Hands down the only guy I trust to work on my git pickers. He’s a great guy and does great work. It’s as simple as that. Support local and reap the rewards!
I recently brought a few prewar vintage guitars to Ted. He took good care of the 80 year olds as well as my wife’s custom Brazilian rosewood 12 fret sized parlor. All needed re bracing some worse then others , a bridge place reglue, and general set ups. He found the last person who set up my guitar placed the floating bridge in wrong place. Ted had a quick turnaround for me and called about any fixes that were not discussed in person. Professional and courteous I would recommend to all my friends.
Ted has worked on 4 of my acoustic and electric guitars. He is very skilled and knowledgeable and a great communicator. He has helped me resolve a problem with a guitar I bought online. His prices are very reasonable and he is great to deal with. I am very glad to have Ted taking care of my guitars. I always learn things when I talk with him!
3. Guitar Center
Address: 8223 Cooper Creek Blvd, University Park, FL 34201 , Kensington Park , Florida , United States
Good guitar center, great deals and friendly staff.
Great opportunity for musicians to practice on vacation. Thank you guys!
Nice place, wish I was playing with my band all over again… 30 yrs ago.
The used equipment seems decently priced. However, some of the new stuff is quite pricey. Also found “gimmicky” items that you don’t need and over priced.
We waiting in line for 15 minutes.
Nobody care. Unacceptable…
Very slow process to sale .
the selections are weak at best, the place just seems to wreak of desperation and trying to find someone to help you is a joke. and after speaking to the clueless employee I went to Sam Ash and bought my new Les Paul!!!!
After waiting 3 weeks to buy a specific used guitar, I came in the morning that it was available for purchase. I told the salesman that I came in to buy that specific guitar but wanted to play another first. While I was trying that guitar, they sold the specific guitar that I came to buy. I don’t really understand why they did that, not very good customer service. I gave them two stars because they did have another guitar that I was interested in. It didn’t play as nice as the specific guitar that I came to buy in the first place and it cost a lot more. I’m pretty disappointed
Superb musicians, duo and individuals. No hesitation on my part to recommend both Angela and Jonathan for any endeavor they pursue. Both individuals have music in their heart, and you see this in everything they play. They are not only intelligent but also professional, kind, loving and talented individuals as well as gifted musicians. I have known and been involved with the duo for quite some time, and it is indeed my pleasure to give them the highest rating and recommendation possible. Keep up the good work Jonathan and Angela.
I have now heard the GS Duo perform three times and am already looking forward to hearing them again and for the release of their Christmas CD! They create musicscapes that transport the listener to different worlds – from contemplative cascades to rivoting Latin rhythmic fiestas. Sarasota is blessed to have these talented, versatile musicians as locals!
These are some great musicians! They have an outstanding sense of musicianship and musicality that you don’t find in many other ensembles. As a composer and arranger who has collaborated with the duo on multiple occasions, I can attest to their attention to detail and authenticity to the music.
5. Electric Mix Music
Address: 1258 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 , Kensington Park , Florida , United States
Heard her students play and it was amazing to see how much she cares and prepares them for recitals and concerts. She is a great teacher and mentor to her students.
Very professional and enthusiastic teachers ! My daughter is 5 years old and for six months plays and reads music very well. Mrs. Larissa has a lot of patience and makes the lesson also to be fun , stimulating the kids to learn music with love.
Best piano teacher ever! Ms.Larissa is a very talented, super friendly and caring teacher. I surprised from how much I learned just from my first lesson and how much I improved in a year. . REALLY recommend Ms.Larissa as a piano teacher.
I purchased a living social deal. I knew I wouldnt get all four of the music lessons I paid for because it was expired but when I tried to schedule the value of what i paid. $50. I was told that it would that it would not be honored because she didnt get paid enough for it. Uh, you signed up for the deal, its not my fault. You knew how it worked. Its bad business. I would have paid full price after the living social deal was over and now they lost a customer forever. Extremely disappointed, as is my niece who i purchased it for.
I was really looking forward to setting up some music lessons for my 10 year old daughter who loves to sing and play the Ukulele. I found out about AllStar Music Academy through a Groupon deal I purchased offering 4 sessions for a very reasonable price. I had tried calling to set up an appointment but never received a return call at that time and I had ended up going through a lot of unforeseen circumstances and wasn’t able to call back until now. As my Groupon deal approached expiration, I was offered an extension period or to return my funds to use for a different deal. Knowing my daughter would really love this, I contacted AllStar and spoke to someone who told me that I was not following the rules of Groupon and could not extend the offer even though, in my Groupon app, I was being given the option. She also told me that the deal I bought which stated was good for 4 sessions would actually only cover 1 session. Very disappointed that the only option I had left was to get my money returned back to me through Groupon to use towards a different deal. I was truly looking forward to surprising my daughter with music lessons.
