Reviving a Community Music Hub

The Music Corner in Soldotna is more than just a music store; it’s a gathering place for musicians of all ages and skill levels.  Offering a wide selection of instruments, accessories, music lessons, and in-house repair services, the business has quickly become a go-to destination for the Kenai Peninsula.

With expanded hours and a welcoming atmosphere, customers can explore music, learn new skills, and connect with a vibrant local community.  Whether it’s a beginner picking up their first guitar or an experienced musician seeking expert guidance, The Music Corner provides a full-service experience that was previously hard to find in the area.

That experience didn’t happen overnight.  The Music Corner was born out of the transition from Whitey’s Music Shoppe, a long-standing business that had been operating since 2013 but had shifted to limited hours in recent years.  Keegan and Annika Hagedorn saw both the challenges and the untapped potential.  Recognizing the opportunity to better serve the community, the couple partnered with Alaska SBDC to evaluate the market and plan for a successful transition.

From the outset, Keegan and Annika Hagedorn worked closely with Kenai Peninsula Center Director Cliff Cochran to evaluate the best path for transitioning the space. Together, they explored acquisition options, assessed risks, and identified the best way forward for long-term success.  Through this process, Cliff guided the Hagedorns in analyzing the local music retail landscape and determining realistic revenue potential.  Using industry benchmarks and local market data, they developed financial projections that helped define the plan, with guidance every step of the way.

In January 2026, the Hagedorns acquired key assets from Whitey’s and rebranded the space as The Music Corner.  Following an extensive renovation that transformed the look and feel of the shop, they officially opened to the public in February 2026, welcoming the community into a refreshed and reimagined music hub.

On her experience with the Alaska SBDC, Annika shared, “Cliff at the SBDC helped us make confident, calculated decisions that helped us move forward with our dream of starting The Music Corner. He understood our vision and gave us the financial guidance and contacts we needed to make it happen. We recommend him one hundred percent!”

Reflecting on his work with the Hagedorns on the transition from Whitey’s to The Music Corner, Cliff said, “I was really impressed with how quickly Keegan and Annika moved through the entire process, from figuring out the right approach, to the actual transition, to transforming the space into the incredible shop it is today.  They were thoughtful, driven, and open to guidance every step of the way.  In my ten years with the Alaska SBDC, this stands out as the best example of entrepreneurs revitalizing a business in the Central Kenai Peninsula.”

Thanks to the Hagedorns’ vision and the support of the Alaska SBDC, the Kenai Peninsula now has a vibrant destination where music, education, and community come together—and The Music Corner continues to grow as a cornerstone for local musicians.

The Music Corner is located in Suite 26 of the Copper Center on K-Beach Road and is now open seven days a week, offering convenient access for musicians across the Kenai Peninsula.  Customers can explore a wide range of instruments, accessories, and lesson opportunities in a welcoming, community- focused environment. To learn more about their offerings, upcoming lessons, and store updates, visit their website, follow them on Facebook and Instagram, or call (907) 262-1622.