Rated 4.65 / 5 from 23 reviews
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Musical Surprise We hire degreed teachers, board-certified music therapists and professional performers. We have someone available to teach almost any music style and genre to all levels of students. All teachers must have a fingerprint clearance card or background check before teaching lessons. Our lesson rooms are stocked with amps, guitars, pianos, keyboards, stands, full drum kits and more. We have method books, strings, reeds and supplies in our retail section and instrument rentals are available as well all we need is YOU!

Musical Surprise is the largest music studio in the west valley! We also provide a variety of classes and music programming in our studio and for several local schools, preschools, arts organizations and recreation programs. We offer private lessons in almost every instrument, group classes in the most popular areas of singing, piano, guitar and percussion, and have music programs available for ages 2-92!
Highlights and features
  • Banjo, Strings, Trombone, Bass, Trumpet, Ukulele, Clarinet, Violin, Drums, Flute, Piano, Guitar, Saxophone
Associations and certifications
  • Better Business Bureau
People
Robyn Harris
Robyn Harris
Piano, Voice, Guitar
Robyn attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University on a piano scholarship and received a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy in 1995 with a piano major and voice minor. She completed the research and internship requirements at Griffin Memorial Hospital in Norman, Oklahoma, and then passed the board-certification exam later that year to become a board-certified music therapist.
Todd Kruger
Todd Kruger
Drums & Percussion
Todd Started playing drums at the young age of 9. After taking just a few lessons, he became self-taught. 25 years later, Todd has been a part of 2 national tours, and logged hundreds of hours in recording studios in Phoenix and New York
Cheryl Riggle
Cheryl Riggle
Flute, Piano
Cheryl received a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance, with a Concentration in Theory and Composition from the University of Indianapolis. Currently, she is working on her Master Certificate from Berklee College of Music in Orchestration for Film & TV.
Tish Pestova
Tish Pestova
Piano, Violin, Voice
Leiticia Pestova attended Joanne’s School of Music in California and started competing in the Music in the Mountains Scholarship competition winning 1st and 2nd scholarships awards from 1992-1998.
Vincent Amorando
Vincent Amorando
Acoustic/electric Guitar & Bass
Vin Amorando began his career playing up and down the East Coast in the hard rock act ‘Amaranda’ before heading to Boston to study guitar at Berklee College of Music.
Videos
Rock Band Camp 2011
Rock Band Camp 2011
Check out our awesome Rock Band Campers, ages 5-12 in a live performance of "I Wanna Be a Rockstar! " based on popular song by the Ramones. Although most had never held an instrument just a few days earlier, these kids are ready to rock!
Reviews (23)
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Sean Laughery
May 21, 2022
The younger fella who works here is just an amazing person. He went well out of his way in assisting with solutions to fix my amp.
Wade Crossman
May 19, 2022
A high quality locally owned and operated music studio and story. Super friendly and highly competent staff. Great selection of options from instruments to accessories to lessons. Can't recommend it highly enough.
Michelle B.
Apr 27, 2022
My daughter has been taking lessons at Musical Surprise for several years and I highly recommend them. Not only do they offer private lessons, group lessons, and special workshops in a variety of musical instruments, but they have a full store as well. We have had the opportunity to try out several different teachers and liked them all, but our favorite hands down is Ms.

Joy for piano. It was honestly not until my daughter started working with Ms. Joy that her growth really took off. The great thing about Musical Surprise is that if you or your child does not click with the teacher then you can talk with the staff and if available try different ones until you find the right fit. I also love that they offer and encourage all students to perform at recitals 2 times a year. (Normally in April for a Formal Recital and December for a more fun Holiday Event.) The ability for a student to be able to perform in front of others and work through their nerves, showcasing all they have learned is awesome and a vital part of learning.

