Julivanna Music Studio

(69 reviews)

We got our first piano recently from the Walnut Creek Music Exchange. Before we made this purchase,…read morewe visited a few piano shops and explored online listings. We ended up going with Walnut Creek Music Exchange for a number of reasons. First of all, their price is highly competitive. We purchased a used piano. The price offered was very good for a super well maintained used piano (they certified it before putting it on the floor). They also have a 10 year trade up program that we may apply every dollar that we spent on this piano to trade up for a different piano within the next 10 years, as long as the second piano is at least 2 times the price of the first piano. Their moving cost is super affordable, about 25% the price compared to other piano moving companies. Secondly, customer service is excellent. Store manager Carson blocked out one hour to spend with our family and patiently explained each piano to us. He even played songs on a few pianos that we were interested in so we could hear difference of the sounds from each piano brand. Lastly, their professionalism is unbeatable. The piano came within 2 days after purchase, tuned! They also gave us a free voucher to have the piano tuned again whenever we like within one year! We highly recommend Music Exchange Walnut Creek!

Disclaimer: I am musically challenged and know NOTHING about pianos! All I know is they play pretty…read moremusic and cost a lot of money, but we sold our daughter's piano before moving to California so we "had" to buy a new one. We walked into Music Exchange to look at their used upright pianos. We were immediately blown away by their large selection of new and used grand and baby grand pianos, upright pianos, and digital pianos. Of course some pianos costed upwards of $45,000 but others were very affordable between $1,000 - $5,000. Salesman Buddy showed us several affordable options and he truthfully told us the one we fell in love with was badly out of tune and offered to have it tuned for free before we made a final decision. As I was writing down my contact information for him, my husband and daughter fell out of love with the old piano and in love with a brand new digital piano which was priced $ 3,000 below retail price!!! No, Buddy didn't tell me this price difference we knew it as it was the new version of the old digital we just sold and did our homework lol The piano was delivered with white glove service to our house in less than 24 hours after purchase and now my house is filled with beautiful music again.

Lamorinda Music

(70 reviews)

I met a new friend here. We've been traveling around the same circles for a while but never met…read more She mentioned on FB that she was having her Ukulele tuned up here and we decided to meet. It was my first time in this shop. Wow, what a great little music store. They've got a ton of Ukuleles and other instruments as well. I brought my Ukulele because my E peg was buzzing when I play it. He had my ukulele fixed in less than two minutes and didn't even charge me! Now that's what I call GREAT customer service! I will be returning for my future musical needs. I'm eyeing a banjolele that I spotted while my friend finished up her transaction. I do recommend this shop, they are friendly, give good custom service that you just can't get at the big box music store.

Lamorinda Music in Lafayette, California Lamorinda Music is…read moretruly one of the most amazing places in Lafayette. We've been going there and using their services for years, and it's always a wonderful experience!Their selection of musical instruments is fantastic, and the staff is not only knowledgeable but also incredibly kind and welcoming. You can tell they genuinely love what they do.Currently, my son is taking guitar lessons with Mark, an exceptional teacher. He's patient, dedicated, and especially understanding with children on the spectrum. We're so grateful for the supportive and encouraging environment they provide.Thank you, Lamorinda Music, for being a place where music thrives and families feel at home

School of Rock

3.0

(2 reviews)

Our kiddo has been at School of Rock for about a month, and he absolutely loves it. The staff,…read moreowner, and teachers are incredibly positive and encouraging : a good group of folks who are legit musicians, and kind and patient with the kids. You can tell they love what they do, and they do it well. In only a few weeks our guy has improved so much with drums; it's hard to believe he went from randomly banging drum heads to sounding like a real drummer. The format of one private lesson mixed with one group practice session every week seems key to student success - nothing beats jamming live with other musicians! Daily practice is also necessary: as long as you're willing to put in the effort you will see results. Thank you SORWC! You guys are awesome and we feel so lucky to have you in our town!

The person I met today was not friendly and unable to show any manners. I would not send my…read morechildren to learn music there.

Rockin' Robbie's - Concord

(78 reviews)

•$$$

First and form most Absolutely amazing customer service! Entire team needs to shout out. I see no…read morenegative qualities at rock and Robbie's Concord. I am a beginner now and learning. I had nothing but ambition. Just like a normal person does when looking into something new, you compare and Contrast all the competitors within the same Business. Rock and Robbie's not only has amazing customer service. They are welcoming. The place is clean. They are very knowledgeable and their pricing is competitive. They are very affordable. Upon when you enter the building you get greeted. The layout of the store is very user friendly. You can see where everything is laid out. If you have any questions, they have gentlemen name Zach at the front, and he is very knowledgeable. Also extremely friendly. Not only I've purchased from that store, but I take a lessons there with an instructor name, Adam. I cannot emphasize enough how good he is at what he does. I've been going there for a couple months, and I went from knowing nothing to playing my own thing and be able to acompany myself with my instrument. Finally, I wanna thank everybody for making me feel so welcome there and if I can recommend this place to anybody definitely shop small. Small businesses really take care of their clientele!

