Good Old-Time Music store .. last of the breed it seems.. still a customer !... reasonable prices…read more,and slightly used equipment a plus

I have been playing music for 30 years. That said, I have seen my share of music shops ranging from…read morethe good, the bad, to the ugly. I've traveled for and wide to pick up a musical instrument I'd been hunting for, sometimes to different states. That said, I've seen it all. However, Robbie's is something else, entirely different than anything I've ever experienced. This store has a legacy, for sure. This was a great place to go back in the day, and I'd often find some hard-to-find items here. Prices were fair back then and staff were eager to strike up conversation and talk music. However, it does not live up to its legacy and is now a shell of what it once was. I'd been here several times in the 90's, and it was seedy, a little weird, but reputable. Staff cared, quality instruments were available, you could talk music with the staff, and they had lots of inventory. All of this made for a fun and unique experience that was different than elsewhere. Fast forward to present day: There is a large selection of musical instruments. Some appear to have been there for ages, though. Prices are high and unreflective of true value. Perhaps this is why the inventory remains abundant with items that appear to be fossils there for years. The instruments cooking in the sun in the massive plate glass windows makes me wince every time I pass the place. Those poor drum kits have to be being absolutely destroyed sitting in that magnified sun. The environment seems to lack any sort of overall care or upkeep. Want to sell an instrument? Best of luck. Absolutely rock bottom pricing will be offered, almost to the point where you are forced to support Guitar Center. Many of us musicians like to support local, but these folks make that hard. Want to buy used? Prepare for the price to be inflated. The staff seem inconvenienced and annoyed that you've decided to patron their store, almost as if they don't want or need your money. A while back, went in for a simple repair that they quoted me on, never heard back from them, and when I called, they had decided to simply not do it or get around to it. Hours are odd, never a car in the parking lot. They open and close when they decide to. Odds are they won't be open when you get there, which has happened to me and other buddies of mine multiple times. Word going around is that it will be shuttered soon. I understand it, especially given how this place is run.

I can't say enough good things about my experience at The Music Shop, and especially about my…read moreinstructor, 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/

I'm sharing my experience to help others make an informed decision…read more 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.

Amazing service, friendly atmosphere, quality music education from highly trained professionals…read more This well-established business in Upper Montclair offers the best private music instruction in the area. Lots of talent has walked through this place over the last 4 decades! Annual springtime music recitals showcase the students achievements. Can't say enough good things about Montclair Music Studio! Added bonus: nicely decorated windows for the holidays and throughout the year.

Fantastic organization Great teachers, friendly environment,…read morea bright spot in Montclair's great music scene.

Most of the students are kids, but don't let that deter you! I'm 31 with a solid background in…read moremusic but wanted to learn how to play piano so I started taking lessons at the Calderone School of Music. I took hourly lessons each week with a few different teachers and they were all great. They review all kinds of music theory and proper technique as well as learning how to play. Each lesson is tailored to the individual and their playing ability. Highly recommend for anyone looking for great piano/music lessons.

First of all, this school has their act together which I SO appreciate!! They are organized, on…read moretime, and proficient. While this is fantastic, what struck me the most was in the initial evaluation of my daughter. The instructor pointed out certain personality traits, why they are important to know, and how to work with those traits to help her develop into the musician she can be, given WHO she is. In all the years I've been a parent, I've never seen anyone spend time on this component. Calderone had my daughter so spot on. Knowing this kind of information allows the teacher to better teach the student. WOW is the only thing I can say. - Jen Romano

Ryan Hudak is a super talented luthier…read more I brought in a stratocaster with a mysterious wiring issue and he solved it in like ten seconds. I thought I'd have to leave my guitar there for three days, but I was in and out of there in like 5 minutes. Guitar Center tech work can be hit or miss but this location has real pros behind the counter. Reasonable price too! Check them out!

A huge shout-out to Ryan, the tech guy. He takes such good care of me and my guitar. Friendly,…read moreknowledgeable, and goes the extra mile, a real gem! Thanks Ryan!

We absolutely LOVE Lindeblad School of Music!! Our daughter has been taking lessons here since she…read morewas three years old (she's ten now) and our experience has exceeded our expectations every single year! All the staff from the front desk, to the teachers, to the director (she's THE BEST) are qualified and professional. In the last couple of years, our daughter joined the choir and musical theatre programs offered by the school as well. We're so thankful for this type of enrichment extended to students who love music. Our daughter has had the chance to perform at Carnegie Hall with the choir from Lindeblad. We truly cannot say enough great things about this school!

I like how professional the teachers are and patient with my son. Clean place, equipped with coffee…read moremachine and very kind, friendly staff.

My husband and I thought the music school itself was wonderful. The trial class was engaging, and…read moremy daughter really enjoyed the lesson. Our personal concern--and this may not matter to other parents--was that my daughter spoke less about the class itself and more about why some of the male instructors were dressed in ways that confused her at her age. Explaining to her why males were dressed as women was not what I wanted to do at this age. While I respect personal lifestyle choices, I personally prefer an environment where my young child's focus is fully on the class and music rather than these kinds of distractions. Overall, the teaching quality seemed good, but this particular aspect made me realize the school may not be the right fit for our family

OMG! This is the best place to learn music. I've been doing this for four years and it is the best…read more Staff is incredible and everyone is nice. The price is a little expensive but is worth it. 5 stars forever definitely would recommend.

Marlene was my piano teacher for 5 years. To say that she has an understanding of piano and music…read moreis an understatement. Marlene is an amazing teacher and she is able to teach in a way that anyone could understand. And she can also tell when you don't practice.

Marlene is a very talented teacher who taught our grandson some basics on the piano. She has a lot…read moreof patience and skill especially dealing with children. He became so motivated that he now reguarly asks for more piano time with Marlene. We highly recommend her.