The Magic Flute has been providing solid instruction for a myriad of instruments for decades. Currently, Chris Collins is an insanely talented musician who is a wonderful piano teacher. He is able to tailor his lessons so the material is relevant and age-appropriate and engaging. His ability to not only play music by ear but to create sheet music from that is brilliant. Highly recommend! read more

A hub for learning! Violin teacher Sharron Drake is outstanding! HIghly recommend for beginner or experienced. Great vibes, private lesson rooms, Ezra Palmer-Person is an exceptional trumpet teacher as well. Recommend both teachers without reservation. read more

Great local music store! They are available to support beginners as well more advanced musicians.

I just had one more, of many, positive experiences at the Magic Flute. Mike and Avery have always been helpful. On my last visit I needed a pre-amp installed on my Cordoba acoustic/electric guitar and the owner Christian did it on the spot. Took about 30 minutes and the cost was more than fair. It works great! read more

I've given The Magic Flute numerous chances to win my business over the years but I'm done now. When my kids were renting instruments I found them to be a bit rude and abrupt but I figured "Okay, lots of kids, I get it" but that was actually my most positive experience with them. Since then it's just negative experiences. I'm not a professional musician but I've played guitar most of my life so I do know a couple of things. I recently had my tenor guitar develop a buzz that I thought was from old strings. I walked into this business and was greeted at the door with a demand for what I wanted "I need a set of strings for my tenor guitar" "Nope, we don't have tenor guitar strings" and that was that. No interest in helping their customer. I still had the buzz after replacing the strings myself so I thought I'd give this business one more chance with me. After explaining to the clerk what was happening (over the loud voices of the group of men that another clerk was entertaining while he ignored me), the clerk took my instrument, plunked it hard and said he didn't hear anything. I insisted that it did indeed buzz without being fretted. The clerk disappeared into the back and then the apparent luthier came charging out with my instrument in hand, plunking hard on it while he ignored what I was telling him and treating me generally as an ignoramus who was wasting his time and didn't know what he's talking about. I took my instrument back and I will find a serious luthier at a business that cares about its customers. Don't go here, you can do way better than that kind of treatment. read more

The Magic Flute is a beautiful well stocked and well organized retail musical instrument store. I think they offer instruction too. I was impressed with their friendly staff..... June and Bran were the salespersons today when I stopped in. They were both helpful and set me up with a couple of basses to try. If you are in Marin County, Calif. this store is worth Checking out read more

I went here to check out MIDI keyboard controllers; with very little knowledge, but an idea of what type of music I want to create. Jack, their sales associate, was incredibly knowledgable; in a way that suggested that he not only knew about what he was showing me, but also that he was interested in it. He answered my questions, made insightful suggestions, and really helped me narrow down what I need. Everyone else was also friendly and warm, and even asked questions about the bass melodica I had with me. Although I didn't end up buying here, the information Jack gave me was invaluable, and his customer service really helped guide my ultimate purchase. I will totally come here again. read more

The staff at the Magic Flute made exploring for a new instrument really fun. June was especially helpful in encouraging me to pick up a couple of instruments to give it a try. She was patient, kind and in the know on all things music. I left with a beautiful Ukulele and a new hobby that I'm excited about. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable, and make your time in the shop a really fun and engaging experience. I look forward to another trip to the shop for other instruments and lessons! read more

I don't do a lot of reviews, but feel absolutely compelled on this one. and I won't bore you with all the details but what I will say is, I will make an effort to go out of my way to shop here for any musical needs. The staff was incredible. And made an exception to keep me as a happy customer when they certainly didn't have to they went above and beyond and will always have my business. And I wanna shout out Adrian and Brody, who assisted me their amazing. read more

Nicco did a great job with a ukulele lesson for my son. Great at the instrument and great at working with kids. Highly recommend!

I was looking for a rental alto saxophone for my grandson and I called the Magic Flute. They said they did not have one, but would call me when they got one in a couple of days. I got a call the very next day and picked up the rental sax. They also offered a free lesson, so we signed up for that. What's great about the lesson is that they offer instrument specific lessons. My grandson got his lesson from a saxophone player! After the free lesson, we bought a month of lessons from Chaco Amaze. It was great ! Within a month, my grandson was all caught up in the school's band class. The staff was also exceptionally helpful and friendly and made us feel welcome in the store. read more

A REAL MUSIC STORE. Not one thing or two. Brass Woodwinds, Strings and Percussion, keyboard . Extensive printed music library, from how to, to all music formats. Great sales staff and top Notch Music instruments Technicans with with selection of music teachers and lesson cubes. A fun place just to do window shopping. Great way to get children into music AND get Adults back in the swing TOO. read more

Thanks very much to Christian and his staff for graciously accommdating my request to rent a tenor sax on a short-term basis to play for my dying Mom in Northern California. Much appreciated! read more

Seems like a great place for some beginner lessons and renting instruments. They do have a some great instruments there for purchase but,judging from what I saw in their displayed inventory, they don't really carry anything above an intermediate-level instrument. Their flutes, for example, are mostly of the silver-plated variety rather than the solid precious metals types. With that said, they have a great and safe system of being able to go into the store where you have to wait outside if the store is at capacity. Everyone was super helpful and were very friendly. I would definitely come back in certain situations as not many music shops are open on Sundays. Since I live in the city, this place wouldn't be my first option but it will be on my short list for random musical instrument needs. read more

The staff very very knowledgeable and friendly. They had a variety of selection, both used and new, and they walked me through the options so that it was easy for me to choose the best option for my son. I didn't I try out this place before?! read more

Very impressed. A large selection of musical instruments, sheet music & other collateral necessities. Plus, some of the genuinely nicest & immensely helpful people all eager to help customers. I am a new customer who will be back again. read more

Very friendly and helpful staff. Awesome experience bringing my grandson to get another guitar.

