If any business resembled my own personal Fortress of Solitude, it would be this Guitar Center (or…read moremost Guitar Center locations, to be honest). I mean that in a good way! If I'm in the area, or if I just have a block of free time on my hands, such as when I'm waiting for my kid at a birthday party at a venue on Route 22, I'll often stop by here to check out the new guitars from major brands. The wall of guitars is aesthetically pleasing, and I always find an interesting axe or two to try out into one of their many amps available for testing out. There are even four massive pedal boards, so you can hear what those effects you've been lusting after sound like. And although I hate the idea of publicizing the good deals on used equipment because it might mean I miss out on my next killer find, there's also simply no way I could visit every Guitar Center location to find every bargain. One of my favorites was a three-pickup, black genuine Fender Telecaster, though it was made in China, but that was at a different GC store. My biggest regrets are not getting a pink Squier Mustang for $120 or so and a butterscotch Squier Telecaster for $89 (from their Affinity line, but still). Returns on used gear are super easy, too. I bought a preowned Gibson Les Paul Studio online and picked it up in their East Brunswick store, decided after a week that it wasn't quite for me and brought it back to this Springfield location. The store employee took it back without any issue. Of course, on that visit, I also promptly fell in love with an Epiphone Les Paul, although I held off buying it ... for now!

I'm not from around Springfield. I live about 30 miles away closer to New York. However. This…read moreguitar center in particular made every inch of the drive worth it. I had just gotten off work. I was tired, sleep deprived, shouldn't have been going to a guitar center but I really needed to satisfy the itch like any guitar enthusiast. Found this Ibanez RG8 in stock in Springfield. I wouldn't normally have done this but I really just felt the need for metal. Anyway, my car overheats on the way there. It's already 8:40 and this place closes at 9. I'm screwed. I buy coolant, give it to the car and get back on the road. Oh no, now my ETA is 9:15 and this guitar is waiting there AND I've already driven 15 miles. Jesus CHRISTMAS. How could this day get worse right? Then Victor picks up the phone. This guy pulls the most MVP clutch move of all time and tells me he's there until 10 and that if I knock on the door he'll let me carry it out. Turns out not only is this the most clutch GC employee on earth but he also knows how to go above and beyond for his workplace and fellow customers like myself. Great guy, great guitar, great night. Do you need people to cater to YOUR needs? This is your guitar center. - Thank you, Victor. This guitar is sick

Out of biz 9/2024. Very sad…read moreBeen buying gear there since the 80's, always had a great selection and a cool, helpful staff... another victim of the digital world...

Went in to pick up an online order, and all went very smoothly…read more Noticed that it seems like the store has gotten some new merchandise. Instruments were looking really nice. Up front, items were on sale and they were really great value and caught my partner's attention. He told me, if he didn't already have so many guitars and gear already that he's trying to sell off, he'd have been all over it. Sam Ash did not disappoint today. Recommended!

If I could give 100 stars I would do it in a heartbeat. Professor Calderone is a gem that is hard…read moreto find these days. So long story short, we had noticed that our LO is good at percussions and so I called Prof Calderone to have them evaluated. Despite the ongoing recitals and her busy schedule, Prof Calderone somehow was able to fit us in her schedule. When we arrived at her school, she greeted us warmly. She took the time to interact with our LO who is very shy with strangers but Prof Calderone quickly gained her trust. She then took the time to evaluate our LO. We never felt like we were rushed the entire time. During this entire time, she was humble, easy to talk to, and consistently provided us with tips on improving the learning capabilities for our LO on drums. We walked out highly impressed with her evaluation procedure. I would highly recommend this school to someone who is looking to learn a musical instrument. The facility and the trophies speak volumes about this school.

Excellent music program. Very accommodating customer…read moreservice.

If you are looking for music instruction for young kids, Tweens or teens, I highly recommend So I…read moreHeard in Millburn. The teachers are patient and inspiring. They also offer free office hours to students who want extra help!

