So, you can learn to play the guitar by memorizing chord charts and putting your fingers where the…read moredots tell you to. You may become good at it--a lot of people do--but chances are you'll never be great. But if you learn to play the way Shadow teaches, with a solid foundation in theory and a rigorous attention to technique, you will have the tools you need to excel. You may even progress to playing something really complicated, like classical guitar or jazz. And, maybe best of all, Shadow has that rare ability to challenge you to your limits while remaining a patient, respectful, and genuinely nice guy--the best kind of teacher to have. I highly recommend him to anybody who really wants to learn to play the guitar.

From the owner: Our guitar lessons are customized to accomodate each student's musical tastes and interests, and…read morethe areas of guitar they are most interested in exploring. Whatever your experience level, whatever style of music you listen to, whether you want to learn electric or acoustic, picking or fingerstyle, the basics or how to expertly sharpen your solos, you'll be amazed by the efficiency, ease, and quick learning pace of these lessons. Bass, piano, and voice lessons also are offered as well as the instruction of all other instruments and music theory for all instruments.

We visited Beller's Music in June 2025 to attend a recital. Students were of all ages on flute and…read morepiano. They all did an excellent job! The students all seem very comfortable with the instructors and demonstrated a variety of skill levels from just a few months playing to several years. There are several classrooms and teachers for a variety of instruments including violin, saxophone, etc. One of the students I know did not get on well with their first instructor and was quickly reassigned to another who they just love. It's good to know the students have options and the owners want students to have an enjoyable experience. Plenty of parking behind the building in a free public lot. Handicap entrance is on the street side of the building with on-street parking available. Restrooms available on classroom level. Store sells and rents instruments and associated items.

Great business! Amazing customer service. Tons of selections depending on what you're looking for…read more The price was super affordable and the quality of their inventory was great. 10 out of 10 recommend.

I bought my nephew a package of guitar lessons and he loves it. Mike is very flexible has a great…read moreapproach. Thanks for the great experience!

I was looking for someone to give piano lessons for my son when my wife discovered the Thames…read moreValley Music School during an internet search. After doing some research, I decided to give them a call. The person I spoke with, Kathy, was very helpful and explained all of the options available. TVMS teaches to all levels of students- from beginners to advanced musicians. They have a good number of teachers to choose from, and they offer lesson times during the week and on Saturdays. Lessons are given at Connecticut College in the Cummings Art Center. Students have the opportunity to use the College's resources, which include individual practice rooms (all with Steinway grand pianos). TVMS schedules several student recitals during the year where students have the opportunity to play in front of an audience, something that all students need to become comfortable with. The cost for lessons is a bit higher than what you may find on the outside- however, I feel the cost is definitely offset by the quality of the lessons and all of the extras that are available to the student. I highly recommend TVMS for anyone who is searching for a music teacher- especially for those who are more serious in their intent.

The level of instruction for both private lessons and youth orchestra is amazing!! So grateful…read morefriends recommended we come here!! Looking forward to many more years of listening to my children play here!

This is a great performance space. We visited with a large group. It is a bit difficult to…read morelocate, look for the banner attached to the building. BYOB - some food is for sale. We heard three artists. I loved the comfortable casual seating.

From the owner: Waldron's Studio 88 is an up and coming music center located in the heart of Willimantic. We offer…read morelessons in piano, voice, ukulele, guitar, trumpet, flute, and more! Lessons at Studio 88 cater to the needs of the student; our dedicated teachers create lesson plans based on each student's aspirations and abilities. Music selections, occasionally composed specifically for the lesson, incorporate the fundamentals of music while moving at a pace best suited for the student. Our full recording studio is the best sounding, best equipped, and most affordable recording studio in the area! Features include: Spacious 8ft by 8ft acoustically treated and soundproof recording booth AKG 414 (2) Microphone Rode NTK Tube Microphone w/Telefunken tube GT AM62 Tube Microphone LA610 Tube Preamp/EQ/Compressor ADAM A7 Monitors

These guys are the real deal, this is the kind of thing you can't find online. I was blown away by…read morethe boutique setup...high end, incredible guitars. Everything was highly priced...the guitars ranging $800-$3000 approximately, I was scared to move as I walked through the store hoping I don't accidentally knock something down. Store in the front, repair shop at the back and 3 sound proof rooms where they conduct lessons by certified instructors during the week. $35 for a 1/2 hr session and goes up to $55 for an hour. The staff is helpful and very informative.

