The Riverton Story

1968 - The Chicken Coop

Hal Rindlisbacher never meant to get into the music business. He was content directing the high school band and teaching local students to play their instruments. Over time, however, he began to see a need. Many of his students had old instruments that were in various states of disrepair - making playing (and learning) quite a bit harder. To help his students and friends better enjoy their instruments, Hal cleared out an old chicken coop near his house and opened a part-time instrument repair shop. Before long, Hal’s repair customers began to ask him for advice on purchasing instruments and supplies and Hal saw yet another need.

1978 - Riverton, Utah

In response to rising demand, Hal decided to build his first music store in a small township called Riverton - near Salt Lake City, Utah. The 2400 square foot building held Riverton’s growing retail business as well as Hal’s repair shop. These were busy times. Hal directed the high school band during the day and then hurried to open his Riverton music store from 4-7pm weekdays and on Saturdays.

1980 - Riverton Music

No longer able to maintain his demanding daily schedule, Hal decided to quit his band director job at the local high school and direct his attention (full-time) to his growing business: Riverton Music.

1983 - Second Generation

Hal’s oldest son, Kevin Rindlisbacher, joined Riverton Music in 1983 as the chief financial officer and the company began to expand. In 1984, the Rindlisbachers opened their second location in West Valley, Utah. In 1989, they went on to open stores in Salt Lake City in and in Sunset, Utah. Then, in 1992, Hal Rindlisbacher’s declining health forced him to retire. His son, Kevin, purchased the company from him and continued its expansion – replacing the smaller stores in West Valley and Riverton with larger stores in West Jordon and Sandy, Utah. Riverton Music continued to grow and thrive.

Riverton Music

Today, Riverton operates three stores in the Salt Lake City metro area. Still family owned and operated, Riverton Music is a locally-owned business. Kevin and his family often organize special events in the area, attend area concerts and work with Utah business leaders to promote music all over the metro area. Kevin is an avid tennis player, a dedicated bike rider and a skilled classical pianist.