We just upgraded my son's instrument here. Everyone is so nice and helpful. My son loves going in…read morehere and getting books. Prices in store are competitive. We've had really good luck here, and the staff is great.

Scammy business practices, taking advantage of those who can't afford to purchase an instrument…read morewhile inflating costs and not presenting transparent numbers up-front. Mitsy at the Barry location couldn't provide the details on how they calculated my "pay-off" cost, and was still manually calculating things on her iPhone. It's frustrating to know they can easily calculate the cost to charge you on their plan, but not for a buy out. I initially called, and talked to a new person. When I asked for a manager they covered the phone and asked someone else if there was a manager available. The person behind the muffled phone said "Why do they need to talk to a manager?" In a tone that was condescending and rude. This is a great start to my request. I was then told to call Mitsy and talk to her. I called, I asked, and then ended up going in to discuss their less than customer-focused arrangement. - Details - Read your agreement, and take an accountant and lawyer with you. It's structured in a way where you return the gear, and you lose all your previously-invested money. I recently purchased a second trombone for my 11 year old. The school pushes you to go talk to Meyer Music, but this time I decided to ask what the price for the instrument was if paid in full. After three people from Meyer Music got involved, they finally manually calculated my final discounted price. It took them quite a while. They responded that the instrument would be discounted 25% (TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT), and by the time you drop three years of instrument protection, and their interest rates, the instrument was only 50% of the 36-month contract price. 13% APR, inflated instrument costs of 25%+, using the "law of 78's" interest calculations means you pay almost all interest at an accelerated rate earlier in the contract. This means that if you try to buy the instrument outright later, you end up still owing more than expected. I am not sure what value I gained by doing business with Meyer Music, but I can guarantee you I will tell everyone of this experience, and complain to the school district. I do not agree with their business practices. Ultimately they take advantage of a family/student who wants to try a new instrument, and if they don't like it, they keep your money. If they do like it, you end up paying a lot more for the instrument than it's worth. It seems like a disservice to the community and customers, taking advantage of those who cannot afford an instrument, or can't understand accounting tax laws. One more funny thing: While I was there, waiting for them to calculate my payoff and try to show me the actual formulae used, I heard a second person making collections calls. The person was hung up on once, and another time the individual sounded less than pleased. I guess it's business as usual at Meyer Music. Good riddance Meyer Music, I'll never consider you again for any music needs. Judging by the reviews on Yelp and Google, many others are frustrated with your attitude and lack of regard for your customers, the people who pay your bills and salaries.

Used guitar was graded far too high. Disappointed to say the least. I would not have bought if it…read morewas properly described.

I've been to this location numerous times in the past couple of years and have always had extremely…read morepleasant experiences, especially talking to the staff. I was pretty surprised to see such low reviews on here, but noticed they're a few years old, so I'll share my own take. I've always been greeted and assisted with what I'm looking for. I'm beyond satisfied with everything I've ever purchased from here. The employees are usually teens, but they're smart, helpful, social kids that are fun to shoot the shit with (I've had two wonderful conversations about King Gizzard on two separate occasions with two separate employees, which is something I can't say about literally anywhere else in the Midwest). If you haven't given it a chance in a few years, I highly recommend you give it another chance.

Absolutely incredible business! Since Beci took over it's been nothing but wonderful for the kids…read more She's so talented and has kind and educated teachers. Zach is such a great kid that loves to shares his talents and love for music with his students! They are centrally located in the northland. Have instructors that care about their students. My son took guitar lessons, was also in the jazz and rock band, and even a summer camp! The pricing is right in line with other local music studios. The service and care you will get is unmatched! We have also taken lessons elsewhere previously. If my son weren't so busy with high school activities we wouldn't have stopped! Highly recommend Beci and all her terrific staff!!

Our experience at KC Music Academy has been outstanding!!! My daughter's skills and confidence has…read moreskyrocketed in the last few years, and Theresa (instructor) and Beci (owner) are both truly awesome.

Nate helped me today and was amazing! I was buying a guitar for my son and he helped fill in my…read moreknowledge gaps and gave great food for thought in my decision process. He also tested the guitar for me and I was impressed by his playing too! Thank you Shining Light... you've got a good one there! The deal was incredible too!

I am so pleased with the great piano teacher match through Shining Light Music. When I called to…read moreinquire about teachers, I communicated that our requirements are stringent: my son is 6 yrs old, and while he likes piano, he doesn't looove piano, so the lessons have to be fun and engaging to encourage his progress. He's had 1.5 years piano instruction, and he doesn't respond well to some of the "too basic" piano book courses we had temporarily explored with a couple past teachers, so it's a challenge to level him up with material and technique that is age appropriate and fun enough but not too basic, nor too complex. And we had limited time availabilty as our schedules are maxed... It's such a blessing that the receptionist recommended Ms. Emily Shelp! Ms. Emily is well qualified; she possesses a Bachelor of Music in Piano Pedagogy from Bob Jones University and has been playing since she was 7 yrs old. Her bio is coming soon to the Shining Light Music teacher page. Best of all, she strikes the right notes - I couldn't resist the pun! - in working on my son's technique and making it fun. She motivates him with weekly fun point-competitions (to earn country stickers in his passport, medals, trophy, etc.) which has resulted in him reminding me that he has to memorize a song for the next lesson..cuz he wants the points! (whoo hoo, he's no longer resistant to practicing!!!!) I feel that she is the right piano teacher for his current level and needs; she employs a cheerful and focused Kindergarten/First Grade encouraging teaching style to keep all the lessons fun and on track, she's able to motivate and consistently award with positive reinforcement, able to redirect him when he gets silly (after all he's been in school all day, then straight to his lesson!) and I appreciate how she is able to teach finer technique in a way that he understands. She would be great for both beginner and advanced students.

I highly recommend this small strings shop for purchasing and repairs. Carolyn, the owner, is…read moreknowledgeable, reliable, and friendly. We bought a student level violin, then a step up violin, and now a student level viola. All instruments have been excellent quality and excellent prices, less than competing string shops. Additionally, Carolyn does not push her customers into buying or spending more than they want. She educates and then steps back to let the customer decide. My daughters love their violin and viola. Their music teachers have been impressed with the quality of their instruments. I plan on buying a step-up viola from Alter's when the time comes. I know I will find quality and excellent pricing at Alter's Violin Shop.

World class products and service. In over 22 years doing business with Alter's , I have always…read morebeen amazed at the service, knowledge and quality offered.

Didn't know this place existed!…read more Stopped in on a lark and bought three LPs right off the bat. This place is a dream. It's look and feel harken back to the old days of being able to wander into a record store shop around and flip through several hundred LPs check- out the latest stuff in from both the new and the latest used music. Then you can wander over to the other part of the store and look at the classic toys you grew up with and reminics about how much your Heman collection would be worth. Then snag a Voltron figure for your office shelves! I guess this shows how nerdy I actually am... but I know I will see many of you at this store!

Great guys, great selection, very knowledgable of the music. Old school record store!read more