Drum & Strum Music Center

Although I no longer play an instrument (saxophone many years ago), Drum and Strum has had an excellent reputation for many, many years. It’s one of the fixture businesses in the area that provides unique services. I know the instructors to be excellent musicians and quality people that excel at teaching others. Mr. John Rosch is one of the more intelligent and skilled people that I can remember. His experience array is wide: I know the man to know football, mechanics, music, carpentry, and lots of other subjects Most of all, he has years of experience in teaching and if you’ve ever spoken with the man-he’s one of the more informative and interesting conversations you could ever have. Ms. Lauren Hair herself is a very personable and skillful person. I know her cello skills to be excellent and she has a cooperative, positive personality that many instructors would be lucky to have. Anytime I had a question about stringed instruments (be it cello, bass, violin) or just the mere challenge of reading music correctly, she is on point! Great business foundation and nice people!

A place that really cares about their people and will always do their best to help you, whether it be lessons, a repair, or buying equipment.

I recently decided to take the plunge and learn how to play the acoustic guitar. I visited several music stores in the area — I almost did not visit Drum & Strum before making my purchase — but I sure am glad I did!
First of all, don’t be put off by the rather spartan look to the shop — while I was unsure what to expect when I walked in — it first looked like there was not much to the shop (in comparison to some of the other shops I visited).
I met the owner and manager — Tim Dingus. Tim is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about music — and he really enjoys helping his customers — and it comes out in his interactions with you.
As we discussed what I was looking for — I originally thought I wanted to spend about $ 200-​$ 300 on an entry level acoustic guitar. All of the ones I’d seen to date were mass-​produced, soul-​less instruments «Made in China,» which did not resonate well with me. I asked about getting a guitar that was made from somewhere else. Tim talked about Art & Lutherie — a Canadian firm, that makes hand-​crafted guitars, in Canada, with 95% Canada wood, harvested in an environmentally friendly manner. The catch was — these guitars were not in the price range I originally specified. But they weren’t a lot more — I think $ 419 was the price for the one that Tim showed me — an Art & Lutherie Dreadnaught acoustic guitar in Spruce Burgundy:
It’s a beautiful guitar! I was hooked — the idea of something made in Canada in an environmentally friendly manner spoke volumes to me about the reasons I wanted to learn to play the guitar — and dovetailed well with philosophical views in general about things made in China, as well as things made in an environmentally friendly way.
Tim put together a package for me, including the guitar, a hard carrying case, guitar strap, tuner, and pics. I also ended up adding on a guitar stand, a bottle of Fender guitar polish, and a month’s worth of guitar lessons.
My first lesson is this week! Can’t wait to start learning!
Drum & Strum can order you all sorts of instruments and accessories — and they offer music lessons on a wide range of instruments. Just because you don’t see it displayed in the store — doesn’t mean they can’t get it!
Besides the guitars on display, there were some Banjos, Ukelele, a Mandolin, a Mountain Dulcimer, fiddles, lots of accessories, guitar straps, pics, tuners, stands, cleaners, guitar strings, and much more!
I highly recommend Drum & Strum!

fine people run this shop. I was always impressed with their commitment to fine music lessons and treating people with respect and a kind smile. the concerts they offer in house are amazing and intimate. And the owner Tim is a good man you can trust.

I have been going to Drum & Strum for over 20 years. I have taken classes there and my children have taken classes there. This store is family owned and they have always gone out of their way to make sure their customers are satisfied. I can also assure you that if you need a repair, Tim is who you want working on your instrument. This store has been in Warrenton for over 20 years, and it has been for a reason. The customer service is TOP notch and the instructors are great. The Dingus family’s number 1 priority is and always has been, Providing the best service to their patrons. The repair work is untouchable. Few people could pull off the repairs I have seen Tim complete. I personally had a HUGE hole in the back of my guitar and Tim made it look and play like new. It sounds like some of you need to drive to Fairfax to guitar center and get yourself some $ 2 strings and a complimentary. Also if your kid does not like his teacher you should ask to try another. I know they would have no problem doing this even if your kid wanted to try a different instrument.

Drum and Strum is a jewel of a music store in Old Town. I’ve been a customer for 12 years and I recommend them to anyone looking for entry level to mid level instruments, caring and knowledgeable instructors and quality instrument repair .
Drum and Strum is not and I’m happy they are not a big box store like, Guitar Center. They cannot compete with tthem on high end instruments. But that’s ok. Of course a national chain will beat a small local store on price and selection. But if your child wants to learn how to play an instrument and work with an instructor who actually listen to them about their musical aspirations, you need to go to Drum and Strum.
To tell the truth, there are a couple of reviews here that just don’t make any sense to me. Vintage guitars? eBay killed off almost every vintage guitar store in the country. The only ones left are in LA and NYC. Not Warrenton VA. Drum and Strum is a family owned music store that has served the needs of Warrenton well since 1990. Give them a shot when you or your kid wants to pick up an instrument and learn to play.