Business Details
44 Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Musical Instruments & Lessons
Since 1982, P M Music Center has been a trusted provider of band and orchestra instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs across the Chicagoland area. Our professional staff combines decades of industry experience with a passion for music education, serving students, educators, and professional musicians. We offer a comprehensive selection of name-brand instruments, including Yamaha and other respected manufacturers, with flexible rental programs designed to accommodate every budget. Our Rent-to-Own program ensures that every payment contributes toward instrument ownership, while our repair services provide free coverage for damages during rentals.With a team of experienced educators and technicians, we deliver weekly school visits for instrument distribution and maintenance, ensuring convenience for both educators and families. Our mission remains focused on making high-quality musical resources accessible to all skill levels. Our core values emphasize customer-centric service, teamwork, integrity, and a shared passion for musical excellence. Recognized as a Top 100 Dealer by NAMM, we continue to innovate while maintaining the personalized service that has defined our reputation for over four decades.
Services
Instrument rentals
Music lessons
Instrument repairs
Rent-to-Own program
School deliveries
Music accessories
Virtual lessons
Warranty services
Instrument sales
Online resources
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We offer name-brand instruments with free repair coverage during rentals
- Our Rent-to-Own program applies 100% of payments toward instrument purchase
- Professional staff with decades of combined experience in music education
- Weekly school deliveries for convenient instrument distribution and repairs
- Recognized as a Top 100 Dealer by NAMM for industry contributions
Associations and certifications
- Yamaha Shokunin Select Dealer
What people say
Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Great prices
Easy process
Excellent service
Knowledgeable technicians
Services
Instrument rentals
We provide band and orchestra instrument rentals starting at $24/month with three quality tiers: True New, Premier Pre-Played, and Legacy Line. All payments contribute to eventual ownership through our Rent-to-Own program. Free repair coverage and replacement options ensure uninterrupted practice for students.
Music lessons
Our qualified instructors offer lessons for all band/orchestra instruments, piano, guitar, and voice. Flexible scheduling includes in-person and virtual options with experienced educators who work with local schools and perform professionally in Chicagoland venues.
Instrument repairs
Professional repair services cover all band and orchestra instruments with free coverage during rentals. Our NAPBIRT-certified technicians provide maintenance, cleaning, and restoration services for both owned and rented instruments, with loaner instruments available during repairs.
School programs
We deliver instruments, accessories, and repair services directly to schools through weekly visits. Our education representatives support music programs with instrument selection, rental management, and on-site assistance for band/orchestra directors and students.
Instrument sales
We sell new and pre-owned band/orchestra instruments from top brands like Yamaha, with purchase options that include applying rental payments toward ownership. Our inventory includes student, intermediate, and professional models with warranty options for long-term instrument care.
People
Lewis Shender
President
President since 2022 with over 20 years in retail management. Former corporate lawyer with Duke and NYU law degrees. Combines legal expertise with business leadership while maintaining active involvement in music as a cornet player.
Frank Pampenella
Founder
Founder with 40+ years in music industry. Built PM Music from basement studio to Top 100 NAMM Dealer. Recognized industry leader with Music Inc. magazine cover feature. Professional drummer with extensive repair expertise and educational outreach experience.
Julie Pampenella
Co-Founder
Co-founder since 1982 with insurance and tax industry background. Music appreciator with deep organizational experience. Key contributor to business growth from startup to major regional dealer while maintaining family involvement in music education.
Harley Figueroa
Director of Scholastic Programs
Music Performance graduate with 10+ years at PM Music. Provides woodwind clinics for school bands. Professional saxophonist/flutist featured in Disney+ series. Combines performance experience with educational outreach as Director of Scholastic Programs.
Hayley Paladines
Woodwind Repairs Supervisor
Music Education graduate with teaching and performance experience. Specializes in saxophone, clarinet, and flute repairs. Former band director with expertise in student engagement and instrument maintenance. Supervises woodwind repair department since 2021.
Questions
What rental instrument options are available?
We offer three quality tiers: True New (brand new instruments), Premier Pre-Played (gently used), and Legacy Line (reliable used instruments with visible wear).
How does the repair coverage work?
All rentals include free repair coverage and loaner instruments during repairs. Theft or loss requires police report but receives free replacement instrument.
Can I purchase my rental instrument?
Yes! Band instruments allow 100% of payments toward purchase. Orchestra instruments credit up to 40% of list price toward new instrument purchase.
How do school instrument deliveries work?
Our education representatives make weekly school visits for instrument distribution, repairs, and music supplies. Contact your school director to check if we service your location.
What lesson options are available?
We offer in-person and virtual lessons for all band/orchestra instruments, piano, guitar, and voice with qualified instructors who perform professionally in Chicagoland.
What warranty options exist for purchases?
New instruments include one-year repair warranty with annual cleaning. Warranties cover labor but not parts or irreparable damage. Renewal options available after expiration.
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