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!

My family tried to walk into the store but as soon as we walked in, an employee grabbed my wife by…read morethe arm and asked her where she was going. My wife, daughters and I stood there while he told us we can only go in if we had a ticket for a concert they were having. We didn't know and there were no signs stating that fact. We only wanted to walk through the store. I understand there was a ticketed concert but the reaction the store employee had was rude. You don't grab people and ask them where they're going. A simple explanation would have sufficed.

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!!!

Great Place. Real, Honest. And has a little attitude! Love you guys keep rocking!…read moreYou can get basic musical instruments or dive into great selection of higher priced parts and gear! Thanks Again Team!

I really love this local music shop. Recently moved to Claremont and found this gem of a service to…read morethe community. My son's bass guitar stopped working and they were able to easily fix it quickly. Courteous staff and a good selection when you need equipment in a pinch.

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.

I'd been wanting to visit this shop for many years, but hadn't done so as I was no longer playing…read more Now that I've picked up the violin again, I decided that it was time to finally see what this magical place is about. I had purchased a very inexpensive violin from Amazon to start, but the sound and feel just isn't right. When setting my appointment, I let Deb know that I'm basically a beginner, but wanted to see instruments that will grow with me. She was super friendly and personable and let me know that she would be ready to show me a variety of instruments that fit my needs and budget. My husband and I came in and it was immediately a very welcoming environment. I was able to try a variety of violins and bows at my leisure. Deb was really helpful throughout the process and it's a very 0-pressure shop. It came down to two beautiful instruments and with my husband and Deb's feedback I was able to select an amazing violin and bow. Jim was busy with another customer for most of our visit, but came right over to talk once he was free. He shared a lot of insights about the instrument I purchased as well as their philosophy. Just a great visit and I wish I had come in sooner! Prices are very reasonable as you will be getting a quality instrument. It's also a one-stop shop as they have anything you can possibly imagine for your stringed instrument. Jim is an expert luthier so I'm glad that I can come back if my instrument ever needs servicing. They also make sure that you know how to care for your instrument before you leave. My advice would be to visit J. Brown before purchasing a violin, viola, or cello elsewhere. I know I'll definitely be visiting them for all of my future needs.

I purchased a Groupon for this guy's business and it was limited to 2 groupons PER PERSON, at 8…read morelessons per groupon. Initially the seller dodged my calls for MONTHS. When I finally got ahold of him he claimed to never have received my NUMEROUS voice mails. After finally attending the first set of lessons, I informed him I will be obtaining another 8 (gifted via Vauna), to which the seller responded "great". Toward the end of the first set I informed him that they were purchased and that I would be continuing with the lesson to which he said its "one per person". Whether from alcohol-induced amnesia (he had empty liquor bottles all over his studio) i do not know. I double checked the groupon and it in fact said "2 per person" he said that he gave me "free lessons & cannot afford another Groupon deal". I reminded him that he is contractually obligated to uphold the deal and he said sorry he "can't honor that [contract]". I am still waiting for my refund.

Corey Mast, a phenomenal teacher! Our Madeline has totally flourished and blossomed playing piano…read moreunder his patient instruction. Unfortunately, we have been on the brunt end of poor instructors. We can truly see how much impact a great coach can make!

My 2 daughters go to Moultrie academy. Carlie and her team are just so amazing and caring! One of…read moremy girls has cerebral palsy and special efforts have gone into including her in the classes so she could enjoy incredible experiences too! I cannot recommend more to anyone to come and have a look. It is simply a very very special place, filled with love and a team that helps kids build confidence and make them realize of their immense potential. Louis

My daughter just signed up for classes here for the first time since we moved to the area and she…read moreloves her ballet, tap and singing lessons. They train to help build confidence in public performance at a young age. Great place to have your kids learn to develop their skills and foster their talents.

Jerome is an excellent teacher!…read more I am an older learner and mostly self-taught. Jerome helped identify weaknesses in my technique, was patient and had creative ways to tailor the sessions appropriately. He was punctual and flexible when I had a schedule conflict. I highly recommend him.

I highly recommend Jerome for anyone looking to start or take guitar lessons. I took up the bass…read moreguitar a few years ago and Jerome has been amazing guiding me in music theory, creativity and technique. Jerome caters lessons so I feel like I'm moving forward skill wise while still having fun. You can tell Jerome is very passionate about music and has a wealth of knowledge to share. My musical journey has soared greatly because of Jerome, thank you!

Personable, kind, a great communicator…read more Seth was very on top of everything he contacted me right away to figure out exactly what it was I'm looking for. He was adaptable to wherever he needed to set up. Very personable, he stayed & chatted for a while after. He had nothing but great reviews and he lived up to them. Thank you again (:

I have been taking guitar lessons with Dr. G for two years. He has been an amazing teacher and I've…read morelearned so much. He is extremely knowledgeable about not only the guitar but most instruments and music theory. I also really appreciate his years of experience as a performance musician and teacher. He provides in-person lessons and also lessons over Zoom. The remote lessons have been very convenient when I'm out of town. His lessons are also very affordable. I've learned many songs and whenever I have technical questions about my guitars or how to play a certain way he can always answer them. I really appreciate that he's so knowledgeable and I can tell he really cares about his students and their progress. I also recently bought his book "A Guitarist's Guide to Reading Music" and it's been very helpful!

I'm so so happy I found this place! I am taking voice and guitar here with Kevin and so far have…read morejust been focusing on voice. I have had many voice lessons in the past, and I can tell Kevin really a) knows what he's talking about b) gets the most possible done with me in the lesson minutes (timely and efficient) c) is very fun and upbeat d) such an amazing musician e) highly qualified, having majored in music pedagogy in university, and traveled the world performing f) communicates clearly and effectively! I chose a random song, "Peaches" from Super Mario Bros and he knew it, and was able to play it in the correct key on the keyboard for me to sing to. I had so much fun and I surprised myself when following his modeling. He used his voice so skillfully and brings the passion through the dynamics. Such a good price for how much I'm getting out of it! I know voice lessons in general aren't cheap. I hope he gets nicely compensated, because he deserves it.

My time spent in this studio was epic. Each person was truly a thrill to play with, I wouldn't…read morechange a thing. Thanks Guys

This place is amazing! The service is outstanding and the prices are very reasonable! Definitely…read morethe best music store I've ever dealt with!

My relationship started ok...I ordered a double French horn. I gave me a single and had to re-order…read morea double. So it took like 2 weeks to get that sorted out. Not a big deal.... Upon return of the instrument, I was supposed to get a refund for the deposit. I've wasted hours and many calls to not get a refund. It's been nearly a month...they are holding my $1000 deposit. Good luck dealing with customer service! I will never use them again and will not recommend them.