The owner and sole employee keeps irregular hours, asks that you come “by appointment only,” and hardly even responds to texts and phone calls. Friendly guy, good wares, and authentic atmosphere otherwise. He can repair broken instruments for a cost, and makes his own for you to buy. Various types of guitars are available, but the selection is small. Wouldn’t recommend anyone to go to this store, honestly. Probably cheaper than Guitar Center, but it isn’t worth the inconvenience and hassle of getting in touch with the owner just to visit his shop.
Not open on a Monday 2:30
2. A Sound Education
Address: 9433 Ogden Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513 , La Grange Park , Illinois , United States
I take lessons with Hershyl/Mike Edwards. He’s very knowledgeable in a wide range of music topics, very patient, and a great teacher.
Mike and Pat are great people with an awesome staff. We have been going here for years and my kids love their teachers.
Great customer service! But they need a left handed guitar or two for us lefties!!!
All in all was a good experience. Came in to repair a much neglected guitar. Though the initial price was agreed to be under a certain amount, I went with the final amount that was given to me without much debate. The guitar came out great. Also got a keyboard at a great price. My only issue is that one bloated middle aged mummie that happened to be behind the counter, in the mornings. Does he work there? Is he a friend? The owner? Who knows! I say hi and no response? Why the long face??? Everyone else is friendly.
Karl Hammond was very professional and is knowledgeable of the product line. This made my experience very enjoyable. Thank you Karl with your expertise in helping me pick out the mouthpiece best suit for me.
Karl’s hands-on approach makes worlds of difference compared to many of the other mouthpieces I have played between trumpet and horn. Greatest strength is in his custom work, as he’s customized one existing mouthpiece that later served as template for a complete custom. I don’t see myself playing on anything else, as I feel I really do Sound Better in HD.
Karl makes mouthpieces of top quality. He also will sit with you to make sure that the fit is right for you. There isn’t any reason you’ll need to spend close to $300 on the other brands because Hammond Design is just as good and cost less than half as much!
I have taken piano lessons from many people over the years, and Junichi Sato is the finest teacher I’ve had. He is incredibly knowledgeable, kind, professional, helpful, realistic, and has really helped me improve. He and his wife Regina teach everyone from beginners to accomplished pianists. Their studio is set up nicely. There is a waiting room, complete with bathrooms where parents can read, and siblings can quietly play or do homework. The studio has recitals twice a year where you can see the wonderful work that is done here. Definitely check out this studio. I give it my highest recommendation.
6. Media Space Studios
Address: 9039 Monroe Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513 , La Grange Park , Illinois , United States
WOW, this place is a lot bigger than it looks from the outside. I finally visited for the first time a couple weeks ago and look forward to going back when I have more time to explore. Some of the booths are pretty crowded with stuff, but overall it’s an attractive space.
I usually find something and the people are all so nice
Such a hidden gem check this place out, looking thoroughly inside you will find your self in a time capsule museum. These artifacts shown cannot be undiscovered in this zone. Check this spot out if your ever in the area!
Nice ladies. We enjoyed out time treasure hunting.
Pretty cool place
They have a sword for sale there. Sign on it said it was for display only. We were shopping for swords we can take into battle.
This place does not even deserve one star. What a rude and unwelcoming place—I walked in, was stared at angrily by a large man to whom I smiled and said hello—he did not smile or respond at all. I thought maybe he was just a moody patron but turns out he works there. When I walked towards a different part of the store to continue looking around, he physically blocked my path, said “I can’t let you in there with that “‘suitcase”—it was in no way a suitcase it was a large ”mom style” purse from H&M!! He offered no alternative like, we can hold it up front for you or any friendly alternative. I promptly walked right out—it was a strange and almost threatening experience unlike any I’ve ever had at a vintage store. I will never go back here and do not recommend this place for its incredibly weird and unfriendly atmosphere. So many better vintage stores to shop at instead—try Broadway Antique Market or the row of antique stores in River Forest for a much better and more fun time.