This place is amazing! So many music shops have disappeared especially in the last few years but The Magic Flute is one of those old school shops with just about everything plus knowledgeable, helpful staff who love music. A special shout out to Will who restrung my cello, and also taught me a lot about the instrument. He answered at least 100 questions with patience and kindness. read more

Magic Flute is a great place to find great sheet music. Musical instruments. I have been a customer here for at least 10 years. I recently purchased the great song Till There Was You. I plan to sing it to my special Angel this year for Valentine's Day read more

The Magic Flute - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - San Rafael, California

Aloha, Thank you Magic Flute. Walking in today--and finding high quality guitar strings, exactly the brand I was looking for, and having relaxed humans with real personalities who were helpful and kind--well, I felt like I had gone through a time warp and was back in 1980--during a more civilized time on this planet. The place was also spotless, clean and filled with cool guitars and wonderful treasures abound. Thank you music people. Thank you so much. read more

Best service , I went by calling to the store and they set up my daughter violin very quick and flexible price , the violin technician was so friendly and he had good patience, I think he is mark I don't remember the name ,,, I highly recommend this place and now this our new music store to buy things Will be regulars You'll rock read more

Fair rental fees, great service. Love that they have lessons on site. Unfortunately, my daughter didn't feel the teacher was a good fit so we will keep checking back. read more

We rented a saxophone from Magic Flute so my husband could play at my mother's memorial. They were so friendly, helpful and kind! It is a good sized store with a wide selection of sheet music and guitars, band instrument rentals, and other resources. A great local business! read more

I am a long time customer of The Magic Flute. They have an amazing selection of instruments, sheet music, amplifiers and accessories. If they don't have what I need in stock they obtain it very quickly. Their salespeople are very knowledgeable and helpful. The repair shop did a terrific job of repairing and re-fretting my 50 year old acoustic guitar a few years ago. The instrument is sounding better than ever and the neck is still straight and true. I highly recommend this music store and hope that they remain open forever. read more

My son needed an upgrade from his rented ¾ cello to a 4/4 cello. We were on a waiting list as there were no full size cellos in stock at the time. Got a text from MF over the weekend and they were holding the cello for us. Great customer service, friendly staff and great quality instruments. We've been going to the Magic Flute over the last 4 years with rentals, repairs and purchases and were never disappointed. Great to have a music store so close by. read more

Simply the best. Incredible selection, top notch customer service and a great store. Always been helped by the best people and been able to browse at my leisure. The staff knows what they're talking about and its the perfect balance between a small store vibe, fair pricing and variety of inventory. Highly reccomend. read more

I had to change a music lesson and the Clerk was very helpful. He took time with me and was patient as I looked at all my busy appointments.He answered all my questions and and gave me a lesson time that worked . read more

The young gentleman behind the founder revived my 30-year-old trumpet for free, so my son can play it at elementary school. Great knowledge, friendly service, and (to my novice eye) a good selection of equipment. Strongly recommended. read more

We just Keep coming here. Now, with my boys as they learn to play various instruments. Will and the staff have continued to be courteous and extremely helpful to us over the years. This year, we also started having music lessons here for my eldest boy. It's been very convenient and valuable for our family. Upgrading from my original 4 stars to 5! read more

I teach piano and buy most all my sheet music here and have been doing so for over 20 years. If they don't have a certain score in stock, they can order it. Let's keep The Magic Flute in business by continuing to buy sheet music and instruments from them. This is one of the few sheet music stores left in the area. Thanks! read more

I've been in this place quite a few times with my two kids and their rental instruments. Every single time I've been in there I've been treated with nothing but kindness and respect. All of the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. read more

The staff are great, super helpful and courteous. I bought a guitar for my boyfriend for Christmas and they made the process a breeze. I would definitely come back for future purchases, even tho they're an hour from where I live. It's definitely worth the drive!! read more

I just had excellent shopping experience, purchasing a flute for my soon-to-be 9 yrs old girl. I did some research online and decided to buy a flute from Yamaha authorized dealer instead of risking on Amazon/e-bay for cheaper price. I had my budget, considering her age, beginner player, but she has shown interest almost 6 months with a recorder and a pianica at home. She plays everyday without me telling her to do unlike other 2 kids of mine. Spike has explained me difference of flutes, by brand, level, type of metal, keys etc and showed me several flutes, and talked about options, which was the best part, I was able to buy a Yamaha flute 200 series that was for renting but still quite new (that also come with 1 yr warranty). I couldn't be more happier than this!! I'll take back the flute for maintenance and visit for another instrument for renting or buying in future. read more

