Amazing place to rent your musical instrument . The cashier were super nice and suggested as my son was little confused on which one to take . They have all kind of instrument but they don't let you try. It's worth the rental read more

My daughter and I came in on a busy Sunday afternoon. She is just starting guitar lessons and we needed a 3/4 size instrument for her. Ike met us and asked my daughter about what kind of music she likes, talked to me a bit about some very solid recommendations for instruments then had my daughter sit down, showed her how to tune the guitar and then showed her a chord. I didn't get a sales guy, I got someone that cared about my 9 year old daughter's success with music. I got someone that listened and recommended options that worked for me and my family. 100% recommend this store. read more

Do not give this business your credit card number! Our story started by trying to set up a music lesson for our kid. We set a time and showed up, and they said they had no record of our reservation, so go to the website and set up a time.... Because of this mix up on their end, and total lack of remorse or willingness to fix the error, just telling us "go to the website" we decided this was not going to work out, and please cancel our lesson, and make sure we are not charged. Lo and behold, we were charged, and have continued to be charged for the last 3 months, with over $900 in charges.... Despite never having received a single lesson. The people in Music and Arts tell you they can't do anything, call the corporate office. When you call the corporate office, they keep you on the phone for an hour transferring you to various people who say they can't help you. When someone finally claims to stop the charge, another one shows up the next month... don't be surprised if you see them featured on a Jesse Jones news story in the near future! read more

Ok, this place is super cool! My child received a dinky ol' Amazon violin for Christmas, and it arrived disassembled with the bridge in a box. As I am not a violinist myself, I did not know how to install it. I googled "music shops" and found this place and called. Sam answered and told me to bring it by and he would fix it for me. I showed up a few days later, and luckily, Sam was there, along with another nice girl (she didn't have a name tag). They discovered that the bridges I had been provided with by the manufacturer did not have the necessary notches in them for the strings to lay in. The two of them worked really hard to make their own notches that were the correct spacing and depth needed for the violin. On top of that, they took a lot of time and care to tune it for me, which I didn't even ask for . When I tried to pay, I was told that they have no way to charge me for it. They did it out of kindness, and to earn my repeat business, which they now have. I felt badly leaving the store without paying for their services, but it's heartwarming to know that some people just want to help other people. My kids will definitely join band or orchestra once it's offered at their schools, and I will definitely be returning here for our rentals (or any future musical needs). Thank you SO much! Sam and mystery girl, you both are absolute gems. read more

I was looking for rosin for my violin. I called and Ike explained the types of rosin, what they currently had in stock, and then even brought the rosin out to my vehicle. He was so polite and courteous, so very helpful on the phone, and gave me outstanding customer service! Please support this business. Thank you again, Ike! G. Fitzgerald. read more

I wish to put (-100) What an awful experience.!!! The staff do not know what the hell they are doing. They made mistakes on our order. We waited for two weeks for an order of an item to realize today it is discontinued. When tired to talk to manager "Brad" to cancel the order and get our money back he HUNG UP on me.!!!!!!! They are not answering the phone. I believe they are going out of business. Do NOT ever try to do business with such idiots read more

Still have a hard time understand why my kid's school recommended this store. What an awful experience.!!! The staff do not know what the hell they are doing. read more

I needed some guitar strings and found the staff helpful who immediately directed me to the strings. The prices were reasonable and I found they had an excellent selection. I would definitely recommend this business and will be a repeat customer myself. Bring my first time there I wasn't entirely sure where to park but on a return visit I would try to avoid parking in their neighbor business parking lot as that employee asked me how long I'd be in their parking lot after noticing I'm not a customer but when I said 10 mins he was cool with that but I'd try to not do that again read more

I just had the most idiotic phone conversation with a store employee regarding a music book that was ordered last week. Apparently, it never was ordered. However, if it ever showed up, they'd call me. I asked if he needed my phone number. He said it was probably already given when I had ordered in person at the store. Should I give it to yo in the event you may not have it? Nope. It's probably in the system. Amazon here I come. read more

