I came in hoping to find a music folder (choir type with a hand strap and all). They have them online, but I wanted to test the weight and feel. They didn't have any in store, but of course offered to order one. The staff was very friendly. One even suggested I try the Christian store in the same shopping center. I would have never thought of it, but it makes sense because the whole church choir thing. If I find myself in need of musical instruments, I will certainly return to Music & Arts in Cary. read more

You know that feeling when store employees act nice, but it seems like a façade? That's the vibe I got from here. After seeing an online promotion for a "free" guitar if I paid for lessons, I signed up. After taking the initial trial lesson, I asked to see the guitar because I was ready to pay for the lesson package but I was told to come back the following week to actually pay and receive the guitar. Apparently, the promotion wasn't available yet. I wish they had told me this over the phone when scheduling the initial lesson, but whatever. They were kind enough to put my name on the guitar to hold it, and I came back the next week and paid, as I was asked to do. At the following lesson I arrived early and was waiting for the instructor to arrive. While waiting, I heard an employee complaining to another person about the guitar promotion. He wasn't keeping his voice down, which made it seem as if his conversation was intentionalIy loud enough for customers to hear. My instructor was polite and professional, but his teaching style was not a good fit for me. It happens, but I was disappointed. I'm a musician that has had lessons on a variety of instruments, plus I teach my own instrument, so I'm not new to music instruction, especially as an adult. It just took me a while to warm up, I guess. Maybe I'm not in the typical demographic for who takes lessons at this store, I don't know. I decided not to continue with lessons, and I probably won't come back to this store to buy any music or accessories in the future. read more

Enjoyed trying several flutes on display, and the staff members were very helpful! I purchased a new flute on sale there and can't wait for it to come in! read more

Excellent staff, always going above and beyond for customers, and very experienced musicians.

I've had two of my pro line saxophones repaired here and they've done an amazing job at very reasonable prices. Highly recommended for any instrument repair, will continue to bring my horns to them as needed. Bravo to their repair techs! read more

So I hit three music stores today in search of castanets...yes, I said castanets, it's not a typo! As you can imagine, they are not a stock item. I did some research on my own, so I knew what I wanted. Kelsie was so helpful and together we found a pair that met my criteria. I placed an order and they should arrive within 3-5 days, a pretty quick turnaround. If they don't work out, I have 60 days to return or make an exchange. Now, there was a bonus to my visit. Dan the manager was playing his 1972 Shobud steel guitar hooked up to his vintage Fender amp. As a Texan I am familiar with the sound (think Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys). It was great fun watching and listening to Dan display his talent. I told him when I master the castanets I'll return and we play a duet! It's a wonderful place to buy or rent an instrument and they offer lessons for most instruments. read more

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Dan was great! We brought in and old violin and was hoping to get it re-tooled but they were having a sale and we decide to buy a new one in our daughter. Dan answered all her questions he was patient. He was funny & he was genuine. Thanks Dan! read more

This is a great place for lessons and intermediate musicians. They have low to mid level instruments and provide a excellent service to beginners and intermediate musicians. They carry accessories, strings and things. I have been here a number of times purchasing strings. They are friendly and attentive when you walk in. You can pick a guitar on the wall and play it if you like. Parking is excellent, can get crowded on the weekends. It is in Crossroads Shopping Center. read more

Music & Arts - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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Their rental prices seem deceptive and they apparently charge a 100% tax on rentals. My son started band this year at East Cary Middle. The band instructor called a meeting for all new parents where a sales person from Music & Arts told us all about how easy it is to rent an instrument. According to the sales person, not only did your monthly payments apply to paying off the instrument, but you could payoff the rest at any time and get a 20% discount! Low initial commitment, paying down the balance while being able to stop if your kids lose interest, sounds great! The band instructor informed the parents that all students needed an instrument this week, and M&A was the quickest way to get it, they would deliver it to the school directly. I was told the cost of the instrument that night was $200. I figured I may as well rent for now to make sure my son enjoyed it instead of paying the full price up front. My son enjoyed it so we kept paying the monthly rental fee (about $37 including a $7 loss/damage waiver, which is required). After 5 or 6 months I started to wonder how many payments were left. After the 7th month I was surely done. I changed credit cards and quickly got a bill from M&A saying they needed my need CC information. I called them to provide that and figure out how much was left on my account (surely it's nearly paid off I thought!). I was informed that my payments would end in 8 months! I apparently still owed $206! Wait what?? Surely this was a mistake I thought. How could I still owe more than the instrument was worth? The reason for more than 1 star on my review is the very informative customer service rep I spoke with. He informed me that Music & Arts charges a 100% rental tax in 3 states, including North Carolina. I could pay off the remainder of the instrument today for only $80 (which is after the 20% payoff discount), but if I continued to make payments it was $206 (due to this "tax" which amounted to $100 over the remaining 8 months). This was NEVER discussed during the original parent meeting, and if it was I would have made a different decision about renting. I was also informed that the price I was quoted ($200) was incorrect and I was charged $340 for my rental! The same instrument today on their website is $200 still. I ended up paying the instrument off, so in total I was charged over $400 for a $200 instrument, but if I kept making payments it would have been well over $500! Between being charged a higher price than originally quoted, AND the apparent 100% rental tax - of which I can't find anything about online, I'm extremely dissatisfied with this company. I don't think East Cary or Wake County schools should continue to do business with them if they continue these practices. I know I won't be. I just hope other parents find my review informative when making their rental decisions. My wife checked with locally owned instrument rental companies in the area, and they have never heard of this tax either. read more

