I live very close to a well-known, multi-city competitor of 'The Arts Music Store' and nothing in…read moretheir line-up of acoustics ever grabbed me. Their customer service (or lack their of a lot of the time) was sub-par and never inspired me to be interested in anything like a new acoustic guitar. When I HAD tried to buy something a few years back, I was told that the 'set up guy wasn't around' or that 'yeah, he might be able to get to that' and that was enough for me to say, 'screw it' ... you just don't really give a care if I spend 3 grand in here do you? So I stopped looking or caring about buying a new Taylor (or other high-end) guitar - something I'd always thought would be cool. But on a warm mid-September day, 2015, on the way back from a day at the beach, my wife and I stopped into the ever-beautiful, guitar-focused shop 'The Arts Music Store' just to see and hear some of the acoustics on display. After all, my 50th b-day was coming up, and she thought it would be great to treat me to that 'once-in-a-lifetime' purchase that inspires a musician of many years to keep things fresh and fun. Darryl (and not his other brother Darryl) had no trouble introducing himself and encouraging me to play whatever I wanted. And so I did. After some time had passed, he came back and started chatting us up and made sure to mention that he was not on commission and was just interested in making me happy if I decided on something. He was able to articulate extremely well the value of the Taylor guitars and the differences between the makes and models. We learned Darryl was a long-time staff member of the store and his personable, no-pressure salesmanship let me and my wife conclude that for moi, the brand-spankin' new Taylor 816ce featuring the new ES2 pick-up style was the baby for us. He was thrilled to speak highly of his 2 staff members that were tech-certified - trained in all-things-Taylor and who would be able to maintain or fix the guitar the day that was needed. Well, that day came the following day. When I got home, I was disappointed that the Taylor I'd picked out had some buzz coming from the pickup system, made evident when I played an open D with my thumb. I called up the store and they said 'bring it in'! My disappointment was short-lived, because when I brought it back, Taylor-authorized tech 'Kevin' was on hand to diagnose and repair the problem instantly! (Turned out to be a rare, but nonetheless faulty circuit-board which he quickly replaced, restoring the new Taylor to pristine function, tone and condition.) Kevin was extremely enthusiastic about teaching us the way to safely preserve the health and wood of the new guitar - indispensable information if we're to keep the guitar's health and retain its value and playability. Thank you 'The Arts Music Store' for making my 50th b-day present experience a great one. Thank you for giving a care and for your amicable character and professionalism expressed to me and my wife. Can't say enough about all o' this. These guys are the best. Their product line-up is downright sexy and I think the fact that my wife also picked up a pink ukulele at the same time just made it even more fun than we could have hoped for. Thanks 'The Arts Music Store' - you rock! And big thanks to Darryl especially. Martin & Nancy Douglas

The staff at the store were incredibly kind to my son. We were visiting New Market from the states…read morefor a week my son went to the store and spent a couple of hours there a few times trying out the guitars. They were very helpful and the prices were good.

Exceptional music school, with an exceptional staff! Owner/operator Darral Hillock does everything…read morein his power to ensure that each student, as well as their families; have a positive, rewarding and enlightening experience with Arcadia! The staff of teachers, ( all incredibly unique) caters to everyone!!!

From the owner: At Arcadia Academy of Music we believe that everyone should be given the opportunity to be exposed…read moreto music and music lessons, enriching their lives inside and outside the classroom. Arcadia offers private music lessons, online or in-class. We also offer programs to help level up our students' learning. Arcadia also prides itself in offering students private and group music lessons from its own unique curriculum and examination system. As a result, our curriculum upholds a consistent and high standard across all of its locations. Designed by active educators and performance professionals in their field, our syllabi are meant to engage, challenge and enhance the students’ musical aspirations at every level from the most basic to the advanced. The prospective students will be educated and encouraged to become ready and confident to face many musical situations, both professionally or purely for their own enjoyment.

Great place for music lessons and for an After School Program where the kids actually learn…read moresomething useful.

I can only comment on the toddler class, which I enjoyed with 3-4 other toddler and parent dyads…read more The last semester was pretty good! This time, there were many more kids and while I understand a toddler group of 6-8 is the norm (I have no problem with this!), the space this facility has is just too small for such a group. I did not feel the instructor really heard my concern either and was fairly dismissive, not even entertaining our request for a day change. I guess that happens every now and then but I was saddened by this. Just not worth it during flu season. Also, I am not certain all toys were washed between classes since only the ones toddlers put in their mouths were set aside for cleaning. I was not used to this as I have been to other music groups in Richmond Hill and out of province that wash all toys between classes (I never asked to clarify this, mind you). Looks like we will be going elsewhere for music that can accommodate groups of busy toddlers with more appropriate space :) Good luck to Harmonic Melodies.