I have had repeated bad experiences with this company and will no longer purchase anything from them. Customer service is severely lacking. With instrument rental, there were billing mistakes (overcharges) that took me weeks and numerous phone calls with different people to resolve. Then they sent me a promotional email and cc'ed hundreds of other customers, so all of our email addresses were exposed (that was the Redmond store). Most recently, in Bothell, we were checking out private lessons. Wanted to get a feel for the teacher and see if it would be a good fit for my son. The teacher understood we were assessing the fit because he said, "if you continue with me," and "if you decide to be my student," during the initial consultation. Afterwards, I wasn't sure he would be a good match with my son's current needs and wanted an opportunity to discuss with my son at home. The Bothell store manager insisted that I pay $60 for that initial 1/2 hour consultation - $30 for the lesson (which was an interview), and $30 for their registration fee, which he would not waive. I didn't mind paying for the teacher's time (I expected that), but why pay a $30 registration fee when I wasn't ready to commit to lessons? The store manager insisted, saying "that's life!" He charged me $60, put me information into their registration system and then immediately deleted it, since I wasn't ready to make the commitment to lessons. Not a smart way to interact with people or build goodwill in the community. In the future, I will go out of my way to rent/buy from someplace else. I come from a family of musicians - and music store owners actually, in the Midwest (plus 3 kids who play instruments) and would have been a good customer. We won't be taking lessons from this teacher due to his association with Music & Arts. read more

I paid to get my clarinet cleaned and repaired in their shop. When I received my clarinet, they only cleaned it but charged me for both. I was unable to come back to the store to tell them because I was out of town for the next two weeks. A month later my clarinet thumb piece completely broke so I came back to look for a replacement piece. They didn't have a replacement piece and told me to bring my clarinet into their repair shop even though I just brought it in the month before. I don't recommend this place for repairs and they are extremely over priced for what you get. I RECOMMEND GOING TO KENNELLY KEYS. read more

Absolute dumpster fire of a music store. Teachers quitting left and right, very long repair times for even the simplest task. I even heard THE MANAGER quote a customer a two week wait time to change strings on a violin. That can be done in a matter of minutes. Their repair shop is a joke, please go to Kennelly Keys in Lynwood and avoid having your instruments worked on by Music and Farts. I hope they go under and leave Bothell and are replaced with (hopefully) a local music store that gives a damn and knows what they are doing. STAY FAR AWAY FROM THIS PLACE. read more

As of July 2022, I walked in just trying to find out if they do instrument repair. I was initially greeted by a pretty nice associate but addressed all of them. While the shorter individual with dark hair and glasses was quite nice, there was a taller individual with very dark hair and glasses and frankly a Karen attitude. She was extremely dismissive when I asked about the repair of my guitar basically telling me to leave. read more

I didn't get a special service but I was looking for a certain product to buy. The clerk asked me what they could help me with on the way in, found exactly what I needed and that was that! Good experience for me and I was in and out quickly. read more

I rented and bought with them before without issues but now it's a diferent story. Back on December we were four hundred and something to pay off and own the instrument, now is more?!?!?!? According to the letter I received back on August, 608 dollars to own, now, 5 moths later, paying every month, the price went up. I will buy the instrument because I promise my kiddo but next time I'll go somewhere else. read more

This place is a nightmare. I rented a cello and a violin from them - the cello for two years. During a software "upgrade" they lost my cello account. I went to the store THREE TIMES to try to correct the mistake (they weren't billing me) I got busy/gave up/ assumed three times would be adequate. They never corrected the billing issue, didn't contact me, and sent me to collections (and had the nerve to add a penalty fee and charge me for the remaining cost of the cello - not just the missed payments) It took months to straighten out. I called the Bothell store and corporate many, many times (M&A corporate never responds or returns calls). It took an incredible amount of time and effort. I settled up and just walked away from the $1500 + I had accrued in the rent-to-own program. I rent 2 instruments from Kennelly Keys now. KK has a nice store in Bellevue and one in Lynnwood. read more

