martone, an Evening with Doyle Dykes, and Drums clinics with Walfredo Reyes Jr., Mitch Dorge, Rick Gratton, Duane Norman, Chris Sutherland and David Northrup.

A Family Legacy

Music World has always been family-owned and operated.

Following Cosimo Riccio’s passing in 2022, the second generation— Enzo Riccio, Joe Riccio, and Emily Notarbartolo— continues the business, with the third generation now beginning to contribute.