
1983 – The Beginning
MMI was founded by Michael Aamoth as a home-based business focused on importing Loreé oboes and accessories. The expansion of inventory by Marigaux, Howarth, Fox, Buffet-Crampon and Selmer Paris began the foundation of MMI’s mission; to provide high-quality options for woodwind players to choose from in one location.

1998 – Expansion
Repair department is officially established by renowned technician Cindy Budd, expanding the company’s capabilities and reputation for superior woodwind repair service.

2014 – Exclusive Distribution
MMI becomes the exclusive U.S. importer of Püchner bassoons, eventually expanding distribution to Heckel, Wolf, Walter. Solidifying its role in the professional music community.

2017 – The Fisk Building
MMI relocates to a larger more versatile space inside the Fisk Building in Minneapolis; which includes a dedicated recital hall that can be used for performances, in-store trials and events.

2024 – A New Chapter
Tori Okwabi, D.M. takes over as owner of MMI. Since 2015 Tori’s established the clarinet department as a staple of the community creating strong relationships with educators and performers across the country. With these skills, it’s evident that this new era of leadership and continuity of quality service will be sure to expand beyond the next 40 years.
Meet the Team
Jeff Marshak
General Manager & Oboe
Steven Maijala
Oboe Department
Lauren Ische
Oboe Department
Nick Ober
Bassoon Department
Cassandra Roaché
Bassoon Department
Brandon Wozniak
Saxophone Department
Tori Okwabi, D.M.
Owner, Clarinet Dept & School Bids
Simon Plum
Clarinet Department
Eric Anderson
Repair Department Manager
Allen Mannes
Repair Department
Caleb Rasmusson
Repair Department
Jeff Dorman
Repair Department
Coda
Original MMI Shop Dog

Greeting Crew
Coda & Benny
Jeff Marshak
General Manager & Oboe
Oboe Specialist since 2012 and General Manager since 2019, I’ve been working diligently at MMI to maintain the highest level of standards for our double and single reed communities. I strive to make sure all of our clients have an experience they want to share with everyone. Whether that’s picking out your first oboe or working with one our specialists, I hope your experience with MMI is one that is personal, professional and filled with expert knowledge.
Email: jeff@mmimports.com
Steven Maijala
Oboe Department
Working at MMI as an Oboe Specialist is fulfilling because I have an opportunity every day to help other people make music, from beginners to professionals. As a professional orchestral and chamber musician, I am highly-skilled and eager to help you find the equipment needed to achieve your musical goals.
Email: steven@mmimports.com
Lauren Ische
Oboe Department
As an active private music instructor and oboist, I hold a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Along with performing in chamber ensembles and in regional orchestras, I have experience teaching music in K-12 schools and am driven by a passion to connect with musicians and students of all ages. As an oboe specialist at MMI, my goal is to provide high-quality resources and support to help players feel and sound their best. I look forward to working with you!
Email: Lauren@mmimports.com
Nick Ober
Bassoon Department
In addition to being a Bassoon Specialist at MMI, I’m the principal bassoonist of Bozeman Symphony Orchestra. Through MMI I’ve been able to collaborate with top bassoon makers and develop an extensive knowledge of instruments and bocals. I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others and strive to help players find their ideal setup. My advanced degrees in bassoon performance, professional orchestral experience and skills as a musician offer candid and helpful feedback to players of all levels. I look forward to working with you!
Email: nick@mmimports.com
Cassandra Roaché
Bassoon Department
As a Bassoon Specialist at MMI, I draw from my advanced degrees in bassoon performance and experience as a professional musician and educator. My goal is to empower musicians to make informed purchase decisions, so they can find a bassoon that fits their unique musical voice. My words of advice about selecting a bassoon: try as many instruments as you can and keep an open mind – you never know what you might find!
Email: cassandra@mmimports.com
Brandon Wozniak
Saxophone Department
As an often-sought-after saxophonist and improviser who regularly performs and records with many projects, I understand that it can be difficult to focus on the music if you’re struggling with your instrument, mouthpiece or overall equipment. I enjoy working with saxophonists of all levels and understand that we all have different needs and goals. My sound is very important to me and with 30 years of performance experience and over 15 years working as a Saxophone Specialist, I’m confident I can help you sound your best.
Email: brandon@mmimports.com
Tori Okwabi, D.M.
Owner, Clarinet Dept & School Bids
As the owner of Midwest Musical Imports it is my wish to bring my passion for music education and performance to all musicians. While developing MMI’s nationally recognized clarinet department it has been my goal to support educators and performers of all levels by being a reliable and kind resource. My continuous mission for MMI’s future is to support the woodwind community by providing expert service and a large quality selection of instruments and accessories in one place. I look forward to guiding you to your best playing!
Email: tori@mmimports.com
Simon Plum
Clarinet Department
As a performer and educator, I love the way music connects people. Whether I’m performing on stage or helping a student build confidence through their individual lessons, music is a powerful tool for personal growth and collaboration. As a clarinet specialist here at MMI, my goal is to help clarinetists at any level find the right tools to express their musical voice. With so many options for instruments, mouthpieces, and accessories available today, I look forward to helping you
find the perfect combination for your sound!
Email: simon@mmimports.com
Eric Anderson
Repair Department Manager
With almost 25 years of repair experience specializing in double reed instruments, I take pride in the support I give to the world of orchestral music. I’ve had the privilege of studying and learning from many elite bassoon and oboe makers of the world. I bring extensive knowledge to MMI’s repair team and I am confident in my ability to provide exceptional service. I enjoy finding remedies to a myriad of issues that may occur to your instrument throughout its lifetime. It is my objective to see every client leave the shop relieved, happy, and ready for their next performance.
Email: eric@mmimports.com
Allen Mannes
Repair Department
As a Repair Technician at MMI, my primary goal is to ensure your woodwind instrument plays perfectly, allowing you to focus on making music. With a deep understanding of oboes, bassoons, clarinets, and saxophones, I offer a range of precise repair services. Whether your instrument needs a pad replacement, crack repair, keywork adjustment, or a complete restoration, I use my extensive knowledge and 10+ years of experience to deliver meticulous work and a positive experience. You can count on me to bring your instrument back to life, helping you share your music with the world.
Email: repair@mmimports.com attn - Allen
Caleb Rasmusson
Repair Department
Since 2007, I have been repairing instruments and assisting players of all ages and skill levels. Over the years I’ve collaborated with professional performers to develop extensive skills in instrument setup and fine-tuning instruments from a performer’s perspective. I enjoy working on anything from a simple clarinet tenon cork replacement to a bassoon overhaul. Understanding that each player and instrument is different, I attempt to address each player’s unique need so they can get back to making music as quickly as possible.
Email: repair@mmimports.com attn - Caleb
Jeff Dorman
Repair Department
With 10+ years of repair experience, I look forward to working with you to provide the servicing that fits your individual needs best. I take pride in providing expert level repairs to all levels of musicians, whether you’re a seasoned pro, or are just starting out on a new instrument. With extensive knowledge in double and single reeds, I look forward to helping customers with simple pad replacements or binding keys, to complete overhauls and everything in between!
Email: repair@mmimports.com attn - Jeff
Coda
Original MMI Shop Dog
Coda is our beloved 15 year old shop dog, owned by repair manager Eric. He's seen many changes throughout MMI's history & still bounces through the front door most mornings, yet he loves his naps as well. He makes everyone's day brighter at MMI!
Follow us
@midwestmusicalimports





