About Us

Meet Luke Zyla

Owner of Soft Stands

In January 2016, Luke Zyla became the new owner of Soft Stands, taking over from inventor and founder Eric Lundberg.  After attending a West Virginia Small Business Development Center workshop, Luke trained closely with Eric to learn the detailed craftsmanship that makes Soft Stands the premier choice for French horn players.

Luke brings decades of experience and passion for music to the business.  He retired in 2010 after 31 years of teaching in the Wood County, WV school system, most recently serving as Director of Bands at Parkersburg South High School.

A professional horn player since graduating from West Virginia University in 1978, Luke has performed as second horn with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra since 1979.  He’s also played with the Ohio Valley Symphony, River Cities Symphony Orchestra, and co-founded the Eastlawn Brass Quintet.  In addition, Luke serves as the artistic director and conductor of the Parkersburg Choral Society.

Luke has commissioned and premiered new works for horn, including Trio for Horn, Trombone, and Piano by David Williams, and Zylamander for horn and computer by Russell Pinkston.  The latter was supported by the International Horn Society and premiered by Luke at the 2011 IHS Symposium in San Francisco.

He holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in music education from West Virginia University and has also completed machinist training at WVU-Parkersburg—a unique blend of musical artistry and technical skill that he brings to every Soft Stand.

Luke lives in Parkersburg, WV with his wife, Melani.  They have two grown sons, Paul and Marc.