The Music Loft has been a highly respected and valued business and part of the Herndon community…read morefor many years. My oldest has been taking piano lessons there for 6 years now and only ever has good things to say about both the lessons and instructor. I now also have my youngest starting drum lessons and can't believe the smile that's plastered on his face at the end of each lesson. This is a kid who'd prefer to play video games more than anything so it's like he's a different person once he goes to his lessons. The instructors live and breathe music and you can always tell how much they enjoy sharing their love of music by the way they talk to you about lessons, music history, performances, etc. Many, if not all, have degrees related to music and come with years of experience performing and teaching. Some even continue performing locally and internationally throughout the year while teaching at TML. In other words, taking lessons here all but guarantees that the instructor is qualified educationally along with performance experience that backs up their instructional knowledge. The owners and admin staff are the nicest and most personable people you can interact with for a busy music studio. I've always appreciated their willingness to help whenever I need a schedule modification or with any other logistical issue I might have. These folks will treat you like family from day one and are always quick to respond kindly. They do provide a free trial lesson with zero pressure to sign up. My son did a trial piano lesson several years ago but it wasn't for him so we didn't push and TML understood that. They're not the type of business to convince you to take lessons if music or a specific instrument isn't for you (or your child). They're worth a try especially if you're on the fence about starting lessons.

They saved my upright bass. Great work on my bridge and strings. The strings and bridge was…read morereplaced.

Terrible ownership. Had the audacity to deny a refund after firing my teacher, and threatened to…read moresue if I continued lessons with him. The contract is exploitative and their business practices are questionable. The teachers do not enjoy working there. The prices are outrageous. They clearly exclusively want to sell to parents who want to get rid of their kid for a few minutes.

OUTSTANDING - STRONGLY RECOMMEND - My 11-year-old son has been taking violin lessons at Mintons…read moreAcademy of Music for 2 years. His instructor is patient, encouraging, commends him when he does well, and continues to push him to achieve excellence. He loves his lessons and has improved dramatically in the last 2 years. He has even begun to play songs by ear. I highly recommend Mintons Academy. They treat you like family.

Though the reacher we had was great. The school is run by some I don't care bunch. They refused…read morerefund for several hundred dollars. Be very careful dealing with them!

I am writing from the perspective of a professional musician with many years of teaching…read moreexperience. Last January, I joined the faculty of The Music Loft at both locations, Herndon and Ashburn. I love teaching here! At the time, I was also teaching at two other local music schools, but I recently decided to teach exclusively at The Music Loft because I believe in the educational values and approach. A few ways that The Music Loft stands out: 1) It is very family friendly, which is in the best interest of the student. Parents are welcome to relax in the comfortable waiting room, which allows the opportunity for excellent communication with the teacher about the progress of the student, and what to focus on at home. Parents hear first-hand about breakthroughs and accomplishments of their young musicians. There are also toys and books to keep younger siblings entertained. Parking is ample, so there is no struggle to find a space. As a parent myself, I think that this is much less stressful than simply dropping off a child for 30 minutes. 2) The Master Classes, unlimited elective classes every 8 weeks, provide the students with new kinds of music education experiences in a group setting. Students also become acquainted with the school's other instructors. I appreciate the chance to create classes on a variety of topics. We also have some master classes for adults! 3) The faculty is diverse, both in style (classical training as well as rock, jazz, etc.) and age. Some of us are fresh out of school; some choose to teach over other kinds of work because they love it; some of us have extensive experience in teaching and performing. There is enough variety so that students can find the type of teacher that can help them reach their educational goals. Or, if they start on one instrument, but prefer to switch to another, they can continue studying at The Music Loft. 4) The Music Loft is for everyone! Instruction is offered for the youngest beginner (usually around 5, if the student seems to be interested and ready) through adults who might be first-time learners or returning to music study after a long hiatus. I appreciate the variety of ages and levels of ability in my students. 5) The Music Loft also does instrument rentals and also stocks some instructional materials, both of which are a great convenience for families. Come in for a *free* trial lesson or two and meet us in person!

