Business Details
50 Years
experience
Your Trusted Music Store in San Rafael for Instruments & Lessons
The Magic Flute has been a cornerstone of the San Rafael music community since 1976, founded by Michael Mitchell and now led by Christian Dean. Our mission is to celebrate and nurture the transformative power of music through a wide range of services, including instrument sales, rentals, repairs, and music lessons. With a team of over a dozen dedicated professionals, many of whom have worked here for decades, we combine deep industry expertise with a passion for fostering musical growth. Our repair shop, staffed by experienced technicians, ensures instruments remain in optimal condition, while our music lessons program caters to all skill levels. We pride ourselves on maintaining a welcoming, inclusive environment where musicians of all ages and backgrounds can explore their craft.From rare vintage instruments to beginner-friendly gear, our curated inventory reflects our commitment to quality and diversity. As a locally owned business, we actively engage with the community through events like open mic nights and partnerships with local schools. Our history of personalized service, combined with a forward-looking approach, ensures we meet the evolving needs of todays musicians. Whether in-store, online, or at community events, we strive to make music accessible and inspiring for future generations.
Services
Instrument Sales
Music Lessons
Instrument Repair
Piano Tuning
Instrument Rentals
Consignment Program
Online Store
Gift Cards
Used Gear Sales
Event Hosting
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We offer expert instrument repair services by certified technicians.
- Our staff includes experienced musicians and educators with decades of local knowledge.
- We provide a curated selection of new, used, and vintage instruments.
- We offer free trial music lessons and group classes for all skill levels.
- Our rental program includes flexible terms and sizing guidance for students.
What people say
Knowledgeable staff
Quality instruments
Excellent repair services
Friendly atmosphere
Comprehensive lessons
Services
Instrument Rentals
Our instrument rental program provides flexible options for students and professionals. We offer band/orchestra instruments, guitars, and more with competitive rates. Our staff ensures proper sizing and setup for beginners.
Music Lessons
We provide personalized music instruction for all ages and skill levels. Our certified teachers specialize in guitar, piano, drums, and orchestral instruments. Free trial lessons available.
Instrument Repair
Our repair shop services brass, woodwinds, strings, and electronics. Technicians use ultrasonic cleaning and precision tools to maintain optimal instrument performance.
Used Gear Consignment
We offer a consignment program for selling used instruments with competitive splits and marketing support. Accepted items receive professional evaluation and repair services.
Piano Tuning
Our technicians provide precise piano tuning services using advanced tools. We service both acoustic and digital pianos with attention to tonal quality and mechanical function.
People
Christian Dean
Owner / Guitar Technician
Owner since 2010, Christian has worked at The Magic Flute since 1980. He specializes in guitar repair and brings decades of experience in music retail and instrument maintenance.
Loren Klein
General Manager
Spike has served as General Manager since 2001, overseeing operations and inventory. His 20+ years at the store reflect his commitment to music education and community building.
Tamara Osheroff
Owner / Marketing
Tamara leads marketing efforts and co-owns the business. With a background in music education, she focuses on expanding community engagement and digital outreach.
Ivan Rondon
Brass and Woodwind Technician
Ivan has been our brass/woodwind specialist since 2013. A skilled performer and repair expert, he ensures instruments receive precise technical care.
Mark Culbertson
Orchestral Strings Technician
Mark specializes in string instrument repair with 14 years of experience. He combines technical expertise with performance knowledge to serve musicians' needs.
Questions
What types of instruments can I rent?
We offer band/orchestra instruments, guitars, basses, and ukuleles with flexible rental terms and sizing guidance.
Do you provide music lessons for beginners?
Yes, we offer lessons for all skill levels including beginners, with free trial sessions available for new students.
How does the consignment process work?
Bring your instrument for evaluation, and we'll determine pricing and terms. We handle marketing and sales with competitive splits for sellers.
What repair services do you offer?
Our shop services brass, woodwinds, strings, and electronics, including piano tuning and ultrasonic cleaning.
Are online purchases available?
Yes, our online store features new instruments, accessories, and used gear with in-store pickup options.
What are your business hours?
Open daily: Mon-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-6pm.
Reviews (5)
Anne O.
Jun 28, 2022
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Having grown up in San Francisco and not Marin, it took 18 years after my parents moved to a San Rafael senior community for me to realize that The Magic Flute was a music shop and not a restaurant! Now, these folks are definitely on my radar as some of the kindest and most efficient people running a business anywhere in the country. I brought a once-loved and long-neglected guitar in for new strings, and Will carefully and thoroughly explained all the work that would be needed to bring it back to life.
Despite staff vacations, Guitar Technician Avery was able to get the job done brilliantly and much faster than I could have ever hoped. Cody was great at communicating with me via phone. The price was extremely reasonable, too. Five stars are insufficient for this shop! "Great" doesn't begin to capture how I feel about the people who work there or the quality of their work! The shop is a fascinating place, and clearly a wonderful community hub for people looking for an instrument, instrument repairs, or music lessons. I am singing the praises of The Magic Flute to friends and family, and I wish them continued success. Very, very thankful to have found The Magic Flute.
Despite staff vacations, Guitar Technician Avery was able to get the job done brilliantly and much faster than I could have ever hoped. Cody was great at communicating with me via phone. The price was extremely reasonable, too. Five stars are insufficient for this shop! "Great" doesn't begin to capture how I feel about the people who work there or the quality of their work! The shop is a fascinating place, and clearly a wonderful community hub for people looking for an instrument, instrument repairs, or music lessons. I am singing the praises of The Magic Flute to friends and family, and I wish them continued success. Very, very thankful to have found The Magic Flute.
Beverly D.
May 29, 2022
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Shopping at the Magic Flute and working with their staff is so delightful - every time. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They're eager to help but they don't hover over you. I started out just looking for a sheet music and years later I am now an beginner musician taking lessons in there studios every week. It's been wonderful to have music in my life and it would not have happened if we did not have such an incredible resource in our community. And locally owned for decades! Forget all the chains and Amazon and experience real human connection!
Mike Dillingham Mike D.
May 16, 2022
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The Magic Flute is a gem. The pricing more or less matches the average price found on the Web, the staff is friendly and helpful, the repair service is fantastic, and the selection is solid for a small shop. The store has practice / lesson rooms in the back where my daughter has started taking drum lessons. The teacher is good and, again, the price is competitive with anything available in the area.
The store will also sell your good condition used instruments on consignment at a fair price and favorable split. The whole process is transparent and very easy. I'd give the place more than five stars if I could.
The store will also sell your good condition used instruments on consignment at a fair price and favorable split. The whole process is transparent and very easy. I'd give the place more than five stars if I could.
Afsaneh Rahimi Larijani
Apr 30, 2022
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Supporting our local business, I decided to go to "The Magic Flute" in Terra. Linda. "Will" greeted me very politely and asked me immediately how he could help. I needed two piano books and he did not relent until he found one of them for me. He was courteous, friendly, and willing to help genuinely. He made several suggestions about how to get the other book that was not available at their store, Everyone in this store is professional and welcoming the customers. I am very happy and satisfied to shop at this store and would recommend it to anyone who loves music.
Stephanie D.
Apr 23, 2022
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This place is amazing! So many music shops have disappeared especially in the last few years but The Magic Flute is one of those old school shops with just about everything plus knowledgeable, helpful staff who love music. A special shout out to Will who restrung my cello, and also taught me a lot about the instrument. He answered at least 100 questions with patience and kindness.