Heaven forbid someone traveling on foot, carrying a bag would come into this store. Haven’t felt that unwelcome in quite some time.
Aisles are too narrow and cluttered. Difficult to shop.
8. Kagan and Gaines Music Co., Inc
Address: 7655 Roosevelt Rd, Forest Park, IL 60130 , La Grange Park , Illinois , United States
I had a great experience, and Lincoln was super professional. I went in with a beat up Guitar and he fixed it right up for me and told me where to look to start learning how to play
Best customer service! Having no experience at all, I wanted to pick up an instrument. I was provided one on one customer service. Jesse found the perfect parlor guitar for me and made sure I had everything to become successful. Will definitely be recommending Kagan & Gaines to friends and family. Will be back!
Amazing place to buy musical equipment or instruments at a comfortable price. Has outstanding inventory in musical sheets, instruments and/or musical gear.
The friendly staff and private lessons which you can take allow for you to feel comfortable and safe!
Nice and helpful staff, but they require you to give them your phone number to make a purchase. No thanks. Took my business elsewhere.
I have had great success with Kagan.& Gaines..
Since my daughter started Violin back in 2006
They were able to help me with a 1/2 size , a 3/4 violin and now my daughter is in a full size French made violin.
Excellent service and knowledge of violins.
They have helped my daughter become the great young violinist she is, as this is where it all started for my Alexis.
Having a great selection of violins to choose from.
I gave this place a bad review after dealing with a younger employee But when the manager was alerted to the situation (A few days later) it was dealt with fairly. Kagan and Gains has a long time reputation in their neighborhood of being the first choice for musical lessons of any instrument and Fair pricing on instruments and accessories. It may not be the best place to shop for a new guitar But they can handle all your needs afterwords. I recommend them for all your strings, Guitar cases, Band instruments, ect. You will find all of them are of good quality and pricing.
I hate to agree with the user below who complained of a dishonest experience, but we are going through the same. I’ve read all of the other 5 star reviews and notice a pattern: it seems that for violin and stringed instruments, this is a great place. For renting brass/woodwind instruments via their monopoly with the school districts, they are subpar and dishonest. We should have just purchase a used instrument which would have resulted in us obtaining a superior instrument at, I am not exaggerating, 1/4 the total cost. We just had to call them to stop processing our credit card when we noticed we had been paying an abnormally long time on my daughter’s VERY USED, VERY DENTED saxophone (4 years!). We were “reassured” that, coincidentally, they were just going to call us as well as our payments happened to be completed. Yet they have no records of all the payments that we made, and are asking us to provide payment records going back to 2017 to “prove” how much we have paid in total. Luckily for us, we can easily provide them as they have all been made on the same credit card for years. We are also disputing the amount owed as our daughter’s original “nicer” model saxophone broke, was taken in for repairs, and she was given a loaner, student-model, older and dented sax. Her other one was never repaired and instead she’s just had this one forever. We were told at the time it would be “worked out.” Now they want us to pay the same amount as they were going to charge for the initial instrument to keep this replacement instrument permanently, as they also claim to have NO record that any switch was ever made or that the original saxophone was ever brought in for repairs. Typically, I endeavor to support neighborhood shops, but not when their record keeping is straight out of Mayberry. This is taking a lot of our time and energy to sort out, and we’ve ultimately laid out over $2300 to own an instrument that I have found at multiple music stores online for around $600 and under. We understand that renting the own is typically more expensive, but this feels like being swindled in every way. Extremely disappointed. My husband has been playing music for over 40 years – he also used to play saxophone – and his mother is a professional classical musician. He is used to dealing with all sorts of music shops and has never had an experience like this one.
9. Heart’s Desire
Address: 1014 E 31st St, La Grange Park, IL 60526 , La Grange Park , Illinois , United States
What a gem this place is! So many great things to look at and enjoy! Loved the pink elephant display … was really tempted to buy all of it! My spaghetti poodle couldn’t be any cuter. Jeff’s unique rake is absolutely fabulous and the California Pottery vase is wonderful! The owner is personable and super helpful. Even her regular customers are fantastic to talk to! Cannot wait to go back! If you love antiques, make sure you visit Heart’s Desire! Who knows…but I bet you might just go home with a treasure.
