My Daughter & I popped into the store on a whim on February 21st, 2026. The store looks quite a bit…read moredifferent than when I last saw it 5 years ago. There was a varied selection of instruments, but we spent all of our time this time looking at the electric guitars. We were quickly greeted by their tech, Derrick, and another salesman that made frequent check-ins to see how things were going. Derrick did tell me that their selection of guitars had recently gone up quite a bit. We ended up making an unplanned guitar purchase and we left happy. I saw the old reviews, and I would suggest that people give The Music Shoppe another look because things change, sometimes for the better.

Top notch customer service and great selection at good prices…read more My daughter plays trumpet and has been taking lessons with Chris Moors at the Music Shoppe for a couple years now - it's really paid off and we've seen her develop her skills and perform with confidence in band and in jazz band! Every time we visit the shop for something or need help with her trumpet they have the parts and service that we need - a couple years ago I lost a small important part for the trumpet and when we went to the store to ask for help they went above and beyond and gave us the part we needed for free. We didn't even buy her trumpet there so this was awesome customer service. They carry a complete selection of musical instruments, sheet music, accessories, and offer music lessons for all ages of students. I highly recommend this store!

I have taken guitar lessons here for 2 years and just recently my children have taken music classes…read morehere as well. Also one of the instructors recently had an informal ukulele jam that I attended as well. The faculty here are great! Everyone is friendly and they absolutely LOVE music and the arts. It's cool watching the wide variety of instruments that students are carrying to and from their lessons- violins, violas, cellos, guitars (acoustic and electric), banjos, mandolins, ukuleles, and so on. They have summer camps for kids with some variety including a "rock band" camp that a co-worker's daughter attended. She was only going to go for the first week but enjoyed it so much she signed up for the second week too. I think it gave her the confidence to join a real band which she has since done and has performed with in public a few times now. My kids love their instructors and not only had a good time in class but my wife and I are impressed by how much music theory they picked up in class! Also they have a kid's string band The Bow-dacious String Band and I've caught them twice at public performances and for a children's band they're very impressive, if you get a chance to see them perform I recommend it and I recommend C4A if you're looking for music instruction! I wish their location was a little more convenient but really that's the only complaint I have and really that's a minor thing.

From the owner: Music lessons, group classes, ensembles for adults and kids, summer campsread more

I am an adult learner who decided to take ukele lessons. Bill Kirby has been my instructor and he…read morehas been amazing. The half hour lesson flies by! Bill is great at finding music I enjoy playing. I couldn't be happier with my choice to take lessons here at Champaign School of music!

My son has been taking guitar here for, gosh, at least two years. His progress has been great, and…read morejust as importantly, my son likes going to lessons very much. Bob, his teacher, is a mellow and talented guy, happy to follow my son's lead. Consequently, they started out learning different riffs and songs, and gradually Bob got my son to appreciate the importance of scales. So now I also hear him playing scales. It's a real joy to hear him playing his electric guitar even late into the night because it sounds so good.

Our son has taken lesson from Sam for three years and loves it! Sam is patient and exacting with…read morehis students. As a non-musician, I was unfamiliar with the process of learning an instrument. Sam expects parents to be active participants in practicing, to take notes at lessons, and help students learn responsibility. In group classes with other musicians, Sam enthusiastically encourages a broad range of abilities and levels. He also models how students should support and interact with each other by giving positive feedback and taking turns. Sam stresses listening to the instrument and to the teacher. As a parent, I am impressed with Sam's efficiency - he always has materials ready to go and starts and ends on time. Our son started cello at age 4 with a free trial lesson with Sam. I recommend that anyone interested in cello in the C-U area try Sam first!

My five year old has been taking cello lessons from Sam for a year. We are very pleased. My son is…read morelearning so much about music and self control and he is so proud of himself. Sam puts a lot of time and skill I to planning his cello program and his students like and respect him.

I've bought several instruments here over the years including a piano, guitars and several ukuleles…read moreas well as several mics and mixers. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly. They are always getting new gear and have quite a few instructors on staff. I've been in quite a few instrument stores in various parts of the country and Sound Source is one of my favorites.

Friendly, knowledgable staff & overall well-managed business. Competitive prices, and great…read moreinventory for a smaller town store. Staff is incredibly eager to assist & I'm in & out of there without a hiccup.

Debra Myers Dobbs is a consumate professional, with great integrity and drive! She is easy to work…read morewith and helps those she works with to achieve greater heights than they could achieve alone.

From the owner: With over 25 years in business, The Sounds Of Music Studio is Champaign's leading music studio…read more Established and operated by Debra Myers, we offer a wide range of private or group services to include: Vocal Lessons Audition Coaching Music Theatre Workshops Director Services For Choir & Theatre Summer Music Camps Piano Lessons Wedding Music Funeral Music For more information, call or email Debra Myers.