Metropolitan Music Services, Kirkland

What services does your business offer and what makes your business stand out from the competition? Some of the Eastside's finest instrumental instructors have made their home at the new Metropolitan Music store in Kirkland. The environment is warm, family-friendly, and conducive to learning. Studios are spacious, and we have a quality instrument rental program to affordably meet students' needs.

Do you provide any materials? What should your students expect to bring? Students should start with whatever band or orchestra or other music they have been working on. Instructors may then recommend additional material. It will vary by instrument, level, and what the student wishes to learn.

What was the inspiration to start or run this business? Paul and Jean McVicar opened the Seattle location in 2004 after having been involved with their own children's school music programs for years and seeing firsthand the need for quality affordable instruments for families. Their mission has been to remove barriers to a quality music education.

What do you love most about your job? I love seeing the joy in a child's eyes when they hold their first instrument in their hands and begin to make a sound. I love being a part of their formative years as they go from being a kid to being a confident adult, and I love seeing the role of music in their lives--whatever that may be!