She was directly dismissive, condescending, and arrogant when asked questions about her teaching style, techniques, and background. What would that have meant if we actually placed our kids under her teaching?!?!! Imagine the first time they questioned or challenged her!
7. Sam Ash
Address: 7606 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243 , Kensington Park , Florida , United States
How can you go wrong buying gear from another Bryce? Bryce Johnson and Barry were both very helpful and got me a fair trade in price. The store and ask the employees all feel very welcoming. The store feels less like I’m walking into a store to buy something, and more like a cool place to just hang out, unlike some other stores where the employees are rude or simply don’t care/don’t know what they should.
Manager was so helpful. Great selection. Awesome
Very helpful and professional. Great doing business there. Bryan C. was excellent.
Could be 5 stars if my guitar purchase was available NEW in a Taylor carton.
Great customer service
I came here because it was convenient and close to where I work. First time in the store in like 10 years. I rather take the drive to Guitar Center, for far more better options. It was just OK.
Will never do business here again. Extremely poor customer service.
Everytime i go there its always a great experience with the salesperson but yesterday two salesperson just standing in their counter but no one is trying to ask what we are looking for they are not busy in the morning too. So anyway only yesterday december 24th is a bad experience but i bought what we wanted.
Staff was not very knowledgeable at all. Also not the most courteous. I asked for a price on maintenance on a floating trem the guy said he didn’t know I had to ask the guy who does the maintenance. I told the guy guy what bridge I had and he told me he didn’t know what it was so I explained it in layman terms and he somewhat understood. I then asked if they had a stand for my guitar. I told him I have a xiphos which has a distinct body. He was flabbergasted then proceeded to ask me if it was a v or an explorer shape. He had to look it up. Trash place. Only go there if you need strings or picks on the fly. Overpriced stuff being sold by under qualified people
8. Music with Amber
Address: 1952 Toucan Way, Sarasota, FL 34232 , Kensington Park , Florida , United States
We have loved Ms.Amber ever since we found out about her when she moved to Sarasota from New York. My daughter had started learning piano with her since 2019 and has enjoyed every lesson ever since. My 6year old son has also started this year with learning the piano and I should say that Ms.Amber has a lot of patience with him as he is the jumpy kind. I would totally recommend her for any age group and for different musical instruments.
Sweet, patient, kind, supportive and knowledgeable. Amber is a pro and really fun to work with. Been studying voice with her for two years and still feel she has so much more wisdom to impart. Highly recommended!
My kid went from knowing a little music to playing 2 string instruments in 3yrs (and yes you can pick up what song ). Playing one of those instruments in solos for Manatee County where she received outstanding scores. All this through COVID.
Amber is wonderful with the kids, accommodating to parents. We just love lessons with her. Highly recommend.
9. Sarasota Pianist
Address: 1562 N Lime Ave a2, Sarasota, FL 34237 , Kensington Park , Florida , United States
We bought an intermediate violin for my son here at Sarasota Violins. They have full selections of violins ranging from the beginner to advance. The owner help us to choose which violin is appropriate for my son. The location of the shop is easy to find and there is a lot of parking space. The owner is very knowlegeable and easy to talked to. He let us try different violins and picked the best for us. Very competetive to online prices too. Highly recommended. Visit the shop. You will not be disappointed.
What a delightful surprise! In an age where customer service is almost non existent, just walking through the front door you will immediately be greeted with such sincerity. We felt immediately at ease, even though we knew next to nothing about violins, the array of violins available for purchase plus they offer lessons and we left with way more knowledge and understanding of this beautiful instrument. My son (new to the violin) had quite a few questions and was able to speak with the owners! Mr. Mendoza is a truly amazing talent. Just listening to him play for a minute brought tears to my eyes! He and his wife are a true treasure and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts for being so sincere and welcoming. We will definitely be back and truly wish them every success here in Sarasota. They deserve it!
What a joyful experience it is to do business with Sarasota Violins! They offer a selection of violins incomparable to any other around, and they do an amazing job of carefully matching the right violin to the violinist. Mr. Mendoza, a world renown violinist himself, is incredibly inspiring. This shop is truly a jewel for the arts community here in Sarasota.
