Business Details
44 Years
experience
Your Trusted Music Store for Rentals, Lessons & Repairs in Toms River
Garden State Music Center has been a trusted provider of musical instruments, lessons, and services since 1982. Our commitment to quality, accessibility, and community has made us a cornerstone of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. We specialize in instrument rentals, music instruction, and repair services, catering to students, professionals, and music enthusiasts at every stage of their journey. With decades of experience, our team delivers personalized attention and expert guidance to help customers find the right instruments, accessories, and learning resources. Our locally owned and operated business emphasizes affordability and convenience, offering rent-to-own programs, in-store and virtual lessons, and fast repair turnaround times.We partner with schools to supply instruments and prioritize customer safety through enhanced sanitation protocols. Our inventory includes guitars, keyboards, brass, woodwinds, and percussion instruments from trusted brands, ensuring reliable options for every budget. By combining technical expertise with a passion for music, we empower our community to explore and grow their musical talents. Our facility in Toms River, NJ, serves as a comprehensive destination for all things music-related. Through consistent innovation and service excellence, we continue to turn musical hobbies into lifelong passions for generations of customers.
Services
Instrument Rentals
Music Lessons
Instrument Repairs
Retail Sales
School Programs
Virtual Lessons
Setup Services
Accessory Sales
Instrument Cleaning
Rent-to-Own
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We offer 38+ years of experience serving local music communities
- Our in-house repair specialists complete most band/string instrument repairs in 1-3 days
- All rental payments contribute toward instrument purchase in our rent-to-own program
- Certified instructors provide personalized in-store and virtual lessons for all ages
- We maintain strict sanitization protocols for safe lesson environments
Services
Instrument Rentals
We provide student and professional instrument rentals for band and string instruments. Our program features no registration fees, quality name-brand instruments, and payments that apply toward purchase. Affordable monthly rates available for new and used options.
Music Lessons
Private one-on-one instruction available for all ages and skill levels. Certified teachers offer lessons in guitar, piano, drums, strings, woodwinds, brass, and voice. Options include in-store and virtual sessions with flexible scheduling.
Instrument Repairs
Professional repair services for wind and string instruments completed in 1-3 days. Our specialists handle dents, scratches, internal damage, restringing, and tuning. Most parts maintained in stock for faster service turnaround.
Retail Sales
Full selection of new and used musical instruments, accessories, and sheet music. Inventory includes guitars, keyboards, brass, woodwinds, percussion, and string instruments. We carry quality brands suitable for all skill levels and budgets.
School Programs
We partner with local schools to provide instrument rentals and supplies. Our program offers convenient delivery/pickup and supports music education through quality instruments and educational resources for students and educators.
People
Mike Mastropierro
Drum Instructor
Over 12 years teaching experience with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. Audio engineer and ukulele enthusiast with expertise in public and private lesson settings.
Don Fenimore
Piano/Vocal Teacher
Guitarist and keyboardist who studied with Don Lawrence (Lady Gaga's vocal coach). Experience in popular NJ bands and live performance at Jersey Shore venues. Experienced in vocal and instrumental instruction.
Zach Thomas
Saxophone Instructor
2020 graduate from William Paterson University with saxophone expertise. Combines modern teaching methods with performance experience to develop students' technical and creative skills.
Steve Szucs
Guitar Instructor
Bachelor of Music from Monmouth University and MBA from Georgian Court College. 15+ years teaching guitar with a focus on personalized instruction for all skill levels.
Laura Carattini
Band Instruments Teacher
Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from West Chester University. 10 years teaching experience with 5 years at Garden State Music Center. Current Toms River schools teacher.
Questions
How do I start instrument rental service?
Visit our Toms River showroom to select an instrument, complete rental paperwork, and take it home immediately with no sign-up fees.
Are music lessons available for all skill levels?
Yes, we provide private instruction for beginners through advanced musicians in multiple instruments with experienced teachers.
How long do instrument repairs typically take?
Most band and string instrument repairs complete in 1-3 days when parts are in stock at our Toms River location.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Monmouth and Ocean Counties including Brick, Jackson, Point Pleasant, Manasquan, and Belmar, NJ.
Do you offer virtual music lessons?
Yes, we provide online music lessons for students who prefer remote instruction while maintaining progress.
Are rental payments applied toward purchase?
Yes, all rental payments apply directly toward the purchase price in our rent-to-own program.
Reviews (6)
David Estey
Jun 22, 2022
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Friendly caring service, had exactly what I needed and helped me with a referral. Brick and Mortar at its best!
Don Giannico
Mar 13, 2022
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Great Experience I had a terrific experience at Garden State Music purchasing a guitar. The Associate Lisa was cordial and informative and the atmosphere in the store was very pleasant. Zach was very polite and helpful too. A healthy array of instruments and accessories and I found an instrument that fits my taste more than when I traveled far to Guitar Center and Sam Ash. There were a couple of guitar set up issues which they courteously and professionally attended to also. I highly endorse this music store.
Mark Fisher
May 04, 2021
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Dropped off my trumpet for a deep clean and got it back in mint condition. I could tell from the first lick my sound was better. While I am at fault for letting 10+ years ago without getting treatment done, GSMC did a great job getting it back in shape! Thanks all!
Michael Antoniotti
Jan 31, 2021
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The team here is professional and responsive to my guitar needs.which never ends. The key word is trust. You can trust them with all your fine guitars and get pro results.
Blu Xo
Jun 15, 2020
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This place is the real deal. Only place you should ever buy an instrument from! They are reliable and have a great relationship with every customer. You can get any instrument, even rent them, and they do lessons for every instrument even vocal lessons! Everyone there is so professional, down to earth, and skilled in their profession! Also Don is a great vocal coach! This place is great, you gotta check it out!
Steve Fenton
Jan 18, 2020
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All I want to say is that my stepson took guitar lessons with the owner of Garden State Music, Bill Merritt, and he was fantastic. Bill always went above and beyond for him, changing his strings, repairing his guitar and supplying him with everything he needed at no cost. When my stepson showed up for lessons without a guitar strap, Bill grabbed a brand new one off the wall and told us not to worry about it. Throughout our time there, Bill also supplied him with brand new books, picks, and other accessories. Bill is a great musician and a generous man. Everyone should go support his business!
