Reviewed by:
Want to learn an instrument in 2020? These Birmingham shops can help
What better way to kick off 2020 than by taking steps to learn an instrument? Learning an instrument is not as daunting as it seems, especially with the help of these Birmingham resources.
Step 1: Get an Instrument
Before you can begin to learn how to play an instrument, you actually NEED that instrument first. From guitars and pianos to banjos and dulcimers, you can find just about any musical instrument in Birmingham. Check out these local stores to get started.
1. Highland Music
Open since 1981, Highland Music sells instruments, accessories, amplifiers and more. Personally, I buy all of my acoustic guitar strings here. Plus, they offer instrument repair AND music lessons. On most days, you can find owner Dan Murdoch running the shop.
- Location: 3000 Clairmont Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Hours: 10AM-6PM Sunday to Monday
- Contact: 205.254.3288 | Facebook
2. Fretted Instruments
Since 1974, Fretted Instruments has provided Birmingham with…you guessed it…instruments with frets. In addition, owner Herb Trotman has his own bluegrass band–so you know that he knows his stuff.
- Location: 2906 Linden Ave, Birmingham, Alabama
- Hours: 10AM–5:30PM, Monday to Saturday
- Contact: 205.879.6489 | Facebook
3. Art’s Music Shop
Art’s Music Shop was founded in Montgomery way back in 1905. Although Art’s specializes in instructing school bands and orchestras, they also sell and rent a wide range of musical instruments.
- Location: 4647 Highway 280 South Suite O, Birmingham, Alabama
- Hours: 10AM–6PM, Monday to Saturday
- Contact: 205.995.8376 | Facebook | Instagram
4. Homewood Musical Instrument Company
For over 30 years, Homewood Instrument‘s Bob Tedrow has been buying, selling, trading and repairing just about any stringed instrument you can think of. Sure, you could check out their inventory online, but I recommend you drop in and say hi.
- Location: 1712 28th Ave South, Homewood, Alabama 35209
- Contact: 205.879.4868 | Facebook | Instagram
Step 2: Learn How to Play
Okay, so now you’ve got your instrument. Now, how do you play it? With one of Birmingham’s music programs, of course!
1. Mason Music
Will Mason, owner of Mason Music, started playing the piano when he was just six years old. In 2012, he decided to share his love of music with Birmingham by teaching a number of musical skills to kids and adults throughout the city.
Additionally, Will is also the CEO of Mason Music Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides music lessons to low income individuals and those with developmental disabilities.
Contact: 205.957.6169 | Facebook | Instagram
Register for music lessons at Mason Music.
2. Birmingham School of Music
Since 1996, Birmingham School of Music has offered lessons in drums, guitar, bass, piano, violin, cello, voice and more. All lessons teach both the fundamentals of the instrument as well as how to read music!
- Location: 800 Olde Towne Rd, Birmingham, AL 35216
- Contact: 205.969.8763 | Facebook | Instagram
Register for music lessons at Birmingham School of Music.
3. Homewood School of Music
Homewood School of Music offers lessons in guitar, bass, piano, voice, drums, strings, brass, and woodwinds. Instructors at Homewood School of Music range from seasoned symphony musicians to rock and jazz artists!
- Location: 1736 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, Alabama
- Contact: 205.701.2144 | Facebook | Instagram
Register for music lessons at Homewood School of Music.
4. Samford Academy of the Arts
Samford Academy of the Arts offers everything from painting to mastering the basics of your camera. And music of course! Samford Academy of the Arts offers classes for kids, teens and adults in art, language, music, photography and more.
For aspiring musicians, Samford offers piano, violin, cello and voice lessons for students of all ages.
- Location: 1939 Lakeshore Dr S, Birmingham, Alabama
- Contact: 205.726.2739 | Facebook | Instagram
Register for music lessons at Samford Academy of the Arts.
What instrument would you like to learn in 2020? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know!
