Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Music Education & Instrument Resource in Saint Paul
Cadenza Music has been a cornerstone of musical education and service in Saint Paul since 1974. Founded by Eugene Monnig and Dorothy Sauser-Monnig, the business has grown from a small music store to a comprehensive hub offering lessons, instrument sales and leasing, professional repair services, and community events. With over 30 experienced instructors, many of whom hold advanced degrees and perform professionally, we provide tailored instruction in 20+ instruments, voice, and songwriting for all skill levels. Our commitment to quality extends to our instrument repair shop, which has maintained instruments for both students and professionals since 1974, and our retail division, which offers top-tier instruments and accessories from brands like Yamaha and Amati. We pioneered a unique instrument leasing program with free maintenance and exchanges, ensuring accessibility for growing musicians.In 2019, long-time employee Dan Lehn became owner, expanding our community programs while preserving our legacy of excellence. Our state-of-the-art facilities include dedicated lesson studios, a recital space, and Studio 20, an intimate event venue for educational and entertainment purposes. We serve the Twin Cities community with a focus on fostering lifelong musical engagement through innovative programs like Cadenza Kids, which introduces early childhood music education. Our team combines decades of industry experience with a passion for music, reflected in our personalized approach to customer service and education. This enduring dedication to musical excellence and community enrichment has made Cadenza Music a trusted name in the Midwest music scene for nearly 50 years.
Services
Music Lessons
Instrument Repair
Instrument Leasing
Cadenza Kids Classes
Sheet Music Sales
Event Space Rentals
Guitar Lessons
Piano Lessons
Brass Repair
Woodwind Lessons
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We offer lessons with 30+ instructors holding advanced music degrees and professional performance experience.
- Our instrument leasing program includes free maintenance and size exchanges for growing musicians.
- Professional repair technicians with decades of experience service both student and professional instruments.
- We maintain the same high standards established in 1974 by our original founders.
- Our retail division carries premium instruments from Yamaha, Amati, and Alvarez.
What people say
Well stocked store
Friendly staff
Effective music lessons
Quality instruments
Excellent repair service
Services
Music Lessons
We offer personalized music instruction in 20+ instruments including piano, guitar, brass, and woodwinds, as well as voice and songwriting. Our experienced teachers hold advanced degrees and many perform professionally in the Twin Cities. Lessons cater to all skill levels from beginners to seasoned musicians, with flexible scheduling options available.
Instrument Repair
Our professional repair technicians service brass, woodwind, and stringed instruments with expertise developed over decades. We handle everything from routine maintenance to complex repairs, with specialized technicians for different instrument types. Our shop has maintained instruments for both students and professionals since 1974, ensuring optimal performance for every musician.
Instrument Leasing
Our comprehensive leasing program includes free maintenance, cleaning, and instrument exchanges as children grow. We offer top-quality instruments from Yamaha and other premium brands with flexible terms. The program includes optional insurance coverage and allows purchase at depreciated values, making it an economical choice for developing musicians.
Cadenza Kids
Our family music classes introduce infants through preschoolers to musical concepts through age-appropriate activities. The research-based curriculum develops creativity, language skills, and musical foundations through singing, movement, and instrument exploration. We also offer drop-off classes for 5-7 year olds and themed birthday parties in our Studio 20 event space.
Sheet Music Sales
We stock a curated selection of sheet music from major publishers including Faber, Hal Leonard, and Alfred. Our inventory caters to local teachers' needs and includes special order options at no additional charge. The collection features educational materials, performance pieces, and repertoire lists for various music programs and competitions.
People
Dan Lehn
Owner
Dan Lehn became owner of Cadenza Music in 2019 after working there for many years. He has expanded community programs while maintaining the business's legacy of excellence in music education and services.
Christina Pawlowski-Lehn
Founder and Lead Music Educator
Christina founded Cadenza Kids in 2023, developing early childhood music programs based on the Musikgarten curriculum. A professional singer and certified yoga teacher, she brings decades of musical experience and mindfulness teachings to family music classes.
Adrien Logsdon
Managing Director
Adrien oversees Cadenza Kids programming with a background in musical theatre education and early childhood music instruction. She previously founded Tiny Music LLC and brings experience teaching music to young children in Iowa.
Scott Mims
Woodwind and Brass Specialist
Scott has been with Cadenza since 2004, studying under Jean Carey to become shop manager. He specializes in woodwind and brass repair, maintaining the high standards that have made Cadenza a trusted repair shop for both students and professionals.
Andy Denny
Orchestral Strings Specialist
Andy graduated with honors in stringed instrument repair from Southeast Technical College. He combines violin repair expertise with experience building banjos at Nechville Musical Products, providing professional string instrument services to the Twin Cities community.
Questions
What music lesson options are available at Cadenza?
We offer individual lessons in 20+ instruments, voice, and songwriting for all skill levels with 30+ experienced instructors.
Do you provide instrument repair services?
Yes, our professional technicians service brass, woodwinds, and stringed instruments with expertise developed over decades.
What is your instrument leasing program?
Our leasing program includes free maintenance, size exchanges, and optional insurance with flexible terms for growing musicians.
Are there music classes for young children?
Yes, Cadenza Kids offers family music classes for babies through preschoolers and drop-off classes for 5-7 year olds.
What retail products do you offer?
We carry premium instruments from Yamaha, Amati, and Alvarez, along with sheet music, accessories, and musical supplies.
Do you host community events?
Our Studio 20 space hosts recitals, workshops, clinics, and performances by local and touring musicians.
Reviews (7)
Bandicoot Thundersnatch
Nov 14, 2021
Report
Lovvveeee this place. only been in a couple times, but the folks here are always so nice, and the variety of inventory is siiiiick!
Sathert
Apr 29, 2021
Report
Really nice people to work with. I just got an Alvarez AP-66 guitar from them and the instrument is beautiful, was set up just right. Wonderful place!
Karen Spitzfaden
Dec 25, 2019
Report
Do not take large instruments to be repaired or tuned up here. My tuba was scratched during a routine cleaning, and I deeply regret entrusting this place to care for my most important possession.
Mary S.
Feb 09, 2019
Report
This place is amazing! i took lessons here when i was a kid and still stop in for supplies when i'm in the twin cities. highly recommend cadenza!
Mitch Grussing
Jun 15, 2017
Report
This store is a gem! As a piano teacher, it's nice to have such a reliably well stocked store available when I'm picking up materials on my way to work. The staff are super friendly and helpful, too.
Ken Keate
May 04, 2016
Report
Their instrument repair folks are first rate. They advise me when a repair would not be worth it. They do excellent work on my euphonium. It comes in on time and on budget!
Dean Cummings
Feb 15, 2016
Report
A surprisingly well stocked local music store. Highly recommended! Stop here before leaving the neighborhood.