11. Sarah Santiago
Address: 2554 10th St UNIT 201, Sarasota, FL 34237 , Kensington Park , Florida , United States
Marc Mannino played guitar for our outdoor wedding ceremony on 10/22/22 and it was absolutely beautiful! Hands down the most charming music and such a pleasure to work with.
Love working with Marc. He’s so talented, easy, flexible and our wedding couples love his professionalism and repertoire.
Marc is always the true professional in all aspects of his performances! If you watch him, you know that he loves what he’s doing!
13. David Turner Music
Address: 4046 Woodview Dr, Sarasota, FL 34232 , Kensington Park , Florida , United States
David played the Saxophone in our event 2 weeks ago. Music was beautiful. We had an event at church for marriages. We really enjoyed the music and his professionalism. He also played the flute. This one was extra surprise for us because we only hired him to played the saxophone. We are looking forward to have another event to hired him again. We recommend him 100%. If you’re looking for a “Kenny G” in Sarasota. This is your guy!!!
Used David for our Company Holiday Party. He was perfect.. “He was like a real life Kenny G!” We will absolutely be hiring David again!
David was a last minute hire, and we were a bit disorganized. He arrived looking sharp, and was ready to go on time. And he did an excellent job of finding some obscure requests that made the night for us. David was also excellent at reading the dance floor, and played the best music for everyone. We couldn’t be more pleased, and are incredibly happy with his craft. Highly recommend his services!!!
I recommend Sota Studios for any artist in Sarasota looking for a top-notch recording studio. The team is professional, supportive, and focused on getting the best possible results. The facility is equipped with the latest technology and designed with creativity and comfort in mind. Working with them was a great experience, and I would give them my highest recommendation.
Great environment, professional staff, top of the line equipment. Truly one of the best studios in Florida. Highly recommend.
I may be a little biased, but truth be told the Billy Lyon Band is the best.
We’ve seen Billy perform at venues all over Sarasota, have hired him for corporate events and private parties. He’s entertaining, engaging, and can perform a wide variety of music. He’s also super professional to book and a great guy.
The playlist is awesome! They are talented musicians, who enjoy interacting with the crowd!
17. Loud & Strong Music LLC
Address: 1345 W University Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34243 , Kensington Park , Florida , United States
Sandi is the very best at what she does. Drums, guitar, bass, keys, horns.. she does it all. The experience I got playing with other musicians at the drum studio was invaluable. Highly recommended
The Drum studio absolutely changed my who is blind in my life was Sandy was the most patient excellent teacher for him and he has become a monster drummer totally blind it changed by seeing the change in him I adore sanding the drum Studio great times they’re excellent teacher I would recommend her to the world
Took drum lessons for several years here and went from a total beginner to playing gigs every weekend and knowing a network of awesome musicians. Also did a bit of bass lessons and formed bands with other students there. A great place to start!
We love the music compound!! They have an amazing team of talented musicians who work so well with the students. My kids always look forward to going to music compound!
Words cannot express how wonderful Music Compound has been for our teenage son. We relocated to Florida a little over a year ago, and I was looking for something to get Caleb involved in to make the move from Louisiana a little smoother. I stumbled upon Music Compound on Facebook and wrote the owner, Jenny, who immediately wrote me back. I signed up Caleb for summer camp and the fun began!
I had no idea that signing my son up for Music Compound Summer Camp would be such a life changing experience, but it was!! At MC, Caleb was able to meet new friends, learn how to sing and perform on stage, and learn how to play the drums and guitar as he worked with talented children and instructors.
I love the way Music Compound fosters collaboration and teamwork as children work together and form new friendships. The teachers make learning a child-centered and fun experience! I highly recommend Music Compound and their talented instructors! For my son, it was a life-changing experience. Thanks Jenny, Kaylee, Aaron, and Jared! We love you all and Music Compound!!
My daughter always enjoys the camps at Music Compound. The staff is caring and knowledgeable, we feel home there! The performances on the last day are a hit! Thank you so much!
Music compound is a terrific, encouraging, family friendly music school! My daughter and I both really enjoy it. If you’re considering music lessons, definitely give music compound a try!
I love the concept of this place, but the music classes with Bobbie Morgan are the worst. So dull and boring, she is like the soup nazi of music class. Also too many up sells forcing you to buy her books. Please hire someone who actually enjoys sharing music.