Love this store for many vintage Christmas ornaments. Each year we get a couple more for tree.
High prices not good quality jewelry
I like this store a lot. I want to shop here when I’m able to make it to this area. But TWICE I’ve come on a Saturday and it has not been open during posted hours. It’s really frustrating and makes me not want to try to come. I know small businesses are not easy but I’m trying to support this one and can’t even when I try.
Very nice selection of items. Found a copper teapot there…
I would very much enjoy SUE’S shop in the past. After purchasing some items recently, I Unfortunately Overheard Sue and Nancy, an employee, Gossiping on the phone about ME. I asked Nancy and she Denied being on the phone with Sue, when I Definitely knew, since I was close by the register. This has occurred with another customer that I had met in the shop. Sue was talking Unkindly about her. Also, They Both have Complained when a Few Customers are in the shop. SUE has Become Very Fat and Quite Miserable in her personal life..
A Grown Woman Gossiping about her Customers, Very Sad Indeed. I hope she realizes and gets some Much Needed Professional Counseling Soon. Good Luck
10. Vines & Vinyl
Address: 3730 Prairie Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513 , La Grange Park , Illinois , United States
This store is a great addition to Brookfield, go check them out! They have a wide variety of music to suit anyone. The owner is super friendly and can give you great recommendations on Vinyls and advice for plants!
Such an awesome addition to Brookfield. Super chill record shop with a side of plants. We picked up a funky succulent. They’re a must stop when your boppin through Downtown Brookfield
Really neat place! Loved the plant and record collection. We’ll definitely be back! For now, we got some new beauties to add to our ever growing plant collection.
11. The Jam Lab
Address: 9234 47th St, Brookfield, IL 60513 , La Grange Park , Illinois , United States
I have taken my children to their Music Together classes, and loved them. I plan to enroll them in the formal music curriculum when they are a little older. We love this place, and how inclusive they are!
My children (ages 7&10) have been taking lessons and classes with Mattix Music for six years. In all of our time involved in the many different programs offered we have experienced nothing but professional, caring, and dedicated teachers. We have done it all from Music Together and Rhythm Kids classes with Miss Brenna and Miss Katie to lessons with Miss Katie, Mr. Octavio, and Dr. Grace to vocal training with Miss Brenna and Dr. Dan. It is all stellar.
My kids are very different and each learns in their own unique way. The teachers are wonderful at meeting each of them where they are and creating a rich and fun environment for learning. As a musician myself I am thrilled to see my children learning not just to play particular scales or pieces but to see music as a part of life that brings a sense of joy and accomplishment.
My children have been taking piano and group music classes at Mattix Music for over a year now, and it’s been such a wonderful experience! My kiddos look forward to their piano and music classes every week. The teachers are fantastic. Beautiful musicians and wonderful instructors. They truly care about their students! Would recommend Mattix Music to anyone.
gotta love it when they hang up on you 🙂
16. Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians
Address: 9213 Broadway Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513 , La Grange Park , Illinois , United States
My daughter and I love these classes! They’re engaging and thoughtful and so much fun.
My daughter has been attending BAMM since she was 6 months old. She recently moved up to the Mini Maestros class. She loves listening to music, dancing and playing with all types of instruments. I love watching her grow and learn each week in her class. Thank you BAMM!
My daughter loves Ms. Clara’s music class! So do I! We keep singing all the songs and can’t get them out of our heads. Ms. Nina is wonderful. She’s such a sweet person and knows how to work with kids. There are new songs for each season of the year. We look forward to each class.I’d strongly recommend it!
17. Starbucks
Address: 38 South La Grange Road, La Grange, IL 60525 , La Grange Park , Illinois , United States
My walks to get my daily Chai are back, I’m so happy! It’s been a long year but now between the vaccine and the double up I think it’s time to get back a little slice of normal. Thank you for not allowing people to sit inside anymore. It makes me feel much safer, and after the last year we’ve all adjusted to having our relationships and interactions with those we care about done remotely without skipping a beat (which is really helping to slow the spread). Kudos to a community leader Starbucks for putting general health and social reforms above the bottom line. That’s what this corporation is all about and it shows, profits be darned.
