Ted Brown Music

Our son has taken Classical Guitar lessons from Rick for a couple of years now. He has no previous…read moreguitar experience but has always had a very strong passion for music. Rick saw something in this and has developed a way of teaching to our son that has kept him captivated and reaching new heights with his abilities over the years. Our son is not only able to read and play music; he writes his own songs and is willing to perform them willingly when asked. Granted this is over time, we couldn't be happier with the results we have seen in our son (unless he practiced more). Rick provides the much needed encouragement, passion and dedication in each lesson and we like to hear the progress when our son actually practices. Our son is no professional and still has a long way to go, but we couldn't imagine him being anywhere other than with Rick at Washington Academy of Music.

I liked the instructor enough, but when I went out of town for being a service member (overseas…read moreservice), and even when I verbalized that prior to leaving the state, they continued to charge me full price for two months. They did not let me know the instructor was receiving a bunch of no-shows from us. Seemed like a money ploy to me.

Sesame Street Music Studio

3.0

I am delighted that I found the Sesame Street Music Studio about three months ago…read more Once I connected with the owner, Christine Kastanopolous, I knew she was the perfect piano teacher for me. I am going to go all the way out and say that I think she is the perfect piano teacher for anyone young or old, novice or expert. Chris' education and teaching background is beyond impressive. Trained at the prestigious Boston Conservatory, holds educational degrees and national certifications, has decades of experience teaching music and music theory. Yup, she is amazing. For me though, while her credentials elevate her to "heads above" others that I researched, it is only a part of what's important. I take hour long, one on one, private lessons each week at Chris' beautiful studio in Silverdale. Chris seems to truly be in her element when teaching. She consistantly allows me to be serious and steady, yet to go at a pace comfortable for me (while gently nudging me foward) and encouraging me to laugh along the way. It's magical. Although I am an older adult, and complete beginner, Chris has been providing me with piano education and lessons in a way that matches my level and has already proven to me that it is super cool to learn to read music and play piano. I highly recommend that if you are in the Kitsap County area, and want to start, brush up, or get your piano playing groove back, check out Sesame Street Music Studio. I bet you too will find Chis to be warm, knowledgeable, professional, skilled, and a whole lot of fun. I am a total novice at everything to do with music (except dance) but am getting better and better each day. Thank you, Chris!

We met for the initial meeting. My 6 year old was being an energetic six year old. The thing that…read morereally got me upset was the teacher grabbing her forcefully by the arm pulling my 6 year old up to her face to yell at her. We immediately left. This really bothered us that in the initial meeting she would put her hands on my child and yell at her. I absolutely do not recommend this teacher for kids.

Mike Karnes Guitar Instruction

Mike is amazing. Dude was able to do the best job in the world doing what he loves...teaching…read moreguitar. it shows in his teaching methods. Patient but persistent. I have been his student for over 2 years and have over 75 songs learned from rock to blues, Cream to Joe Bonnamassa, and I am hooked for life. Thank you Yoda.

My son took lessons for a year with a different instructor and only new how to play Happy Birthday…read moreafter that time. We switched to Mike and his ability to connect with his students and has led to my son playing everything from CCR to Joan Jett. I highly recommend him!

Schenk Guitars

(1 review)

Schenk Guitars specializes in building custom masterclass instruments for discriminating players…read more They are beautiful and sound amazing! The owner is genuine and a talented musician with a lot of knowledge! He spent a long time helping me decide which guitar is best for me. I can't wait to order my guitar!

Mike Jauregui Productions

(4 reviews)

Mike really knows his stuff when it comes to music, from performing, down to the nitty gritty…read moretechnical details of recording and producing. I've worked with Mike in an educational capacity-- he was the instructor and conductor for a community orchestra I was part of. He was a strong communicator and director, provided excellent direction and advice, all while maintaining an easygoing attitude. He's excellent with people and does a fantastic job teaching. If you're on the fence about hiring Mike, DO IT! You won't regret it.

Mike is such a talented musician, and such a lovely person on top of that. You definitely won't be…read moredisappointed if you work with Mike!