I am so glad they offer these and it is one of the reasons we have our daughter go to Musical Surprise instead of finding a private teacher outside of a business. The instructors/teachers at musical surprise are all normally music teachers or true lovers of music and part of local groups, ensembles, or committees that further musical education. This is awesome in that it opens up more opportunities for the students that are truly passionate. We love Musical Surprise and highly recommend them for lessons and shopping. (Nothing beats actually seeing and holding an instrument before buying.)
Jeannette V.
Mar 28, 2022
My husband and I stopped by the store section to take a quick look at some amps, about 30 mins before closing. Extremely helpful and amazing service. I'll definitely be coming back here.
J. Carbonneau
Jan 10, 2022
I purchased an 8-sting ukulele from Lance (owner) at Musical Surprise. Lance was very helpful and knowledgeable about the instrument and gave me a very good price. The ukulele has gone on to become one of my favorite instruments among the many that I have accrued. Thank you, Lance & Musical Surprise
Nick S.
Jul 14, 2021
What a great music store, such nice people and wonderfully talented and skilled. Great guitar service, very quick and done with precision. Just a GREAT Vibe and GREAT people
Kristin A.
May 10, 2021
My family and I decided to stop in Musical Surprise to look for instruments for our 5 year old twins to try out. As soon as you enter, the place is extremely open and well organized. They have everything you can imagine and more. The best part was how friendly all of the employees were! Especially the girl in the front of the store, Megan. She was so kind and knowledgeable.

She helped each of my boys pick out an instrument. One of them chose a tongue drum (the absolute neatest sounding instrument - very mellow and almost tropical sounding) and the other chose a ukulele (another nice sounding and mellow instrument). I highly recommend Musical Surprise!
Scott Dennin
Mar 18, 2021
Dropped off a couple of guitars to get some work done. Met the owner who was super nice. Told me they would be done after the holiday weekend. True to his word, the tech Cody called and we chatted about what needed to be done. Picked them up and they are perfect! Cody even included the missing knob on my tele. Highly recommend this great shop!
Kris A.
Aug 06, 2020
Bought a guitar that ended up being too big for my son so we took it back 2 days later (mind you he never even played it) and they charged me a 15% restocking fee! Ugh this is why it's so much easier to buy on Amazon. I was trying to support a local small business but now I'm out $31 doing so. We also found the same guitar with a hard case, book and tuner for $150 less that Musical Surprise Also I was never told about the restocking fee until after the purchase. You should tell the customer about that prior to the purchase.
Lola Johnson
Apr 08, 2020
We love Musical Surprise! My son has been taking private lessons here for the last 5 years. Even after moving from Surprise we still make the weekly 25 minute drive. The studio is set up so nicely with chairs to sit in while you wait and multiple private lesson rooms with windowed doors. It is an excellent music studio with friendly teachers and welcoming staff. If your child is interested in learning an instrument I highly recommend this studio.
Wendi A.
Aug 01, 2019
Drum lessons with Todd is the highlight of my week. I was worried about being a beginner and taking lessons at my age (middle aged!) thinking that I would feel foolish around a bunch of children. Nothing could be farther from the truth. People of all ages are taking lessons and I'm one hundred percent at ease in this friendly place. Todd is a patient and amazingly skilled drummer/instructor and I would recommend Musical Surprise to anyone seeking music skills, a new hobby, or just a fun and new way to find self-improvement.
Teri Z.
Feb 14, 2019
We have lived in the Surprise area for about three years. I describe myself as one who loves all genres of music from jazz to classical music. My appreciation of music is (sadly) greater than my musical ability. Having seen this studio from afar for the past three years, I finally satisfied my curiosity about Musical Surprise and visited the shop/studio this week.

What a wonderful experience I had talking with Pat who was seated in the front reception area! We talked about everything from my/our musical interests to hopes and desires. Pat introduced a new instrument to me, a ukelele. Ukes generally made me think of little tiny kiddie guitars carrying a tiny tinny sound. She took down a ukelele and gave it a nice strum.

