Shopping local has many benefits, especially pertaining to music stores! Have you ever had questions about your instrument that you can’t just type into Google for an answer? Well your local music store has trained and qualified employees that can answer all your questions, and find you the best deals in your area!
Check out these 6 reasons why shopping at your local music store will benefit you MORE than large chains or online stores.
1. Friendly Staff that puts You and Your Needs First
Local businesses are just that – local. Business employees are members of the community where YOU live, work, and go to school. At a music store, this means that employees can offer insight into exactly what you need to know about your instrument, what retail items you may need, and music opportunities offered in your area.
Employees at local music stores like Shining Light Music are friendly and trained with a vast knowledge about all things music, instruments, repairs and more.
2. One-On-One Private Music Instruction
Private musical instruction is the BEST WAY to grow deeper in musical ability. Students who rely on school music class as their sole source of music education quickly fall behind other students who are practicing and gaining outside instruction.
Private instructors give invaluable personal feedback that is essential to musicians’ growth. Even the most talented school ensemble directors just don’t have the time or resources to give a classroom full of students the individualized feedback that they need in order to adapt their techniques and succeed on as deep of a level.
Shining Light Music, like many local music stores, has a wide range of well-trained and professional music instructors. Signing up for private lessons at a local music store could make a huge difference in your musical journey! You can find more information about our Music Lessons Program here.
3. The Ability to Browse Sheet Music
Let’s be honest, online stores are super convenient. But when it comes to browsing sheet music, more often than not, online stores only allow you to view one page of their product. Or they place a huge watermark across the majority of the page. How are you supposed to know what music will be a good fit for you or your students?
At a local music store like Shining Light Music, you can browse aisles of sheet music and educational material for all instruments. This gives you the ability to view the ENTIRE piece of music before you purchase it, so you know what you are buying. You just can’t get that anywhere else.
4. Personalized Feedback on Instrument Accessories and Supplies
With dozens of brand names, types of instrument oils, straps, strings, cases and more, it can be confusing to decide what music supplies you need. Music store employees are trained to give knowledgeable feedback on what retail items will make the most sense for YOU.
Small businesses pride themselves on their customer service, and we at Shining Light Music are no exception. Our employees give top-notch advice on what retail items make the most sense for you and your instrument. Just stop by our store and see for yourself!
5. Customized Instrument Repairs
Often times, music stores will have in-house repair technicians who work on instruments that are brought to the store. These technicians are trained professionals that are able to customize repairs to suit the needs of the customer.
Shining Light Music has several fantastic repair technicians who work both in-house and out. If you’d like to know more about our instrument repairs program, click here.
6. Music Classes, Camps and Programs
Music camps and programs are a great way to get musicians of all ages engaged in new ways to play music! Your local music store will likely have a variety of camps that they host or sponsor for students of all ages.
At Shining Light Music, we have a Preschool Music Program for kids ages 1-6, toddler dance classes, homeschool choirs and music classes, as well as summer camps for piano, ukulele, guitar, jazz, drums, and more depending on the year. All of these classes give students the opportunity to meet other musicians and work on their collaborative learning skills. These classes are also a great way to ease into private lessons later on!
7. We Know Our Customers!
Being a small business, we see many of our customers on a regular basis. Because we know our customers by name, we are able to give you the BEST service – and we love to do it!
We are a family owned and operated store, and we consider our customers to be our family. As part of our community, your requests won’t be neglected or brushed aside as is common with large corporations and businesses. We personally interact and follow-up with our customers to ensure they receive the best service possible.
Written By Julia McCall