My son joined the middle school band just over three years ago. At the initial parent meeting, the Music & Arts rep gave a presentation regarding the rental program. Three year terms, instrument is ours at the end of the three years or you can purchase outright before the end. After three years the payment is still drafting my account. I called to find out why and was told it was a four year agreement. The entire group of parents was verbally told THREE years NOT four. Very disappointed as I am being told, now, that I owe another $300+ on an instrument that is only worth around $150 on the open market. Buyer beware - make sure your copy shows the term in months!!! read more

In search of a metronome and some new piano music and not in the mood to travel to Raleigh or Durham, I stopped by Music & Arts. This is the type of music store I like: small, compact, organized and laid-back all at the same time. Although clearly geared toward band and school-age music needs, M&A also carries supplies and music for more advanced kids and adults, including any adults who may be trying to get back to their former music glory-days. M&A carries vocal music, piano music, and instrumental music for the main band instruments in nearly all grade levels. Some of the music comes with a CD of accompaniment for those who want to practice with a back-up band or piano. Back in the corner there's a display of musical-themed gifts and bumper stickers so you can display your musical prowess more subtly. At the end of my visit, I came out with a saxophone keypad repair kit, some new piano music but forgot the metronome. Now I have a reason to go back. And if you finish browsing in the low-key environment and find yourself in need of help to make a purchase decision, the staff here are extraordinarily helpful and knowledgeable. read more

After reading other reviews about the staff here, I was really wary walking in... luckily, the staff was very professional and helpful. Whew! There are several instruments to test out, a large sheet music section, some kid toys/instruments and knick-knacks, and various supplies. The staff we interacted with were very knowledgeable and able to answer the questions we had. They even let my 7 year old check out some of the brass instruments from behind the counter (opposed to just dismissing her because she wouldn't be a sale) - I appreciate that! For questions or when looking for an instrument, I would feel comfortable heading here to pick the brains of the employees for assistance making a choice. read more

I'm a former Wake County Schools Music teacher. Came in to continue having music in my life by signing up for guitar lessons. I did a "Meet and Greet" with Richard. He made me SO UNCOMFORTABLE. He told me to shut the door. Then he began literally trashing another teacher I was originally going to take lessons from; Andrew. He called Andrew a know it all and said he doesn't know what he is doing etc etc. I was visibly uncomfortable and he kept trashing other instructors and telling me why he was the best. It was so unbelievably unprofessional and made me nervous and uncomfortable. As a professional and adult student; there's is no way I would take lessons from someone who operates on that level. read more

I started my rental journey with Music & Arts. 2 Years Ago and I went to the Cary location they have always been awesome. I tried the Garner location once, just bc Cary was out of my sons Cello size and I volunteered to go pick up the new instrument. Today we noticed the Cello was broken.i called the Garner location again just bc I was close by and it didn't go well at all. I was highly disappointed!!!! I was questioned after I provide information and given a 3rd. Party number to call and when I call to speak with "Doug, I was told I had the wrong number. I called Cary and Luke was awesome! He took a look at my account. Seen the cello was in stock and told me come on and get the new instrument. Moral of my story is: The Cary store is awesome and appreciated. I will be sure to let the school music teacher know how horrible my experience was with the Garner store. Cary store gets a 10 Garner store -1 *** Also Parents make sure, you keep renter insurances.** read more

Just left the best music store ever. Chris is an awesome guy. The most helpful, friendly and knowledgeable Person I've had the pleasure of speaking with. Not only did he get my daughter the clarinet she wanted, but he also assisted in making sure her experience was hassle free and easy. Anyone needing any musical supplies should go see him read more

Went here for their annual instrument sale. The store is on the small side, so naturally the selection is a bit limited. But the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Since the instruments are geared more towards the orchestral, the atmosphere is less rock n roll than other guitar-centric music stores. You really can't beat their rent-to-own program. Overall a good experience and highly recommended. read more

I enjoy walking in the doors every time! Staff is friendly and genuinely seem happy to see me. Currently on my third month of drum lessons and I'm very pleased with my progress too. Thank you, Jimmy! You are more than just an instructor to me. I completely disagree with the review stating that they miss the days of "family owned" stores. This is a great team of guys and gals. Keep it up! read more

Garth helped us with our first instrument rental for school, a xylophone. It was a special order and the percussion book that was required also had to be ordered. He gave me his number to call him personally to get it all set up and he even paid for the book after our troubles of trying to order one, and it was unavailable. We highly recommend this store for your student rental needs! read more

What an absolute scam. They lied about the contract at sign up at our school. I never received a contract. I was then sent a bill that was three times the amount that I was told it was going to be. Moreover, they say the cash value of it is 2990. I had it appraised at High Strung and new, it is $759. So, we were to pay $100 for 10 months for a instrument we could have paid right there for $759. Do not use this corporate company on any level. read more

Customer support is not a strong point. Over the years we have taken instruments in for repairs/adjustments and we have to be the ones to call them to find out where the instruments are. When you give the approval over the phone you need to call a few days later to make sure that approval button was pressed, waiting now 6 weeks because approval was given but they did not follow through. Another time the person behind the desk argued that our instrument did not need any work, turns out it needed $100 of adjustments because it was playing flat. Unfortunately they are about the only place in the area who does this work. read more

Horrible customer service. The guy today was rude and short with us when we simply wanted to buy a band book. Did not even say thank you.

