Unacceptable Service & Zero Priority I am beyond frustrated…read morewith the service I received today, and I ended up walking out. My wife, my two kids, and I walked into this establishment around 4:35 PM on March 25th. We were greeted at the front by Ted, who told us he'd be over to help us "real soon" and instructed us to head back to the electronic drums. Couple other staff asked if we needed help which we did, and was told they couldn't really help us because they weren't the 'drum guy' and to wait for Ted. We waited. For 25 to 30 minutes. When Ted finally decided to show up, he gave us maybe five minutes of his time. Instead of actually helping us make a decision, he left us with more questions than answers. He told us he'd be "right back," and then disappeared for another 10 minutes. From where I was standing, I could see him at the front of the store helping people who walked in long after we did. The breaking point was when he finally came back to our area...but not to help us. He started assisting another person who had just arrived. At that point, I was losing my cool. He knew we had been waiting patiently for a long time, yet he continued to treat us like we weren't a priority. Once he finally finished with the latecomers, I had to confront him with the facts. I told him exactly how long we'd been sitting there while he ignored us for newer customers. Instead of offering a solution or taking accountability, he just hit me with excuses. Then, he actually had the nerve to ask if I had "more questions." I told him flat out: I was ready to check out 30 minutes ago, but he left us hanging high and dry. I was literally about to tell him which set we were buying, but after that experience, I decided right then and there that we wouldn't be supporting this business. We walked out. Bottom line: You need to get your priorities straight. UPDATE: I'm updating my previous 1-star review to 5 stars because of one person... Senior Manager Anju (I hope I spelled that correctly). After that initial visit yesterday which left us feeling disregarded and unimportant... Anju reached out to me personally to make it right during our phone call. It takes a true leader to own up to a mistake and honestly she did so with such grace. Took full accountability for her store and them some. When we returned today, we weren't just 'customers' we were felt like actual guests. Anju provided the kind of high-touch and personalized support that made the store feel more like a community. She was patient, informative, answered all my questions and incredibly kind to our 5-year-old. She made sure we walked out happy and we left with the perfect Roland TD-07DMK Electronic Drum Kit and a matching V-Drum Amp. I felt Anju made it her mission to make sure every detail was handled perfectly so we could focus on the excitement of our daughter's musical journey instead of the issues we faced previously. It's easy to be a good store when things go right, but how you handle things when they go wrong is the true test... Anju passed with flying colors. From here on out we'll be supporting this business under her leadership. Mahalo for turning this around for our family!

They have such an extensive variety of musical instruments! I went on a Black Friday sale day but…read moreI still received top notch customer service. I was never forgotten and was constantly being asked if I "needed anything" while I tried out a new guitar that I purchased that morning. Prices seem comparable to other local music stores. I almost forgot to mention that their website provided me with much more information about the guitar that I was looking at than I could find on my own via Google! I should've started my research there first!

Let the gentle and experienced hands at Good Guys Music & Spund guide you…read more If you're an experienced ukulele or guitar player who knows exactly what you want, Good Guys with their assortment of electric guitars, acoustic guitars, amps, soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles, ranging from under $100 to thousands of dollars delivers a nice collection of goods in their tightly packed Kaphulu location. However, if you're like me -- just a dad shopping for his son's first beginner ukulele this is also a surprisingly excellent place to check out. Their store had an overwhelming number of positive Yelp reviews which helped to put my slightly nervous mind at ease. The shop is easy to find on Kapahulu Ave. right next to Jamba Juice and across the street from Jack in the Box with ample parking space in the rear parking lot. Rodney, who was so laid back that I mistakenly thought was just another customer, greeted us and answered all of my novice questions patiently letting us try a number of ukuleles before making our final decision. As other reviews have noted, there is no pressure at all to upsell and it genuinely feels like they want to find whatever it is that you are looking for at the price point you are most comfortable with. I liked the used koa Kala ukulele that Rodney first showed us, but my son finally chose a new spalted mango Lealani concert ukulele. Both sounded beautiful, but especially when Rodney played a few riffs! All in all, big thanks to Rodney and Bob for calming this dad's nerves and helping me to find the exact ukulele my son was looking for! Side Note: When I asked how long these guys have been in business, they told me 26 years! I've passed this location hundreds of times so I'm glad to have finally had a chance to support an old school local business like this one. Better late than never!

These guys are top notch. Friendly and knowledgeable about all things guitar. I really enjoy my…read morevisits here. They may not have the biggest selection in town, but I never leave here empty handed!! Love these guys!!

Music Center of Hawaii is very small but the amount of instruments and service far exceeds their…read moreshop size. They are one of the only shops that repairs saxophones, violins, and standup bass's. They have a huge selection of violins, flutes, saxophones just to name a few. The staff is absolutely top notch any thing you need for your bowed instrument is there.

Best experience I've ever had in a music store. My son was freaking out because his saxophone…read moreneeded some repairs, and the employees did an amazing job helping me a getting his saxophone up to par. they were extremely knowledgeable and knew exactly what they were talking about and helped me find exactly what I needed. We will definitely be back and be doing all of our music store needs right here.

My favorite guitar store and the one I've bought the most instruments from…read more I'm a casual musician who travels for work so I can look and buy when and where I want...I always look to Dan when I have a new interest. Come in, play a few, leave with at least one.

Great people and service! The best guitar shop in Hawaii…read more Been coming here since the '80s! Thanks!

George and Keith were wonderful. My 45 year old Kawai…read moreacoustic piano wouldn't play anymore. George's and Keith made me feel comfortable and didn't rush or pressure me. It took several visits and a special piano order to help me to choose an electronic piano that sounded and felt like my old Kawai.

