I came in after getting curious about buying some piano sheet music, and a quick search online said C&L was an option. I figured it wouldn't hurt to come by, since I had to go to Costco for something else. After I was done with Costco, I stopped by and waited for them to open. Mark, one of the owners, helped walk me through what I was looking for, and he was really kind and helpful. He said that they don't have a whole lot of sheet music and stuff with the advent of the internet, but I did find some good deals and music. I told Mark that after several years away from playing, I wanted to get back into the piano and was looking for technique books to help with my playing form. He walked me through their selection, between Faber and Alfred, so that was really wonderful. This place was a truly wonderful experience, and I'm found them. I would definitely come back. read more

Good people in a changing business climate. I was impressed with their throwing us and helpfulness even if they didn't have exactly what I needed. They weren't hesitant to recommend others for work they didn't do read more

Terry is really nice it's a family business that cares about there customers and will help you with your needs. They provide repair services on musical instruments. Great to deal with a company you can trust with a personal touch. Jeff Reber, In Tune Piano Service read more

What a local gem! We got a violin rental from the C and L Music and couldn't be happier. Great service, beautiful and well kept instruments and lovely atmosphere. read more

My daughter signed up last minute to play an instrument at school. I called them and asked if they had it for rent. The woman on the phone was very kind and helpful and got me all the information I needed quickly. When we arrived the rental process was quick and easy! read more

I bought an old bass clarinet off craigslist in Portland back in about 1995. My wife and daughter were driving up the coast so they picked it up on the way up from the Bay Area. It needed some work when they got it home. Not only did it need new pads but there was a major crack in the upper joint. C & L replaced about a 2" long section of the body along with doing a complete re-pad. They did awesome work, that horn is still playing today. read more

This review is really on behalf of my 11 year old son who ran into the house after the recent purchase of his violin and interjected "YOU HAVE TO YELP FOR C&L MAMA THEY WERE AWESOME!" I asked what was awesome and he said that they were kind, and caring about his trade for his current violin (which he had since he was 9 and was very attached to it), and helped him pick the perfect "adult" violin for his continuing career in the strings orchestra at Valley View Middle School. They made sure he had a good case that would protect the violin from any 11 year old spills that might accompany him, and made sure he had the correct strings and bow to work with it. They were respectful and talked to him instead of over him and in the end he is still making beautiful music and I am sure we will return when its time for a new instrument for him. Thank you C & L Music! read more

C & L Music - Lance and (Grandma) and his violin at the Strings Concert at Valley View Middle School - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Concord, California

Fantastic family-run business that repairs and sells musical instruments and music. Great customer service, helpful staff and all around great vibes! I highly recommend this place! read more

Your child decides to play an instrument "What do you do hot shot" - Speed Option#1 Do a bunch a research online, and maybe get a good one or a cheap bad one. Option#2 Go down to local C&L music shop and tell them about your kids plans then go over the options with someone who has been doing it for 20+ years. Rent vs Buy Depends on instrument and how long your kids is planning to play. Son#1 played sax for 2 years renting was fine Son#2 plays clarinet and decided wants to play in High School. Rented to start but now went ahead and purchased a used one. Would have saved some bucks if we purchased right away but C'est La vie Renting Pro's: Lower cost to start, store will fix most things for free Buying Pro's: Lower cost after about 3-4 years of playing, you can resell our instrument when your done. Warning resale Price can vary quite a bite depending what you bought and how good a shape it in when you go to resale. C&L is happy to walk you through all the options with a low key sales pitch for parents who are new to the world on instruments. They also know most if not all the local school music instructors in the area and can give you the scope on what you might else you might need. If you are already a music instrument expert and know what you exactly what you want then you can probably go online and find a cheaper price, but C&L also donates quite a but to local school music programs. read more