The rich sound produced by this particular uke totally astonished me! Bottomline, I entered the studio with thoughts of simply taking my dusty old violin out of storage for cleaning and restringing but left also with thoughts of adding another musical instrument interest, the ukelele! If Pat's warmth, service, and true interest helping a "walk-in" customer is a sample of the company, and I'm certain it is, I know that I will return very soon, maybe leaving with a new instrument in hand, a ukelele! Thanks, Pat!
Tiffany R.
Oct 25, 2018
After having an issue with their corporate partner that deals with their billing of rentals, the owners of Musical Surprise went above and beyond to make sure the issue was corrected, including going into the office on a day off. The owners of Musical Surprise are a good example of what old school customer service should be! Thank you.
Jessica C.
Jul 28, 2018
Not only is this place outrageously overpriced for lessons, they have a bunch of unprofessional, inconsiderate kids working there. Heard them talking about kids lessons and teachers while I was in the store. Overpaid my kid to take piano there and was displeased with the lessons, scheduling and policies. Bought a book and went home and found that i already had the exact same book so I immediately took it back to exchange for the correct level book and they wouldn't return it because they claimed I could have gone home and copied it.

They suggested I look around for another book, which I did, and then they said they also cant exchange, they just thought I would like to buy another book I liked. I re explained there was nothing wrong with the book and I hadn't written in it or anything. I offered to bring in my same book to show I didnt have any motive to make any copies. Called several other music stores in AZ that explained they would be able to exchange for the correct higher level book so musical surprise is the only one with this insane policy. NEVER BUY BOOKS here.
Jenn
Jun 09, 2018
My son takes drum lessons from Mike who is amazing! He is particular about his drum teachers and i am so glad we found him as a recommendation from school. He is patient and makes playing fun! I have seen a huge improvement in his skills since starting there.
Jean D.
Apr 30, 2018
We've had a great experience with Musical Surprise. My grandson is currently in weekly Music Therapy with Rachel, and he loves it. He is making steady progress towards his goals, and he looks forward to going every week. The professionalism and care shown to him by his teacher and the staff has been outstanding. I highly recommend Musical Surprise.
Kelly Axelson
Dec 16, 2017
We've been attending lessons at Musical Surprise for 4 years. What a great music studio! My children play piano and guitar and have the most professional lessons! Ms. Robyn is customer focused and puts people first.
Bill F.
May 27, 2015
Me experience at Musical Surprise was simply excellent. Lance, the owner, was friendly, great customer support showing me many different guitars, and coaching me in the process of picking a guitar. It was a great experience. My lessons start today!
Brandy C.
Mar 17, 2015
New customer right here! I am extremely please with the level of customer service I witnessed from the owner herself! She handled a tough situation with grace and went above and beyond to provide her customer with the highest level of customer service! I will be referring to Musical Surprise for all future needs!
Andrew W.
Jan 28, 2015
The staff here is very friendly and helpful. They seem to genuinely care about your satisfaction. The prices are competitive and they actually worked with me to beat Amazon's price on my purchase. They also have a good selection of instruments in display and you can play them to see what suits your needs.
James A.
Jul 26, 2014
Son takes guitar lessons here, teacher is nice and the owner is friendly and accommodating to schedule changes.
Edward D.
May 23, 2014
Very nice place, I have recently obtained a guitar that has been in the family since the 60's. It has been used and shows it! But I wanted to get it back into a condition that we can display and pick it up time to time to mess around with it. I am really happy with the results, they cleaned it and re-strung it. It is now displayed in our up-stair loft with pride, it sounds great, and hopefully it will be with the family many more years to come.
H. C.
Jun 15, 2013
I can not sing enough high praises for Musical Surprise! My daughter has taken guitar lessons there for almost a year now and we have never had a negative experience. The teachers are excellent! The staff is extremely courteous and will always go above and beyond to help you in any way they can. I would recommend them without any hesitation.