Starting a new instrument is always exciting and sometimes overwhelming as you don’t know where to start. It is important to buy instruments at reputable places, and to avoid buying any instrument online unless you have already tried it out or have spoken to someone who has extensive knowledge about the instrument. This way, you are able to try and compare a few instruments of different quality and price points, and to prevent compromising the quality and durability of the instrument. This will also save you from future heartache of spending on unnecessary repairs.
Most music stores sell the accompanying music accessories (ie. Music stands, shoulder rests, foot rest) and music books for beginner to amateur musicians. If you are still unsure about your level of commitment to an instrument, many reputable stores also offer monthly instrumental rentals so that you can decide if that instrument or make is truly what you are prepared to commit to.
Here are the following stores that cater to your price point and playing level.
1. Long and McQuade
Instruments Available:
A variety including strings, wind, piano, guitars, drums
Location(s):
Markham, Scarborough, Downtown Toronto
Website:
Price:
$ - $$
A great store if you are a beginner or amateur musician. The store offers a variety instrument for sale and rental at different price points. They offer classical, contemporary, jazz, and educational music books as well as theory books. If you have a problem with your instrument, they offer repair and maintenance services as well. Once you have outgrown your instrument, they offer a trade-in option towards purchasing a new instrument. They also sell second hand instruments for those who are on a budget but would like to explore instruments of a higher quality.
2. Pro Music
Instruments Available:
A variety including strings, wind, piano, guitars, drums
Location(s):
Markham, Richmond Hill
Website:
Price:
$ - $$
Offers instrument for sale and rental, repair services, rentals, and music lessons, audio systems. Offers group lessons for certain instruments and theory lessons for students interested in broadening their musical depth.
3. Cosmo Music
Instruments Available:
A variety including strings, wind, piano, guitars, drums
Location(s):
Richmond Hill
Website:
Price:
$ - $$
Has its own music concert hall their student recitals, special events, and the hall is also available for rental. Besides strings, winds, and pianos, they also have an extensive collection of electric and acoustic guitars, amps, as well as equipment for sound, lighting, and DJ-ing.
4. Remenyi House of Music
Instruments Available:
Strings, Piano, Guitar
Location(s):
Downtown Toronto
Website:
Price:
$$ - $$$
Sells a variety of educational and contemporary music books. Each department has an associate that is well-versed in their instrumental department and are happy to recommend you an instrument according to your playing level.
5. Infiniti Strings
Instruments Available:
Strings (Violin, Cello, Viola, Guitar)
Location(s):
Markham
Website:
Price:
$$ - $$$
Specializing in string instruments, their associates have in depth knowledge regarding their instruments and are able to match students to an instrument according to their playing level. They also offer a variety of detailed repair and maintenance services for string instruments. They have their own music concert hall for student recitals, and special performances. The hall is also available for rental.
6. Steinway Piano Gallery
Instruments Available:
Digital, upright, and grand pianos
Location(s):
Markham and Missasauga
Website:
Price:
$$ - $$$
Specialized in selling pianos, they carry a range of upright, grand, and digital pianos from top brands. There is an option of buying a pre-owned piano so you do not have to compromise quality for your budget.
7. The Soundpost
Instruments Available:
Strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass)
Location(s):
Downtown Toronto
Website:
Price:
$$ - $$$
A string specialist store, they sell a range of string instruments for serious beginners to professional musicians. You are welcomed to try out their instruments in store, or borrow it for several days to try it out in the comfort of your own home. They have a separate store downstairs that sells books for solo, chamber, and orchestral music.
Best of luck in your search! If you are looking for teachers, click here to see the list of professional musicians and teachers Soundbox Studios offers.