I do not play any musical instrument and yet I love this place! My daughter started to play the flute last year so we rented from here. This year, though, my daughter is opting to learn to play the alto sax. So when I returned her flute, the owner and I had quite a conversation about the merits of this switch and he was kind enough to explain to me and assure me how this switch would be easier for my daughter. They also have music-inspired trinkets, sheet music, and everything else music-related. Can't wait to go back and pick up my daughter's sax! read more

The young lady who helped was friendly and professional. I would recommend this place to see. We needed help with a stuck mouth piece on a trumpet. read more

This is my second instrument rental from C and L. They're very knowledgeable and friendly. The instruments are used but in great condition. My daughter broke a screw on the ligature for her clarinet, possibly from her tightening too much or the age of the instrument. I did purchase the insurance but they didn't even ask, they just gave me and new one and I was on my way. We will definitely rent and purchase our future instruments from C and L. read more

I couldn't recommend C&L Music enough! The team is uber knowledgeable (they know EVERYTHING about every instrument), very well connected and has a great relationship with all the music teachers and school programs in the area, and provide the best service, price, and experience to every person who walks in their store (even to music noobies like me!). read more

My daughter informed me this morning her flute was broken. I was desperate to get it fixed so her flute teacher recommended C & L. I didn't really want to drive to Concord from Brentwood but was willing to give it a try, hoping they could fix it quickly. Upon my arrival I was greeted by friendly staff who told me it could possibly be ready on Monday. I asked if someone could look at it sooner to let me know how serious the repairs would be? She returned and asked if I could come back after lunch and it would be fixed. I was thrilled. Before I got home I received a call stating it had been repaired and some additional items were also fixed. I will definitely return for any additional musical needs! Great, fast, affordable service! read more

I love this place!!!!! I came here to buy a Becker violin upgrade and I heard great things about this place! The owner was really awesome and helpful. The shop was cute and quaint. I was there for 2 hours and the owner was so helpful and he took the time to explain the violin mechanics to me. I brought my old violin to compare the sound of my old violin and the Romanian Becker. The sound of the Becker was incredible! I really appreciated that he even tuned them for me! So I bought this violin for a very DECENT price and he even included rosin and the case. The store is filled with various instruments and music books . I was really impressed with the quality of the products and the intelligence of the owner. Love this place it totally made my day! Long live C & L MUSIC! God bless, Samantha read more

Jr. goes to *that* middle school in Alameda with the well awarded, but way-wrapped-too-tight music teacher. By the time she had "auditioned" her students for which ever instrument she deemed them fit to play, all the music stores in Alameda and Oakland were out of rental instruments. C&L too the rescue!! They had one trumpet left in stock and were upfront that they couldn't hold it overnight, but would be willing to hold it until I could get there on my lunch hour. I got there, and the lady that helped me was knowledgeable and walked me through rentals, accident coverage, etc, etc, etc. Then, when, shore enuff, Jr. dropped the rental trumpet, they were helpful with getting it fixed ASAP and not doing the I-told-you-so dance. Short story: If Jr. still wants to pursue trumpet next year (and I'm willing to put up with bat $hit kuhrazzee band teacher) then we'll buy from this shop and have an ongoing fix-it contract (I *know* my kid....). Highly recommend to all band parents. read more

This place is amazing. I've been here on several occasions and always left happy! It's a decent sized store jam packed with music, instruments, ect. Plus the owner is really nice! Most recently I had to buy cello duet music. I arrived right when they were closing (on accident) but they were super nice about it and helped me any ways. Definitely come back here for all my music needs! read more

Seriously, the people here care about music and it shows. I can't recommend this place enough and buy here!!! Thank you C&L Music for being here for us. read more

C&L Music has been open on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm for 50 years! It is unfortunate that yelp has the wrong hours up, could really affect their business. read more