My son's first year joining his school's music program and we chose Rockin' Robbie's to rent his…read moresnare and bell kit. It is a little scary because they don't offer an accidental insurance with the rental but the owner was really nice and took the time to explain their policy to offer some reassurance. She was very straightforward and professional. She also took some time to show my son the contents of the instrument kit, how to handle the equipment properly, and how the setup worked. Without that short overview I'm sure there would have been more accidents. Highly reliable and knowledgeable staff! We'll likely be back again for future instrument rentals.

Bradley School of Music

4.7

(29 reviews)

I have been playing guitar for a little over a decade. I've had many teachers but no one has been…read moremore effective than Patrick Bradley and his staff of awesome musicians and teachers. There is no set curriculum. They know we all have different tastes and musical goals and they create a plan based on whatever musical direction you want to go down. They also have a jam week where students get a chance to showcase their skills and get a feel for the stage. You get the same quality instruction you would get at a university but for a fraction of the price! Please give this school a chance you will not regret it!

My son Edward has been taking lessons at Bradley School of Music, and I couldn't be happier with…read morethe growth I've seen in him. Not only has his skill on the keyboard improved tremendously, but his confidence and excitement for music have grown as well. The environment here is positive, inspiring, and very student-focused. His instructor, Brooks Lundy, is phenomenal. He has that rare ability to both teach and genuinely connect with young musicians. You can tell he truly cares -- he encourages the kids, challenges them in the right way, and brings out the best in each student. The opportunities for students to perform and collaborate with others have also been amazing. Watching Edward play with his bandmates has been one of the highlights for us. If you're looking for a place where your child can learn music, grow creatively, and develop real performance experience, Bradley School of Music is the place. We're grateful for the care, passion, and professionalism they bring to every lesson. Highly recommend!

C & L Music

4.5

(37 reviews)

I came in after getting curious about buying some piano sheet music, and a quick search online said…read moreC&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.

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

Danville Music

(127 reviews)

Our so take lessons here. He's always excited to go and the energy is always positive .read more

After talking at length with a sales person on the phone, my blind music partner and I were assured…read morethat the guitar and amplifier we inquired about was in stock. I did not mention that we travel with her Guide Dog (Ferguson) from Guide Dogs For The Blind in San Raphael. We arrived, having traveled an hour from El Cerrito, fully prepared to spend ~$4000, and see if they could order another $4000 worth of gear. While attempting to seat my Blind partner with her pup, a short, young, bespeckled man rushed over and said "No dogs allowed in here." I quickly informed of the "Guide Dog" status, to which he replied "Doesn't matter- you can't have a dog in here". I gently informed him of the law, via ADA, and he repeated, "Doesn't matter, you cant have him in here". At that point, the man behind the counter shouted, over a few customers' heads, that he had allergies and we need to get the dog out. I told him we'll be leaving, but that he should familiarize himself with possible exemptions of ADA rules. My feeling is, that if we had been treated more politely and professionally, we would have been happy to return later, when he was not present, to consummate a win-win deal with a different sales person. Seriously rude treatment from both staff members. This is not a misinterpretation of the exchange; these guys were crude. I am neither vindictive nor litigious by nature, nor is my Blind partner. But in this case, she is seriously considering action.

Christine Hsia

(12 reviews)

As a former student who learned piano up to level 7 in ABRSM with her, Christine was a wonderful…read morepiano instructor and teacher. I first started lessons with her in 2016 when I was nine, and despite my initial apprehensions about starting to play a musical instrument, she turned out to be delightful, skilled, and considerate in introducing me to and teaching for the next seven years until 2023. Following true to her teaching style and ABRSM's curriculum (which she weaves into other activities and pieces we have the opportunity to learn ourselves), she gives us both the necessary skills to score distinctively in exams (I've never scored less than a high merit on the exams I took while she was instructing me, and that is with comparatively less practice owing to school) and free choice to both discover, practice, and play pieces in other repertoire she provides and our personal interests and likes. Alongside her passion and ability for teaching, she is also incredibly considerate and understanding. She gives the perfect amount of support, encouragement, yet also attentiveness to personal and outside activities when communicating with her students and implanting the skills of a pianist in her students; she fully understands and cares for her students while making a fantastic and effective effort in teaching, and even after lessons, whether short or long-term, she is never less willing to provide as much aid and support as she can. Owing to the teaching, communication, and understanding she constantly and effectively does with her students, I would truthfully say she is one of the best instructors I've ever had in my lifetime. I highly recommend her, both for those thinking of getting into piano or cello and those who already have experience and would like a splendid mentor and teacher.