Crossroads Music

4.9

(14 reviews)

quite a drive for me living just south of Olympia, but well worth it, next time will give myself…read moremore time to enjoy the area & this amazing music shop. found Crossroads had the Martin in stock I was looking for thru the Martin website, had tried a big box music store near Seattle but pretty much ignored so walking into Crossroads & immediately greeted & attended to by Sara, one of the owners of the "mom & pop" musical instrument shop was very pleasant. The Martin Jr in stock was hanging with the other guitars was ready to play & she set me up to try it out. They had a good selection Martin accessories including a good assortment of guitar strings including the Martin brand so I also bought a spare set of the Martin LifeSpan Phosphor Bronze Light strings. I was short on time so did not get a chance to fully take in the ambience & experience of Dan & Sara's music store, but reading up on Crossroads before hand on their website & stepping into their store, I felt the warm embrace of some good vibes, and appreciate their community involvement in local music events in this very charming waterfront town. I like contributing to local businesses so I not only walked away with a very nice Martin acoustic electric guitar, it felt rewarding to give back. I hope to explore more of the Washington peninsula & look forward taking more time visiting Port Townsend & Crossroads Music.

Great selection! They had many more Ukes than your average Guitar Center and many higher end models…read moreincluding KK and Martin that can be hard to find even in Seattle and Bellevue. The owners were friendly and helpful and encouraged trying out different ideals. (I loved the wonderful KK baritone) and gave useful and helpful tips on restringing. My kind of music store - they are passionate about their stuff and it shows.

Castleman Music & Repair

4.0

Nice little music shop that rents, repairs, and sells new and used instruments. I was surprised at…read moretheir variety of items, considering they are rather 'off the beaten track'. Plus, their prices are better than some around town. Good customer service and knowledge about products.

Once again, Mr. Castleman came through for us. I totally forgot (my bad) to come back and write a…read moresecond review in march, after he fixed my daughter's cello. What a great job he did! Not only did the major stuff get fixed, but also every nick and scratch was filled, smoothed and removed. The cello looks a lot better now. Also, he saved us some money by working on repairing existing pieces, instead of just replacing the bow. He did advise us on better handling of the bow to avoid future problem, and also that the bow fix could be just a temp thing, and might still fail. That was back at end of March. The bow is still being abused daily here! =) Once again, thanks for the artisan-ship, for the professionalism and for the time you took talking to my daughter and I. We always learn something valuable from you! =)

The Music Factory

4.3

(25 reviews)

I started at the music factory after seeing some of their flyers, and was taking lessons there for…read morearound a year. I really enjoyed my time with the music factory, and I was connected with some awesome people/great musicians and mentors. I was able to explore many new concepts and even a new instrument, and every step of the way was guided by first class musicians. I highly recommend TMF to anyone, but especially adult students who want expert, in-person lessons! I worked specifically on guitar with Blake and drums with Tim, and both of them were really great at gauging where I was at coming in and helping me figure out where I could grow.

This place is wonderful if you haven't been there try it. They're beautiful instruments and it is a…read moregreat place to go. The employees are very helpful. Put music in your life. You'll find joy try this place. You're gonna love it. You'll thank me later.

Steve Malloy Piano Tuning

(6 reviews)

Steve did a wonderful job of tuning our piano. He even looked up where it was originally…read moreconstructed and the year it was made! Our music teacher recommended him, so I went out of my way to find him. He has a very resonable price range for tuning, too. He took his time to make sure it all sounded wonderful from the lowest note to the highest. I added a photo of his business card so it is easier to contact him. I had a hard time finding the information I needed online. He had a lot a wonderful stories to tell, too, as he has lived a very interesting life! He is a wonderful person with a professional and strong work ethic, prompt and respectful.

We used Steve Malloy Piano services for tuning our piano that needed tuning at my Brother in Law's…read morehouse. He was extremely professional, very courteous and just a joy of a professional to chat with. He has been doing this all his life and is very well recognized in the industry. He has been tuning pianos, fixing pianos and installing pianos for over 30 years. He used to do this in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area in MN back in the day and recently moved to the Silverdale, WA area and has just opened his business. His prices are very affordable and he is very fair when it comes to ordering parts to fix your piano.

American Music

4.1

(99 reviews)

I came in looking for a small travel size guitar. Hannah welcomed me with a smile and took time to…read morefind me exactly the guitar that would fit my needs. She (and Darren) gave me expert advice, and I ended up with a guitar that was great. They even did a pro set up on the guitar (awesome service BTW!!) Highly recommended!!!

Go here!!!! Very very helpful and friendly staff. They…read moregenuinely wanted to help me get the best deal and did not try to upsell me on anything, which was a relief. They weren't condescending to me as a beginner either, and gave me the information I needed. Great atmosphere, super chill and laidback. Incredible prices too. I got a fender amp for half the price of what it would be at other shops.

