Chicago Music Store
Long-running music shop with gear, strings and lessons, as well as repairs.
About Chicago Music Store
Chicago Music Store is a Tucson music shop serving musicians, educators, students, and families with instruments, books, accessories, gear, lessons, rentals, and repairs. The business describes itself as Southern Arizona's music store since 1919 and remains in its third generation of family ownership. With locations in downtown Tucson and on the eastside, Chicago Music Store has become part of the city's long-running musical landscape while continuing to support people who are choosing an instrument, preparing for school music, maintaining equipment, or developing their playing.
The store's selection covers a broad range of musical needs. Its offerings include guitars, keyboards, folk instruments, amplifiers, effects, PA gear, strings, brass, woodwinds, and related equipment. The shop also supplies books and accessories, giving Tucson musicians and music educators a place to find both instruments and the materials that support practice, teaching, and performance. The website highlights band and orchestra rentals as well, including an online reservation process for families seeking an instrument for a young musician's school program.
Lessons are another part of the store's work. Chicago Music Store says it has a full staff of experienced and friendly teachers who can help students learn nearly any instrument. The first two lessons are free, giving prospective students an opportunity to begin before committing to ongoing instruction. That offering sits alongside the store's role as a retailer and rental provider, allowing beginners, returning players, and more experienced musicians to approach their musical interests in different ways.
Repair services are available for a range of instruments and equipment. The store offers luthier, band, orchestra, and electronics repair through its experienced staff. These services address the practical side of keeping instruments and sound equipment in working condition, whether an instrument needs attention after regular use or a player is trying to keep a setup performing properly. Visitors can also explore specialized products and newer additions to the store's inventory. Recent website announcements have included PRS guitars and products, along with Meinl Sonic Energy instruments such as steel tongue drums, frame drums, gongs, singing bowls, and tuning forks.
Chicago Music Store's connection to Tucson extends beyond sales and services. The business has been recognized by local readers, including being voted "Best Music Store" by Tucson Weekly readers for twelve years in a row. A separate website post noted more than five consecutive years of recognition from the Arizona Daily Star. The store has also shared information about music events in southern Arizona, including the American Flute Retreat, a weekend coaching event focused on personal and chamber music instruction. Its website has highlighted local connections as well, including celebrating a store-associated student's graduation from Tucson High School and future involvement with the Pride of Arizona.
Tucson residents can begin by visiting either the downtown or eastside location, reserving a school rental online, or contacting the store about lessons, repairs, or available instruments. The shop also maintains an online store and offers financing through Synchrony Bank, with online prequalification available through its website. In person, visitors can browse instruments and gear, discuss rental needs, meet with lesson staff, or bring in an instrument or electronic setup for repair.