We needed to purchase a tuba for my son on rather short notice due to his school instrument being taken away due to a shortage. We had planned to buy, as he's a serious student, but weren't quite ready when this emergency occurred. Keith in the low brass shop went above and beyond to meet with us and make the process easy. He spent a ton of time with my son and his teacher, trying instruments and making sure everyone was comfortable. At his urging, we ended up taking one tuba home to try for a week, to make sure it was right. Once we made the decision, Keith also went out of his way to work with my out of state father, who had decided to foot the bill and needed to work out the payment details. Prior to all that happening, my son also decided he wanted to try to learn trombone, so we rented one from Schmitt, and Keith gave him a crash course on positions on the slide. The front desk staff who arranged the rental were also extremely friendly and helpful. I was saddened to read some of the lower rated reviews here. We've always had great service at Schmitt - even back when there was a small one in Woodbury where we bought sheet music and supplies. read more

Absolutely incredible!! I was looking for a music stand which I couldn't find at first, but a very knowledgable employee ended up selling me a very quality stand for such a low price! (Only $40!!) I also checked out some mouthpieces in their brass shop. I believe it was Keith Hilson who helped me look at mouthpieces; very nice guy and did a great job. Schmitt music overall seems to allow the customer to be on their own in terms of shopping, but all the employees are very kind and knowledgeable, so if you need help just ask! read more

Came in to purchase a few brass accessories on a Saturday and was turned away because I didn't have an appointment. I get that instrument shopping may require an appointment, but to turn away walk-in customers seems a bit short sighted. Went to Groth Music instead. read more

The staff offered little help as I searched for music and in fact stood around talking to each other and seeming a bit annoyed about being interrupted. It took forever to get what I needed and it seemed to be more about them wanting to chat than that they were too busy. read more

Wonderful service for my cello and friendly employees. I wouldn't choose to go anywhere else!

Great selection of saxophone gear and an excellent repair shop.

We started our daughter on her first violin years ago renting with Schmitt Music. When it was time for the next size up, we went back to exchange the violin for a 3/4 size and learned we had already paid the entire cost so there was no additional charge to step up. The team was very helpful. We bought the maintenance agreement which we could have used for a tune-up but did not get around to before it expired. Our bad. It might have been helpful to have a reminder phone call to suggest we come in for a tune-up before the maintenance plan expired. We will go back to Schmitt Music for a full size violin soon. read more

Excellent service. Reasonable payment plans. Very informative.

I was roped into purchasing a $900 brand new violin four years ago, upgraded when my daughter grew out of her old one this past November - she decided to change instruments this spring. First, they would allow us to change to guitar even though they said we could when we started their program. Second, they wouldn't buy back the violin - even though I was told they do buy backs when we started the program. Third, the BRAND NEW violin we upgraded to five months ago is worthless - its only worth $100. read more

Piano lessons were skipped by instructor twice. I had 4 lessons schedules to start learning the piano, and the first two went as expected, but the last two lessons I showed up for my instructor Joe left right after his lesson prior to me due to a scheduling conflict and the next week the same happened but no one told me and I waited for 30 minutes thinking his lesson just ran late as you are encouraged to just look at sheet music and wait. The two lessons I had were good, but after trying out two new places since then, both have been a much better experience. read more

Disappointing to have to write this, as I want to like Schmitt, I really do! We went for a used trumpet for our 11-year-old who is in band. Really not looking to break the bank, but we were definitely treated as if price was the key consideration ("How much are you looking to spend?"). She ultimately chose one which we purchased. On leaving I remarked to my husband that the whole experience felt as if they operate like they know they are a monopoly - in other words, they are not that concerned how they treat their customers as they know they don't really have any competition regionally. Little did I know how true that was! The next day I was searching for information about the maker and I stumbled across Schmitt's online listing for the trumpet I'd just bought - $140 less than what they charged us in store. No disclaimer on the site that "online prices may differ from store" or anything like that. You'd think that me getting them to honor the online price would've been a slam dunk since it was actually listed at that price and we had a screen shot and they couldn't deny it. Nope, pricing error and we won't honor the price. It's a consignment item (note: customers DON'T CARE where you get your inventory, they just want the product at the best price). When I talked to Mark who runs the trumpet shop he told me he would not sell me the trumpet for the listed price. I said, OK, what if I'd found the trumpet 24 hours earlier and ordered it from you online? And he said "We would not have shipped you the trumpet." Wow, really? So your pricing error is my problem and you'll just refuse the sale? Schmitt offered us a $100 GC to Schmitt (meaning we will be limited to spending it with them) and we are still out $40 plus tax on the $140 extra we paid. I would've just returned it then ordered online, but he immediately removed the online listing (on a Sunday, which had to have been outside their normal process). On the phone, Mark told me a random story about how he bought a car stereo for his wife at a Best Buy store, then saw it online at bestbuy.com for $50 cheaper and Best Buy refused to honor the difference. First of all, I don't believe that, as they have stated policies that they'll price match in store to their own web site. Second of all, so what? Two wrongs make a right? Really really surprised they would want to handle it this way. But on the other hand, not surprised at all. They know they have no competition in this town. So I guess that makes it OK to fleece your customers. read more

We hired Jeff Cutler to come out and look at our piano. He gave us an assessment that was not thorough enough for us to make a decision about what to do with it. I called him to get more information about the piano (e.g., was the soundboard cracked?) He informed me that he looks at a lot of pianos and can't possibly be expected to give me that information. At a bare minimum a technician should be able to tell you if a soundboard is cracked. I asked him if he could go back out to look at it and he sounded exasperated and told me that he was really busy this time of year. He was really dismissive and condescending and frankly rude. Also, other people have looked at his evaluation and tell me that he doesn't seem competent. read more

I was excited to practice on a real concert grand for the first time when a pretentious old man with glasses (the owner I assume) started interrogating me on whet I was doing (in front of other costumers, I was so embarrassed) and kicked me off the piano. He then proceeded to guide me into a small room with a very old, out of tune upright he said I could play. Deep down I knew he didn't want me playing on the expensive pianos but just say so! I understand all he cares about is business and sales but work on your people skills! You aren't going to sell anything if you're going to be so unapproachable. I was tempted to practice guitar, but in fear of being called out again I left. As I walked out I heard the employees laughing at me as I hung my head in shame on my way to the door. I wouldn't recommend this place based on my disappointment, but if you're a masochist, don't let me stop you. read more