I can't say enough good things about my experience at The Music Shop, and especially about my instructor, Dave Wheeler. I'm a 72-year-old saxophonist who picked up the saxophone for the very first time after retiring from a 40-year career in biochemistry spanning academia and research. So yes, I came in knowing enzymes better than eighth notes. Dave has been an absolute gift. He brings a deep well of music theory knowledge, practical musicianship, and real-world experience to every lesson. More importantly, he has remarkable patience and creativity. He listens carefully, identifies where I'm struggling, and then designs clear, effective strategies that make practice both productive and enjoyable between lessons. What I especially value is that Dave doesn't teach from a script. He adapts to the student in front of him--age, background, learning style, and goals included. Thanks to his guidance, I've made steady progress, gained confidence, and genuinely look forward to practicing and improving. If you're considering lessons at The Music Shop -- whether you're 08 or 78 -- I can't recommend Dave Wheeler highly enough. He's the real deal. -- Michael Van Allen, student https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelavanallen/ read more

The Music Shop - Michael is playing the tenor sax at his Lake Valhalla home. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Boonton, New Jersey

I'm sharing my experience to help others make an informed decision. I brought in a ~1-year-old student flute (purchased on the West Coast) for what I now know were minor adjustments. At the time, I followed the technician's recommendation for a full COA. When the instrument was returned, it played essentially the same as when I dropped it off. I brought it back a second time. It came back slightly improved, but still not properly adjusted. A few weeks later, I visited an independent flute technician in Brooklyn. He immediately identified the issues, charged nearly half the cost, spent over an hour on the instrument, and fixed it correctly. It has remained in excellent playing condition since. Based on this experience, I would not return here for service or purchase. I would strongly encourage others especially parents of student players to seek a second opinions and verify the quality of work. read more

Very Pleased! This store has helped musicians in my family succeed since 1992. I love the layout of the retail store. It's inviting and the music specialists are friendly. The private lesson and ensemble program is strong, and the repair department is known for its excellence. The store even has a coffee shop! In 1990, we rented our daughter's first French Horn from this business. I'm not sure whether they had a retail or lesson program then, but they were terrific at getting dents out of her horn. The repair department has worked on our horns and flutes since then. The prices for repairs and sheet music are fair. I'm delighted with the given my niece's 20 year old Gemeindhart flute. Now I'm teaching my granddaughter to play using this shiny and properly working family flute. Great business! read more

I am not sure about their lessons or sales, but their repair department needs a lesson in customer relations. The person was very nasty and defensive after I explained the situation. I've been described as a very pleasant person and absolutely avoid conflict. I had an instrument repaired some time ago back in 2018. I paid almost $200 to have it serviced. I never opened the box. It has been listed for sale since I got it back. I finally have a buyer and the instrument is leaky and doesn't play well. I spoke to someone on the phone, and that person told me to bring it in the next day. In addition, I was "corrected" by this repair person that the one I spoke to on the phone was a woman, not a man. That person on the phone told me not to worry; they'll make it right. I went out of my way (an hour from my house) and was greeted by an angry repair person who when I simply explained (nicely) the situation, replied with, "I'm not honoring a warranty from 2018." Then the person proceeded to explain, "If you had a car fixed, and left it in the garage for a few years, would you expect the mechanic to fix any problems?" Then the person said if I paid $45, it would get looked at. Then the person said there was nothing wrong with it. Then the person said there was a note out of whack and offered to fix it on the spot. I reluctantly agreed after being verbally assaulted. Upon return from fixing it, I said "Thank You; I really appreciate it". This person scowled at me. This is not about the repair policy or the fact that they didn't want to fix it without more money: it's about communicating with your clientele. I would never set foot in that store again. No one deserves to be treated so harshly. I can't even imagine if this person dealt with an unreasonable customer. Again, I am all about being kind. I wonder if anyone else has had this experience! I'm going to try to not have this ruin the rest of my day. read more

Kind, friendly and get the job done right the first time. This place is a treasure for NJ K-12 music teachers and districts. They offer repairs that will last and discounts on music from that other online store. They even come to your school to pick up and drop off. Highly recommend!! read more

great for fixing my daughter's alto saxophone when we're in a time constraint. we have yet to use them for lessons, but we would only switch if our current music instructor retired read more

Very happy with the Music Shop. They (The Rental Dept.) are always so friendly when I call, and are very helpful.:)

I have been coming to the Music Shop since I was 8 and since they were in the little house next to the giant building they are in now. The staff is friendly, the teachers are top-notch and the selection of instruments is great. If they don't carry something in-store they will find it for you. Very knowledgeable about instruments and repairs. I have bought 4 instruments and an amp from them and am happy with the quality. Would recommend to anyone. read more

Very rude customer service. They were going to deliver violin to school but sales rep changed the schedule. Didn't inform whatsoever and when I called they said, they can't do anything. read more

I brought in an old cello and they did a nice job making some repairs to get it back into shape. They explained everything to me thoroughly and did not try to suggest unnecessary services. I would highly recommend them for instrument repairs. They also have a nice selection of music and instructional books for different instruments. read more

The Music Shop is great! I've been bringing my guitars here for a couple of years now and they are awesome. Sean the guitar tech is extremely knowledgable and gets my guitars sounding great each and every time I bring him one. Highly recommend for any guitar related repairs. read more

I rented a cello from them and it wasn't in very good condition. So I tried to call back and see if I could trade it out for a different one, and no one answered. I've called 3 times now. I'm thinking of asking if I can get a refund and go rent from somewhere else. read more

They sold me on the Flute overhaul. The claim for $100-150 they completely take apart your flute, repair any keys etc necessary, polish & shine it, and tune it up so it's ready to go. After a year of playing there was only 1 key that needed new rubber. Well after this service, a month later and sure enough I have a spring that's broken and a key that needs to be repaired and they want to charge me again! I went somewhere else that is less expensive, more honest and actually does the job they claim to do. read more

The instruments they rent to school children are high quality but - be careful - their billing department is very sloppy. You might be charged AFTER the school year is over and you might be billed twice. read more

My son broke off the octave key on his Saxophone a day prior to his concert. I took him and his Saxophone to the Music Shop. They were very helpful. Chris S. immediately fixed the octave key on the spot so my son can use his instrument the day of his concert. The customer service was great. They had an alternate plan in place as well. The smile on my son's face once the saxophone was fixed PRICELESS!!! Thank you. read more