Mike Jauregui Productions

(4 reviews)

Mike really knows his stuff when it comes to music, from performing, down to the nitty gritty…read moretechnical details of recording and producing. I've worked with Mike in an educational capacity-- he was the instructor and conductor for a community orchestra I was part of. He was a strong communicator and director, provided excellent direction and advice, all while maintaining an easygoing attitude. He's excellent with people and does a fantastic job teaching. If you're on the fence about hiring Mike, DO IT! You won't regret it.

Mike is such a talented musician, and such a lovely person on top of that. You definitely won't be…read moredisappointed if you work with Mike!

Schenk Guitars

(1 review)

Schenk Guitars specializes in building custom masterclass instruments for discriminating players…read more They are beautiful and sound amazing! The owner is genuine and a talented musician with a lot of knowledge! He spent a long time helping me decide which guitar is best for me. I can't wait to order my guitar!

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Silverdale T.

0

1

0

17 years ago

There are still a bunch of people out there who were sad to see Ted Brown Music Silverdale close...Guess What...it never happened. We just moved to the other side of the mall into twice as big of a store. That's twice as many lesson studios, twice as much floor space and sure enough, twice as much music making gear, in stock. We don't have what you're looking for??? Let us pay for gas and a bridge toll. We receive shipments from Ted Brown Music Tacoma 3 times a week. So whatever you need is never more than a couple days away. read more

Orla S.

0

5

0

4 years ago

Clark is always helpful and knowledgeable, by phone and in person. It's a long drive for us but worth it. On that note, Ted Brown would do great in Olympia! Wind, brass, and string musicians in Thurston and surrounding counties need y'all...and no thanks on driving to Tacoma. read more

Henry C.

0

1

4 years ago

Excellent staff. Good information on guitars banjos and electronic speakers for my musical hobbies. Been here for three years and always rely on Ted Brown Staff. Helps with my teaching and personal guitar needs. Thanks -The Guitar Carpenter. read more

Sharon P.

0

1

0

12 years ago

I was in need of a power cord for an amp. I found the Silverdale Ted Brown on the internet and emailed the manager Eric asking for his help finding one. He responded within 24 hours and got me set up with a new cord. read more

Daniel F.

0

1

0

6 years ago

Nathan was super helpful at answering my questions about electronic drums!

Ted Brown Music - musicalinstrumentsandteachers - Updated July 2026

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Mainline Music

4.5

(13 reviews)

Great place. Great workers. Jordan and Mikey are amazing. I love how down to earth they are. Also…read morethe have a solid option of equipment and instruments etc.

Small store stuffed with instruments and accessories. Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable…read more Service was quick and accurate.

J. Thayer Guitars

(15 reviews)

Took in my first Ibanez I've had since 1998 to get completely re-wired with new humbuckers & pots…read more Very nice soldering work and digging all the new tones. Thank you, John!

This the second guitar that I have taken to John. The first was an old rare Ovation 12 string. He…read morehas done a complete neck re-fretting, straightening and leveling. It sounds and plays like a guitar costing thousands of dollars. And, it's beautiful to look at too.

Kitsap Music

3.2

(15 reviews)

Dishonest! The owner blatantly overcharged me for the items I purchased. I returned to have him…read morecorrect his "mistake" and he again short-changed me at which time I realized his initial "mistake" was no mistake at all. I hope the few bucks he made were worth cutting his own throat on having a paying repeat customer. It is unfortunate that this was my experience while trying to support buying local and Mom-and-Pop shops.

After having faithfully served Kitsap musicians for the last 40 years since 1956 up music will be…read moreclosing sometime in fall 2024 when the owner Donnie retires. It's a small music shop, but has a nice selection of guitars amps and other assorted musical instruments. I stopped in randomly and was pleasantly surprised how Friendly and conversational the owner Donnie was. He had no problems at all, showing me a Washburn acoustic electric bass guitar and tuning it up for me and plugging it into an amp and letting me play it as much as I wanted. Very much, not the stereotype of the grumpy music store owner. Since Donnie has ended his relationship with his suppliers ahead of his upcoming retirement, what they have will be all they have until the store closes. That also means that there's some flexibility in Value pricing ahead of closing the store for good. Parking on site. Store hours are 12 to 4 daily but call ahead. No public restroom.

Schenk Guitars

(1 review)

Schenk Guitars specializes in building custom masterclass instruments for discriminating players…read more They are beautiful and sound amazing! The owner is genuine and a talented musician with a lot of knowledge! He spent a long time helping me decide which guitar is best for me. I can't wait to order my guitar!

