New Milford‘s musical landscape is about to be transformed with the opening of Strings ‘N Things, a lively music shop born from the passion and vision of local musician Ryan Camaioni. After a two-decade absence of dedicated music retail in the area, this new venture promises to be more than just a store—it aims to become the center of the local music community. With a carefully curated selection of musical essentials and a commitment to fostering connections among artists, Strings ‘N Things represents a fresh approach to serving musicians and music lovers alike in this Connecticut community.
New Milford’s musical renaissance is long overdue, and Ryan Camaioni is answering the call with enthusiasm and purpose. “I think it’s been around 20 years since a music store has been in New Milford,” notes Camaioni, highlighting the significant void his new venture aims to fill. Strings ‘N Things, scheduled to open August 1st at 209 Kent Road, will breathe new life into the local music scene with its wide inventory of strings for various instruments, vinyl records, used guitars, guitar pedals, drum accessories, and even merchandise created by local artists.
- Ryan Camaioni, bringing back music retail to New Milford after 20 years, photographed at his studio. Source: Kaitlin Keane – ctinsider.com
The shop’s convenient operating hours—10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, and Sunday appointments—demonstrate Camaioni’s commitment to accessibility for working musicians and weekend enthusiasts alike. For Camaioni, the mission extends beyond merely selling products. “I’m trying to harness all the musicians that aren’t all aware of one another and have a place for supplies but also want to draw people together to form a culture,” he explains. This vision of creating a gathering place where musicians can connect while fulfilling their equipment needs addresses a long-standing gap in New Milford’s cultural infrastructure.
Ryan Camaioni’s journey to shop ownership reflects an organic evolution rooted in musical passion. What started in his basement as Certified Studios—a recording space for local talent—has now expanded into a brick-and-mortar establishment that will serve as a core for New Milford’s musical community. This transition from home studio operator to entrepreneur didn’t happen overnight; Camaioni reveals he began contemplating opening a music shop around 2020, receiving enthusiastic support when he floated the idea on social media.
- Camaioni’s journey from a home studio to creating a welcoming hub for musicians. Source: Kaitlin Keane – ctinsider.com
With guidance from his friend and real estate agent Larry Corrow, who once co-owned Eastcoast Music Mall in Danbury, Camaioni carefully timed his entry into retail. Though initially advised to focus on his recording studio, he remained patient until the perfect opportunity arose at the Kent Road location. “It’s five years in the making,” Camaioni reflects, demonstrating the thoughtful planning behind his business launch. The dual operation of both his recording studio (open after 5 p.m. daily) and the new shop showcases his commitment to creating a complete resource for musicians—a vision he hopes will eventually culminate in a unified “one-stop shop” housing both ventures under a single roof.
As a performing artist with his band Gumbo, Ryan Camaioni brings a musician’s intuition to his business approach. Since forming in 2019, Gumbo has recorded three albums and three EPs while maintaining an active performance schedule—experiences that have shaped Camaioni’s understanding of what local musicians truly need. “I wanted to learn the music and how to do it myself,” he says of his own artistic journey, revealing a self-sufficient philosophy that now influences his retail vision. This hands-on perspective enables him to curate inventory and services that genuinely serve fellow musicians rather than merely following standard retail formulas.
- Cameioni’s dynamic approach: A musician using his craft to fuel a thriving business venture. Source: Kaitlin Keane – ctinsider.com
The outpouring of community support has been remarkable, demonstrating the demand for such a music-focused establishment. “I’ve had friends reach out to say they want to help me… if I want to carry their line in the shop,” Camaioni shares, describing how colleagues who build music equipment have offered their services and products. This collaborative spirit mirrors Camaioni’s own goal of creating connections within the music community. His vision for Strings ‘N Things involves “growing incredibly close with the local musicians” and “finding its perfect place” within the community—a refreshingly artist-centered approach to commerce that prioritizes cultural contribution alongside business success. As he works toward his ultimate goal of combining retail and recording services, Camaioni is building not just a store but a foundation for New Milford’s musical future.
