I had never heard of Forte School prior to 2015. It was just another music school to a guy who…read morewouldn't know any better. I sought out wanting piano lessons for my son and I just assumed all schools would be the same. I was directed to Forte because of reviews of my friends'. Upon entering the school, I was impressed, I must admit. But honestly, it's not like I had other music schools to compare it to. The first instructor we had was young, a little wet behind the ears, but a knowledgeable instructor. After the first year, we switched to a more seasoned teacher, much like any student would in regular school. My thought was to have as rounded an education for my son as possible. But this is where it gets real. Our new teacher, Sy Winnie, was from another planet. He didn't just instruct well because he is the greatest piano player I've ever personally witnessed, but he related to my son on a personal level. My son wanted to talk about his piano teacher WELL after the lesson was over and I knew something magical was happening. After the second year, I noticed my son's skills becoming remarkably noticeable and random strangers would comment. He began playing public pianos in different cities we would vacation in, and people even began to tip him! As the years went on, my son has developed such a strong skill in music that it extended not only to him joining the band in middle school and high school, but it actually bettered his academics as well! Music education develops pathways in the brain that normal students never develop which enhance the learning curve on any subject. My son is now in high school, has a 4.0 school average and his musicianship has never been better. His youtube videos of his piano playing has even been watched by thousands. When the quarantine hit, I thought this would slow his music education or even ruin it. But, the owner of the school called me directly to tell me he didn't want to lose him as a student. They set up lessons via tablet-technology and continued regardless of distance. This school doesn't just teach. It cares. I honestly think it changed not only my son's life, but indirectly, mine too.

" So far, my experience has been great. I look forward to my half-hour lesson with Shannon. I've…read morelearned so much in the past month. "

I was looking online for specific drums: Mapex Saturns. I found a three-piece set at the Toledo…read more(Holland) store. I called to ask for an associate to look over the set to confirm it's online condition rating as "Great." He cheerfully obliged. I purchased the drums over the phone. Shipping from Ohio to Idaho was only $38! Plus, Guitar Center offers a 45-day return (just bring it to your local GC). Shipping only took a few days and the drums arrived very well packed in three individual boxes. The condition was as described. The only hiccup was that a tom clamp was not included in the shipment. I called the store and spoke to Ops Mgr JD. He couldn't find the clamp that had been in the online photo so he located a new one and shipped it to me. I am very satisfied with the helpfulness of the staff at this store.

Like most "super-stores" that sell musical instruments, this one is equally disappointing. Low…read moreend, low quality instruments sold at high prices with the misleading sales pitches by inexperienced individuals. Perhaps its o.k. for the starter musician or parents who don't have a clue about the instruments they're about to buy, but to the professional, its a big, supers-sized let down. If you try to look for, say a Bose L1 system, they only have an imitation brand, or the most generic version. If you're looking for a Spanish style, Nylon string guitar, they only have cheap quality ones, mostly made in China, not Spain. Again, their size is impressive, but to the seasoned musician, its like going to a garage sale with little hope of finding something of quality value.

In the 1980's I was a young 8 year old boy just beginning to learn how to play guitar. 35 years…read morelater I returned to Valley Music just to look at the place where it all began. To my surprise, I found the same two people behind the counter. 35 years. Thats how much experience they have, and probably more, in lessons, sales, repair and service. They know musical instruments better than any "music-mart" or musical instrument store in the area. Thanks to Valley Music, I was playing in my first band by the age of 13, and am still a working musician. If you are interested in musical lessons or sales, I HIGLY RECOMMEND Valley Music over all the other local musical instrument stores in the area.

I can see from the other reviews that I did not get special treatment. Apparently that woman is…read morenasty yo EVERYONE, not just me. I went in to get a new string for a guitar, and she went off of me because I didn't use the word Please when I asked if they sold guitar strings? What? She lectured me on how to ask if they sold guitar strings. When I placated her, and said please (in retrospect, I should have just walked out), she answered the question and then said, "Now you need to say Thank You." 0 stars. The service is terrible. The employee is rude and disgusting, and it is no wonder she is working in that raggedy run down shop in NowheresVille, Ohio. I hope she has the town that she deserves.

Rettig music has sub-par string instrument for a high price. I myself am a violist and when I went…read morethere the instruments were nothing compared to what I was able to find for much cheaper at places like Shar. The staff seemed friendly, but not very knowledgeable when it comes to string instruments; they seemed to know much more about band instruments.

Shopped here earlier this year while looking for a new violin. The salesman who helped us is really…read moreknowledgeable and friendly. Although most of their business is student instruments (including lots of brass), they also had some very good quality intermediate violins at reasonable prices. Got some sheet music at a good price. Score!

Why aren't there more stores like this everywhere? Richard's Music is like a Treasure Trove! It's…read moregreat to be welcomed when coming in, to be directed towards for what I came in to shop, which was Christmas piano music, at the insistence of my piano students, and just be allowed to browse. But what a store! All sorts of awesome gifts and novelties I as a frequent internet and catalog shopper had never seen, living so far from stores like this. It was worth getting off the beaten path a little to check this place out and I hope to stop here again someday. It's a shame Kalispell Montana doesn't have a store quite like this store in Toledo, Ohio! Great organization and service as well!!

Super customer service. Took my daughter's flute in to get repaired and could not ask for better…read moreservice.

Owner very helpful and great knowledge base. More guitars per square inch than anyone else. Prices…read morematch the home town feel. New and used available...I'll be back soon even though I stopped in for 3 strings. Owner was determined to search hard for my Strumstick's 3 strings...felt like I was a long time customer.

Bought several guitars and a drum kit. Great owner, great people great prices. It's my main store…read morefor all music accessories.

The teachers are excellent even with my special needs child. My boys love their lessons. The…read moresupport we receive from the owner and other staff has been wonderful as well.

From the owner: School of Rock is different from traditional music education programs. Our patented and proven…read moreSchool of Rock Method™ has taught hundreds of thousands of students around the world to play music. We combine one-on-one guitar, bass, keyboard, drums and singing instruction with group rehearsals and live performances, teaching students how to play together as a band. Our version of recitals are real rock shows at real venues in front of live audiences. This style of teaching builds lasting musical proficiency, boosts confidence, increases creativity, improves socialization skills, and allows students to work together as a band. When you join School of Rock, not only will you become a musician, but you'll be part of a close-knit community of passionate musicians and music lovers. We welcome students of all ages and experience levels.