With the hollowing out of American bricks n' mortar retail because of online shopping, especially…read more'one click shopping' on Amazon, it is refreshing to walk into a beautiful, well-run shop that completely understands the needs of the customer, and can accommodate virtually any kind of budget. The owner of this shop, Nate, obviously loves and understands the business, and he also takes his time to show and explain the different types of guitars that he offers, and why they might make sense. There is also an awesome Golden Retriever in the store to keep you company if you just want to hang out with a dog instead of buy a guitar. The most impressive thing about Whole Tone is the completeness of the shop -- not only can you buy the guitar, but you can service it there as well, get your lessons, and also come in for demos of talented guitarists to see what is actually possible. I suppose you could just click and buy your guitar for the lowest price plus shipping on Amazon -- but you'll miss out on the rest of an important part of the experience, not to mention, the chance to actually try the equipment and hear what it sounds like before you do make a purchase. Its not merely about the lowest price. It also has to sound right. And if it makes you feel any better -- Nate did match the price of my guitar to whatever the lowest price was online -- without me even having to ask. That's pretty cool. Hopefully the dog will help out the lessons. No luck so far....

From the moment I walked into Summit, there were smiling and friendly faces greeting me! Im a 35…read morey.o woman who went to Summit to learn Bongos but ended up switching to the drums! I even got a nickname there which truly made me feel like I belonged. Also, I find the prices to be reasonable which is appreciative! I cant speak highly enough about Jodi. He has a great energy, is kind and incredibly knowledgeable. I feel his lessons progressed me far! After 10 sessions, I know proper form, can read music and can play one of my favorite songs on the kit! Just an FYI, you may need to park along the side walk across street. No biggie.

No other performing arts studio can rival the quality and variety of training that Summit Studios…read morehas to offer! Over the course of four years, I took private voice, piano/theory, and acting lessons, and I also participated in musical theater and audition workshops. Summit Studios provided me with a solid technical foundation and also gave me the confidence to pursue a career in music, which includes undergraduate and graduate degrees in Voice/Opera Performance and professional work with companies such as Ohio Light Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Seattle Opera, and Santa Fe Opera. I had never even HEARD opera before studying at Summit Studios, but my knowledgeable teacher heard the potential in my voice and steered me in the best possible direction. I am now enjoying a career as a young professional opera singer largely because of the musical education and mentoring that I received at Summit Studios!

Do you want your playing to compel all the chicks at your show to get naked?…read more Do you want babes to drag you into the venue bathrooms for a quick smash? Do you want compliments from people other than your grandma on your guitar playing? Do you want to learn how to improve your playing to the extent where you can overtake your entire genre? Seriously, though. Alex is one of the best teachers you can have. He breaks down concepts and ideas in an easy to understand way and knows how to get you results in the quickest way possible. He's well versed in most playing styles. He's patient, and generous with his time and knowledge.

After wanting to learn guitar after some time, I was gifted lessons with Alex…read more As a newbie to music theory, chords, and the basics, Alex was very patient in teaching foundational concepts, explaining theories, and very thoughtful in finding songs that I enjoy and would want to play. His sessions were very helpful in demystifying strings, chords, and theory and the lesson plans were easy to pick-up when practicing throughout the week. I find one-to-one instruction very helpful as a learning medium as I can get questions quickly and efficiently answered and Alex was very helpful and had answers to my many questions. Highly recommend for musicians at all stages of learning.

Went in and was over charged for a item ticketed as one price. All the items were ticketed the…read moresame. The counter person knew without looking that the item saxophone reeds were more than advertised. They were an additional $6. No explanation or offer to honor the price on the item.

Jim at middlesex music was amazing!!! I came here yesterday…read moreto get a music book for my 5th grader. Jim knew I was going to need to rent a snare drum kit for him but I was unsure of it so I left without it . he jokingly said see you tomorrow. well guess what he was right! I went back today to get the snare drum kit that my son conveniently forgot to tell me I needed . Jim set me up with everything I needed we had a quick laugh and I was on my way . Thank you for the awesome customer service