A Conversation With Stoughton's Music Man

Robert Tarchara remembers the first day he opened up Stoughton Music Center in its old location on Wyman Street, near Roland's TV.
He was just 23 years old in 1988, a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, Class of 1986.
"It was the day of the (Michael) Dukakis and (George H.) Bush (presidential) election," he said. "That was a big day. Everyone was excited. "Stoughton Center was really busy in those days. There was a lot going on."
Now, 25 years later, Tarchara is still in  business, at 968 Washington St., and he is beating the odds with every anniversary. "There are very few businesses operating after 25 years," he said.
Tarchara literally grew up around music. His mother Rosalie was head of the music program in the Stoughton schools and is an accomplished pianist.
"Music was part of my house," he said. "We had the stereo playing, and my mother has a Steinway piano. "I started playing the guitar at 7, I was a rocker in high school. I liked the acoustic music of the '70s, Harry Chapin, Simon and Garfunkel, Gordon Lightfoot and Neil Young. I also liked Led Zepplin." He played in local bands, playing at church, and doing the Gong Show at Stoughton High.
Back then, his other passion was playing for the Stoughton High boys' basketball team.
"I thought I was going to play in the NBA," said Tarchara with a laugh. "I found out there weren't too many 5-7 guys in the NBA."
At Berklee, Tarchara studied classical guitar and got a job working at a music store in Boston. That's when he discovered his love for the music retail business.
"I always wanted to own my own business," he said with a smile. "I thought I was the big entrepreneur."
Besides selling musical instruments, supplies and music sheets, Tarchara has composed 27 music books, which have been sold internationally, and he also gives guitar lessons.   Another recent addition to the business has been the Rock Assemble, taught by local musician Mike Rubin. 
Another part of his business is supplying the Stoughton schools' music department. "We do the repairs for them, rent the instruments and get the music for them," said Tarchara. "The Stoughton band has been so good, and that helps our business. John Kearns is doing a great job."
Tarchara is also part of Tema Jazz with local musician Steve Tapper. After having a knee replacement, Tarchara hasn't been able to perform live, but is looking to get back out there.
While he only plays the guitar, there is an instrument about 10 yards away from his cash register that has his interest.
"That cello, I've never played it," said Tarchara, pointing across the room. "I just like looking at it. Maybe that will be part of my midlife crisis."