Groth Music

Ohhhhh, I’m smitten!
I was out to find a beginner’s piano instruction book (I’m preparing myself for a 1-​year-​goal that begins next week on my 36^th Birthday to practice the piano everyday for 36 minutes! (at least)) and went on Unilocal to see the closest locations to me. It was between Guitar Center, Schmitt Music, and Groth Music.
Since I’m drawn to independently owned stores AND because I hadn’t heard of Groth, this was any easy decision.
Having grown up playing the cello during most of my childhood and into a bit of my childhood, as well as having picked up the guitar in high school & college, it only took a few steps before I was endeared to this store. The appearance on the outside from the parking lot gives off the 70s/80’s strip mall look, but the inside is filled with treasures untold (translation: the store contents COMPLETELY redeem the appearance of this store from the inside-​out)!
I’m not purposefully being dramatic here (but yes, PURPOSEFULLY punny) when I write that I felt a chord struck within. If no one else had been in the store, I honestly think I would have cried. I was feeling the sparks and regrets of having so much music buried underneath me for so long.
Even though I came for piano music, I looked to my left and saw that they had a stringed instrument room. Not only were there violins and violas, but there were multiple cellos & bass… and even harps in this smaller side room. Having played the cello, I generally had to go to specialty stores (like House of Note in St. Louis Park) that were very small and somewhat limited in selection. But here… HERE I was impressed with their variety of instruments. While looking longingly at the selection of cellos, I even heard someone pull out and play the hammer dulcimer (!). In another room, someone pulled down a guitar and started playing songs.
When I walked throughout the rest of the store, aisles and aisles of familiar, vaguely familiar, and very foreign instruments unfolded before me. I kept thinking ‘I HAVE to come back! I HAVE TO COME BACK!‘
To listen to music is one thing… to PLAY music is powerful!
When I finally forced myself to start looking for a beginner’s piano book, I found a large room full of music books, instructional cds, and sheet music. The variety is great and if I had allowed myself, I could have spent all day here reveling in old songs I once knew as well as knew songs I must know.
There is a handful of employees spread throughout the store and appear approachable. I didn’t seek out any help and wasn’t offered any, but it didn’t detract from my overall experience. My experience was beautiful and I will be back again!

Really kind and hard working people there. Store looks clean. Price is decent. Had my niece’s clarinet fixed in no time. Very knowledgeable on all aspects of an instrument. Especially coming from a person that doesn’t know what to ask they seem to already know what u need.

I know this is probably a great place to buy band instruments. This much I’m not disputing.
I also LOVE to support local businesses, especially ones that have been around as long as Groth has.
All that being said, I will never go there to look at guitar strings or accessories again. They do have a few sales people that strictly do guitars, but I can only assume that they all work on commission. I went there twice to look at strings and once to look at a capo and every time I was there the sales staff were helpful… Until somebody else walked in and picked up a $ 2k fender strat or a $ 3k Gibson LP and suddenly my string or capo purchase goes on the back-​burner while they leave me to «help» the other customer.
I have yet to actually purchase something from them because literally every time I try to I get bumped by somebody making a bigger purchase.

We went here because my six year old’s violin instructor recommended it. Our purpose was to rent a violin, something I know nothing about. They were very helpful in determining what size she needed and they promptly filled out the paperwork and got us on our way. Perhaps they just wanted my two small children out of their store before something got broken but I prefer to believe that they are just super helpful. They’re reasonably priced, too. $ 40 for the first four months and then $ 23 per month after that.

Groth offers a comprehensive collection of sheet music, from solo piano to full scores for the high school band. They also have a wide selection of instruments suitable for the beginner or professional. The percussion selection is notably wide-​ranging. Top quality instrument repair services are also available. Staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. Groth is a great resource for any musician.

This has to be the music teacher’s only music store!
They have a great selection of traditional and non-​traditional instruments, spanning the cost spectrum so you can chose the quality! Their selection of African drums makes my mouth water every time I walk in the store!
They have a great selection of music accessories too! I shop here for gifts, trinkets, posters and the like, especially when it is time to decorate my room. (They have a lot of good educational and non-​educational items as well.)
Their sheet music section is not as big as I might like to look through, but will definitely satisfy my need when I am looking.
They do offer lessons on a variety of instruments if you are interested.
Short and sweet review, but basically, you need to go there. If you are a music buff, or need a gift, you will definitely find something to buy and enjoy!

A very nice music store selling instruments of many kinds, sheet music, recorded music (not that much…), and instruction. From violins to clarinets, trumpets to drum sets… they have lots.
Over the years, I’ve purchased two guitars, an amp, and myriad guitar accessories at Groth and each one is still serving me well. I’m not sure if Felix is still working there, but he was a huge help when I was making my purchases.
Wish I had a Groth in Chicago!