Smooth process. Rented a violin for 2 years and will be back for this school year. Very helpful and…read morethey take the time to make sure sizing is correct.

For a few years now, I had been wanting to either get my viola bow re-haired (if possible) or…read morepurchase a new viola bow - and had called a few music stores around for pricing for a possible re-hair of the bow. Since I have had my viola for quite awhile now, it was a first for me since I only played in school orchestras. Been wanting to get back into just practicing, but then the pandemic happened and I just put this thought off to the side. A few weeks ago, I called up a few of the same stores, where I had gotten quotes a few years ago, and my fav one seemed to have closed down during the pandemic. I found contact information again for J. Brown Violin Maker and called to inquire and to reserve a time to come into the store. Debbie picked up the phone and provided lots of valuable information and I quickly set up a time, as I know from personal experience, always better to set up a reservation. Good thing I did as well, because they were in and out for the month of July and were also busy with school instrument repairs. When I arrived to the shop, I did not know there was a small parking lot up front, so I drove around the building (due to the one-way street on the side) and then parked in a "J. Brown Violin Maker" Reserved parking spot. I was a few minutes early, but knocked on the door to announce my arrival. Good thing I made a reservation as 2 more families (without a reservation) came in after me! The second family after me probably had to wait over an hour since I was just a few minutes into my reserved time and the family after me needed to look into renting a viola. Debbie explained and showed me that my current bow was unable to be re-haired and also showed me a few areas where I could "repair" for better sounds and etc. I opted to get new strings along with a new carbon composite bow. Yes, prices online may be cheaper, but I love supporting local businesses! Since they know that they cannot beat online prices, Debbie did restring my viola for me, and even helped lubricate the viola pegs! I learned a lot that day, especially since I have never had private lessons. For one of the families after me, Debbie even said that they had just made the viola for the student's viola teacher the year before. I love how connected they are to the community and I even asked for recs for a piano tuner. The second family after me seemed to have purchased multiple violins from here as well. The store certainly keeps busy, and I hope that they continue to do so, as one does not usually see many Master Luthiers around anymore.

Great store they helped me out real good. Specially to that…read morerep they have, Megan. Great sales person

This store is my "go to" for anything that I need in a pinch. The only problem is that they are…read moreunder staffed so I have never just gone in there, found what I needed and paid for it in a timely matter.

This family-run stringed musical instrument store/stringed musical instrument museum is a real…read moretreasure, and a throwback to the 70s for me. Amidst an extensive collection of lutes, balalaikas, sitars, and other instruments hanging from the wall are face masks from around the world. Tucked slightly away are all sorts of mysterious instruments in their cases. Here's where you can find a harmonium, and it wouldn't surprise me if there was a theremin in their inventory. There are a lot of small whistles and kazoos and things like that for the children, or the children at heart. Check out the spinning "Leave a Poem" post outside. What a fun place!

It's been a decade since I have been here and I am so jazzed that it is still the quirky,…read morelove-filled music mecca that I remember.

