Rebecca Apodaca, president/CEO of A & D Music, Inc., has a deep passion for music, which drove her to obtain the highest professional qualifications for her music business in Laguna Hills. Apodaca reshaped her career with an appraisal certificate earned from the UC Irvine Extension Appraisal Studies in Fine & Decorative Arts Certificate Program. The program carries the distinction of having a partnership with the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), and offers participants the only university-based program in appraisal studies west of New York City.
“As a musical instrument restorer, you are part artist, scientist and surgeon,” said Apodaca. “I have restored instruments more than 150 years old. The history, craftsmanship and beauty of these items warrant the utmost care, professionalism and appreciation, which launched me into my appraisal education.”
Why Apodaca Selected UC Irvine Extension to Help Reinvent Her Career
Because of the institution’s partnership with the ASA, convenient schedules for working people, program affordability, and UC-quality coursework, Apodaca selected UC Irvine Extension to enhance her expertise in writing appraisals. Her business advanced to a whole new level in working with iconic musicians, museums, attorneys and high-end collectors.
“After 33 years in the music business, it was necessary for me to reshape my career to meet the demands of the economy,” said Apodaca. “I am proud to be associated with the high caliber of instruction and knowledge that UC Irvine Extension delivers for professionals in my specialized field.”
Once Apodaca earned her general appraisal certificate, she became confident in exercising her knowledge for the benefit of future music appraisers. With determination to raise the bar, Apodaca helped establish the Musical Instrument Category within the ASA, the only professional valuation organization that accredits members in every appraisal discipline.
An IRS “Qualified Appraisal” is now required due to the Pension Protection Act for Non-Cash Tax Donation, Estate Settlement and Dissolution of Marriage. This affects the entire nation. Many insurance companies are now requiring the same qualifications. Most homeowner’s insurance only covers $2,000 in musical instruments. UC Irvine Extension education provides that training.
Pioneering A Way to Train Future Musical Instrument Appraisers

“While in the UC Irvine Extension appraisal program, I saw a vital need for a musical instruments category because there are only 20 accredited music appraisers in the US and none with ASA, the top appraisal society.” said Apodaca. “My hope is that it will open up the possibility of new careers across the nation for music appraisers and raise the caliber of the industry.”
A $17 billion dollar industry, music appraising involves determining the correct valuation for musical instruments. Apodaca is unique being educated in – brass, fretted, international, orchestral, percussion, sheet music, and woodwind musical instruments and their related accessories. Most will specialize in only one area. A certified appraisal is based on actual comparable sales and is a written legal argument of the value conclusion, similar to a real estate appraisal.
Apodaca frequently conducts appraisals for generous celebrities and renowned musicians who auction their collections for charity or make donations. Every appraisal she makes affirms the importance the ASA’s musical instrument appraisal category, which provides a significant service to collectors, who regularly donate items for charity, but often miss out on getting the full measure of tax breaks.
Possible Story Ideas:
- Reinventing careers for veterans in the music industry
- UC Irvine Extension helps business owners reshape careers for today’s economy
- Why accredited appraisers in musical instruments are needed more than ever
- The importance of continued career development despite age and professional status
- How appraisal accreditation and certification brings added value in working with attorneys and insurance companies
For interviews, photos or more information, please contact Vivian Chan-Slater at 714-573-0899 ext. 235 or vivian@echomediapr.com.
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