Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center, one of the nation’s largest and most respected independent music retailers, has been awarded Best Customer Service at the 2026 NAMM Retail Awards. The honor was presented on January 21 at The 2026 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, as part of NAMM’s 125th anniversary celebration.
The NAMM Retail Awards, formerly known as the Top 100 Dealer Awards, spotlight the music products industry’s very best retailers and their strategies for success. An independent panel of judges selects Top 100 Retailer finalists from companies across the globe, then names winners in nine “Best of” categories. The Best Customer Service award recognizes retailers that have demonstrated excellence in attracting and retaining customers through exceptional engagement and experiences.
The award marks back-to-back recognition for Chuck Levin’s at the NAMM Awards. In 2025, the store received the Innovation Award for its commitment to reimagining the retail experience. Winning Best Customer Service in 2026 further reinforces that innovation and service go hand in hand at the Wheaton, Maryland store. Chuck Levin’s was also honored to once again be named a finalist for the prestigious Dealer of the Year Award, standing alongside some of the most respected music retailers in the industry.
“This award belongs to every single member of our team,” said Adam Levin, General Manager and Owner of Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center. “Our founder Chuck Levin opened this store in 1958 with the belief that music is a happy business. That spirit lives on in our staff—real musicians, engineers, and producers who bring genuine expertise and honest guidance to every customer interaction. We don’t automate our service. When you deal with Chuck Levin’s, you’re dealing with a real person who really cares.”
Founded in 1958 on 12th and H Street NE in Washington, D.C., Chuck Levin’s has grown from a modest storefront into a destination for musicians, educators, houses of worship, government agencies, and audio professionals worldwide. The store now occupies multiple buildings on Veirs Mill Road in Wheaton, Maryland, including showrooms, warehouses, and repair shops, and employs a team of specialized sales professionals across departments including guitar and bass, band and orchestra, pro sound, keyboards and recording, drums and percussion, DJ and lighting, and microphones.
Chuck Levin’s is known throughout the industry for pairing an enormous inventory with deeply knowledgeable staff who are continuously trained on the latest product developments. The store’s customer service philosophy centers on providing honest opinions, relevant advice, and personal attention—values that have earned it a loyal following spanning more than six decades and multiple generations of musicians.
“We operate by three core values: Heart, Hustle, and Integrity,” Levin added. “Every interaction is a chance to make someone’s day a little better and bring them closer to the music they love. Being recognized by NAMM for that commitment is incredibly meaningful to our entire team.”
About Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center
Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center has been the go-to source for musical instruments and professional audio equipment since 1958. Located in Wheaton, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C., the store serves musicians, engineers, producers, educators, houses of worship, and government agencies across the country and around the world. Chuck Levin’s is known for its vast inventory, expert staff, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.
About the NAMM Retail Awards
Now in its 15th year, the NAMM Retail Awards (formerly the Top 100 Dealer Awards) celebrate excellence in music retail from NAMM’s global membership. An independent panel of judges selects Top 100 Retailer finalists and names winners in nine “Best of” categories, from which the Retailer of the Year is chosen. The awards ceremony is held annually at The NAMM Show. Learn more at www.namm.org.