Skip to main content

Cookies on BBB.org

We use cookies to give users the best content and online experience. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to allow us to use all cookies. Visit our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Cookie Preferences

Many websites use cookies or similar tools to store information on your browser or device. We use cookies on BBB websites to remember your preferences, improve website performance and enhance user experience, and to recommend content we believe will be most relevant to you. Most cookies collect anonymous information such as how users arrive at and use the website. Some cookies are necessary to allow the website to function properly, but you may choose to not allow other types of cookies below.

Necessary Cookies

What are necessary cookies?
These cookies are necessary for the site to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you that amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.

Necessary cookies must always be enabled.

Functional Cookies

What are functional cookies?
These cookies enable the site to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not function properly.

Performance Cookies

What are performance cookies?
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.

Marketing Cookies

What are marketing cookies?
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant content on other sites. They do not store personal information directly, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser or device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.

Find a Location

Music & Arts has 64 locations, listed below.

*This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

    Country
    Please enter a valid location.

    Business ProfileforMusic & Arts

    Musical Instrument Rental
    HeadquartersMulti Location Business
    BBB accredited business
    The Complaints and Reviews shown on this HQ profile may have been submitted against either the HQ itself or one of the corporate-owned locations found under "Find Locations".

    Current Alerts For This Business

    Alert:
    On 11/21/2020, the business filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the federal Bankruptcy Act, 20-34661-KRH. This permits the business to continue to operate with court supervision while developing a plan of reorganization. Those with monetary claims against the business are advised to obtain a Proof of Claim form by writing to the contact information below for resubmission to that source. The case number should be entered on the form. John P. Fitzgerald III Office of the US Trustee - Region 4 -R 701 E. Broad Street, Ste. 4304 Richmond, VA 23219 804-771-2310 [email protected]

    Additional business information

    Additional Info:
    On 11/21/2020, the business filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the federal Bankruptcy Act, 20-34661-KRH. This permits the business to continue to operate with court supervision while developing a plan of reorganization. Those with monetary claims against the business are advised to obtain a Proof of Claim form by writing to the contact information below for resubmission to that source. The case number should be entered on the form.
    John P. Fitzgerald III
    Office of the US Trustee - Region 4 -R
    701 E. Broad Street, Ste. 4304
    Richmond, VA 23219
    804-771-2310
    [email protected]
    See all additional business information

    At-a-glance

    Customer Reviews

    1.05/5stars

    Average of 84 Customer Reviews

    Customer Complaints

    348 complaints closed in last 3 years

    110 complaints closed in last 12 months

    BBB Rating & Accreditation

    Accredited Since: 1/31/2018

    Years in Business: 72

    Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating

    Overview of BBB Rating

    Products & Services

    This company offers the rental, sale and repair of band and orchestral instruments. This company also offers music lessons.

    Business Details

    This is a multi-location business.

    Find a Location

    Music & Arts has 64 locations, listed below.

    *This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

      Country
      Please enter a valid location.
      Headquarters
      7550 Teague Rd Ste 115, Hanover, MD 21076
      BBB File Opened:
      1/5/2005
      Years in Business:
      72
      Business Started:
      1/1/1952
      Business Incorporated:
      1/19/2000
      Accredited Since:
      1/31/2018
      Type of Entity:
      Corporation
      Alternate Business Name
      • Guitar Center Stores, Inc.
      Business Management
      • Ms. Amanda McTurk-Brown, Director
      • Mr. Jeff Gottieb, President
      Contact Information

      Principal

      • Mr. Jeff Gottieb, President

      Customer Contact

      • Ms. Amanda McTurk-Brown, Director
      • Ms. Jessica Nalley, Manager
      • Mr. Jeff Gottieb, President
      Additional Contact Information

      Fax Numbers

      • (301) 620-2550
        Primary Fax

      Customer Complaints

      348 Customer Complaints

      Need to file a complaint? BBB is here to help. We'll guide you through the process. How BBB Processes Complaints and Reviews

      File a Complaint

      Most Recent Customer Complaint

      07/11/2024

      Complaint Type:
      Billing Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      We paid for a school year rental for my child for a viola through his elementary school that uses Music & Arts. As seen in the attached record, it is a 10-month rental with July & August being "free". We paid for (1) school year upfront, so no money was due throughout the year. My son had his spring concert on June 4th, and after putting some thought into it, he was not interested in continuing it next year. We returned the instrument on June 10th, when his final class in school was done. All of this was done alongside my daughter as well, who's account was not charged for anything. Music & Arts is telling me that because we did not choose to renew our rental (which we also did not renew for my daughter either), we were billed $45 for rental for May-June. My contract was for the school year, 10 months with July and August free. My interaction with Music & Arts was awful, between discourteous customer service representatives and not having my questions directly answered with a clear explanation as to what I owe money for, it seems like an inadequate way to run a business model throughout the company. I will list the representatives information below. These representatives both advised me they would file a claim for an invoice forgiveness, but I was told it was denied, and again was given absolutely no legal/logical reason as to why. Ana T******* confirmed that filing a claim with BBB will be one of my only options to resolving this issue. Hector- 1-833-******** - Ana T******* "supervisor"- 1-888********* - ana.t*******@musicarts.com- I am simply looking to have the $45 charge 'forgiven' before it reflects negatively on my credit report, as I am in the process of buying my first home this could impact me in the near future. A refund of my rental ($188.14) would be a huge leap of faith for the company to make a redemption in my household. With having a marketing background, I know that word of mouth can have the biggest impact on a business. Thank you for your time.
      Read More

      Customer Reviews

      84 Customer Reviews

      What do you think? Share your review.

      How BBB Processes Complaints and Reviews

      Start a Review

      Most Recent Customer Review

      Jesy B

      1 star

      07/12/2024

      This company is horrible and should be avoided. I tried to pay off a violin and was told one amount. When I called back to pay, they upped it by over $300. Claimed a manager would call, they never did. I called back and they said a manager had called. They hadn't. Total thieves. Absolutely no concern for their customers.

      Local BBB

      BBB of Greater Maryland

      BBB Reports On

      BBB reports on known marketplace practices.

      BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.

      BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.

      When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

      BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile.

      As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business.