Meet the Team

“Driven by motivation and our love for music, American Music Co. promises to provide a traditional yet unique experience to every customer that we interact with. We promise to be honest, fair, and loyal to every single person that chooses to do business with us.” - Khalid Mahmood

Our Mission

Welcome to the American Music Company, where we believe that every note counts and every musician deserves a stage. Founded in 1979 by Tim McFarland who then sold the business recently to Khalid Mahmoud in 2024!

We’re not just a store; we’re a community of music enthusiasts who know that the right instrument can turn a simple jam session into a full-blown rock concert (or at least a really fun living room dance party!).

What sets us apart? Well, we pride ourselves on our expert advice and personalized service. We’re here to help you find the perfect gear to enhance your musical journey—whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting to figure out which end of the guitar to strum.

Khalid Mahmood

Khalid started music freshman year in high school picking up saxophone (even though he never played an instrument before) since he thought band class would be easy. While playing saxophone he was excelling pretty high and fast and his current band director then said “We don’t need anymore sax players. I need a trumpet player so here.”

Then as he picked up trumpet he fell in love with just the sound and being the loudest instrument of the band. Throughout his trumpet journey he played all through high school as well as college bands and then even picked up bass guitar to play in some classic rock bands!

He currently plays in the Clovis Big Band, and the Fresno/Clovis Community bands

“It’s been my lifelong dream to own my own business, and that combined with my love for music and community inspired me to always want a music store. While talking about my dream to open a music store the opportunity came up to buy American Music company and so I did…” - Khalid Mahmoud

Don Debey

Don has a interesting story as he bought a bass in 1978 just to get one since he had been listening to music and from that point on Bass Guitar was his full love.

Self taught on how to repair mainly because he found out he was allergic to nickel and that forced him to learn the workings of instruments to retro fit them for his own gear.

Back in the day he played with so many local bands around the 80’s and forward including “Crusader”, he then did cover band work around town!

Here at the shop he is our String Technician, Expert Guitar/Bass repairman, as well as orchestral and folk instrument repairman!

Brad Lewis

Brad started playing guitar at 10yrs old and hasn’t stoped since. His love for music increased through the years making him fluent in many instruments.

When he started being a technician for music he strived to be able to at least play most of all the instruments including Strings, Percussion, & brass!

He’s also studied Audio Engineering and has an Associates Degree in Recording & Production.

Here at the shop he handles Repair Work, Audio Installations, and many more!

Miles Hernandez

Miles started playing drums around age 10 when Guitar Hero introduced a drum set! Once he played that game he learned more and more on drums and now..... well that's all he does!

When he started taking drums seriously he did all he could to be educated, starting with drum-line, Jazz bands, concert percussion & everything else to grow as a working drummer!

Miles currently plays with @perceptionwestcoast & @themorenosbandfresno

Here at the shop he handles Social Media, Product Photography, Graphic Design, and teaches over 20+ students here weekly!