Village Music

3.8

(6 reviews)

•$$$

Looked around for a music shop to repair my banjo and everybody was booked up. One place…read morerecommended Alan at Village Music, who said he was able to work on it. Dropped it off at his place and picked it up a week later. Sounds good now and was not expensive. It looks like the music store has moved from its original location, don't know the details but whatever works.

I really want to love this place. I mean, a local music store on Bainbridge? Should be awesome!…read more But the truth is that every time I go there, I am criticized. Either my guitar is mass produced and just not good quality, or my playing style is wrong and I'm going to hurt myself (been playing for 20 years - I'm doing fine....). If you even hint that you purchased something from the web, you will get serious stink-eye. Here's are some hints for the owners: 1. People do actually buy things elsewhere. Compliment them on their purchases. Tell them their guitars or other instruments are just awesome and they sound great. Ask if you can play them. Stroke their egos. Then show them the guitar you have that you think would complement it. 2. Make your customers feel good about coming in! Even if you're bitter about stuff, don't let people see it. Smile. Joke around. Be nice! People will buy stuff for the experience of coming in and feeling great. 3. Never, ever, ever tell someone they are playing wrong or tell them they need to improve their form. It's totally not your place unless you're asked. It sounds snooty and condescending when you have no idea what experiences and training people have.

Castleman Music & Repair

4.0

Nice little music shop that rents, repairs, and sells new and used instruments. I was surprised at…read moretheir variety of items, considering they are rather 'off the beaten track'. Plus, their prices are better than some around town. Good customer service and knowledge about products.

Once again, Mr. Castleman came through for us. I totally forgot (my bad) to come back and write a…read moresecond review in march, after he fixed my daughter's cello. What a great job he did! Not only did the major stuff get fixed, but also every nick and scratch was filled, smoothed and removed. The cello looks a lot better now. Also, he saved us some money by working on repairing existing pieces, instead of just replacing the bow. He did advise us on better handling of the bow to avoid future problem, and also that the bow fix could be just a temp thing, and might still fail. That was back at end of March. The bow is still being abused daily here! =) Once again, thanks for the artisan-ship, for the professionalism and for the time you took talking to my daughter and I. We always learn something valuable from you! =)

Rockin' Ruby’s Records

4.5

(11 reviews)

I only checked out the records part of the store, but they also sell and buy Legos. They also have…read morea minor section with CD's and clothes (band T's), but the focus is on records. Vinyl selection is organized, and most of them are graded and priced accordingly. Just a note that I only picked up NM (Near Mint) records for older records, but grading seems a little too generous here as one of the records had many visible scratches when you hold it under the light and you can hear them when playing (for comparison, I don't see NM grading as common in other record shops). I picked up a handful of records here. The staff is knowledgable and friendly, and atmosphere is nice with light pop songs playing in the background. It seems they also have vinyl listening sessions too. Check out the staff picks and local sections as well as the bargain bin for some interesting selections.

I can only speak about the lego part of the store…read more The hours are limited, so do check the schedule before you go. This place is great. They purchase and sell lego sets, including older sets that are very hard to source. The oldest I've seen was from 1980, to give you an idea. Most are contemporary or from the 2010s, of course. The prices are very fair. An out of print set might go for a few bucks more than its original retail price if it isn't super rare. The owner isn't trying to gouge you and she's very open about her pricing policy. The owner is a font of knowledge about all things lego. She's extremely dedicated: she verifies every used set for integrity (and replaces missing bricks), she guarantees completeness for any set you buy, she'll source lego sets for you, she'll hold sets for you at the cash, and answer every which question you have. She's also very personable. The store attracts teens, families and adult collectors.

Georgetown Music Store

4.8

(52 reviews)

Knowledgeable about his merchandise and just a great guy to talk to. Lots of musical instruments to…read morelook at.

Knowledgeable staff, beautiful inventory, reasonable prices. And I get to support a local small…read morebusiness.

Dusty Strings

4.4

(139 reviews)

•$$$

One of the best acoustic ships in the world! Nice and knowledgeable. The selection is stellar. I…read morebought my National Delphi, there, and I'll always stop by when I'm Seattle.

Have been here twice excellent guitar recommendations. Sat patiently with my in laws as the chose…read morenew instruments and the follow up on a repair on the FIL was incredible. I will purchase my next instruments from here for sure. Grateful the kind folks here treated us with care and support.

American Music

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