We now have the new EV ZXA1 powered speakers in. They must be heard to be believed, stop in and check them out! We also have some fantastic deals on some Smokey Mountain Mandolins in stock, so if you were thinking about picking up a new instrument as your spring project please stop in and give them a strum.

Our year end concert / recital will be on the weekend of June 12^th so if you are interested in hearing our students perform pencil it in on your calendar. Most of the students have chosen their performance pieces which means it is that time when we start to ask the parents to listen to our students give practice performances of their concert choice a few times each week. This will alleviate some of the anxiety that is common when performing in front of a crowd for the first, second or even the hundredth time. Have your little musician imagine playing for the crowd to help them overcome residual anxiousness.

And one final note spring break is the week of March 8 – 13 and there are no lessons this week. The store is running on summer hours that week of Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm.

Hello everybody!! I hope you are all reveling in our Olympic gold, I know I am.

The Morgan that we were all so excited about last week has sold! You can catch it performing in the valley with one of our regular musicians.

We do still have the Takamine 2010 LTD it is one of only 53 in Canada so come in and try it anytime. A perfect collector’s piece or songwriter’s companion.

We also still have, only in red, a Pearl Vision Series VLX925C232 the perfect upgrade kit (priced at $1000 with a B8 Sabian Cymbal pack and Throne) for your student without breaking the bank, please drop us a line for more details.

In the academy end of things we have settled on a weekend for our year end concert. It will be June 12^th and 13^th and we look forward to seeing you all there.

Check out Kevin Castro (Carlos’ son) and his band mates in the Sardis Secondary School Drum Line being  reviewed on Global Morning News!

This week has been busy at the store, full of new registrations and new product!

Firstly we still have space available for all sorts of lessons with most of our teachers, so if you were thinking of registering now is the time. We are so busy down here we are beginning to have to turn our drum room back into a lessons space!

Now, the new guitars in store are amazing this week. First the Takamine 2010 LTD showed up, but it wasn’t alone it brought another Glenn Frey Signature one with it too! And then the most perfect guitar Dean has ever seen came in from Morgan guitars. It is one of 5 25^th anniversary models, one of which when to Hawaii and the other three are slated to go to Guitar Adoptions in the USA so this very one may well be the only one remaining in Canada. It is in fact number 3 of 5 and is the one pictured on Morgan Guitar’s site. So cool!! Come on down and ask to see them all!  

Here at the music school we have openings with all of our teachers! So if you were contemplating getting some lessons in before summer now is the time. As our younger teachers have settled into the new semester they have given us more of their time to share with you. We have a time and a teacher that works with your schedule so call today and get started. In addition to starting new students on the road to musical expression our teachers are busy helping their current musicians pick out and perfect their songs for our year end concert and festival the last weekend in May. Stay tuned for details on this exciting event.

On the store front we also have some exciting things going on. We have received our first shipment of vintage guitars, and they are awesome designs at spectacular values! We are also still reorganizing our print music selections and discovering some old favourites in the mix... Tico Tico anyone? And finally we are waiting with bated breath for the 2010 LTD Takamine to grace our door, it is a beautiful piece and we can’t wait to hear it played by you!   

Today we ordered in a Takamine 2010 LTD. we are very excited for it to come in. It is a beautiful piece the perfect addition to any collection!!

New in store are many fine examples of the Vintage guitars that we wrote about last week, come in and check them out.

We are in the process of reorganizing our print music selection please stop in and peruse through it anytime.

Also we have a very smart looking Alabama Resonator guitar in, if you are looking to expand your collection and/or style this guitar is a gem.

We still have some fantastic deals on a limited quantity of both Guitars and Amplifiers so please stop in any time and play around with them, finding the perfect guitar is like finding true love… you never know when it is going to strike.

Speaking of love, Valentines Day is just around the corner be original and give the gift of music. We have instruments for any budget, and do gift certificates for lessons or in any value.