A state-of-the-art facility with a fantastic staff of teachers.read more

We love the Home Sweet Home Music Lessons program! It's for all ages!…read more As a retired music teacher for pre schoolers and a musician myself , I believe the "at home" setting allows the student to really tap into their own sense of musical style and overall sense of expression . No comparisons, no distractions, in their home, at their own pace! The student can benefit tremendously from learning in an already familiar environment. My 3 children, ages 9,11 and 16, have really benefited from it, on both personal and musical levels. One of my children is very shy and since taking voice and piano lessons at home, as well as performing at their seasonal recitals, she has really come out of her shell in school, participating a lot more in all academic activities. We also love our teacher , Ms Kim Korzelius. She is knowledgeable, and so talented and she definitely has an amazing ability to tap into my children's musical needs. She can work extremely well with both their strengths, and with where they need reinforcement. In addition, the program director Adam Kestler, is very caring and I love his vision for his program and what it offers to all students in all different levels of music such as: lessons for many types of instruments, School Jazz Band and Audition preparation lessons and also music lessons for children with special needs . They operate in a variety of locations and there are many talented teachers available to fit all needs. There is something for everyone! It is really a great platform to explore what the student likes and to find guidance to which music direction to take. Last but not least, the recital setting is so friendly and because of the variety of musical levels amongst the students, it is a huge ice breaker for the new comers . Over all we have had an outstanding experience with the Home Sweet Home Music Lessons. We heard about it from a friend, and I highly recommend it.

From the owner: "Music lessons in the comfort of your own home"…read more Home Sweet Home Music prides itself on providing comfort, convenience, and quality music education for its students. At Home Sweet Home Music, every student is matched with the best fit instructor based on the student's musical needs. Instruction is offered on guitar, bass guitar, piano, voice, strings, ukulele, woodwinds, brass, and drums for students of all ages. School Jazz band prep is also offered. Home Sweet Home stresses that it is all about having FUN while learning the art of music.

Both of my kids attend. My oldest does voice lessons and my youngest takes piano. They really like…read moreit there because the teachers are really nice. After every class my youngest comes home and tells me enthusiastically what she learned. From my daughter: one of the good things about the teachers is that they are very understanding, they don't give you too much information in one class.

When you imagine a music lesson (or recall your own), I'd bet it involves some stodgy teacher…read moreforcing you to do scales, and the student avoiding practice and dreading the actual lesson...who could be motivated to learn that way?!? No one!! Mark Murphy's School of Music takes an entirely different approach and is a wonderful experience, where you or your kids will be excited to learn to play piano, drums or guitar (or sing) and actually WANT to go their lessons. It is truly a special place - all the instructors are young musicians who have a great ability to connect with the students. When you're waiting in the lobby, the place has such a cool and friendly vibe. Mark himself is always there greeting parents and kids with high fives and fist bumps, while the din of 5-10 simultaneous lessons can be heard all around the studio. Such an inspiring energy when the students hear their peers learning! And the kids get to choose any music they like to apply to what they're learning. MMM even forms rock bands for kids who want take it in that direction and help them get gigs around town. Can't say enough positive things about this place!

Great, laid back music instruction. The staff here is phenomenal. Both of my kids just began taking…read morepiano lessons and are already playing songs that they wanted to play.

I couldn't be happier!! My 5 year old has only taken 3 months of piano: she enjoys going, Mr Ian is…read moresuper patient with her, it's great to see how well she has picked up from her lessons and everyone there is super friendly. It was through other's great recommendations that lead me here - glad I listened. No wonder this place has been around for so long, keep it up!!

We have been with this school for the past 4+ years and it is truly AMAZING! The facility is great…read moreand teachers are professional and friendly. You can see they care about the students!

My daughter has been going here for a while now and she takes piano lessons with Jared. He's my…read moredaughter's favorite teacher. She loves taking lessons with him. He's very knowledgeable about music and different artists and he's very open to learning new songs. His teaching style is great and he really encourges my daughter to try her best when learning something new. Jared's the best and a really great person. I will definitely keep bringing my daughter here!

I have taken guitar lessons for many years with several different teachers. Presently, I am…read morestudying Jazz guitar with Mr. Rob Backof. He is by far the best guitar instructor that I have ever had. Rob is extremely knowledgeable with regard to music theory, musical notation, chords, arpeggios, scales and modes. His expertise with regard to his instrument of choice is readily apparent and Rob is very well versed with regard to all types of guitar instruction and playing including Rock, Jazz, Jazz Fusion, and Classical guitar. He is a very patient and mature instructor. In addition, Rob is a very motivational teacher, always encouraging one to do their very best, yet never critical concerning a student's progress and always generous with praise. John Christiano, M.D.