Melody Mart USA — Local services in Thornton Township

Good Afternoon, I wanted to write a review on how amazing my daughter Asia's flute tutor/instructor at Melody Mart has been. Asia has been attending private flute lessons at Melody Mart with Esperanza Salgado since May 2023. Asia was at the end of 7th grade when she started and she really wanted to improve her playing skills to prepare her for future competitions & being one of the best flutists when she entered high school. Esperanza has been amazing with Asia and has taken the time to give her individualized attention in music instruction to help Asia have an amazing 8th grade year. Esperanza is very passionate about music and her and Asia have a great relationship. Asia absolutely loves coming to work with Esperanza and feels that taking music lessons has truly helped developed her musical skills as she is winning every competition that she enters after working extremely hard and practicing all that she is being taught. Asia has competed for her current position as Principal player/1st chair at Columbia Central Middle School and for the last trimester of her eighth grade year, she just learned that she will remain in 1st chair as her skills truly have shown her to be the best. Asia also had a major goal of qualifying to be in the ILMEA for eighth grade as she did not make it in 7th grade. With Esperanza expert teaching methods and Asia's hard work/talents, Asia was one of the only students who was able to play with the Illinois Music Education Association Orchestra in concert. This was an amazing & humbling experience as she was able to play with the best band/music students in the state of Illinois. Asia also recently competed in Solo & Ensemble and she received a Grade 1 for her solo & the trio that she participated in. We are so excited about everything that Asia is accomplishing and definitely owe a great deal to the expertise of Esperanza with taking the time to help mold Asia into the best. We are also truly thankful for the Flute Ensemble that Esperanza created and has showcased the talents of the flute players in concerts at Melody Mart. Thanks so much Esperanza & Melody Mart! Asia looks forward to continued greatness in the future.

Asia Brown Grade 8 Columbia Central Middle school (student of flute lessons At Melody Mart) Anne-chelle...

Very rude staff. I approached the counter and asked if I could complete the online registration for music lessons in person. The staff member spoke very rudely to me. When I notified this person of his unprofessional attitude, he told me I had “interrupted [him] while he was doing something important for a customer”. I told him he was so rude that I probably wouldn’t even sign up for the lessons. He responded “fine” and took the paper with my information on it, balled it up and threw it down onto the floor directly in front of me before turning his back to me while I was speaking. Meanwhile, a second staff member stood by watching and smiling. If you enjoy being disrespected, this place will be perfect for you.

** Thank you for your response, Melody Mart. There is no misunderstanding. Don’t backpedal now, keep your same energy as you displayed in person. There were NO customers at the counter and you asked “How may I help you?”. Your unprofessional behavior from that moment forward was totally inappropriate and out of proportion for the situation. Not sure how you can justify throwing a customer’s information onto the floor. Keep your services. I’ll take my...

Melody Mart is amazing! They offer everything from individual and group music lessons, sales and repairs, community events, and tons of music knowledge. My daughter takes private violin lessons with Al Joseph, and he's a fantastic instructor. She's also had the opportunity to be part of several group ensembles like Junior Jam Band, Treble Makers, and String Ensemble. I cannot say enough great things about all the staff and instructors. The small group instructors we've worked with (Alissa, Esperanza, Jordan, Davis, DK, and Anakyewaa) go above and beyond to inspire and encourage every musician to learn and grow. They make music fun for students of all ages and abilities. Melody Mart is an incredible community, and I highly recommend stopping by the store for all of your...