This is a great place for beginners. It's a one stop shop - which is especially nice if you are completely clueless. I came in with a little boy who wanted to learn and got an rental instrument and they set him up with lessons starting the next week. Very flexible contracts (month to month and you can even switch instruments!) and one on one lessons are available. With a little planning we have rescheduled lessons and all it takes is open communication and advanced notice. If my son got sick that morning and had to miss a lesson, I would expect to have to pay for that missed time. His instructor is a professional and gets paid for their time. A last minute cancellation shouldn't affect their paycheck, and they are having to sit and wait for you - they lose productive time in their day. Students have to respect their time and it stinks to lose that money, but it's important to keep it in perspective. read more

We rented a clarinet from here through our school's band program and within the first week or so my son realized a rarely used key was stuck down and showed his band director. He told him not to worry a rep would come to the school & could fix it. Waited over a month for the rep to finally show and then was told he didn't have the equipment to repair, we would need to take it into the store. Drove to the store to have repaired and was told that it would take 1.5-2 week to get it back, we would not be given a loaner during that time and that we'd receive a bill for the repair! Tried to explain that this wasn't a matter of a broken instrument but that it was faulty from the moment they gave it to us and was told that was impossible. We canceled our rental agreement and will go somewhere, anywhere, else to rent. They also do not pro-rate costs so the payment I made a week ago, for the month, is gone. They're keeping my money. This business goes into Wake Co schools and pushes the instrument rentals as a convenient plan for families but beware, you're giving up all customer service for something that seems convenient. It's a racket. read more

Great place to learn music...very accommodating and friendly. Love Mr. Larry!!!!

I walked into the Crossroads store in Cary late in the evening, needing a guitar to be re-strung. Emily and Casey were great in helping me choose the right guitar strings and stringing the guitar quickly for me. It was an extremely pleasant experience. I will recommend this store to anyone! read more

Went in to buy a drum set, none of the employees even bothered to speak yet alone ask if I needed any help finding anything. So they just let $700 walk right out the door. So I took my business to Sam ash. read more

The staff at this location have always been helpful when I've come in. From the time when my son's trombone literally fell apart, to when we were ready to upgrade to an intermediate instrument. They have always gone above and beyond to help me. I do recommend getting the warranty insurance when you purchase/rent an instrument, especially if your child is a beginner. It definitely came in handy for us. read more

DO NOT TAKE LESSONS HERE! It's a rip-off! Apparently when we signed up there were screens that said you pay for your time slot and even if you call a week ahead to cancel you still pay for the lesson. The person there at the time said "just forward through these screens and don't worry about them" and had us blindly sign a contract (should have been wiser I know now but I trusted them!) Furthermore, when we called to cancel as we had missed a whole month due to college visits & open houses (all of which were communicated beforehand) they claimed we didn't give two weeks notice and could only get a fraction of our money back! Money hounds... and nothing more! I'm not the only one who feels ripped off apparently... should have read the reviews beforehand as well!! :-( read more

We rented an instrument and the insurance to cover damages and theft. The instrument was stolen from a locker at school. We submitted a police report as instructed. The customer service office ignored our emails and phone calls. We had to go to the store multiple times to remind them to look into it and get back to us. My child never received a replacement instrument. All the while, they are billing us for the stolen instrument and insurance. The company said it doesn't qualify as a theft because we had no witness and nothing was broken into (I guess a locker doesn't qualify). It has taken 5 months for them to say that. Unethical and unprofessional. I would not recommend this company at all. read more

Came 15 minutes early for first lesson meet and greet with percussion teacher. Were brought in to practice room for 2 minutes where teacher was rude and exasperated before staff knocked on door and instructed him they let us in early by accident. Ok. But then were asked to leave and wait another 15 minutes several more times. Observed other irritated families waiting for lessons. Waved to the guy and let him know 45 minutes after arriving we'd be cancelling. read more

This place is fine, just note that they only sell very very basic needs at prices that you can find lower on the internet. I only really go here when I need something and I don't have time to wait for it to be shipped. The staff are generally friendly and somewhat knowledgeable depending on their instrument of expertise. Overall, its a fine store for student musicians, but not much more than that. read more

I went to this store to get an adjustment done on my electric bass. Adam did a quick and effective job on the instrument. I agree the focus of this store is more on students and beginning musicians but the customer service was excellent. read more

Very friendly and great service! Knowledgeable staff and a good variety of instruments and gear.