Staff is friendly and helpful Good selection and prices Definitely my go-to place for…read moreinstruments and service

Gave me great advice and saved me money. I updated a guitar amplifier simulation on my computer and…read moregot a message I didn't understand about "buffered pedals" and "impedance matching." They explained to me what that meant and why it wasn't a big deal for my situation. They could have sold me a bunch of stuff, but instead they were honest. Solid 5 stars.

MGS rocks! I took…read moreroughly a year and a half of weekly lessons as an adult learner with plenty of experience but no training. I wanted to improve my music reading, brush up on technique, and play some classical pieces. Fedja was my instructor, and I couldn't recommend him more He's friendly, experienced, and lessons were always fun with him. While I have full confidence in all the instructors at MGS, Fedja definitely gets 6 stars out of 5. Bonus points for being able to pivot to the occasional bass and piano lessons during our sessions as well. The front desk and management are great too! Shoutout to Karin and Neil, they're a pleasure to work with and are very on top of things.

I signed up for lessons with Neil to learn a song to play at my wedding. I had no prior guitar…read moreexperience. I have a great deal of appreciation for Neil because he didn't try to sell me on learning extra things or taking me on an unwanted journey to build "the basics". He respected my request and delivered so thoroughly. We ended up designing a melody of three of my wife and my favorite love songs. It was wonderful and he made it so easy and gracefully taught me all three songs and designed the transitions and such. Very good musician and a respectful businessman. Highly recommend for musically curious adults. I would have returned to learn more of my favorite songs here and there, but we moved across the country.

I'm a guitar newbie, and from another music store, bought the wrong guitar. It was pretty, but…read moreheavy with steel strings. Richard (at Division location) was very helpful and listened to my needs. It was such a treat to look around at all the beautiful guitars in every price range. Richard had great tips how to learn to play quickly and you will need to meet him for the skinny as he has played over 40 years. I bought a beautiful guitar that I can play with my sensitive fingers. They have a 10 day return policy and 30 day exchange which is very fair. Richard also suggested I bring my other guitar in for a professional to look over and restring with 'silk' strings. Great education on the variance of string manufacturers, not all are the same size. Richard has a wealth of guitar knowledge. I recommend a visit no matter what the distance is for you.

This is the only music store I shop at, and I have been a music teacher for 5 years. Their customer…read moreservice goes above and beyond, they order your items if they are not in stock, and they are the coolest and kindest people you will ever meet! I cannot recommend them enough

James Hingston is a wonderful luthier and guitar techincian. Recently I gave him a custom made…read moreEdenhaus , Chambered, Set-neck Strat style HSS wiring with Seymour Duncan pickups. This guitar also has an awesome Wilkinson Trem, Planet Waves tuners on a Birdseye Maple Neck with a Pau Ferro fretboard. It needed routing, fretboard work and wiring to get it to a wonderful playing condition. James came through as always with excellent, excellent work. This sounds and plays like a dream!

I brought in my tired 70's guitar that was incredibly difficult for me to play. The action was too…read morehigh, the neck was starting to bend and my strings were probably as old as I am. James was friendly and has an affinity for older foreign guitars which made me feel like I was leaving her in good hands. I didn't have much hope for this decrepit, soulless noisemaker, but he brought it back to life and gave this bird a new song. He even replaced it's crappy plastic nut with a fauncy new one, made from bone, at no extra charge! James treated my guitar with love and made this Blue Bird sing again.

Hell, I might take up the saxophone, or even the ukulele, just so I can study with Josh. A fine…read moremusician. I have a 10 year old Daughter who's learning the recorder right now. I'm hoping she'll take up the clarinet just so she can study with Josh.

From the owner: I teach flute, saxophone, clarinet, and ukulele lessons. I have over two decades of experience as a…read moreprofessional musician and teacher. I am skilled in many styles including jazz, classical, rock, blues and folk. Lessons are fun and educational. I emphasize enjoying music while using solid musical principles. All ages are welcome. I will teach you to make beautiful music!

We've had a fantastic experience with Vesper! Our oldest daughter (now 8) started piano lessons…read morehere with Stephanie and absolutely loves it. She looks forward to every lesson, and we're so impressed by the school's professionalism and engaging teaching approach. Teaching young kids to love piano can be challenging, but Vesper makes it fun while building a strong foundation. We also appreciate that it's a small, locally owned business--it feels great to be part of a neighborhood music school. Over time, we've had lessons with other instructors (due to vacations and make-ups), and every one of them has been outstanding. We highly recommend Vesper to anyone looking for music lessons!

I don't feel like this is an honest company. They charge for lessons in advance and when I have two…read moreweeks notice to reschedule, they said they couldn't accommodate or refund. Feels like a way to charge for services that they look for every opportunity not to deliver.

Jeffrey is one of the best teachers I've ever had (of any subject). He knows how to break down…read moremusic theory and make anything that would normally be challenging for a beginner totally accessible. He also goes above and beyond to adapt any music you want to learn to play so that you have your own specially annotated sheet music to work with. I've never encountered someone so adept at tailoring lessons to the exact needs and wants of the learner! I'm so glad I chose him for my ukulele lessons. I strongly recommend Jeffrey if you're seeking a teacher who'll go the extra mile to help you make the progress you want.

From the owner: I have been instructing students of all ages on multiple instruments for over 13 years. I believe…read moreeveryone has the capacity to learn music and I patiently guide students to reach their musical goals.

Do not call yourselves "Community Music Center" If you're not going to serve the community. I…read morewalked in this place, and someone rudely greeted me with "uhhhh, can I help you?" I checked back later, there was a sign that said "no walk-ins" I called, asked about practice rooms or rehearsal space. "oh no, we don't rent out space to other organizations." Totally fine, unLESS you're called COMMUNITY MUSIC CENTER. Guys, rebrand.

The Community Music Center is perfectly Portland. This old firehouse is a small reasonably priced…read morenon profit music school for children and adults. They have a concert space to rent and free concerts all the time. If you are a recently arrived music teacher, they are an easy start point to teach. If you are looking for music lessons, especially group lessons, they are a great resource. Childrens' music lessons. Good spot to bring children to hear free concerts. They also have instrument rental. They are partnered with the City of Portland Parks and Recreation department, another stellar example of your government at work. In the Peoples' Republic of Portland, this is the place of the people's, your, music!

Anne is a remarkable teacher. She is kind and patient and is very good at drawing out the very best…read morein her students. She has helped me to go from a complete novice to being able to sing comfortably in a choir.

So unprofessional! She cancelled the first two lessons an hour or two before our meetings. We had…read moreone lesson over zoom which was a nightmare because of all the interruptions on her end. The next time when I cancelled the lesson (because I've been working two projects) she reminded me about her 24 cancellation policy. Lol. Our last scheduled lesson she didn't show up or call or email. I waited 10 minutes before realizing I had made a very bad choice in this music teacher. Maybe Anne was a good teacher in the past but I do not recommend her at all.