We are excited to announce we placed our first order for a new (to us) line of guitars Vintage please feel free to check out their website. Please feel free to contact us for further information on this new line we will be carrying.

We are saddened to announce that distribution of Washburn, Parker, Randall and Eden has shifted in Canada. Because of this shift the end user (that’s you) price will be increasing. We will honor the old pricing for as long as we can (ie. on everything we have in store and possibly one more order from the ‘old’ distribution company). So, if you were thinking of upgrading to one of these brands or adding to your collection NOW IS THE TIME!!

And finally, it’s that time of year that all of the teachers start to think about year end performances, please stop by the store and check out our selection of FUN repertoire, whether for performance or just for your own amusement we have a book (or two) for you from Big Band to Classical to Disney to Rock.   

We are all back from NAMM in one piece, I must say I prefer the sunshine of California to the grey skies of home, but it is awful nice to be back. Down at the show we saw lots of new product, including a new EV speaker, a new line of EV microphones, a new line of acoustic Hagstrom guitars and the 2010 LTD Takamine. The highlight of the trip for me though was seeing the key note speaker at the opening remarks… QUINCY JONES!!!!! It is so very inspiring to see someone who has spent so much of the past century in this industry and is still embracing technology. We also are tentatively looking at a few new lines and products, it is all very exciting. Please stop by the store this week and let us share our excitement with you.

Also, this link takes you off to see an image of Julia Siemens performing at the Winter Concert as published in the Abbotsford News. Very exciting!!

At NAMM

check back next week for all the details on whats new.

:)

Now that we are back into the swing of things down here at the store I have a moment to update you on all of the awesome deals that we have down here ready for you to take advantage of.

Firstly, Randall and Eden amplifiers have changed their distribution channels so the prices will be going up. If you are thinking its time for a new amp now IS the time. Take advantage of the lower prices on our current stock while we still have inventory.

Secondly, we still have one only in red a Pearl Vision Series VLX925C232 priced to make the New Year extra special without breaking the bank, please drop us a line for details.

And finally, we are proud to tell you we still have some Walden Guitars, a variety of models priced lower than you will find anywhere, one for every budget and player so stop in and try some out today.

Next week Dean, Eloise, Kathy and the whole family will be down in California at NAMM, the annual music industry trade show so be sure to stop in and chat with one of them the week of the 17^th when they will all be back and full of new ideas.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Lessons and our normal hours begin again on January 4th.

Christmas is nearly here; in fact Christmas will be over before I take this post down. In the final days of Christmas count down the week of December 21^st to 26^th our hours are thus: Monday – Wednesday 10am – 6pm Thursday (Christmas Eve) 10am-3pm. For all of your last minute holiday needs stop in anytime.

Our Winter Concert went wonderfully! At it mom announced that there would be a link on our site to Carlos' youtube profile on our site so I came to the conclusion it should be here. Carlos' has posted some amazing performances for your viewing wonderment.  Please share with your family and friends over the holidays. All of our teachers have openings for new students to start in January so if you know anyone looking for expertise please feel free to drop us a line any time.

New Product in this week we have some ridiculously good deals on some more Walden and Samick Guitars. We have also replenished our BOSS pedal stock for your musical expansion. And in the amplifier end of things we got a PRE-RELEASE Randall RX25DMi and also the new Marshall Haze series 40 watt combo, stop in and check them out.  

New in stock this week is the new Glenn Frey Signature Takamine the perfect addition to any collection. Stop by and see it for yourself.

In time for Christmas we have more Dixon Chaos entry level drum sets in, to make your Christmas morning one you will never forget stop in and lay it away in Santa`s Corner/Hallway.   

With Christmas only 13 days away I would like to remind you that we have musical gifts to fit any budget from $2 to $20,000. Stop in anytime and we will be more than happy to fill you with our knowledge to help make your Christmas the best possible.

