We feel the recent decision to eliminate streaming music, including services like Spotify and Pandora, is detrimental to not only the morale and productivity of the Guitar Center staff, but the company as a whole. (While the services are just intermittent at the moment, streaming is slated to be fully blacklisted in the near future.)

We took it on the chin when social networking and YouTube were placed under quota lock and key, and while that lead to a general feeling of being viewed as work horses that need blinders to get the most done in the least amount of time, we learned to live with it. However, this upcoming development cannot pass without our voices being heard.

We hear two reasons for the decision to not allow streaming: 1) it's not a business need and 2) it takes up too much bandwidth. 

Concerning the first issue, it is a business need. One would hope the executives at Guitar Center, of all places, would understand the relationship between music and productivity. The right song can help you focus or push you through an after lunch slump. Allowing employees to listen to music will most definitely help your bottom line.

Concerning the bandwidth issue, if our infrastructure cannot handle streaming music it's time for an upgrade. It's that simple.

By signing this petition, we are stating our genuine concerns in hopes they will be respected and heeded. We work as hard as we can everyday because we are proud to be a part of Guitar Center and share its values and mission. Please don't take measures that would threaten that pride.