My friend and I came into the store (both college students) and were decently uneducated on the…read morefundamentals of how a guitar works. I forgot their names (so sorry) but the two workers there helped us so much, answered all of our questions, and tolerated us playing different guitars for a couple hours. I came in to get my strings replaced and the man there (great drip by the way) explained everything in detail. We had such a great experience, and I will for sure be coming back with any further issues and questions with my guitar journey! P.S. Go on a Friday since that's when the cool people are there :)

Very helpful; found what I needed for my instrument and helped me replace it. Specifically the A…read morestring on my violin.

Went to buy some strings and the guy didn't even ask if I needed help with anything. The guy didn't…read moreeven want to put the strings on my guitar because they were "busy" meanwhile he wasn't doing anybting...

Had to make a a quick stop to buy some reeds on the way to a rehersal. I stopped by Music & Arts…read moreand notice a 2 packs of Vandoren reeds side by side on an end cap. One was for $9.99, the other was for $15.49. I asked if this was right. The person there scanned it and said it was $20. I gave them the other one and they said it was $20 something too. I went and got a box of reeds labeled $24. Took it to the register and it was $27+. In a hurry, I bought the $20 ones. Went to my car and though about it. Went back an said I wanted the ones labeled $9.99. It wasn't my fault the reeds are mislabeled. The other worker got the label, looked at it in their system, and said these other reeds (student beginner reeds) were the ones. That was an insult. They weren't going to honor the marked prices, so I returned the ones I bought. It felt like bait and switch. The next day I called the manager. He obligatorially apologized but added more insult to injury by saying I should have read the labels closer. The print is tiny by the way. He blamed it on them coming in and changing the prices but not changing the shelving. It is ineptness plain and simple. It was not about the money but the principle. I've never had any issues with the other Music & Arts locations. I frequent them because such stores are needed, especially now with the financial problems of their parent company, Guitar Center. However, until there is a change at the Sterling, VA location, I won't be going back. What an utter disappointment.

My son just started SOR with private lessons/Group101 and has been involved in the the last two…read moresummer camps. He absolutely loves it and loves the fact that he's learning to form chords already and getting to play songs he knows in a group setting. Earlier this year, my husband and I were in the very first 2 adult band sessions learning and performing songs live from the 80s and 90s. You might want to have some basic instrumental/vocal experience for the adult sessions. We really hit the ground running and were playing full songs by first session but don't let that stop you. Everyone, including the instructors, are incredibly supportive. Highly recommend the programs here for the young and older. It's a complete blast.

The manager is very friendly and she will answer any questions you have…read more My son's teacher was also very friendly and outgoing, but he walked in the door right at the time of the lesson, and had to spend some of the time setting up. The teacher should be prompt and be setup before the start time of the lesson... not a good first impression with me and I'm the one paying. My son has only had one lesson so far, so this rating will definitely change as we go on.

Thanks! Brought my dusty old Spanish student guitar in for new strings, and to be generally…read morechecked out. Recommendations were right on point. Easy communication. Lucky to have a speciality shop right here in Fairfax!

Great selection of classical and flamenco guitars, some electric guitars too,the owner is…read moreknowledgeable and fair with his prices, highly recommended this place!

Fantastic school. I can not say enough good things about the teachers, the theory, and approach to…read morelearning to love music. I have a 5 year old and this school is setting the foundation of musicality for a lifetime.

I had the best experience of my life at OPUS. I came into this very nervous because I have never…read moreplayed an instrument; but Marisela made it so easy for me to learn. I felt so comfortable asking questions and the environment felt very positive. I am very happy with my time I spent here. I would've continued staying but I just moved. I am hoping to possibly figure out remote lessons. I definitely would recommend anyone who is new or trying to freshen up their skills go here!

Ms. Nicole offers private violin lessons as well as early childhood music classes and my family has…read moreparticipated in both! She truly loves teaching and is able to create a relaxed and inviting environment for all. For children ages birth-4, I highly recommend her early childhood class which will introduce children to musical patterns and let them try out a few instruments. For children 4+ who want to study the violin, she is great at tailoring studio lessons to your child's learning style.

I am an advanced/beginner adult-student and recently started taking classes from Nicole in only a…read moreshort time she has helped me a great deal. She knows exactly how to target improvements and get you to the next level. She has a very relaxed, yet professional demeanor and really makes good use of class time. The violin is not an easy instrument, but Nicole's teaching can certainly get you to that next level and to a richer, more vibrant sound.