Lakewood Music Academy

This music store's charm is its independence from the "chain store" trend that's overtaken most of America. Service is personalized. The store reminds me of the independently-owned music shop in PA where I took my first music lessons 30 years ago: Just a couple of knowledgeable salespeople plus a staff of highly-skilled (though not elitist) instructors; a showroom with cool instruments and gadgets but not an overwhelming amount of stimuli; instrument repairs can be done on-site. It's not just a place to buy instruments and take lessons; it has a community-minded mission.