Having grown up in San Francisco and not Marin, it took 18 years after my parents moved to a San Rafael senior community for me to realize that The Magic Flute was a music shop and not a restaurant! Now, these folks are definitely on my radar as some of the kindest and most efficient people running a business anywhere in the country. I brought a once-loved and long-neglected guitar in for new strings, and Will carefully and thoroughly explained all the work that would be needed to bring it back to life. Despite staff vacations, Guitar Technician Avery was able to get the job done brilliantly and much faster than I could have ever hoped. Cody was great at communicating with me via phone. The price was extremely reasonable, too. Five stars are insufficient for this shop! "Great" doesn't begin to capture how I feel about the people who work there or the quality of their work! The shop is a fascinating place, and clearly a wonderful community hub for people looking for an instrument, instrument repairs, or music lessons. I am singing the praises of The Magic Flute to friends and family, and I wish them continued success. Very, very thankful to have found The Magic Flute. read more

We've always gotten good service here but today felt the need to review it. Not only are they completely set up to keep customers safe (wait outside until they let you in then have the rest of the store blocked off so now browsing/touching), the guys working there are always so nice and helpful (and wearing masks). Today, we brought my son's electric guitar in to get repaired which they did quickly while we waited outside - as we were getting ready to pull away in our car, one of the guys (I wish I had asked his name!) ran out to our car with a screw he needed to replace & put it in & tightened the rest (he also had no idea what car we were in or if we'd already left). That's above & beyond service & we're super grateful for it. read more

Magic Flute is a treasure to many Bay Area musicians. They have instruments for sale and rent, and teaching referrals. But the BEST thing about it for many of us is that they have sheet music. Not just popular sheet music, but classical sheet music. For all instruments, voice, etc. And they are incredibly knowledgeable. They can find and order anything for you if it's not in the store. It's one of the only quality sheet music stores left in the Bay Area. A musical lifeline. Online sales have cut into the brick and mortar sheet music business. But online you generally have to look at just the first page of a piece and then order it without being able to read through the whole piece. And how about browsing? You may find some gems and things that you'd like to try simply by browsing in the store. They even have a keyboard set up with headphones so that you can sit down and try out pieces and see if you'd like to buy them. All of the staff are wonderful. Please shop here and keep this store alive! read more

These guys rock. They are all friendly, extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. Christian the owner has done a lot of work on my guitars (changed pots and pickups etc..) and his work is flawless. I bought a vintage guitar from Mike some time back and it remains one of my favorites. I wish they had more vintage guitars come along. You can't go wrong with these folks. They are wonderful people that deeply care about their customers and their service. Highly recommended read more

I've been a teacher and performer in the north bay area since 1969. For more than thirty years I have purchased accessories, sheet music, guitars, amplifiers and other gear for my students and myself, and have consistently received excellent service at the best price from the Magic Flute. Recently I sent two students there for nylon string guitars. One of them found a perfect match for her needs, the other, not so lucky. However, Chris Dean the new owner as well as resident guitar guru, fashioned a shim for that students old guitar at no charge. Now both students and their old teacher are happy. Price is always an important consideration and the Magic Flute is spot on competitive with all local and on line sources. More importantly this is a local resource that provides quality merchandise, expert service, repairs, and generous support for music making in Marin. Special shout out to Mike in guitars and Linda in sheet music. read more

I've been going to the Magic Flute for many years, as a customer and as a student. They offer a great selection of sheet music, a decent set of instruments for beginners and intermediates, and a stellar bunch of employees. I bought my first guitar here, a nice Squire, nothing special and at a normal price. While their prices aren't super competetive, that's the catch to being a small privately owned company, rather than a big chain. The margin of savings is pretty minimal, and they are priced fairly. If you really wanna pick nits over ten dollars for a $1000 amp, that's your thing, to me, it's the "great service" tax. They've helped me out in picking out amps, guitars, and even pickups when I started getting into rewiring guitars. Christian, the store's owner, is a great guy. He always tries his best to make time for you and help you personally, going above and beyond what I'd expect of an owner/boss. He taught me personally about guitar wiring, and my Steinberger and I have spent many hours in his workshop getting his help on some of my mistakes. It's never a sales pitch, he helps you with what you need, and does it with a great smile and friendly attitude, as do the whole staff. I also take lessons here weekly, and they have some great teachers available for various instruments. read more

Place has been in constant business since the late 1970's. Landmark neighborhood, family owned musical instrument shop. Large selection of music instruction books, and sheet music. Not just guitars & drums, also a good selection of woodwinds, brass, orchestral string instruments. Prices are not the lowest. Service is consistently excellent. Attentive & knowledgeable staff that intelligently answer your questions and can give solid advice to beginners. A few studio rooms in the back are for auditions and music lessons. This is a good place to get the kid started on a musical instrument with a professional tutor. Prices are not super discount, but you can find bargains when special sales happen. read more