As one of Ms.Christine's past cello student, I would highly recommend her to anyone who wishes to…read morelearn music. Playing cello when I was 7 years old, I ended up quitting when I was 10. However, when high school came I suddenly got the urge to play the cello again. Picking it up was very difficult, but with Ms.Christine's teachings I was able to adjust and become better. Though I honestly didn't practice much, through her dedication and joyous lessons, I was able to apply and get into my high school's chamber orchestra. So to anyone who wants to take a stab at music, I highly recommend her as a teacher for you.

Merav Singer, Violin

(9 reviews)

Merav is a wonderful violin teacher who is very patient and kind. I have been taking lessons for…read moreover 2 years as an adult learner and have made a lot of progress! In the summer, I have attended her small group lessons with young and older children. I felt as if we all had fun. Her exceptional knowledge of violin methods, positive outlook and creativity make each lesson worthwhile. Overall, a great value for each lesson and for becoming a real violinist.

My 6 year old niece has been taking violin lessons with Merav Singer for about 4 months now and she…read moreis absolutely loving it!! Merav is an inspiring, patient and kind teacher who is able to impart musical skills and concepts in a student-centered, friendly way. She motivates children to continue to learning and grow as musicians. My niece's increased self-confidence and love for the violin is the proof in the pudding :)

Guitar Center

3.5

(221 reviews)

I was a bit nervous about taking my guitar to have repaired here due to unfortunately bad…read moreexperience at another location years ago, but I have to tell you from the first conversation with Andrew the guitar wizard I was put to ease. From the moment he answered the phone I knew that I had found the right place. Andrew kept me in the loop through the entire process and he was very nice and helpful. My repair was done in a timely manner and he did a fantastic job! Don't look any further for a repair shop for your beloved guitar, go see Andrew and know that you are in great hands. A job well done!!

This location has been around for a very long time! As a matter of fact, I believe this was the…read morelocation where I purchased my first (acoustic) guitar...and that was a couple of decades ago. Compared to some other locations, I don't think this particular store has a huge footprint, but it seems like there is still a great selection of many types of instruments. We came here to pick up a cord for my nephew since he just got a new amp. So we didn't need a lot of help on this visit, but for the limited interaction we did have, the folks here were super friendly and helpful. I'm guessing the parking lot was a little more busy than usual since it was around the holidays, but there is a devoted lot to the stores in this area and parking was pretty easy.

RF Guitar Solutions

(4 reviews)

Amazing knowledge and attention to detail on the many guitars hes worked on for me! All of them…read morehave great setups, improved things like the pots, fretwork, restrings, new batteries in the preamps etc are all standard.

Got a new guitar that needs a setup? (Let's face it, they all pretty much do, these days!). Or an…read moreolder one that needs some work? Or any other customization you might want or need? Bob's your guy! He's extremely knowledgeable, meticulous about his work and care of your guitar, and a really professional person to work with. I took a new Strat to him to get it dialed in, and he did a wonderful job for a very reasonable price. Turnaround was quick, too--and it was finished before the date he promised, even. Very glad to have such a skilled luthier nearby, and I highly recommend him!

In Tune Piano Service

(152 reviews)

Jeff was extremely communicative, thorough and professional. Within a week I scheduled a tuning for…read moremy 1996 Yamaha C3 grand piano that had been sitting in my garage for 3 years. Can't remember the last time it was tuned and when I tell you she plays so beautifully ... I probably played it for 2 hours straight after he finished. Jeff charged a reasonable fee and he was done in about 2 hours. Highly recommend!

Jeff did a great job on my console piano and on my mom's grand piano. Neither piano had been tuned…read morein several years and Jeff was very accommodating and kind. His pricing was fair and he was very clear in his communications with us. He was very thorough and I highly recommend him for your piano tuning needs. My old piano sounds great again, thanks to Jeff!

Encore Piano Moving

4.5

(113 reviews)

EDIT - This is the second edit for my review, and I'm bringing it up to 5 stars now thanks to their…read morehelp. After some confusion about pricing for a service (installing a piano dolly on a concert grand) which was scheduled but not performed, I was able to resolve this disagreement with the management team. It was an uncomfortable few days, when I thought I had been treated unfairly, but everyone at Encore hung in there and made sure we resolved the issue. If I could give them a sixth star for being patient with my grumpy pants, I would! I have used Encore to move several instruments, both for professional venues and also for the homes of students and friends. They have been very good about communicating their schedule, which OF COURSE changes throughout the move-day, as they deal with various moves around the Bay Area. I've always appreciated how both the movers on the truck and the office staff have been in constant contact during the day of a move. Best of all they know how to carefully and quickly move a piano. I have seen them manage some daunting stairwells. During COVID times they have been respectful about safety, and stayed masked and distanced during their time working, although I wish they had a policy that required real masks, and didn't allow for ineffective coverings like bandannas and athletic gaiters.

Great company and we scheduled on very short notice. Wonderful price. Very professional.read more

Golden Touch Piano Service