I love Stickandstrum! Although I live in California, Shane, the business owner, is the coolest,…read moremost down to earth owner I know. I just HAD to give them the thumbs up, even from all the way out here! Stickandstrum really builds a loving and caring community of Birmingham families who want the best music lessons for their kids. They already have a fantastic facility and a large following of students that continue to grow in numbers every day! As a music owner myself, I know that it's as difficult as it is important to build a supportive music community, especially for kids just starting out in music. Stickandstrum does exactly just that. Overall, give them a try! You won't regret it. :)

StickandStrum truly cares for their students and goes the extra mile to provide personalized…read moreinstruction. They are committed to continuously expanding their knowledge and work hard to give their students the best possible musical education. The care that they put into every lesson ensures that you are in good hands. StickandStrum is anything but boring and it's well worth the time to explore lessons through their studio. Highly recommend!!!

The best violinist for events in Birmingham! I hired Karen for both my anniversary dinner at my…read morehome on solo violin and for my daughter's wedding with her string trio. She played all my requested songs at my private dinner and surprised my husband when she played his favorite Beatles tune Blackbird on violin. For my daughters wedding, Karen gave us a private consultation (you'll pay extra for this - but totally worth it) where our daughter could discuss and hear songs played on the violin. I thought she would want Traditional wedding march like I had when I got married. She asked Karen if she knew Elvis Presley Cant Help Falling in Love, All if Me, Cohens hallelujah and Mozart Eine Klein Nachtmusic. Karen did not blinkj an eye and said yes to everything. We did not mind paying a little more for special services like the amp and playing a little longer for the prelude and after for cocktail music. Karen suggested an amp for the cocktail music which was perfect for our venue. I'd highly recommend Karen for your event. She is highly professional offering more than expected and playing beautifully.

I hired Birmingham Violin duo for my outdoor wedding and they were perfect! Karen made a violin…read moreduo arrangement of Here Comes the Sun for the bridesmaids and played Game of Thrones theme for me and the grooms to walk down the isle. Although the weather did not cooperate and the wind was blowing everyones hair they did not miss a beat. She recommended amplification and brought her system. I would strongly recommend this group!

Paul Moore always seems to know what I need to take my playing to the next level. Really enjoyed…read moregetting to know him too. He cares about your child/you in ways that you don't expect. Paul is actually building confidence through his lessons and that really transcends the music. If you are considering this place, congratulations, you have found the right fit. Look no further.

Everything went well. it's a beautiful store and their so knowledgeable about the lovely pieces…read morethey have

Andy, David & Ms.J. I cannot thank you enough for the beautiful fantastic service that you…read moreprovided.I can say hands down that my experience was unmatched the moment I came into the shop. I will tell EVERYONE I know if they have any repairs, design or purchasing needs to come see you 1st. I am so grateful for the work you guy's provided for me. Much appreciated. Respectfully Stephanie A Chiabi.

SGI International or Soka Gakkai International ( Value Creation Society) is a worldwide…read moreorganization with over eleven million members promoting peace, culture, and education in society active in 192 countries focusing on global issues from a Buddhist perspective. The goal of SGI Nichiren Buddhism is to enable each person to become happy. SGI International is one of the world's largest peace-building, anti-war organizations advocating "No First Use" of nuclear weapons. In thirteenth-century Japan, Nichiren, a Buddhist reformer, established the practice of chanting " Nam-myoho-renge-kyo" (Devotion to the Mystic Law of Cause and Effect) as the means for all people to bring forth their inherent Buddha-nature, a life state characterized by limitless reserves of courage, wisdom, and compassion. Nichiren regarded "Myoho-renge-kyo," the title of the Lotus Sutra, as its essence and added "Nam" to indicate devotion to its principles. When we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we can transform even the most fundamental, inescapable sufferings of life and death into a life embodying the virtues of eternity, happiness, true self, and purity. SGI members chant to the "Gohonzon," a mandala inscribed by Nichiren that embodies the Law of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. "Gohonzon" means "object of fundamental respect or devotion" and serves as a spiritual mirror to perceive the true nature of our lives and bring forth the inexhaustible life force of Buddhahood. The SGI'S central activity is the monthly discussion meeting where members share experiences, study Buddhism and encourage one another to establish indestructible happiness. If we may be of assistance to you in any way, or if you would like to learn more about our organization, please visit our website at www.sgi-usa.org.*

Took my cello there to set up the dislodged sound post and bridge. Mr. Casebere was very…read moreinformative and gave me a detailed advice on DOs and DONTs about caring for the cello. The service was descent and the charge is reasonable, especially considering all the free advice that he provided.