Now, OUR HOURS for the lead up to Christmas are shifting because of our music school`s winter break.

The week of December 14^th to 19^th are our normal hours

Monday – Thursday 10am – 8:30pm

Friday 10am-6pm

Saturday 10am-5pm

The week of December 21^st to 26^th our hours are thus:

Monday – Wednesday 10am – 6pm

Thursday (Christmas Eve) 10am-3pm

The week of December 28^st to January 2^nd our hours are thus:

Monday – Wednesday 10am – 5pm

Thursday (New Years Eve) 10am-3pm

Saturday (January 2^nd) 10am – 5pm

Our hours return to their normal operating time the week of January 4^th (this is also the first week back into lessons.

This week our music students received their performance times for our Winter Concert which is being held Friday December 18^th and Saturday December 19^th at the Abbotsford Senior Drop in Center. If you would like to attend to see what our students have been working toward the whole community is more than welcome to take in a performance or two. Call us (604 859 0400) if you are interested in checking it out and we will fill you in on the details.   

Hello Everybody! Hope your holiday shopping is going well.

 Our print music area is filled for your Christmas needs, be it an awesome repertoire book for your kids stocking or an easy book of Christmas Standards to have a sing/play-along we’ve got you covered. Also if ever you are looking for a specific song or book we are the place to ask, books we can order in with no problem and individual songs more often than not are available through us to be Digitally Downloaded. This is a relatively new service we are able to provide, we have a contract with the publishing companies by which we can access their online offerings through the store here and download and print copy righted music instantaneously. The cost is the same as if you order in the piece of music but without the wait time. Another cool feature of this service is that when we download the piece we have the availability to transpose it as well; this is particularly useful for students who are more comfortable playing in the “easy” keys and vocalists as it allows them to instantly move any song into their vocal range. So if ever you need a specific piece just stop by the store and we will be more than happy to help you.

 New in stock this week (just in time for Christmas) is a Hagstrom Viking Deluxe (with case) perfect for that “oh wow! This is totally awesome!” Christmas present. We also, of course, have well over one hundred guitars in stock for you to choose from to make this Christmas extra special.

 Also new in stock this week are some Yamaha digital pianos and keyboards with newly reduced pricing. Perfect for a musical Christmas in your home. We have the PSR-E323, YDP-140 and YDP-S31 as well as some new Yamaha mixing boards and speakers.

 A reminder for the parent’s; get into the holiday spirit by listening to our students give practice performances of their winter concert choice a few times this week (the concert is on the 18^th and 19^th), this will alleviate some of the anxiety that is common when performing in front of a crowd for the first, second or even the hundredth time. Have your little musician imagine playing for the crowd to help them overcome residual anxiousness.

We now have the Nitro Ultra Swede in Stock!! Come on by and check it (and the matching snowboard) out, and don’t forget to enter the contest online. Hagstrom has redone their website so check it out too!

 For our students, you will be receiving your concert days and times will be handed out this week if you have any qualms with these times please let Kathy know as soon as possible for rescheduling.

 Also Yale Secondary School is doing a production of Cats this February and needs to borrow a Korg Triton with at least 1 meg of sample ram installed. If you can help them out either contact us here at the store or contact their music director Mr. Reynolds through the schools office (604 853 0778). It would be much appreciated.

 Kate is performing with the Abbotsford Concert Band on December 13^th in Mission and on the 20^th in Abbotsford; both performances are 2:30 matinees. For more information check out their website

 We have set up a stocking stuffers table by the counter in the store so if you are looking for some last minute ideas we have them all laid out four your perusal. Ranging in price from two to thirty dollars there is something for every musician in your life.

Congratulations to Daniel Tan and John Kim, two of Carlos’ students who gave spectacular performances at the Tree Lighting here in the Old Downtown Abbotsford on Friday night. Their rendition of Do You Hear What I Hear and Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, respectively, got the crowd into the Holiday spirit in spite of the weather.

