Music + Arts Store Now Open in Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- A Music & Arts store opened last week at 4664 King St. (see map below) in Alexandria, in the City's West End.

The retail chain store offers rental, purchase and lessons in just about any musical instrument you can think of as well as voice lessons.

The first Music & Arts was located in a small house in Bethesda and run by founder Benjamin O’Brien, according to a history of the company on its Web site. When Music & Arts opened its doors in 1952, it offered printed music, music lessons, dance lessons and art supplies.

Since the 1990s, Music & Arts has expanded nationwide through organic growth and a series of acquisitions and mergers with other music dealers. In 2005, Music & Arts joined forces with American Music to become the largest band and orchestra instrument retailer in the United States.

Still run by the O’Brien family, Music & Arts comprises 130+ retail stores, 120 educational representatives and 360 affiliate locations. Now based in Frederick, Md., the company of trained musicians offers "friendly service and everything musical for students, parents, and educators."

The new store in Alexandria, located in the Summit Centre shopping center near the intersection of King and Beauregard streets, replaces the Bailey's Crossroads store, which has closed. Other new businesses have also recently opened at the center including a Dunkin' Donuts and a Potbelly Sandwich Shop.

Hours at the Music & Arts store are:

• Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Sunday: 12 noon - 5 p.m.

Visit the Alexandria Music & Arts store's Web page here.

PHOTO courtesy of Music & Arts

The store is located at 4664 King St. (Google map):