I've always been happy with Kennelly Keys (Lynnwood) but it's a bit far away for lessons. So I decided to give Mills Music in Bothell a try. I called today to find out about rental rates and lessons for my (soon to be) 8th grader, I did not enjoy my experience. First my call was looped through the phone tree twice because no one picked up the line at lessons or rentals, then when I chose the "sales" option, someone picked up and hung up on me!!! So I called back, assuming it was an innocent mistake. Clearly they just don't feel like taking my business...no one answered after 2 minutes of ringing. Forget Mills Music. I'll drive to Lynnwood - at least the Kennelly Keys guys are cool, the service is great, the teachers are fantastic and our $ paid in rentals this year applies to an upgraded trumpet for next year. read more

It was a bad experience. When I first rented out a sax there, the check out lady added so many more stuff to sell me. I ended up buying an additional music stand that I don't need. The next day I tried to get a refund (which they said it's okay because of their 1 month refund policy) and the same check out lady made an excuse that they can't give me a direct refund, so they will need to send a check instead to my address. For two weeks I didn't received the check so I came back and asked about it, they apologized and said they'll ask the whatever company to send the check. Until now (SEASONS HAVE PASSED) I still haven't gotten the refund. I've returned my sax, and never visited again. Never got my money back. read more

Well my first experience was super duper, repeat experiences put it in the a-ok category. There's a lot better out there. My first experience was great, but I should write some updates. So three months in, I've found the instrument I'd rented is pretty low grade. What's crazy is they price the thing at $1600. It's a Knilling 10kf. Usually the rentals you get from any place aren't anything special. My rental was a great starter instrument for those who don't know any better. Unfortunately, there's no way in the world it's worth $1600. Really it's closer to $200. The prices for a lot of other items at Mills are way above what they should be. You can get a shoulder rest at other places for about half of what they sell them for. As folks have said, it's staffed with a lot of younger folks, probably to save money, but sometimes finding an expert is very difficult, or impossible. You also have to watch out for hidden fees with this place. Especially when getting something appraised. Taking my violin outfit back want noneventful which was nice. I'd thought there was something weird with it and it turns out the quality was just through the floor. My advice, if you're like me and renting a violin, do yourself a favor and go with a violin shop. This place is alright for little things like books or music stands, but watch the prices. read more

Manager helped me re-string my guitar and was a real professional. Even took the time to show me a thing or two, then took the time to let me try a few things. They are a bit understaffed, but when they have the time, professional and courteous is my experience. read more

I have 3 kids that take lessons here, and we rent all of our instruments from them as well. We've had nothing but great experiences.

***Rent/Buy somewhere else*** If there was a 0 start this place would have earned it. I started renting my son's instrument this last year. When I signed up... I discussed the fees and eveything that they would be charging. Even talking to the Regional Manager (or whatever his title is) Steve Selman. I am being charged fees I was told I would not be, and have done everything I have been told. Everytime I call in I have to speak to someone new it seems. I first tried contacting their corporate offices. They are a -2 on the rating. They kept saying "You agreed to this in the contract" They even sent me a copy of the contract when I told them I had it in front of me. I did NOT agree to it on the paper even, but the insist I have. They also agreed to file a 'ticket' in which no one there can find, and no one bothered following up with me on. I have spoke to 3 different store managers and various other employees and even the district manager Nicole Long. Each and everyone has promised this will be taken care of and yet none seem to be able to do this. I have make about 20-30 calls over the last 8 months. Each time I have received a promise to get this resolved, but have yet to see the results. Today I called in and the person I spoke to actually tried calling me back on friday. I left a message on Friday about 20 minutes after he called and asked for a call back. I never received the call, nor did he call today (monday). When I called and asked I was told. that he had spent alot of time on my issue and he had other things to do. Totally understand that, however when I called in, I was promised a call back. If you aren't able to call, then someone at least should call and let me know. ( Multiple promises have already been made, perhaps you should try keeping them instead of tossing them around like balloons!) During my frustration, I commented there were 4 weeks left that my son needs his instrument. If they could not get this $h!t resolved by then I would return my instrument. This rep at this point had to lecture me on my verbage. He told me I should return it then, and that he has done too much to deserve to be treated like that. Like what? I used it as a noun to describe the situation I have been dealing with with the last 8 month. That is the ONLY time I have let slip something like that, and you haven't done anything cause the issue still exists!! Please excuse my lack of patience at this point. I have asked that the store manager and district manage contact me tomorrow. Doubtless I will not receive this call and have to call yet again. Please save yourself this trouble!! read more