Keith is a true gem who is passionate about his craft and it shows…read more I needed help as we are down sizing. He offered his assistance in the form of information. We got a wee off topic, as things do when you are enjoying company, and ended up discussing history, mechanics, maintenance, and intricate/nuanced details- all things I am interested in as it is part of my job- just in a different application. This was a fascinating conversation from a music perspective. I really feel he was born to teach and pass the gift onto others. He was even so kind to call back and connect me with someone who plays at a church in need of a piano! How perfect was that! He is a great conversationist, and a wealth of knowledge. I learned so much today. Thank you Keith! If you'd like to hear him play, he is at The Signature, Friday through Tuesday evening. But, Im sure if you ask, he would gladly show you what your future piano is capable of. No matter your price point, he can find the right fit for you. :)

Husband has taken up a new hobby and I was glad it wasn't acoustic drums this time…read more We came here to shop as he had received a gift card for his birthday and the staff was super attentive and he found what he needed. I was stunned at the size of this place, they have all kinds of stuff - I am not a musician so i was duly impressed; they even had the bongos I wanted a long, long time ago (long story). Drumsticks of all shapes, sizes and weight; guitars on the walls, sound systems, a room you can practice in (nice to listen to other players trying it out), accessories, albums, gifts, and more. A place well stocked like this makes me want to take up playing some kind of instrument. My husband will probably not like it.

Awesome customer service at this location. They are very knowledgeable and helped restring my…read moreguitar

Highly Recommend Hawaii MusicWorks!…read more When I first inquired about beginner keyboard lessons for my son, I spoke with Aunty Dale. She is incredibly sweet and sets such a positive tone--it's clear from the start how wonderful this place is! My son looks forward to his weekly group keyboard lessons with Mr. Mark. Learning alongside friends makes the sessions fun! He really enjoys getting to choose the songs he learns to play. In my son's words, Mr. Mark is "patient, caring, and nice." It's evident that he truly cares about his students. When my son felt stressed over a school assignment he didn't understand, Mr. Mark actually went out of his way to help him. He was so happy to tell me about it. Happy kid, happy mom--Hawaii Music Works has been a fantastic experience for us!

After 10 years of keyboard lessons for both of my sons, I can confidently say that Mr. Mark, Ms…read more Kira and Aunty Dale have provided far more than just music education--they have helped shape the young men my sons are becoming. From the very beginning, the lessons were a place where my boys could not only grow musically but also build confidence, express themselves freely (often with a bit of silliness!), and connect with positive adult role models who genuinely care about their well-being. Mr. Mark and Ms. Kira have consistently gone above and beyond--taking an interest in my sons' lives outside of music, encouraging their involvement in concert and marching band, and even supporting them through private school admission processes by authoring recommendations. Aunty Dale has provided consistent communication about scheduling and payment while always offering a welcoming smile to students and families as they walk thru the door. Over the years, Mr. Mark, Ms. Kira and Aunty Dale have celebrated milestones with us, offered guidance during challenging times, and shown a level of dedication that make them an extension of our family. Their presence throughout my sons' childhoods has made a lasting impact--one that goes far beyond notes on a page. If you're looking for instructors who are not only talented musicians and teachers but also compassionate mentors, you will find no better.

We chose Cat because 5 years ago she was the only speech level teacher on the island! Having been a…read morestudent of the SLS method in Maui myself, I was determined that my daughter should learn this method as well. Enter Cat. At the time my daughter was only 6 years old, and the youngest student in the studio. Cat had not had a student so young yet (now there are so many, it seems!) but she was willing to take a chance on us. She did not disappoint, treating my daughter with as much professionalism, respect and poise as she would any adult, all the while exhibiting patience and the insight to incite motivation in my daughter to learn and grow as a singer. In the years that followed my daughter performed in a number of singer showcases with other students from the studio. You have only to attend one of these showcases to see the level of success in each and every student - not just in skill, but in confidence and coordination. Everyone comes from a different place in terms of exposure, experience and skill, but Cat is somehow able to figure out what works best for you and your situation. And SLS is a fantastic method that really aids everyone from the shower singer to the aspiring local artist in singing their own best notes (to steal a line from Cat herself!)! Cat is a positive teacher who encourages you to reach higher and celebrates you when you get there. Her studio is in a great central location, and is warm and inviting. She even offers Skype lessons! If singing is something you've always wanted to explore and you're looking for a skilled teacher, visit Cat Wong Studio. You won't be disappointed!

My daughter felt confident leaving the studio. My daughter experienced a huge difference in your…read morevoice in a short amount of time! Cat is an amazing vocal coach and brings out the very best of your vocal abilities! We will be forever clients!

Dave and Aaron are super laid back, extremely patient, and makes it enjoyable to learn an…read moreinstrument. I like ending a long work day going to drum practice and laughing and having fun. Also seeing the younger kids thrive during their music lessons amazes me and gives me the courage to push forward with my drum lessons. I'm not done with drum lessons, but I wanna learn to play the piano and guitar too. Thanks, Dave and Aaron.

Been sending my son here to learn piano since his 7th birthday a year ago and every lesson has been…read morea pleasure. Dave is an amazing instructor and just a likable guy in general. The lessons are a lot cheaper than I've found elsewhere and he teaches them right in front of you as well. I'd heard that some places pull them off into private rooms and I don't think I would stand for that. Here you get to listen to every lesson. It's not even been 10 months since my son started and he's already working multiple key changes in a single song and playing with both hands fluently. 100% recommend.