We brought in a old beat up trombone in and paid a lot to have it fixed. Parts of it looked great but unfortunately parts look worse. We were not told that fixing certain parts would ruine the finish on the bell. It was disappointing to see it look unfinished and still dirty. I called to let them know it was still dirty and to ask about what happened and they were not concerned and did not offer to re-clean, refund or anything. We are happy to have it back but for the amount we paid hoped for more. We will not return. read more

I have been teaching piano for well over 30 years in the Concord area and I have been doing business with C & L Music the whole time. In this time, I have gotten to know Terri and Mark and they are friendly and very helpful. Their book orders are quick, and they stock hundreds of piano books in the store. I go in there and choose a selection to show my students. I am very happy with the service I get from them. read more

Thank goodness for C & L music! My sweet sweet child informed me this morning that she needed a trumpet by 12:30 today! So I buzzed on down and they had what I needed! They were friendly and helpful and affordable! I would recommend this place to anyone who has a child with musical aspirations! Best part? 25 years ago when I had the desire to play the trumpet my mom took me to the same shop! Thank you C & L music!! read more

I hate this place. The owner, Marc, was extremely rude and chased me out after I was asking the employee some questions regarding what type of music to purchase. He came out, interrogated me as if I was being problematic, & blatantly implied that I was simply wasting his employee's time on a " wild goose chase" in a blatantly condescending and vulgar manner. WOW...apparently my business is not welcome here anymore. Although I still calmly purchased both items due to personal necessity, I felt violated, extremely disappointed and afterwards,quite irate with the lack of professionalism he displayed as a shopkeeper. This is not the right way to treat customers, esp loyal, longtime paying customers. How dare you- that you specifically decided to come out and be unnecessarily sarcastic & rude to me on a sick mission to quickly oust me out of sheer obnoxiousness. Poor judgement on your part, I'm afraid. I've been patronizing this place for several years now, and even referred you & apparently I am no longer considered worthy for a few minutes of quality customer service (as a previous post points out, she was given several hours worth *ahem*) Why then, discriminate?? Due to the inhospitable behavior of this establishment's owner, I strongly suggest buyer beware! You might face the wrath of a VERY ill-mannered man who will judge you, decide on a very, let's just say, shallow SELF-IMPOSED perception considering if you look like you have shallow or deep pockets, or if your hair or skin is a certain color or not, whether you deserve their business and not the other way around...tsk, tsk!! I know what I'm talking about, and it's unfortunate that some things are still operating this way... Marc, I hope you get your act straight going forward. It's sad that you feel this is an acceptable way to conduct business and I hope you brush up on your customer etiquette skills so future customers don't have to experience what I had to go through. read more

Great service and selection. Have bought a clarinet and sax here and lots of accessories. They are always ready to talk music with you!

I go here for all things music and I have been since I was in 6th grade. Although I don't play that much anymore nor do I live in the area (my parents do though) I'll still be shopping here when I need something for my instruments! Much love for then. read more

C&L is definitely the go-to music store in the East Bay. Friendly, knowledgeable staff, and an extensive inventory make it the perfect destination for renting, buying or servicing instruments. As a Concord-based piano teacher, I buy all my books and supplies from C&L, and I highly recommend it to all of my students. read more

Brought a Trombone in for cleaning and minor repair. They did a great job, went through the entire instrument and now it's in top shape. They even came in $5 under the estimated cost. I took it to the Fremont store but the work is performed in Concord so I could've saved some time taking it there. The turn around time was about 2 weeks. read more

Great little music shop. Friendly staff. Make sure you shop there, they're a local business with local employees.