My children have been taking multiple music lessons at CCSM for several years. Previously, we had…read moretaken lessons at a variety of different schools across different states and countries. Our experience with CCSM has been the best in all respects. If you are looking for reasonable fees, CCSM checks this box. It is a non-profit that was established in the 70s in response to cuts to music education budget in our local public schools. Their main mission is to make music education accessible to as many people in the community as possible. Hence, their fees are very reasonable and much lower than music schools of similar caliber in the area. Since we're talking caliber, I have to say the school has an excellent faculty from a variety of musical fields. Many teachers have graduated from top music programs, performed with top orchestras, and/or produced generations of excellent musicians who are either professional musicians or just regular folk who really love music and continue to support the arts. My boys love their teachers, and they have different teachers even though they learn the same instruments. Since the chemistry between each student/teacher pair is important, you can trial with different teachers and figure out which teacher fits your child best. As for facilities/infrastructure, you won't find state of the art, fancy facilities (see point about it being a non-profit), but they are very good facilities and instruments, many of the pianos have been generously donated by families or the community. There are two formal recital halls, with a Steinway grand (paid for by donations), that allow students to have the opportunity to perform on an almost monthly basis. This helps them build confidence, develop performance skills and share their musical growth with their friends and family. CCSM actively contributes to the community through a scholarship fund that pays for students in financial difficulty to have lessons. There are a few big fundraisers for the scholarship fund held each year and all students are invited (never any pressure) to help raise funds for this, either through actual donations or performing at fundraising events. This helps the kids look beyond their own needs to the needs of others. Finally, since it is a community-based organization, there's a warm familial atmosphere at the school. There's no snooty arrogance you might get at other music schools. Everyone here is really friendly and supportive. This is an amazing school, it's no wonder that students travel all the way from Riverside or Orange Counties to have lessons here! If you're thinking about music lessons, you have to consider CCSM. It was the best decision our family made.

This school is GREAT. More like a conservatory than a regular music school…read more The teachers are all professionals, a large number are also professional players in addition to being professional teachers. I'm not sure how many studio rooms they have...I think about 25 or so, and they all have pianos. They have two performance halls, and have student recitals every month (usually several recitals - hour long recitals- every month). They have pros teaching every instrument. The office staff is great If I could give them 10 stars I would!!!

Met with Don for the first time yesterday and I can honesty say I am so excited to begin piano…read morelessons! I have been putting this off for so long due to fear but he made me feel so comfortable and reminded me that we are learning at my pace. He created an atmosphere of fun which was really awesome!! I'll keep you posted on my progress as I go! So excited!!!

Practicing with Don has been such a wonderful experience for me!…read more I played piano from the age of 10-17 years old and then I took a very long break off. About a year ago I decided to start playing again and I found Don on Yelp. He has so much knowledge and experience about the piano, and is very open to different musical genres of the piano. He has been willing to work with me in regards to my schedule and is very patient and understanding, which has been extremely helpful because I am married with a 3 year old. My experience with Don has been great and I highly recommend! When my son is old enough he will definitely be taking piano lessons with Don

We've been taking music theory lessons here for a year, and it has been a wonderful experience. The…read moreteacher is highly professional and incredibly patient, with a clear and effective teaching method. He sets high expectations for students, which has really helped our child grow and improve. We're truly grateful for him dedication and guidance.

We've been taking piano lessons for our 5-year-old daughter for over a month, and we're so grateful…read moreto have found such a wonderful teacher. Mr. Rueben is extremely patient, which is so important, especially for young beginners. My daughter genuinely enjoys playing and continues to stay curious and excited about learning more each week. Highly recommended for families looking for a gentle, encouraging, and skilled piano instructor!

If you are interested in learning how to play the piano, this is the place be. It doesn't really…read morematter how old you are, as I am an adult learner myself. The teachers are highly talented with skillsets that are at a very professional level. You will receive thoughtful attention in your progress and most importantly, you'll have a lot of fun along the way.

Great, local music school. My son has been taking piano lessons for a while now and we're happy…read morewith his progress. The teacher is helpful and accommodating.

Cindy is a great piano instructor! She is super patient with kids, and has a fun and outgoing…read morepersonality that is engaging and kind with them. I've watched her teach and she is always enthusiastic with helping her students understand concepts in ways that fit their learning styles. Very versatile teaching approach. I highly recommend her!

I can't say enough about how amazing Cindy has been with my eight year old boy. She takes her time…read moreto explain everything about the pianos functionality , reading musical notes and makes logic recommendation on which music books to purchase. My son began with 30 mnt sessions, Two weeks later we upgraded to 45 mnts and now he is doing one hour sessions. He has express how much better he plays the piano on his spare time and is looking to learn the complete Fur Elise song with the help of Cindy. I highly recommend her:)