Do you need a list of musical instrument stores in Illinois? Below we’ve featured 10 of the state’s best shops for musical instruments.
1. Evolution Music
Evolution Music is a beloved local name has grown over the years to serve four locations in Illinois, including the greater Chicago area. Evolution is an excellent stop for quality, budget instruments and gear, specializing in used instruments and lessons. Evolution Music is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and from 12-5 p.m. on Sunday.
Whether you need instruments for your kid’s band, something new to learn, or the basics (and beyond) for guitars or drums, Evolution is sure to have a touch of something for everyone. And if that’s not your speed, you can sign up for lessons or even send the kids to a summer day camp or Rock Academy!
Go to Evolution Music’s Facebook page to reach out.
2. Old Town School Music Store
Old Town School Music Store is a nationally-recognized collection of instruments, books, and accessories attached to Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music. All proceeds from the Music Store go towards the Old Town School of Folk Music. The Old Town School (OTS) Music Store is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and is closed on Sundays.
In Chicago’s annual poll, OTS Music Store was awarded the 2017 Best Instrument Store in the city, and the cause is apparent. They offer countless types of American folk instruments, from guitars and mandolins to banjos and ukeleles. And if you’re seeking books, additional gear, or even to donate gently-loved instruments, OTS Music Store is more than happy to accommodate.
Go to Old Town School Music Store’s contact page to reach out.
3. Tobias Music
Tobias Music is a family-owned and operated music store in Downer’s Grove that’s served the area for over 40 years. After years of playing live gigs, teaching guitar, and having a general love for American folk music, Margaret and Ken Tobias opened the shop. Tobias Music is open from 12-6 p.m. Monday to Saturday and closed on Sundays.
From guitars and amps to lessons, repairs, and Garage Band U, each offering from Tobias Music come with the experience of a family that’s lived and breathed music for nearly half a century. And if you’re a Taylor Guitar lover, you’ll be pleased to know that Tobias Music has been in partnership with Taylor for over 35 years!
Go to Tobias Music’s contact page to reach out.
4. Don’s Music Land
Right in the heart of Peoria, Don’s Music Land has been a part of the community for over 50 years. They’re a well-known source for pianos, percussion, repairs, and lessons, among many other offerings. Don’s Music Land is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, and closed Sunday.
Do you want to learn an instrument? Reach out to Don’s and learn from a highly-experienced instructor. Maybe you need a piano, percussion, or even something stringed? They have a wealth of instruments on offer. In short, no matter your needs, Don’s Music Land has you covered – so swing by!
Go to Don’s Music Land’s contact page to get in touch.
5. Kidder Music
Kidder Music is a Peoria favorite. The founders, James and Floride Kidder, began as a school instrument servicing company and grew into selling and repairing instruments. Kidder Music is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, closes a half-hour early on Fridays, and is open from 9:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Kidder Music is closed on Sundays.
Kidder Music has a hand in just about every part of the Peoria music scene, from instrument rentals and sales to sheet music and repairs. You can rent individual instruments, find great prices on your kids’ band and orchestra needs, or get the occasional repair (when needed). Overall, Kidder Music is an excellent source for your musical needs – or those of the kids!
Go to Kidder Music’s contact page to reach out.
6. PM Music Center
PM Music Center is an Aurora household name and has remained as such since opening in 1982. PM Music specializes in band and orchestra rentals, repairs, and sales (among other offerings) and is known for its fantastic service. PM Music Center is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and closed on Sunday.
Among the many services on offer at PM Music are the rentals and sale of band and orchestra instruments. You’ll find brass, strings, woodwinds, percussion, and more, along with excellent lessons, repair services, and the occasional event!
Go to PM Music Center’s contact page to get in touch.
7. Players Guitar
Located in Worth, Players Guitar is the self-described top spot for guitar service, custom & used guitars and bases, and lessons in the southern Greater Chicago area. They’ve been a part of the community since 1992 and have earned their reputation through quality service and excellent instruments. Players Guitar is open from 12-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and closed on Sundays.
As the name implies, Players Guitar primarily focuses on guitars and basses. They also offer every type of accessory you can imagine – from amplifiers to sheet music and picks, strings, and cases. If you need something a bit more specific, Players Guitar offers instrument service and lessons, along with all sorts of merch.
Go to Players Guitar’s contact page to get ahold of a guitar expert.
8. Sam Ash Music Stores
Sam Ash is a well-known major chain retailer for music and instruments in the Midwest and eastern U.S. Among the many other locations in the area is their Buffalo Grove spot, specializing in the entire gamut of musical needs (as is common with major chains). Sam Ash Music in Buffalo Grove is open from 12-7 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from 12-6 p.m. on Sundays.
Sam Ash’s inventory and services are incredibly extensive. From used to new, high-end professional to beginner budget gear, there’s something for every musician in Sam Ash. They offer 17 of the best-known brands in music and even help with financing and the occasional giveaway!
Go to Sam Ash Buffalo Grove’s store page to reach out.
9. Ellman’s Music Center
Ellman’s Music Center is one of Naperville’s most beloved music shops. Founded in 1958 by professional saxophonist Gil Ellman, the store has grown in both reputation and size in the following years. Ellman’s Music Center is open from10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, closes an hour early on Saturday, and is closed on Sundays.
Ellman’s Music Center has a broad array of services and products on offer. They offer many instruments in numerous styles to buy, countless accessories, and a swathe of lessons, repairs, and rentals for band or orchestra. All in all, Ellman’s is a fantastic one-stop-shop for all things music.
Go to Ellman’s Music Center’s contact page to, well, contact them.
10. The Music Shoppe
While located in Normal, The Music Shoppe is anything but normal. What initially began as a drum and guitar shop in Bloomington (a.k.a. Noonan’s Music Co.), founded by professional drummer John Noonan, has since grown into a major success. The Music Shoppe is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, closes an hour early on Saturdays, and is closed Sundays.
Nowadays, The Music Shoppe is your one-stop-shop for all things band and orchestra. You can rent or buy (marching/jazz) band and orchestra instruments and accessories, guitars, pianos, drums, and so much more. And if you need lessons or repairs – The Music Shoppe has you covered.
Go to The Music Shoppe’s contact page to get in touch.
