Business Details
49 Years
experience
Sacramento's Premier Music Education & Instrument Services
Tim's Music has been a cornerstone of Sacramento's music community since 1977, dedicated to promoting wellness through music education and performance. Our journey began as a repair bench and evolved into a comprehensive hub offering instrument rentals, sales, repairs, and lessons. With decades of combined experience, our team of certified technicians and instructors brings expertise to every service, from routine maintenance to major instrument restoration. We pride ourselves on serving students, professionals, and enthusiasts with personalized guidance and high-quality instruments. Our commitment extends beyond transactionswe foster musical growth through community programs, school partnerships, and educational outreach.Every repair, lesson, and rental reflects our passion for music's transformative power. As a locally owned business, we combine technical precision with a deep understanding of musicians' needs, ensuring instruments perform at their peak. Our acoustically treated lesson rooms and extensive inventory support every stage of a musician's journey. From beginner to advanced, we empower individuals to discover their musical potential while preserving the artistry of instrument craftsmanship. This philosophy has made us a trusted resource for generations of Sacramento musicians.
Services
Music Lessons
Instrument Rentals
Instrument Repairs
Music Sales
School Programs
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of music education expertise since 1977
- Certified technicians with 0.3% repair return rate
- Comprehensive services from rentals to masterclass instruction
- Community-focused approach with school partnerships
- Expertise in rare instrument restoration and customization
What people say
Expert technicians
Knowledgeable staff
Quality instruction
Community institution
Personalized service
Services
Private Music Lessons
Personalized 30-minute weekly lessons for all skill levels from beginner to professional musicians. Our certified instructors specialize in brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion, and voice. Each session focuses on technical development, musical interpretation, and performance confidence while tailoring instruction to individual learning styles and goals.
Instrument Repairs
Expert repair services for woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion instruments. Our technicians perform everything from minor adjustments to complete restorations using specialized tools and techniques. Each repair begins with a free evaluation to determine the optimal solution while maintaining the instrument's original integrity and sound quality.
Instrument Rentals
Comprehensive rental program featuring top-quality band and orchestra instruments. We offer student-to-professional grade instruments with flexible rental terms and upgrade options. Our rental instruments receive regular maintenance checks to ensure optimal playing condition throughout the rental period.
Music Sales
Extensive inventory of new and used musical instruments including brass, woodwinds, strings, and percussion. Our expert staff provides personalized instrument selection guidance and professional setup services. We carry accessories and specialized equipment for both student and professional musicians.
School Programs
Comprehensive support for school music programs including instrument rentals, repair services, and educational consulting. We partner with schools to provide bulk pricing, on-site maintenance, and customized solutions that support music education programs and ensure student access to quality instruments.
People
Scott Mandeville
President
Scott purchased Tim's Music in 2005 and expanded its services to include comprehensive repairs, lessons, and educational programs. With over 50 years of euphonium experience, he leads the company's mission to promote wellness through music education while maintaining technical excellence in instrument services.
Melissa Mandeville
Accounts Payable, Music Lessons
A music educator with 35 years of piano teaching experience, Melissa holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance. She contributes to curriculum development and teaches piano lessons while managing financial operations, bringing both artistic and administrative expertise to the business.
Tim Shirk
General Manager
With 30+ years in the music industry, Tim oversees daily operations and specializes in string instruments. A violinist with extensive manufacturer relationships, he ensures technical excellence in instrument services while maintaining the company's educational mission through community engagement.
Jim Hart
Director of Sales and Marketing
Jim manages sales operations and educational outreach programs with 20+ years of industry experience. His background as a band instrument representative informs strategic partnerships with schools while ensuring quality control across all customer service touchpoints.
Joshua Cambridge
Repair Team
A graduate of Renton Technical College, Joshua specializes in brass and woodwind repairs with prior experience at Uptown Music Exchange. His technical expertise combines with a passion for live performance, ensuring repaired instruments meet professional playing standards.
Questions
What instruments can I learn at Tim's Music?
We offer lessons for acoustic guitar, baritone, bassoon, cello, clarinet, electric bass, electric guitar, euphonium, flute, French horn, oboe, piano, saxophone, string bass, trombone, trumpet, tuba, ukulele, viola, violin, and voice.
How often should I schedule music lessons?
Weekly lessons provide optimal progress, with 30-minute sessions recommended for beginners. Intermediate and advanced students may benefit from longer sessions, maintaining consistent practice and instructor feedback.
Do you offer trial music lessons?
We require a four-lesson commitment to ensure meaningful progress. Single lessons don't provide sufficient value for either students or instructors, as musical development requires ongoing guidance and practice.
Can I reschedule missed lessons?
With 48-hour notice, you can reschedule or 'bank' your lesson for future use. Make-up lessons are subject to instructor availability and must be used within 30 days of the original appointment.
How are instrument repair costs determined?
All repairs start with a free evaluation to assess required work. Costs depend on damage extent and parts needed, with a minimum charge of $20 for basic repairs performed by our expert technicians.
Do you service out-of-state instruments?
Yes, we accept shipped instruments nationwide. Customers cover shipping costs, but our 0.3% repair return rate and expertise make us a preferred destination for complex repairs beyond local capabilities.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Bob Curzon
May 18, 2022
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Helpful, friendly service from an attentive staff. Looks like they have a serviceable auditorium for private performances, and sound proof practice studios.
Parr
Apr 27, 2022
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Tim's Music helped me out with the purchase of my new Cannonball Alto Sax 25th Anniversary. I was given the opportunity to try and play as many saxophones as I wanted before choosing this beauty. The staff here know what they are talking about and really care about your satisfaction. This place was amazing! For anyone looking for a sax or any other wind instrument, this is the spot! Thank you, Tim, for making this possible. My Cannonball plays amazing and it just looks amazing!
Eva Snow
Mar 24, 2022
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I can't say enough good things about this shop. I came in looking for a violin after not having played for 20 years. Tim, the owner, was incredibly kind, and patient and you can see how passionate he is about music, and in supporting the community( all ages). He took lots of time to show me around, educated me on different violins, and played a few ( at my request) and never once made it seem like a bother.
It was not awkward at all even though I had been out of the loop ( in regards to music) for a long time. In fact, even though I did not grow up in the area, I was immediately welcomed to take lessons there and it felt like being welcomed into a family/community and not a cold business transaction. I'm incredibly honored to have met such a kind individual ( everyone there was) and I'm thrilled to have found my "go to" music shop.
It was not awkward at all even though I had been out of the loop ( in regards to music) for a long time. In fact, even though I did not grow up in the area, I was immediately welcomed to take lessons there and it felt like being welcomed into a family/community and not a cold business transaction. I'm incredibly honored to have met such a kind individual ( everyone there was) and I'm thrilled to have found my "go to" music shop.
Lynne Viescas
Nov 05, 2021
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What a great place with the most positive atmosphere! As an adult beginner, I was afraid to go into a real music store for fear of feeling like a life failure in the presence of Actual Musicians. What I didn't know was that at Tim's I would be treated so kindly. They have all sorts of resources for those of us getting back into learning or just starting out.
Andy Truong
Jul 22, 2021
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Went here to get a trombone and to discuss about other instruments. This place is AMAZING to go to when getting a instrument. Everyone here is very friendly and Tim is a very very awesome guy to talk to. I highly recommend going here to buy an instrument.
Matthew Dobrovolskis
May 14, 2020
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Tim's is a great music store and venue. I attended an Orff Schulwerk workshop. It's a great location for classes and workshops as well.