Once I was in the middle of a conversation about a guitar with a salesperson and Mr. Mills will come up and dragged the employee off to do something else. I hope it was important because I left and bought a guitar somewhere else! read more

I don't know anything about violas and The staff was very friendly and answered all of our questions. We ended up renting a viola from them and I thought the price was worth it. read more

Decent selection and price range, especially for books and rental instruments. However, Why was the manager borderline yelling at her employees, in front of a full line of customers? Please, address your issues behind closed doors, in at least a semi-professional manner. Why was employee numero uno holding up both computers, and between being "locked out" of one and "needing the other", customers had to wait several minutes to check out? Why was employee numero dos so busy flirting that, although extremely helpful in helping me to select the most expensive guitar strings available, and advising me to string them facing outward (I'm a complete newbie), he neglected to tell me not to change them all at once. Rookie mistake, and yes, ultimately my own fault, but now I need a new guitar, in addition to my $20 strings, and I'm not going back to Mills Music to find it. read more

They told me they will call the COPS to throw me out of their store. I went to repair my saxophone. I dropped it off at the store and came back after 6 days when they told me it will be ready in 3 days. Frustrated but still content that it is repaired, I went into the store. Believe or not, they did not fix my saxophone. Instead, they claimed that it is completely fixed. Here, I have been playing saxophone for 13 years and I know how new pads look like. Then, they told me to pay $120 for doing "something." Otherwise, they would call the cop. Do not ever deal with this unethical company. Thanks. read more

For the past few years, I've only purchased cleaning supplies for my baby grand and my son's trumpet but was satisfied with the service I received from Mills Music. Recently, I set lessons for my son and exchanged our trumpet rental from another company to Music & Arts, because of their great customer service!!! The store manager James, is always happy and very helpful. And a few of the other employees have also be great and they seem to be supportive to each other, asking if they can help one another. I like the team work. My son really likes his trumpet teacher Ron Barrow, and he enjoys going to his lessons. We we can already hear the improvement, and practicing at home is not a chore anymore!! read more

this is a great little mom'n'pop version of a Mills Music. It's got everything every other store has and for less. The staff is very helpful and friendly. read more

If you listen to anything in your life, please listen to this: STAY. AWAY. FROM. MUSIC AND ARTS. I was an instructor at this store this year, and the level of gross incompetence from the manager and staff was truly mind-boggling. I could write an entire novel about all of the issues that I experienced, but suffice to say if there was something that could be screwed up, even the most basic, simple act, they did it in SPECTACULAR fashion. Scheduling issues, failure to follow through on promises, miscommunication and NON-communication...they did it all. I wish I were exaggerating. You literally cannot make this level of ineptitude up. But perhaps the biggest issue of them all: I taught there for seven months. I received ONE check during that entire time, and I had to pester and beg for it for approximately six weeks before it arrived, and it STILL excluded an entire month that I was owed at that point. It has been seven weeks since I left the store and they still owe me money for FIVE MONTHS OF TEACHING. I have contacted the store itself COUNTLESS times and received nothing but a run-around and vague "apologies" from the manager, and promises that have gone completely unfulfilled. I am on the verge of seeking legal action for non-payment; and based on the last email I received, apparently this is how their payroll operates on the regular because their retail employees report not getting paid on time as well! Overall, Music and Arts is a HORRIFIC organization with incompetence and utter BS at every single level. I have never seen such a mess of a business. I'm surprised their doors are still open. I am NOT naturally a complainer, and I NEVER make a fuss about anything, but I cannot emphasize enough just how horrible and incompetent this place is. There are SO MANY better options for both instruction AND rentals in the Seattle area - do yourself countless favors and find one! read more

In early 2011, I went in this store with money in my pocket, ready to buy a guitar for my son, and we stood around trying to catch the eye of one of the two people working. We were the only customers, but were ignored completely. After about 10 minutes, we started trying the guitars ourselves. Knowing next to nothing about guitars, I realized I wouldn't be able to choose one on my own, so I approached the counter where one of the ladies was on the phone. She continued ignoring me. After about 10 more minutes, we decided to leave. Went to Guitar Center, where we were greeted immediately, and the salesman spent over half an hour talking with me about my needs. Being a professional player himself, he had answers to every question. The selection was many times larger, and we walked out with a fine guitar and case for $400. It's been the perfect instrument. So I really have to hand it to the Mills Music staff -- we ended up right where we needed to be, and got what we wanted. Just not from them! read more

