Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Music Instruments, Lessons & Repairs
Founded in 1958, Brighton Music Center has been a cornerstone of music education and retail in Western Pennsylvania. Our mission is to make music accessible at every stage, offering instrument rentals, personalized lessons, and expert repair services. With two full-line retail locations in New Brighton and Pittsburgh, we serve students, educators, and professional musicians through school partnerships, community programs, and a commitment to exceptional customer care. Recognized as NAMM 2025 Dealer of the Year and Best Customer Service recipient, our team of musicians and educators prioritizes integrity, legendary service, and community engagement.We provide school-approved instruments, flexible rental options, and a comprehensive lesson program taught by vetted instructors. Our history of innovation began with private lessons and evolved into a full-service music hub, supporting local schools, churches, and cultural institutions. Every repair, rental, and lesson reflects our core values: doing the right thing, delivering positive experiences, and fostering musical growth through personalized attention.
Services
Instrument Rentals
Music Lessons
Instrument Repairs
Retail Sales
School Programs
Group Classes
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- 60+ years of music education expertise since 1958
- NAMM award-winning customer service and retail excellence
- Flexible instrument rental program with school delivery
- Vetted instructors offering personalized music lessons
- Comprehensive repair services for all instrument types
Associations and certifications
- NAMM Dealer of the Year
- NAMM Best Customer Service
Services
Instrument Rentals
Affordable monthly instrument rentals for school programs and individual musicians. We offer educator-approved woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion instruments with flexible upgrade options. Our program includes school delivery and maintenance support.
Music Lessons
Personalized one-on-one music instruction from professional educators. Available for all skill levels across multiple instruments at our two Pittsburgh-area locations. Lessons include progress tracking and performance opportunities.
Instrument Repairs
Expert repair services for band, orchestral, and fretted instruments. Our technicians handle everything from minor adjustments to full restorations, ensuring optimal performance for student and professional instruments alike.
Retail Sales
Full-line retail store offering instruments, accessories, and sheet music. We carry top brands for musicians at all levels, including specialized gear for school programs and professional performers.
School Programs
Comprehensive support for school music programs including instrument rentals, delivery services, and educator partnerships. We provide fundraising assistance and curriculum-aligned resources for band and orchestra programs.
People
Brad Wittmer
Co-Owner
Co-owner since 2011, Brad Wittmer focuses on community engagement and instrument accessibility. He brings decades of music industry experience and a passion for connecting students with their first instruments.
Richard Schiemer
Co-Owner
Co-owner Richard Schiemer emphasizes ethical business practices and customer care. With deep musical roots, he ensures every client receives personalized attention while maintaining the company's educational mission.
Questions
How do I start an instrument rental?
Begin online through our Express Create Inspire portal or visit either location. We offer school-approved instruments with flexible payment plans and free setup for first-time renters.
What lesson options are available?
We provide one-on-one lessons for all instruments and skill levels. Scheduling is available up to 21 days in advance through our online system with experienced, vetted instructors.
Do you offer instrument repair services?
Yes, our expert technicians handle repairs for woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion. Services range from minor adjustments to complete restorations with same-day diagnostics available.
Are there group music classes?
We offer group classes in ukulele, songwriting, and music theory for all ages. Check our events calendar for current offerings and registration details.
What locations do you serve?
We have two Pittsburgh-area locations: New Brighton (1015 3rd Ave) and North Hills (2110 Babcock Blvd). Both offer full retail, rental, and lesson services.
Reviews (7)
Ryan Coleman
Jun 08, 2022
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As always, the crew at Brighton Music center was friendly, knowledgeable, patient, adaptive and timely. Why buy online when you can get customized recommendations from cool people? I thought I wanted an sm57 mic. But Matt was able to understand my specific need and recommend an alternative. He also got my guitar fixed up after it's been sitting in an attic for 13 years. Sounds like brand new. Can get that type of service online.
Erin D.
May 30, 2022
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Have been a customer at the North Hills location for 3 years, two of our children rented instruments for school here. All employees are very helpful and friendly. The rental program allowed us to pay a monthly rental fee while earning credit toward a new instrument for our son. Very happy with our experiences at Brighton Music Center.
Krista Ball
May 28, 2022
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After renting from Brighton for years, we decided to purchase a violin for my daughter. Brad was very knowledgeable and friendly. He made the whole process very smooth and easy. The wheel of savings was fun and saved us some additional money!
Anton Hristozov
May 19, 2022
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I bought a semi-hollow Ibanez guitar in May 2022 and am happy with the experience. I also got my acoustic Yamaha in 2017 here and came back to the same store because of the good treatment. The staff was nice and professional on both occasions. I trust them for their opinion and their help.
Kevin Coleman
Apr 21, 2022
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Myself and my whole family have gone to Brighton Music Center from the time my siblings and I began learning musical instruments in the 4th grade. We utilized every service Brighton Music Center has offered from lessons, purchasing of equipment to servicing equipment, equipment rentals etc. Every service offered by Brighton Music Center is top notch. The entire staff and ownership is professional personable, friendly, honest and knowledgeable.
Vince
Mar 15, 2022
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Very knowledgeable and welcoming staff. "Cortney" (My Cort 7 ff guitar) had major wiring issues and Matt fixed it in a day and a half! That also includes taking the time to make sure my battery lasted. I will definitely be back soon!
Lee P.
Jan 24, 2022
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If you need anything music or guitar related, then this is the best shop north of Pittsburgh. Can't recommend them enough and have had several guitars serviced there. Even bought a couple too. They know their stuff when it comes to repairs and maintenance, and they also are very accommodating for specific things you need like picks, string, etc. If they don't have it, they will get it for you and if it's something you frequently need then they'll keep it in stock as often as you need it.
The staff is always friendly, the owner and instrument service employees are top notch. They can answer nearly any question and are well informed on many things. Since moving to the area from another state, they have become my go-to music shop for anything I need. Always a fan of local business, and this shop certainly has what you need or at worse case can get it. Give them a try next time you need anything music related.
The staff is always friendly, the owner and instrument service employees are top notch. They can answer nearly any question and are well informed on many things. Since moving to the area from another state, they have become my go-to music shop for anything I need. Always a fan of local business, and this shop certainly has what you need or at worse case can get it. Give them a try next time you need anything music related.
