The smell and the atmosphere of walking into a music shop offer an unparalleled experience for music lovers. A visit to Music and Art online might not allow you to touch the stock but the experience is nonetheless impressive. With aspirational ‘maybe one day’ guitars hanging from the walls and the low rumble of amps being put to the test, there really is nothing quite like it. But for those who haven’t got the time to while away hours in music shops, there is a pretty awesome online alternative that is arguably America’s favourite online music store.
Music&Arts online music store could be described as an online shop, but I think its offerings make for way more than that. Music and Arts.com are more like a one-stop music neighbourhood with a bustling community at its core. It is the closest you will get to replicating that genuine retail shop experience, and with it being online, it offers customers the most competitive prices, whatever their music needs.
With exclusive deals, advice from highly trained music experts, and free music lessons, it is no wonder it’s earned itself such a supreme reputation with music lovers across the United States.
So what are they offering that is making them so popular? The online store primarily sells musical instruments, but as well as this they supply all the kit you will need in terms of sound too. A trip to their website will have you creating a wishlist for accessories you didn’t even know you needed!
Who are Music and Art?
Music&Art is a truly inspirational company, with a rock-solid commitment to propagating music and fostering creativity through sound. Having celebrated its 70th-anniversary last year (2022), the company is steeped in history. Their website gives you a sneaky peek into their grass-root beginnings, organic growth, and perpetual success:
“The first Music&Arts was located in a small house in Bethesda, MD and run by founder Benjamin O’Brien. When Music&Arts opened its doors in 1952, we offered printed music, music lessons, dance lessons, and art supplies. Ben decided shortly after opening the business that he wanted to focus on music to better serve his customers – a decision that remains intact to this day.”
“Since the 1990s, Music & Arts has expanded nationwide through organic growth and a series of acquisitions and mergers with other music dealers. In 2005, Music & Arts joined forces with American Music to become the largest band and orchestra instrument retailer in the United States.”
The Music&Arts range is doubtless the envy of every backstreet music store, which has to choose carefully what instruments are worthy of a place on the shop floor. The vast range on offer at musicarts.com includes; guitars, basses, drums, keyboards, and recording equipment amongst others. Everything is really well organised, easy to navigate and intuitive.
The online store describes itself as “the home of music education” and offers heaps of helpful resources including, free group lessons, tuition, reviews, and advice from experts.
As well as a website that is positively bursting with exclusive deals and discounts, the company is committed to helping musicians fall back in love with instruments in need of tender loving care.
Repair Program
Their unrivalled repair programme boasts the largest instrument repair network in the States, with master instrument makers and technicians ready to help you revive your instrument and make it playable again.
To learn more about their repair programme, you can visit their Repair Shop where a helpful video gives more information on their service:
Instrument Rental
Music and Art instrument rental program is the largest of its kind in America. The well-loved program offers both schools and individuals a chance to try an instrument before committing to a purchase. Their online rental service means you can quickly and easily hire the following instruments: flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritone, percussion kit, bell kit, drum kit, violin, viola, and cello. To learn more about their instrument rental service read their guide by clicking here.
Music Lessons at Music&Art
Music&Art teaches more than 1.5 million lessons per year, making them the largest private lesson provider in the USA. Students are said to “love learning” just as much as the teachers “love teaching”. If you are interested in taking lessons you can visit their lessons page by clicking here. Alternatively, if you are a musician who is interested in teaching for Music & Arts then you can find out more by clicking here.
Product Selection
The user-friendly website boasts one of the “largest product offerings in the world”, and with various impressive acquisitions to its name, is now the ‘largest retail chain of band and orchestral instruments’ too.
Depending on what you are after, the helpful tabs on their site are like individual treasure troves of inspiration, offering an experience that is as smooth as it is motivating. The following categories which intuitively appear on the left-hand side of the website, are a great place to start and conveniently transport you to where you need to be – whatever it is you are after:
- Woodwinds
- Brass
- Guitars
- Keyboards and MIDI
- Pro Audio
- Folk and Traditional instruments
- Drum and Percussion
- Concert and Marching Percussion
- Orchestral strings
- Orchestral Strings
- General Accessories
- Beginner Store
- Books, Sheet Music and Media
- Classroom and Kids
- Basses
- Lifestyle
- Price Drop
As you can see, the product selection on the Music and Arts website is vast and includes musical instruments, equipment, and accessories including DJ equipment, band and orchestra instruments, sheet music, and even more besides.
Music and Art Pricing
Music and Art offers a variety of pricing options for its products. Prices range from budget-friendly to more expensive, depending on the item. Prices for instruments, accessories and other items vary depending on the type, brand, and condition. They have a huge variety of promotions and discounts, including free shipping on orders over $25 and a 10% student discount. If you are priced out of buying new, you’ll be pleased to hear they have financing options for larger purchases.
Customer service
Music and Arts provide excellent customer service on its website. Their customer service team is available 7 days a week to answer questions, provide product advice, and help with orders. They also offer a live chat feature on their website so customers can quickly get in touch with a customer service representative with any queries they may have.
The staff who work there say, “I love my job, it is a great place to work” and that sentiment really comes across when dealing with them. The more than reasonable return policy and comprehensive FAQ pages were music to my ears as were their easy by-phone or by-email customer assistance options.
Delivery Options
Music&Art offers several delivery options for online orders. Customers can choose from Standard Ground Shipping, Expedited Shipping, and Same Day Delivery. Standard Ground Shipping typically takes 2-5 business days and is free for orders over $25. Expedited Shipping takes 1-3 business days and has a fee of $15. Same Day Delivery is available in select markets and has a fee of $19.95.
And if you are desperate to try before you buy from Music&Arts.com, you can always visit one of their 200+ retail stores or one of more than 300 affiliate locations. Click here to find out more here.
Music & Arts commitment to community
Music&Art has a longstanding commitment to supporting its local communities, so you can be sure that by buying from them you are supporting the wider music industry across the United States, as they make contributions to a variety of nonprofit organizations, including:
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra – kids programme
Final Thoughts
Overall, I was very pleased with my experience in Music and Art. The website offers an impressive selection of products, which together with their helpful customer service made my experience really sing. I would highly recommend this website to anyone looking for musical instruments, supplies or lessons and will certainly be telling my friends about their specialist instrument repair service! Whether you are a seasoned pro or an absolute beginner, you are sure to find Music&Art a place that delights, inspires and delivers.
Review Rating: 5 STARS
Website information: www.musicarts.com