I love this cute little place, the people, the customers and the coffee of course. I am very picky but certain things are just great and not much to complain about. Great location to catch up with a friend, work on a business project or just chill.
Nice atmosphere. Great location.
Nice comfy place.
Small place, Very little seating. But your typical Starbucks. As always great service and good tea.
Always friendly staff. Studied here a lot.
This place has slipped: dirty and loud space, indifferent and argumentative staff. The Starbucks on 47th Street in Western Springs is close and much better.
Place is always super slow because they are alway short staffed and the staff they do have move like sloths, horrible place to order from specially when school lets out l.
To load to many loud kids with no parents
18. Owl and Lark
Address: 41 South La Grange Road, La Grange, IL 60525 , La Grange Park , Illinois , United States
Love the location, interior looks gorgeous. Place is always busy and for a good reason! Their coffee is amazing and I recommend the smoked salmon bagel, sometimes it may be hard to find a place to sit but don’t let that deter you from trying out Owl and Lark
Purchased a delicious hot chocolate on a cold rainy day. Hit the spot!
Looovvvee!
The lark smoothie is delicious.
Excellent coffee, they do no take cash!
A little extreme on the COVID restrictions, but food coffee and a nice atmosphere.
Rude and ignorant staff that waters down your smoothies doesn’t even put the correct amount of the extra supplements that you ask for. They just sprinkle it in there. Obviously they don’t understand how supplements work. My smoothie is always a different price but I order the same ingredients. Takes 15-20 minutes or longer for your order. The employees really need to go through customer service training and have better attitudes. One of the employees was placing the nut butter scooper near the others face. I will never give them one more penny of my hard earned dollars and neither should you. They are over priced and the quality of their food and drinks are below average. Tried to contact the owner and they are never around. Zero stars if I could.
Ummm whatever this flavorless concoction of a “smoothie” is it needs to be taken off the menu. It’s absolutely disgusting…and for $10 at that…I’ll pass
All water no coffee. Just paid $8 for a water logged Americano and mocha.
19. Maple Avenue Creamery
Address: 1146 N Maple Ave, La Grange Park, IL 60526 , La Grange Park , Illinois , United States
They have great shakes and sundaes. The people behind the counter and fast and very nice.
Delicious ice cream
OMG! The banana split! I ate the whoolleee thang
Great ice cream, friendly service
Service was terrible.
Ice Cream Sundaes were just okay.
You want ice cream they have ice cream. The staff is always friendly and the place is always clean.
closed when I went
Well went here because I saw ad that said they had Hawaiian shaved ice. Took my son ordered the shaved ice and basically it was crushed ice with cheap syrup. No real fruit and definitely nothing Hawaiian about it. Complete waste of money. However the girl behind the counter was very nice that’s why 2 stars instead of 1
Used to be a lot better. Very slow service. Got the wrong order. Make sure u check what u r getting.
20. Austin Music Center
Address: 6815 W North Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302 , La Grange Park , Illinois , United States
They are super nice and helpful people. I get my guitar supplies here.
Very friendly service
Excellent opportunities for students and ALL music lovers!
So happy you are still here!
I have had some good service from them in the past, but recently I have had a few problems, but nothing to big. I found cheaper ways to get the same thing I get from here but I still come for them for repairs and such.
Austin Music Center is a great neighborhood music store. It’s like the
Old school ma&pa stores of years gone
by. It has all things musical rite n our
Neighborhood. U no convenience ha ha
And real friendly people 2 accommodate your needs,musically that is. Go check it
Out 4 urself, don’t just take my word 4 it.
Althought u could; my word is better than
Gold Pepople!!! just kiddin. The corner of
Austin&North Ave is where u’ll find this
jewel. Peace b wit y’all. Bye
