Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Music Partner in Peoria, IL
At Kidder Music, we have dedicated our work to fostering music education in Central Illinois for five decades. Since 1974, we have provided quality rental instruments, repair services, sheet music, and accessories to support students in school band and orchestra programs. Our founder, Jim Kidder, combined his expertise as a former band director with industry experience to establish a company that prioritizes student success. Over 50 years, we expanded our offerings to include digital keyboards, lesson studios, and comprehensive school program partnerships while maintaining our commitment to personalized service. Our team of skilled technicians, including NAPBIRT-certified professionals, ensures every instrument meets rigorous standards.We travel extensively across Central Illinois to bring music education resources directly to classrooms. Our Peoria facility houses a full showroom, warehouse, and lesson spaces designed to industry standards. We continually invest in infrastructure improvements, most recently expanding our lesson studios in 2019. As a family-owned business, we remain focused on our core mission: empowering musical journeys through exceptional products and expert support. Our staff combines decades of industry knowledge with ongoing training to deliver reliable service that parents and educators can trust.
Services
Instrument Rentals
Music Lessons
Repair Services
Sheet Music Sales
School Programs
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We have 50 years of experience serving Central Illinois music education.
- Our NAPBIRT-certified technicians ensure professional instrument repairs.
- We offer flexible rental programs with purchase options and early payoff discounts.
- Our staff provides personalized support for beginning musicians of all ages.
- We maintain a modern facility with dedicated lesson studios and repair spaces.
Services
Instrument Rentals
Our flexible instrument rental program offers new, like-new, and used options for students of all ages. Customers can exchange instruments, make early payments, or purchase their rental. With 50 years of experience, we ensure quality instruments that meet educational needs while providing worry-free maintenance. Our Illinois-only program includes popular band and orchestra instruments.
Music Lessons
We offer personalized music lessons through our studio spaces designed to meet industry standards. Our qualified instructors provide instruction on various band and orchestra instruments. The program has expanded since 1974 to include dedicated teaching studios and specialized lesson formats. All lessons take place at our Peoria campus with teachers trained in modern pedagogical techniques.
Repair Services
Our professional repair services are performed by NAPBIRT-certified technicians who maintain industry-standard quality. We handle all common band and orchestra instruments with comprehensive maintenance and restoration capabilities. The service department has grown alongside our rental program since 1974, maintaining its reputation for reliable, expert repairs that extend instrument life and ensure optimal performance.
School Programs
We provide comprehensive music education support through direct school partnerships across Central Illinois. Our representatives travel to classrooms with instruments, supplies, and repair services. This program builds on our founding mission to make music accessible, offering tailored solutions for school band and orchestra programs. We maintain relationships with educators through consistent in-person visits and customized resource delivery.
Sheet Music Sales
We supply a wide range of sheet music and educational materials for beginning musicians and advanced students. Our inventory includes ILMEA repertoire, popular music collections, and specialized instructional resources. The catalog has expanded since 1980 to include digital piano resources and contemporary arrangements. We ensure our materials align with school curriculum requirements and modern teaching methods.
People
Jim Kidder
Founder
Jim Kidder co-founded the company in 1974 combining his experience as a former band director and music industry salesman. He established the business's educational focus and commitment to quality instruments. His leadership set standards that continue guiding our 50-year mission of supporting music education in Central Illinois.
Beth Kidder Houlihan
President
Beth Kidder Houlihan assumed leadership as president during the company's expansion phase. She oversaw the 2019 studio expansion and modernization projects. Her leadership maintains our family-owned values while implementing operational improvements that enhance service delivery to Central Illinois schools and music students.
Questions
What rental instruments are available?
We offer new, like-new, and used band and orchestra instruments including trumpets, clarinets, trombones, flutes, and string instruments. Our program allows exchanges at any time and includes maintenance support.
Do you serve areas outside Peoria?
While rentals are Illinois-only, our school service representatives travel extensively across Central Illinois to provide instruments, supplies, and repair services directly to classrooms.
What repair services do you offer?
Our NAPBIRT-certified technicians handle maintenance and restoration for all common band and orchestra instruments. Services include cleaning, adjustments, and complete overhauls performed to industry standards.
How can I get music lessons?
Our Peoria campus features dedicated lesson studios with qualified instructors. Lessons are available for most band and orchestra instruments. Contact us directly to schedule sessions with our experienced teaching staff.
What sheet music options exist?
We carry ILMEA repertoire, popular music arrangements, holiday collections, and educational materials for all skill levels. Our inventory supports both classroom needs and individual practice requirements.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept major credit cards for rentals and services through our secure online payment system. Customers can also manage payments and credit cards through their Kidder Music account portal.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Jordan S.
May 31, 2022
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I rented a trumpet from here for my son during the 21-22 school year. It was easy to sign up and pay online and a rep dropped it off at his school. Recently, something happened to the valves and they picked it up, had it fixed and back to the school in a day! Impressive. I chatted with a rep about returning the trumpet as my son may not be in band next year. The return was quick and easy and they are even going to pick it up from his school. I love the simplicity of everything and will definitely rent from here again if my son decides to join band again.
Justin Porto
Mar 09, 2022
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My son, a neophyte to the music world, has been drawn into the beautiful, intricate art of learning to play the cello. Although only 9 years old, Adam exhibits the curiosity and passion to learn this regal instrument. His soaring success in a few short months can be attributed to his instructor, Justin, who has the patience, and concern to teach young minds, and he imparts both the physical skills as well as the theory and rationale for everything he teaches, which my information hungry son devours and internalizes. Justin is the reason my son will continue his endeavor to play the cello, when many kids start then get bored and quit musical instruments. Kudos to this fine, accomplished instructor who himself has written books on playing cello as well as played in philharmonic orchestras, and knows the subtleties of teaching this instrument.
Paul Hindemith
Nov 08, 2021
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Have purchased both a Flugelhorn and Piccolo Trumpet at Kidder Music as well as teaching supplies and methods books. Had excellent service recently deciding on then ordering a Piccolo Trumpet that arrived in one week a had a instant rebate applied. Beth Houlihan was excellent to work with and I can count on the team to take care of any needs I have in the future.
London Rutledge
Nov 08, 2021
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My daughter needed a violin for lessons at her school. Everything was super easy and I love the affordable payment plans for a mom like me that's on a budget.
Madeline Wood
Oct 16, 2021
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I recently ordered a ton of sheet music for a festival. Every time I called Kidder Music, I was greeted in a pleasant and professional manner. Jamie, the Print Music Manager, was extremely patient with my many questions, calls, and orders. I appreciated his excellent communication and willingness to go the extra mile to make sure I had the music in time.
Latanya Johnson
Oct 13, 2021
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Great customer service. Fast and very polite. The monthly payments are very reasonable if you're looking to rent new or used instruments. Love that I was able to purchase the accessories and instrument at one place with fast delivery. Keep up the good work!
Faith Simpson
Apr 14, 2021
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Great people, there to help! Offered me a lot of helpful information on an old instrument of mine, and went to extra work to fix the broken string when they noticed a little manufacturing problem that made it harder to change the string at no extra cost. Friendly and comfortable atmosphere. Well-priced products, as well.