What an awesome store. It's family run and everyone here knows their stuff. The staff here is knowledgable, friendly and one step ahead of our needs. Highly recommend this place for all your music needs. read more

I started going to C&L Music when I was 9 for Clarinet, then Guitar. Fast forward through years of finger cymbals, dumbek, taar to 5 years ago when I acquired a piano....so back to C&L for music and learning materials. About the same time, my son started the Clarinet, and then the Bass Clarinet. Last year, I picked up a violin and have been in there a lot for music, reeds, strings, etc. Through all of that time, they've been helpful and friendly, deeply knowledgeable about music. I have watched Mark and his sister help many customers with small town customer service, from juggling multiple customers shopping or getting instruments repaired. They are always calm and relaxed, and they remember their customers, so when I walk in it's kind of like Cheers, where everyone knows your name.. I am someone that likes to browse and look at things a lot, so they let me do that, but are also good about asking if I am good while they help someone else. I would highly recommend this store for great customer service, excellent service to the community (they are the major supplier of instruments for at least 4 school districts that I know of) and dedicated to helping people learn to make music. read more

I am writing this review as a string player and instructor (violin and viola). I have utilized C&L Music since I first started playing violin in 4th grade (and I'm 31)! Unfortunately, service is hit and miss and that is a shame because on the whole, this is a great little store. I am always pleasantly surprised by the wide range of strings they keep in stock, including several of the "better" brands that are not geared strictly toward students. I believe C&L still uses Glaesel instruments for their rental program which are the best quality offered in the immediate area for beginners . These are European made and do NOT come from a cheap Chinese factory. The setup is stable and the tone is warm and full. I played one up through high school and it continued to serve me well even as I became more advanced. If you decide to purchase an instrument after renting, a generous portion of your fees will be put toward the sale. They make a point of keeping all the books on hand that are used by the local school music programs. read more

My son had accidentally broken his classmate's trombone and upon the recommendation of his music teacher, we brought it here for repair. The quote for the repair is the same as what we actually paid. It's pricey, but I expect it to be for all musical instruments. I guess music is for people who are really passionate in pursuing this kind of art. Bring your instruments here for repair and they also offer lesson, though I hadn't asked about it. I'll be pulling my son anyway out from the band, has no patience to learn the craft. read more

They are so friendly, helpful and professional ! Thank you so much. Used their service for three years now and every time I come there it gives me a pleasure to see those people and work with them. read more

Horrible customer service. Not only lady at the counter was rude also she didn't explain and disclosed all the charges ...all the instrument are old and dirty ....she just didn't seem to be interested in business overpriced....instead went to another store on Treat Blvd not only got new instruments but ALSO CHEAPER and cleaner I saved $200.00 read more

Only one brief visit to this place so far, but very impressed. After trying for weeks to order a music book for my child from another local shop, I gave up and tried C & L Music. They had the book in stock, and waiting for me when I arrived. They have a great inventory of music books, both instructional (including for very little kids), and just fun music to play. They seemed to have a good selection of instruments to buy or rent, all kinds of accessories and fun music-related gifts. And the lady who helped me (the owner?) was very knowledgeable and nice, and referred a list of piano teachers in the area. I think our family has a music store for our kids to grow up with! read more

Awesome awesome awesome! So professional, so understanding! I drove from Antioch to C & L just for a violin bow. I've dealt with them last year, so I do not mind making the trip. All my friends I've recommended to go here have made the trip from Brentwood for multiple instruments. read more

I have been doing business with C & L since it was Larson's back in the seventies. I was very disappointed by their lack of compassion and snippy attitude today. I took in an instrument last week for repair that belongs to Diablo Valley College. When I went to pick it up today, they would not release it without payment on the spot. In the past, other music stores that I have dealt with would give me a receipt, I would give it to Diablo Valley College, and payment would be immediately sent. I never had to pay for anything out of my own pocket. When I told them I had no way to pay for it, she responded "then the instrument stays here". Very helpful, as I had a rehearsal tonight and now no horn to play. I'm sorry that she felt that way, and it's not like that they weren't going to get paid at all. She had already been in contact with the person who makes the payments at Diablo Valley College, so I'm not exactly sure why she was so insistent on having immediate payment. It's too bad that she took this attitude, as they have lost a customer. I will never, ever, purchase anything from them again, take any to anything to them for repair, or recommend them to anyone else. read more