Seattle Music Store & School
Come play with us!
Est. 1979
One of the oldest businesses in the heart of Seattle's Fremont neighborhood, Dusty Strings is a hidden gem. Though minimalist boutiques may be all the rage, we prefer the slightly overwhelming approach that makes you go, "Whoa..." the first time you walk in. The tall ceilings and airy open space are balanced out by cozy spots to make yourself at home and a broad inventory that fills multiple rooms and extends up the walls as high as you can reach.
As a locally-owned small business, we are excited to share our love of music with beginners and professionals alike, and we believe in an encouraging and low-pressure environment. Stop in and say hello!
Music School
Private lessons, group classes, one-day workshops, and regular jam sessions
Explore a wide array of subjects in an inclusive and supportive atmosphere, including beginning ukulele lessons, songwriting classes, Irish sessions, fiddle and blues workshops, and a whole lot more!
Who We Are
Hand-Picked
The instruments, accessories, and books we carry are items we're confident in offering because we use them ourselves and stand behind them. We are also believers in a hands-on experience. While we do sell our instruments online, nothing beats being able to play, hear, and compare them in person.
More Than a Store
Between the school, repair shop, rental instruments, jam sessions, workshops, and so on, we have a ton of different resources to help folks reach their goals along their musical journey. We take it as our responsibility to help people make music a part of their lives, and we find great value in that.
Real People
We don't work on commission, and our goal is always to help each customer find the best fit for their situation. Sometimes that's a rental rather than a purchase, or a setup and some lessons rather than a new instrument. We prefer to be encouraging and helpful instead of pushy and salesy, and we like to listen before we speak.
Expertise
We are the ultimate music geeks. We may be a little bit crazy, but we're your kind of crazy! Music is a fundamental part of the life of each staff member, and we're here to help you make it part of your life as well by sharing our enthusiasm and personal expertise without judgment.
Latest News
Open House 2025
We'd like to thank all of you who joined us at Open House again, especially our performers: Miles & Karina, The Canotes, the Seumas Gagne Trio, and Hemlock Revival! It...
Instrument Care: The Case Against Dryness
It’s that time of year again! Yes, yes, 'tis the season for holiday cheer and spending time with loved ones, too, but of course I’m talking about the time to...
