Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Musical Instruments & Lessons
Kennelly Keys Music has been family-owned and operated since 1960, dedicated to providing quality instruments, expert repairs, and exceptional customer service. Founded by Roy and Patricia Kennelly as a school of music and dance, the business expanded to become one of the Pacific Northwest's leading full-line music retailers. The company has weathered economic challenges, technological changes, and a global pandemic while maintaining its commitment to music education and community support. Today, our team of passionate musicians and educators continues to offer a comprehensive selection of instruments, rentals, repairs, and educational services. We pride ourselves on combining decades of experience with a deep understanding of musicians' needs, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional.Our union with American Music in 2007 strengthened our position as a regional leader while maintaining distinct identities for both brands. We operate multiple locations across Washington state, each staffed by knowledgeable experts who share our love for music. From instrument repairs to educator services, our operations are designed to support music creation and learning at every level. Our history of community involvement and dedication to quality has made us a trusted name among local musicians. This legacy continues through our unwavering focus on customer satisfaction and our ongoing support for music education initiatives.
Services
Instrument sales
Music rentals
Instrument repairs
Private lessons
Educator services
Event rentals
Used gear trade-in
Details
- Year established: 1960
Highlights and features
- We are family-owned and operated since 1960 with deep local roots
- Our expert repair team maintains instruments to professional standards
- We offer free local delivery across the Pacific Northwest
- Our experienced educators have supported music programs for decades
- We combine the personal touch of a family business with professional expertise
Services
Instrument Repairs
Our expert technicians handle repairs for guitars, band instruments, orchestral instruments, and electronic equipment. With skilled professionals trained in multiple instrument categories, we ensure your equipment receives proper care. Our team offers both walk-in services and repairs for local schools and professionals, with competitive hourly rates and transparent pricing.
Music Rentals
We offer comprehensive rental programs including school band instruments, digital pianos, guitars, brass, woodwinds, percussion, and orchestral instruments. Our rental packages cater to students at all levels while providing flexibility for professional musicians needing temporary equipment solutions. Free local delivery options enhance accessibility to our rental inventory.
Educator Services
Our dedicated Educator Services Department assists local schools with instrument distribution, equipment maintenance, and festival organization. We provide quick turnaround times for classroom needs, maintain relationships with local educational institutions, and offer specialized support during music education events throughout the year.
Used Gear Trading
We facilitate instrument trading with expert valuation services for both sellers and buyers. Our experienced staff helps musicians upgrade equipment or find quality pre-owned instruments at accessible prices. This service combines decades of industry knowledge with community-focused pricing strategies.
Music Lessons
Offering instruction in piano, guitar, saxophone, clarinet, percussion, and more, our lessons cater to all skill levels. Our teaching staff combines technical expertise with personalized instruction methods, continuing our founding mission of music education since 1960.
People
Roy W. Kennelly
Co-Founder
Founded Kennelly Keys Music in 1960 with Patricia V. Kennelly, establishing it as a comprehensive music education and retail provider. His vision for community-focused music services laid the foundation for the business's long-term success and regional impact.
Patricia V. Kennelly
Co-Founder
Co-founded the business with Roy W. Kennelly, contributing expertise in dance instruction and operations management. Played a key role in developing the initial business model combining music education with retail services, shaping the company's community-oriented approach.
William Kennelly
Owner
Took leadership of the family business in 1994 after his father's passing. With an economics background and strong community connections, he successfully navigated multiple economic cycles and technological changes while maintaining the company's core values and educational mission.
Andy Aldridge
Co-Founder (American Music)
Established American Music in 1973, becoming a key figure in Seattle's music scene. Partnered with Kennelly Keys in 2007 to preserve the legacy of both businesses while mentoring the next generation of music industry leaders.
Questions
What services does Kennelly Keys Music offer?
We provide musical instrument sales, rentals, repairs, private lessons, educator support services, and event equipment rentals across the Pacific Northwest region.
When was Kennelly Keys Music founded?
The business was established in 1960 by Roy and Patricia Kennelly as a music and dance school that eventually expanded into a full-service music retail operation.
Do you offer instrument repair services?
Yes, our expert technicians handle repairs for guitars, band/orchestral instruments, and electronic equipment with competitive pricing and quality service guarantees.
Are there multiple store locations?
We operate locations in Lynnwood, Bellevue, Everett, and Seattle, each offering specialized services while maintaining consistent quality and customer support standards.
What payment options exist for purchases?
While specific payment methods aren't detailed on our website, we accept major credit cards and offer flexible financing options for qualified purchases.
Reviews (7)
Kerry Elliott
Jun 03, 2022
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Helpful staff. I wanted to buy a ukulele as a beginner and found a second hand instrument that was high quality but in my budget. 10 out of 10 would shop there again
Stone Age
May 28, 2022
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Wow, I think it's probably the oldest Seattle music store or one of them. Pretty much comprehensive. Guitars, percussion, synths, live sound.
Lauren Lavin
May 22, 2022
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The way music stores should be. Friendly staff and no pressure sales folks. I've dropped my instruments off here for setups and special fret work etc and it's always top notch for a great price. My friends have had the same experiences as well with their custom instruments. Friendly staff that let us demo pedals, amps, guitars etc.
Tomcat
May 14, 2022
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Over the years, I've bought 2 ukuleles, 1 electric and 2 acoustic guitars from American music. Completely satisfied with all 5. Great quality and pricing. No heavy sales tactics. Unless you have any questions, Tom and the crew just--leave you alone. Excellent repair work, friendly and most importantly-- mellow. A very good music store.
E. Ostasiewski
Apr 25, 2022
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Awesome place for guitars, bass, drums, pianos, synths, microphones, and speakers. Customer service was not a hassle and helpful.
Matt Terich
Apr 18, 2022
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Great local music shop. Tyler in guitar repair helped me find the right components so I could replace my guitar electronics and helped me troubleshoot a problem with it. Solid place, solid dude.
TheFlying Mechanic
Mar 08, 2022
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Newbie here, Came in to get my any-gig portable guitar truss adjustment (free of charge). Cody did the adjustment and helped with most of the shopping and things I needed to get playing again. He was Super Helpful, Respectful, and Nice. I'm always coming to American Music for my equipment now. I give it 11 Stars!
