I took my violin to KC Strings after not playing for six years. The staff were super helpful with…read moregetting it back in playable condition, and they had a great selection of instruments to look at.

I don't know jack about stringed instruments, except guitar. But it didn't take long to begin…read moreappreciating KC Strings over in Shawnee. The shop specializes in stringed instruments. With no shortage of services, KC Strings is also the only American maker of professional grade violas, violins, cellos and bases. It's really a one stop string shop. Say that three times. They'll sell, repair, rent and even give you private lessons. The staff knows their strings. I quickly overheard one of the assistants is a student at Julliard. Everyone in the shop is eager to assist or simply enjoying their job by playing the instruments. They also emphasize their ability to work out financing options. Thankfully I had a sidekick who knew the difference between a viola and violin and that brought about some great conversations with the staff. I grabbed a brochure as we headed out and it says "Together We Create." I couldn't agree more.

Didn't know this place existed!…read more Stopped in on a lark and bought three LPs right off the bat. This place is a dream. It's look and feel harken back to the old days of being able to wander into a record store shop around and flip through several hundred LPs check- out the latest stuff in from both the new and the latest used music. Then you can wander over to the other part of the store and look at the classic toys you grew up with and reminics about how much your Heman collection would be worth. Then snag a Voltron figure for your office shelves! I guess this shows how nerdy I actually am... but I know I will see many of you at this store!

Great guys, great selection, very knowledgable of the music. Old school record store!read more

I've been looking for a guitar to truly call my own for a long time. I've mostly played…read morehand-me-downs over the years, and while they served their purpose, this was the first time I really understood what it means to choose an instrument for myself. I recently purchased a Taylor, and the whole experience meant more to me than I expected. I was able to spend time in the store without feeling rushed, really sit with a few options, and figure out what felt right. Elliot was upfront, honest, and incredibly helpful throughout the process. No pressure, no gimmicks just straightforward guidance and a genuine willingness to help me find the right fit. I really appreciated that. Thank you guys for making this a great experience.

The fellas over here are awesome! Right when I walked in…read morethey made me feel like a friend I came in to get set up for some gear for my electric guitar and they were so helpful :) Mitch helped walk through the differences between Amps and explained it in a way that I could easily digest. (Don't hate me I think his name was Eddie?) played demo for different sounds I could expect with the Amps - they both had amazing energy. I'm so excited to continue playing and they are now my go to guys

Nate helped me today and was amazing! I was buying a guitar for my son and he helped fill in my…read moreknowledge gaps and gave great food for thought in my decision process. He also tested the guitar for me and I was impressed by his playing too! Thank you Shining Light... you've got a good one there! The deal was incredible too!

I am so pleased with the great piano teacher match through Shining Light Music. When I called to…read moreinquire about teachers, I communicated that our requirements are stringent: my son is 6 yrs old, and while he likes piano, he doesn't looove piano, so the lessons have to be fun and engaging to encourage his progress. He's had 1.5 years piano instruction, and he doesn't respond well to some of the "too basic" piano book courses we had temporarily explored with a couple past teachers, so it's a challenge to level him up with material and technique that is age appropriate and fun enough but not too basic, nor too complex. And we had limited time availabilty as our schedules are maxed... It's such a blessing that the receptionist recommended Ms. Emily Shelp! Ms. Emily is well qualified; she possesses a Bachelor of Music in Piano Pedagogy from Bob Jones University and has been playing since she was 7 yrs old. Her bio is coming soon to the Shining Light Music teacher page. Best of all, she strikes the right notes - I couldn't resist the pun! - in working on my son's technique and making it fun. She motivates him with weekly fun point-competitions (to earn country stickers in his passport, medals, trophy, etc.) which has resulted in him reminding me that he has to memorize a song for the next lesson..cuz he wants the points! (whoo hoo, he's no longer resistant to practicing!!!!) I feel that she is the right piano teacher for his current level and needs; she employs a cheerful and focused Kindergarten/First Grade encouraging teaching style to keep all the lessons fun and on track, she's able to motivate and consistently award with positive reinforcement, able to redirect him when he gets silly (after all he's been in school all day, then straight to his lesson!) and I appreciate how she is able to teach finer technique in a way that he understands. She would be great for both beginner and advanced students.

Absolutely first rate company! The instrument they sent me was gorgeous! One of the best sellers…read moreI've had the pleasure to work with. Shipping was fast, and couldn't believe what an incredible violin I got for the price. First rate quality, and great service!

I have been taking bass lessons from Larry for several years. His patience with me has been…read moresuperior. Every lesson I learn and improve. Can't recommend him enough!

Larry is the first instructor that has gotten me to stick with the guitar. I have learned so much…read morefrom him. He is always encouraging and delivers little insights that I have never gotten in the past.

Absolutely incredible business! Since Beci took over it's been nothing but wonderful for the kids…read more She's so talented and has kind and educated teachers. Zach is such a great kid that loves to shares his talents and love for music with his students! They are centrally located in the northland. Have instructors that care about their students. My son took guitar lessons, was also in the jazz and rock band, and even a summer camp! The pricing is right in line with other local music studios. The service and care you will get is unmatched! We have also taken lessons elsewhere previously. If my son weren't so busy with high school activities we wouldn't have stopped! Highly recommend Beci and all her terrific staff!!

Our experience at KC Music Academy has been outstanding!!! My daughter's skills and confidence has…read moreskyrocketed in the last few years, and Theresa (instructor) and Beci (owner) are both truly awesome.

I wish I could give negative stars. This company has the worst customer service I have ever…read moreencountered. About two weeks ago, I did a Google search and found a great price on a bass guitar pickup. I placed the order for an Alumitone Bass Bar 3.5" in Black. About a week later, I received an Alumitone X-Bar 3.5" 7 String Guitar pickup, not even remotely close. It took over 30 minutes on hold to reach customer service. They then sent me a replacement but this time they sent me an Alumitone Bass Bar 3.5" in CHROME. It is not difficult to chose the correct part. On the front of the box, there are two clearly marked check boxes. One says Chrome Plated (what I was sent), and the other says Anodized Black. Unless someone is blind or cannot read English, it is very easy to tell which is which. It again took over 30 minutes to reach them. Both times, the customer service agent had a care-less attitude with no desire to rush the replacement, although after I asked, she said she would "try" to get them to rush it, whatever that means. STAY AWAY FROM THIS BUSINESS. This is just one of many awful reviews of this terrible business. I have looked for and filed reviews on the BBB, on Trust Pilot, and now Yelp. I will post reviews everywhere I can in the hope this business goes away and stays away.

Beware-if you schedule lessons, they will automatically charge your card 3 weeks after you sign up…read more This is true even if they cancel the first lesson on you two weeks in a row the afternoon of the evening the lesson was to occur. So my first lesson actually occurred on Sept 6th (it was supposed to be Aug 28th and then Sept 4th) and my card was charged on Sept 19th. They said once you sign up, you card is automatically charged 3 weeks after. It doesn't matter if they cancel on you or not, you card will continue to be charged. They supposedly have no control on it and their company policy is not to give refunds so now we are stuck with 4 more lessons we didn't want or need. Horrible business practices and customer service. Go to Blues to Bach music instead!!