Make your musical dreams come true at Gottschalk Music Center

“Music can change the world because it can change people” —Bono

It’s 100 degrees so you may as well stay inside and learn a new hobby, and it’s always a good time to learn to play an instrument. Perhaps some piano playing will get you through these warm summer months. And it can always get better with a guitar! Or a harmonica. Really, any musical instrument will enhance your life, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start.

Luckily, there’s a locally owned music store that has the experience and equipment you might lack. Gottschalk Music Center is a great place to take your musical dreams.

A few years ago my son asked to play the viola. What’s a viola? I sure didn’t know it’s a stringed instrument that’s larger than a violin but smaller than a cello. I also didn’t know where to turn for information on my kid’s sudden interest in it. Lucky for me there are experts who know what a violas is, and how to start playing one, at Gottschalk Music Center. There are stores in Merced and Clovis, and they’re family owned. Whenever we’ve needed an instrument, or sheet music, or random stuff like rosin for strings, Gottschalk has had it. I like going there because I trust them to steer me in the right direction, even though I don’t know what I’m doing.

Rent or buy instruments

Instruments can be expensive, so it’s always nice to have someone who knows what they’re doing guiding you through your purchase. The staff is extremely knowledgable. Not only do they help you find the right-sized instrument for your price range, you can also rent instruments from them. In less than a year my son grew out of his first viola and needed a new one, so this feature is especially nice if you have fast-growing kids who are playing music on fancy instruments.

Gottschalk Music Center — Guitars galore! These are just a few of the options available

If you want to learn to play an instrument but don’t know where to turn, Gottschalk Music also offers lessons. At the Clovis location you can sign up to study guitar, flute, piano, and even the trumpet. They’re offering a summer special for new guitar students. If you sign up before July 31, you can get 12 weekly, half-hour lessons and an acoustic guitar for half the price.

From Disney to The Beatles, there’s sheet music of all flavors

So if you don’t know what to do with yourself this summer, or if you’re looking for a new hobby, try a musical instrument. The best way to get started is to stop by Gottschalk Music Center and get some expert advice. Who knows? You might walk out of there with a ukulele.

Gottschalk Music Center is located at 328 Pollasky Ave. in Clovis. Check out their website here.