In 1948 Sid formed Carlson Music Center in downtown Alexandria and continued to work for some years in area high schools as a part time band director. During these years Carlson Music continued to grow and become more established in the regional music business throughout the Central Minnesota area.

In 1959 a new store was built at the location of 630 Broadway in downtown Alexandria. This remained the familiar location of Carlson Music for many decades as Carlson Music operated as a full-line music store specializing in band instruments, music, pianos and organs.

In 1979, Sid's son Ron came back into the music business after some years of living away from the Alexandria area. With Ron's energetic involvement now at Carlson Music, the store continued to prosper and grow as a premier outlet for fine musical instruments, whether for band and orchestra, pop combo equipment, and pianos and organs.

In 1991, Ron became the sole owner of Carlson Music.

In 1998, after the purchase of a new building, Carlson Music moved to its present location at 901 Broadway. Carlson Music remains a premier location for band instruments, sheet music, guitar and combo equipment and works hard at being the number one location for pianos, organs for the Church along with the full array of digital pianos, ensembles and portable keyboards.

In 2020 Ron’s Daughter Katie, having been involved with Carlson Music Center for many years through her life, took over as Sole Owner. The store is located at 901 Broadway St continues to be a premier location for band instruments, guitar, and combo equipment and works hard at being the number one location for Yamaha Pianos.