Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Music Store in Peoria, IL
Founded in 1974 by Jim and Ede Kidder, Kidder Music has dedicated over five decades to empowering musicians in Central Illinois. Our mission centers on providing quality instruments, educational materials, and support services to students and educators. Through continuous expansionfrom our original Peoria location to our current state-of-the-art facilityweve maintained a focus on exceptional customer service and community engagement. Our offerings include instrument rentals, repairs, music lessons, and a comprehensive selection of sheet music and accessories. We pride ourselves on fostering music education through school partnerships, on-site studio lessons, and flexible rental programs.With multiple facility upgrades and program expansions, our commitment to innovation and accessibility remains unwavering. Our team of certified technicians and experienced educators combines expertise with personalized support to meet diverse musical needs. We actively collaborate with local schools, ensuring students have access to essential resources for success in band and orchestra programs. Our legacy of trust and reliability is built on decades of adapting to evolving musical demands while maintaining core values of quality and service. Kidder Music remains family-owned, perpetuating a tradition of excellence in musical education support.
Services
Instrument rentals
Music lessons
Instrument repairs
Sheet music sales
Accessory sales
School services
Online rentals
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We offer 50 years of experience supporting music education
- We provide comprehensive rental-instrument programs with exchange options
- Our certified technicians ensure quality instrument repairs
- We partner directly with Central Illinois schools
- We maintain flexible payment and early payoff discounts
Associations and certifications
- NAPBIRT
Services
Instrument rentals
We offer flexible rental programs for band and orchestra instruments with options to purchase. Our inventory includes new, like new, and used instruments. Rentals provide worry-free maintenance and exchange opportunities, supporting students through changing skill levels and school requirements.
Music lessons
Our lesson studios provide personalized instruction for all experience levels. Featuring qualified teachers and dedicated studio spaces, we accommodate various instruments and musical styles. Lessons support both beginners and advanced musicians through structured curriculum and individualized feedback.
Instrument repairs
Certified technicians handle maintenance and repairs for all band and orchestra instruments. We service both customer-owned and rental instruments with guaranteed workmanship. Our repair shop addresses technical issues while maintaining instrument longevity and performance quality.
School services
We provide direct support to school music programs through instrument provision and on-site visits. Our representatives serve Central Illinois schools with supplies, equipment, and repair assistance. This program ensures students have continuous access to quality instruments and educational materials.
Sheet music sales
We stock a comprehensive selection of print music and educational materials. Our inventory includes choral, vocal, instrumental, and holiday music collections. We also offer specialized repertoire for school programs and performance groups.
People
Jim Kidder
Founder
Co-founder of Kidder Music in 1974, Jim Kidder established the company's educational focus. With prior experience as a band director and music salesman, he built the foundation for Central Illinois' leading music support service.
Beth Kidder Houlihan
President
As company president, Beth Kidder Houlihan leads Kidder Music's operations. She has overseen major expansions while maintaining the family business' core mission of supporting music education through accessible services.
Questions
Do you offer instrument rentals outside Illinois?
Our rental program is limited to Illinois residents due to logistical and regulatory requirements.
What repair services do you provide?
We service all band and orchestra instruments with certified technicians and quality replacement parts.
Are music lessons available for all skill levels?
We offer lessons for beginning through advanced musicians with specialized instructors for each instrument.
How do school partnerships work?
Our representatives visit schools to provide instruments, supplies, and repair services directly to students.
What payment options exist for rentals?
We accept online payments through linked credit cards and offer early payoff discounts.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Jordan S.
May 31, 2022
Report
I rented a trumpet from here for my son during the 21-22 school year. It was easy to sign up and pay online and a rep dropped it off at his school. Recently, something happened to the valves and they picked it up, had it fixed and back to the school in a day! Impressive. I chatted with a rep about returning the trumpet as my son may not be in band next year. The return was quick and easy and they are even going to pick it up from his school. I love the simplicity of everything and will definitely rent from here again if my son decides to join band again.
Justin Porto
Mar 09, 2022
Report
My son, a neophyte to the music world, has been drawn into the beautiful, intricate art of learning to play the cello. Although only 9 years old, Adam exhibits the curiosity and passion to learn this regal instrument. His soaring success in a few short months can be attributed to his instructor, Justin, who has the patience, and concern to teach young minds, and he imparts both the physical skills as well as the theory and rationale for everything he teaches, which my information hungry son devours and internalizes. Justin is the reason my son will continue his endeavor to play the cello, when many kids start then get bored and quit musical instruments. Kudos to this fine, accomplished instructor who himself has written books on playing cello as well as played in philharmonic orchestras, and knows the subtleties of teaching this instrument.
Paul Hindemith
Nov 08, 2021
Report
Have purchased both a Flugelhorn and Piccolo Trumpet at Kidder Music as well as teaching supplies and methods books. Had excellent service recently deciding on then ordering a Piccolo Trumpet that arrived in one week a had a instant rebate applied. Beth Houlihan was excellent to work with and I can count on the team to take care of any needs I have in the future.
London Rutledge
Nov 08, 2021
Report
My daughter needed a violin for lessons at her school. Everything was super easy and I love the affordable payment plans for a mom like me that's on a budget.
Madeline Wood
Oct 16, 2021
Report
I recently ordered a ton of sheet music for a festival. Every time I called Kidder Music, I was greeted in a pleasant and professional manner. Jamie, the Print Music Manager, was extremely patient with my many questions, calls, and orders. I appreciated his excellent communication and willingness to go the extra mile to make sure I had the music in time.
Latanya Johnson
Oct 13, 2021
Report
Great customer service. Fast and very polite. The monthly payments are very reasonable if you're looking to rent new or used instruments. Love that I was able to purchase the accessories and instrument at one place with fast delivery. Keep up the good work!