Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Musical Instruments & Lessons in Tacoma
Founded in 1931, Ted Brown Music has dedicated over nine decades to empowering music creators across the Pacific Northwest. Our mission centers on making music accessible to all, whether you're a beginner rediscovering an old instrument or a professional seeking top-tier gear. With six locations and a team of experienced educators, repair specialists, and audio-visual experts, we provide personalized support tailored to every stage of your musical journey. Our family-owned business combines deep industry expertise with a commitment to community through initiatives like the TBM Outreach program, which has donated over 1,600 instruments to underserved students since 2007. From instrument rentals and private lessons to large-scale commercial installations, our services reflect a legacy of innovation and customer-centric values.We maintain rigorous quality standards through certified technicians and partnerships with leading brands, ensuring reliable solutions for schools, venues, and individual musicians. This dedication earned us recognition in Music Inc. magazine as industry leaders in music retail. Our transparent approach prioritizes long-term relationships over transactions, offering financing options and warranties that underscore our trustworthiness. As technology evolves, we continue expanding our offerings while staying true to Ted Brown's original vision: that music should be a joyful, inclusive experience for everyone.
Services
Private Lessons
Instrument Repair
Educational Services
Commercial Installation
TBM Outreach
Financing Options
Instrument Rentals
Details
- Year established: 1931
Highlights and features
- We offer over 90 years of combined music industry expertise across our team
- Our repair technicians specialize in all instrument types with custom engraving services
- We provide state-wide educational support through dedicated music educators
- Our commercial AVL division handles large-scale audio-visual installations
- We operate a 501(c)(3) outreach program donating instruments to underserved students
Services
Private Lessons
Our experienced instructors provide personalized music lessons for all skill levels. We offer instruction in multiple instruments with flexible scheduling options. Lessons focus on technique development and musical expression.
Instrument Repair
Professional repair services for all instrument types performed by certified technicians. We offer custom engraving and restoration services. Repairs include routine maintenance and complex restorations.
Educational Services
We provide classroom music teachers with instruments and program support. Our representatives specialize in band and orchestra instruments. Services include rental programs and curriculum resources.
Commercial Installation
Audio-visual lighting installations for schools and venues. Services include sound systems, lighting rigs, and media solutions. We handle both new construction and retrofit projects.
TBM Outreach
Our 501(c)(3) initiative donates instruments to underserved students. The program includes summer music camps and instrument access initiatives. We've distributed over 1,600 instruments since 2007.
Questions
What services does Ted Brown Music offer besides instrument sales?
We provide private music lessons, instrument repairs, educational support programs, commercial AVL installations, and instrument rentals.
Do you offer financing options for purchases?
Yes, we provide financing options to make equipment purchases more accessible for our customers.
How does the TBM Outreach program help students?
Our 501(c)(3) program donates instruments and offers summer music camps to students who cannot afford them.
Are your repair technicians specialized in specific instruments?
Yes, we have specialists for nearly every instrument type, including custom engraving services.
Do you support school music programs?
We have dedicated Educational Service Representatives who provide classroom teachers with instruments and program support.
What locations do you serve in the Pacific Northwest?
We operate six locations including Tacoma, Kitsap Mall, University District, and Nob Hill areas.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Jeff P.
Mar 31, 2022
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Ted Brown has been a part of my musical journey throughout my life! Although I have played a number of their guitars--and also banjos, in a former life--I have mostly purchased accessories and electronics over the decades. I have always been made to feel welcome, and offered advice and guidance by the highly trained staff in the most sincere way. There has never been a sense that I have disappointed or wasted anyone's time when I have left with no more than a set of strings or an inexpensive strap. These guys are wonderful, and have been an essential part of the NW Music scene--including School Music programs--for generations. Thank you, Ted Brown folks!
Jason Leland
Mar 17, 2022
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James was extremely helpful and very knowledgeable. Came in with so many questions and he was able to answer all of them and help us get everything we needed
Wayne Swanson
Mar 08, 2022
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I love this place! In a world filled with big box stores with untrained staff, this place stands out as special. It's a true music store that sells a wide variety of musical instruments with friendly knowledgeable staff and excellent repair specialists.
Travis Romney
Mar 08, 2022
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Gary helped me purchase a couple of guitars. I hadnt played in a long long time and he made buying a pleasure. Also, ask him to play something. he's pretty good.
Terry Hoffmam
Feb 19, 2022
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Gary Allen was extremely helpful in my purchase of a Loar mandolin. Very friendly and, answered all my questions and, checked the instrument over for me to make sure it was what I wanted. Great deal on the mandolin, very satisfied, would do business again. Every one of the staff members that I talked to and, dealt with were excellent, helpful and accommodating to my every want and need!
Alejandro Parra
Feb 17, 2022
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My old wireless system broke last week. I wanted to get the Boss WL-50. I have a gig this Saturday and I could not find that system brand new anywhere. All I could find was used and some new over priced. I found this website and they had one in stock brand new in box. Amber and her team helped me out to get this product in my hands rapidly. I got it today and now I can use my brand new wireless system this Saturday! You guys are live savers! Thanks a million!
Malia R.
Feb 08, 2022
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Let me tell ya a story about when I rented a couple of instruments for my kids back in 2012. Well I missed a couple of payments and offered to bring the instruments back as my kids swapped classes. They refused and sent me directly to collections. Ive probably paid over $6000 for these things that my kids only played for less than 2 Mon.probably worth only $300 max now lol Screw you Ted.