5 stars because the instructor for guitar and bass here is far and away the best teacher I've ever had for music. If you dislike being taught like you're in a classroom and prefer to learn by jamming and getting right into the industry standards, call them up. read more

If I could give this company a 0 star I would. I'm amazed and unbelievably astonished at how they treat their customers. What has happened to the value and importance of customer service in today's business world. I have three kids all of which have rented from Music & Arts in Bothell for several years. The problems began once we returned one of instruments and they didn't even have records that we rented it. The manager Brad said it was there error and they've had to let go several employees who were making mistakes. At that same time, we exchanged our other daughter's instrument for a new size. We have been a good paying customer for years and returned her instrument at the end of the 2018 school year. Then out of the nowhere in October of 2018 we began receiving invoices in the mail stating our credit card on-file was being declined for payment because the expiration date changed. Of course, I responded to them that we aren't customers anymore and don't have any instruments rented. To make a long story shorter, I've been battling with them since then that we already returned our instrument and have no idea what they did with it after we returned it. A few months ago, I reached out to the music department of my daughter's school to check the serial numbers of the student instruments. Amazingly enough they found it and I returned it to the Bothell location several weeks ago. Their cooperate leadership has been very insulting, not returning my calls, not taking any responsibility for their errors, and most of call completely ignoring me and sent me to collections for the entire amount of the instrument. I've been a good paying customer the entire three years and can't believe the way I'm being treated. There's so much more I can add to this, however it's too long as it is. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH MUSIC & ARTS!! read more

My husband and I visited Mills in Bothell today for the first time. My husband has been wanting to learn violin for many years and finally decided to go for it. We went today looking to rent him an instrument. The place was fairly busy, but both sales people were very friendly and attentive. The manager, Anye, was terrific and truly knowledgeable. She explained everything about the rental process and the pricing, etc. and found the perfect violin for us. I also asked her about instrument appraisal for my alto saxophone, and she was ready with suggestions and answers to my questions. I was very impressed with their service and their selection. read more

I recently rented an instrument here for my fifth grader. The employee was distracted, rude and unfriendly, and then gave me the wrong reeds for the instrument I rented. When I went back to exchange the reeds, I was again treated to the rude and unhelpful employee -- whose mistake it was in the first place, not mine. Once our rental contract is up I'll be switching to another store for instrument rental. read more

I purchased a flute there that was supposed to be new. As it turns out, it was in storage for about a decade. It may not have had an owner (who knows?!), but it certainly was OLD, not new. We have had nothing but problems with it. I purchased the protection plan and sent it in for repairs several times (new flutes do not need repairs). They recently cancelled my protection plan and said my payment (which is annual and was set up on a credit card) was 2 weeks late. In my opinion, they knew they sold me an old flute and were looking for any excuse to stop servicing me. Either way, this is NOT mills music and not worth visiting. read more

So, I know the music retail biz inside and out (having worked in music sales, and teaching at music stores). The sales staff here really are great. It's a small store, but so goes the case with Mills Music-more locations, smaller stores. I think the best thing about this location is the level of customer service. They also have very respectable/nice teaching studios upstairs, good place to take music lessons. :) read more

Went through Kennelly Keys prior but heard about Music & Arts and I am so happy we went with them instead. Much better experience renting an instrument for my children! Less cash up front, comes with everything and better service! They were packed wall to wall when we arrived but still treated me as if we were the only customers there. I will be referring them to all my kids parents at school! read more

I have rented two instruments from Music & Arts and have not yet experienced any issues. My daughter takes Violin lessons and there and her teacher Rina is attentive and caring. She has taught my daughter so much in a few short lessons. Rave reviews for Music & Arts! read more

People in the store in Bothell are nice but their parent company has the worst customer service EVER. Can't reach them on the phone, then they are surly when you do. Do yourself a favor and rent from someone else. read more