Business Details
25 Years
experience
Your Premier Music Education & Instrument Store in Brookfield
Founded in 2001 by lifelong friends Mike Doerr and Patrick Sheridan, A Sound Education began as a revitalized music store and has grown into a thriving community hub for musicians of all ages. Our mission is to provide comprehensive music education, expert instrument repairs, and a curated selection of gear to support every stage of a musician's journey. With two-and-a-half storefronts dedicated to lesson rooms, a fully stocked showroom, and collaborative spaces, we foster connections through open mics, recitals, and workshops. Our team of professional musicians and educators brings decades of combined experience, offering personalized instruction in over 20 instruments.From beginners to professionals, we emphasize technical mastery, music theory, and performance skills while maintaining a welcoming environment for creative exploration. Our repair services, led by a full-time technician with 20+ years of experience, ensure instruments perform at their peak. As an authorized service center for major brands like Fender and Yamaha, we combine technical expertise with a commitment to community-building through music education.
Services
Music Lessons
Guitar Repairs
Instrument Sales
Amplifier Sales
Pedal Sales
Performance Opportunities
Gear Trade-ins
Community Workshops
Warranty Repairs
Music Gear Appraisals
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized music lessons tailored to individual goals and skill levels.
- Our team includes certified instructors with decades of professional performance experience.
- We provide expert guitar repairs by a full-time technician with 20+ years of experience.
- Our community programs include recitals, open mics, and collaborative performance opportunities.
- We are an authorized service center for Fender, Yamaha, and other major instrument brands.
Services
Music Lessons
We offer personalized music lessons for over 20 instruments, including guitar, piano, violin, and drums. Our certified instructors create tailored lesson plans focusing on technical skills, music theory, and performance readiness. Students of all ages benefit from flexible scheduling and a supportive learning environment that nurtures both hobbyists and aspiring professionals.
Guitar Repairs
Our full-time technician provides expert guitar repairs, from basic setups to complex electronics work. Services include neck adjustments, pickup installations, and complete re-wires using manufacturer-approved techniques. As an authorized service center for major brands, we ensure repairs meet industry standards while maintaining each instrument's unique tonal characteristics and playability.
Instrument Sales
We offer a curated selection of new and used instruments from top brands like Fender, Yamaha, and Ibanez. Our knowledgeable staff helps customers find the perfect match for their skill level and musical style. From entry-level models to professional-grade instruments, we provide expert guidance and competitive pricing for guitarists, pianists, and other musicians.
Performance Opportunities
We host recitals, open mic nights, and workshops to help students showcase their skills and connect with other musicians. These events foster community engagement while providing practical performance experience. Participants gain confidence through structured showcases and collaborative jam sessions in a supportive, professional environment.
Gear Trade-ins
We facilitate local instrument trades and purchases during daily appointment hours. Our experienced team evaluates gear based on market value and condition, offering fair pricing for guitars, amps, and pedals. This service provides a convenient way for musicians to upgrade equipment while connecting buyers with quality pre-owned instruments.
People
Mike Doerr
Co-Founder & Guitar Technician
Co-founder with 20+ years of experience repairing guitars. Specializes in setup, electronics, and warranty service for major brands. Maintains technical excellence while supporting the community-focused mission of A Sound Education.
Patrick Sheridan
Co-Founder
Co-founder who transformed a closed music store into a thriving educational hub. Focuses on creating accessible music education opportunities while maintaining the business's community-centered values since its 2001 establishment.
Tim Egan
Music Instructor
Full-time instructor with a BM from Chicago College of Performing Arts. Teaches guitar, bass, and piano while leading students through jazz, rock, and classical genres. Combines technical instruction with creative development to cultivate individual musical voices.
Q Kiser
Multi-Instrument Instructor
Bachelor of Music graduate with 30+ years teaching experience. Specializes in guitar, brass instruments, and music theory. Active performer in Chicago jazz and cover bands, bringing real-world expertise to lessons for students of all ages.
Dan Huber
String Instrument Instructor
20-year teaching veteran with experience in guitar, bass, and upright bass. Professional musician with thousands of gigs, including performances with Bruce Hornsby and Keller Williams. Focuses on technical mastery while making music education engaging and accessible.
Questions
What lesson packages do you offer?
We offer 30-minute private lessons in packages of 4 sessions. Scheduling is flexible with consistent weekly appointments available.
Do you repair amplifiers or just instruments?
We specialize in guitar repairs only. For amplifier service, we can recommend trusted local technicians in the Chicago area.
Can I trade in used gear?
Yes! We accept guitars, amps, pedals, drums, and basses during daily trade hours (12-3pm). Appointments are recommended for efficient evaluations.
Are group lessons available?
While we focus on private instruction, our community events and workshops provide opportunities for collaborative learning and performance experiences.
Do you offer financing options?
We provide information about manufacturer financing programs and local payment plans. Ask our staff for details about current available options.
What performance opportunities exist for students?
We host annual recitals, monthly open mics, and seasonal workshops where students can showcase their progress in a supportive environment.
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