Also, congrats to local high school band Oh No! Yoko they have been selected as part of the top 3 finalists for CBC radios RockOTC contest.  The band is comprised of Everett Morris, Liam Hamilton and Nic Denis all of whom attend W.J. Mouat Secondary School. This is their MySpace. To vote for them go to facebook, search RockOTC, become a fan and then enter your opinion in the poll. We here at Sound of Music wish the boys luck and have enjoyed hearing them get air play. I just gave them my vote and it seems they are well ahead in the race, keep up the good work!!!

New in stock this week are some ridiculous deals on some Parker guitars. Well below the lowest online price we have: P44VIC, P44VN, P36TR, PM20QBU, and a PA22. These are one only special’s so stop by and try them out before they are gone. If you would like more details please contact us, all of our information is on the “Contact” page of this site.

Santa’s Corner here in the store is well on its way to becoming Santa’s Room as the Christmas Surprises spilled forth this week. So come on in and lay-a-way that “best ever Christmas present” for the musician you love. We are always more than happy to assist you in finding that perfect gift, even with the scarcest details of the musician. We can help you find that perfect something to fit any budget.

A reminder for the parent’s; get into the holiday spirit early by listening to our students give practice performances of their winter concert choice once a week at least, this will alleviate some of the anxiety that is common when performing in front of a crowd for the first, second or even the hundredth time. Have your little musician imagine playing for the crowd to help them overcome residual anxiousness.

New Tycoon Djembes TAJ12 and TAJ10 have come into stock this week!! Perfect for drum circles or worship groups.  

An awesome used PA was traded in this week; it is a steal at $579--. The system consists of: A Phonic Powerpod 740, 2x Phonic 15” Speakers and a 15” Phonic Sub. Sylvain le Musician traded it in onto something lighter to carry when he is playing out around town.

Santa’s corner is filling up fast, please stop in with your favorite musician and do a “dreaming tour” of the store. We are also more than happy to assist with the search for stocking stuffers and whatever else you happen to be after. Be it that “Best Christmas Ever” gift or a handful of useful musical tools we have what you’re after.  

A reminder for the parent’s; get into the holiday spirit early by listening to our students give practice performances of their winter concert choice once a week at least, this will ALLEVIATE some of the anxiety that is common when performing in front of a crowd for the first, second or even the hundredth time.

There is an exciting contest (see above slide-show images) that we will be involved in and entry has already started! Hagstrom Guitars and Nitro Snowboards have teamed up to offer an exclusive special edition snow board called Volume-Hagstrom. The board is poplar and Bi-Lite Laminates with Hi-def FH Base, and radial side cut (I don’t board but am told that’s all pretty awesome). The Guitar is an Ultra Swede, from Hagstroms UltraLux series featuring their ultra thin neck. We will have 2 of the guitars and 1 of the snowboards in the store any day now! So come on in and check it out!!

A reminder for the parent’s; your child should have picked their Winter Concert song, please encourage them to do this and get into the holiday spirit early by listening to them give practice performances once a week at least, this will elevate some of the anxiety that is common when performing in front of a crowd for the first, second or even the hundredth time.

We recently received THREE NEW MODELS of Takamine’s. Two are very affordable Japanese models, the EF440SCGN and the EF340SCGN. And one very nice looking Chinese made Takamine model G406S, this has a New Yorker Body which is smaller than standard and easier for women and children to play. We also have received tonnes of stocking stuffers; it is never too early to start Christmas shopping. Come in today and Lay-A-Way for the Holidays.

For our student’s this week is Bring-a-Buddy week so grab a music loving friend and bring them in and show them what you’ve learned! Also, a note for the parent’s; your child should have picked their Winter Concert song, please encourage them to do this and get into the holiday spirit early by listening to them give practice performances once a week at least, this will elevate some of the anxiety that is common when performing in front of a crowd for the first, second or even the hundredth time.