Profile
Music & Arts Gilbert AZ US
Music & Arts, located at 891 E Baseline Rd Ste 101, Gilbert, AZ, is a premier destination for all things musical, offering instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs tailored to musicians of all ages and skill levels. With a mission to “Make Musicians,” the company provides friendly, expert service from trained musicians, ensuring a personalized experience for customers. As the nation’s largest school music retailer and lesson provider, Music & Arts serves over 27,000 students through its extensive network of more than 500 retail and affiliate locations across the U.S.
Founded in 1952 by Benjamin O’Brien in Bethesda, MD, the company has grown into a nationwide leader in music education and retail, now headquartered in Frederick, MD. With 120 educational representatives and a commitment to fostering musical talent, Music & Arts continues to empower communities through accessible lessons, high-quality instruments, and comprehensive support. The brand’s legacy of nurturing musicians is reflected in its 179,569 LinkedIn followers and its enduring presence as a trusted name in the music industry.
Location Reviews
Music & Arts receives a mixed but predominantly negative customer experience, reflected in its 3.1-star rating based on 14 reviews and 17 complaints. Commonly mentioned issues include disorganized front-office operations, inconsistent billing practices, and poor customer service. Multiple reviewers highlight problems such as unexplained charges for canceled lessons, delayed or denied refunds, and a lack of accountability for errors. Some customers describe interactions with billing departments as unprofessional, with reports of miscommunication, suspicious handling of payment information, and failure to resolve disputes promptly. A recurring complaint involves incorrect charges for unreturned rented instruments or duplicate rental fees, which were not addressed even after repeated attempts to resolve them. These issues have led to significant financial stress for some customers and a loss of trust in the company’s operations.
Despite these widespread criticisms, a few reviews note positive experiences, such as a staff member’s professionalism in replacing a guitar string and a music instructor’s competence and enthusiasm. However, these exceptions are overshadowed by the majority of negative feedback. The company’s customer service is frequently criticized for being unresponsive, dismissive, or lacking transparency, with some reviewers describing interactions as deplorable or even fraudulent. While the in-store staff at certain locations is occasionally praised, systemic issues in billing, inventory tracking, and corporate communication persist, leading to frustration and a perception of poor accountability. Overall, the sentiment leans heavily toward dissatisfaction, with many customers advising against enrollment or continued use of the company’s services.