Mr Snitch has been playing music since he was four years old, it is part of his heart and soul.

For the past 12 years he and wife Cath have operated Harmonikos – a store brimming with music, instruments, inspiration and budding students keen to learn.

At its peak the store counted 400 students on its books who were learning a variety of instruments and vocal styles.

But now, after much deliberation and soul-searching, the couple have decided to close the doors for good.

“After much deliberation and careful review of our business, we have decided to go back to our roots and simply teach music,” a statement by the couple to their students read.

“We find running a small business, which incorporates a retail shop and the employment of several staff, both financially and emotionally stressful.”

While the store was embraced by the community when it first opened, the couple say they have noticed a change these past couple of years.

They say schools no longer place an emphasis on music and the arts, and have instead focused on maths and English.

“It’s not something that emphasised unless you have a teacher who is passionate about it [music],” Mrs Snitch said.

Mr Snitch said in the past the bulk of their students were learning music at school and wanted to improve through private lessons at Harmonikos.

“Kids no longer play in concert bands and orchestra instruments. It’s very disappointing,” he said. “To run this place successfully we need to have all studios full.”

Mrs Snitch said while student numbers may have dropped in their past couple of years, they are not closing the store because they are “going broke”.

“It’s that we’re seeing a trend. We’re making a lifestyle choice with how much effort it takes to run a business,” she said. “It’s a lot of effort for not a lot of gain. It’s just as much us deciding we don’t need the stress.”

Despite the store’s closure on September 29, the couple said tutors will continue to teach and have asked students to contact the store before it closes.

“The only thing the community it going to miss out on is the actual shop,” Mr Snitch said.

Call Harmonikos on 6332 9416 for more information.