In 20 years of dance, this is the best shop I've been to. They are so knowledgable about what…read morethey're doing. I walked in frazzled with a toddler in tow. All I knew was that my go-to Blochs were no longer cutting it for teaching or dancing. My needs have changed and I have difficult feet to fit: long, Egyptian-toed, flat foot but high arch (yes- that's possible), narrow heels...basically a big, fat, pink ballet nightmare. I have worn just about every brand over the years but favor Bloch. They really respected that and took my preference into consideration while trying to find a pair of pointes perfect for me. The ladies were so lovely. They baby-sat my son while simultaneously fitting myself and another young woman. I am just visiting but they were very, very knowledgable about what different studios, teachers, and companies in the area prefer for their dancers. A major point of frustration throughout the years has been salespeople at dance shops telling me what I SHOULD be wearing even though I know my body and my pointe and my personal preferences. I really appreciated the fact that these ladies, while chatting with me like old friends, asked questions and listened to what I had to say. They also immediately knew what would work for me based on my very specific needs. (I can not recommend the new Bloch Eurostretch enough if you have a hard-to-fit foot). I left feeling beautiful from my toes up to my calves! They even have a teacher discount. I appreciate a dance shop that understands no one goes into teaching dance for the money :) I don't live here (I live in Europe) but I will be back each and every time I am visiting my family here. I just love this place!

Dance N Things Two is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE dancewear shop! Ms. Freddie is very nice. She went out…read moreof her way to make sure that I had the right character shoes! I am very happy with how helpful she was. When she didn't have something in stock she offered to order it. She also called another dancewear shop without hesitation when she found out that we needed a different shoe that she didn't have. She brought out about ten pairs of shoes for me to try on and I only ended up getting one pair. If you ever have questions you can just call and Ms. Freddie will do her best to help you over the phone. I definitely recommend going to Dance N Things Two!

I have gone to this shop often on and off through the years and have had good service from all of…read morethe employees, except one who is no longer there. Everyone else is courteous, helpful and friendly. They answer your questions and are helpful at all times.

I've been to the Gardendale location a few times both to buy and to sell a couple of things. While…read morethe employees and service has never been anything I would rate 5 stars, I understand that it's a pawn shop, so expectations aren't really high when I go there. My last visit will be my last ever. I was spoken to and treated rudely. One of the employees was belligerent to the point that when I clapped back, he proceeded to show me the gun he had and threatened me with it. None of the other 4 or 5 people behind the counter did anything but stare or smirk. If this is how they allow people to act, I'm amazed they are still in business. I will actively discourage people going from this point forward.

I would NEVER take from Krista Wendle. I was uncomfortable around her and missed too many lessons…read moreafter surgery and this is what she sent me: "Never call or text me again. You are irresponsible, rude, and not worthy of being my student. You are a burden on mankind. Good riddance! I will be calling every school in Birmingham to make sure you never have the opportunity to do this again. Ever." She has no idea what happened to me that last day! How dare she treat another human being like this!!!!

Duke's School of Music is one of the finest service provider business' I've ever had the pleasure…read moreof working with. This place is full of sincerely friendly people who love what they do. My son has been taking guitar lessons from Chase for a few years now. Chase is the living embodiment of patients and he demonstrates all other virtues associated with a quality instructor. The spectacular part about this establishment is that is nothing out of the ordinary. Wes, the drum instructor, could be one of the nicest individuals I've ever met. When my son had just started learning guitar in 3rd grade he participated in the schools talent show. Wes was there helping one of his students set up, so he naturally without being asked, walked over talked to my son talked him up, alleviated any nerves he had and helped him set up. After he was done Wes was the first person to hi five my son and tell him how great he did. Chase subsequently volunteered to come, on his own time, the following year to be there to support my son and help him set up. Trip the patriarch of the school is a very fortunate man to have such strong employees. However, it appears he leads by example as he is always positive and friendly and continues to give individual lessons himself. I could not ask for a better facility, more conducive to learning an instrument.