About Us | Schmitt Music

A Legacy of Passion for Music and its Makers

Since its inception in downtown Minneapolis in 1896 by Paul A. Schmitt, Schmitt Music has grown from a humble music store into a renowned family-owned institution. Today, led by Paul’s great-great-great-grandson, we continue to cherish and uphold the legacy of serving music enthusiasts not just locally or regionally but across the globe.

Our Reach and Expertise

Operating out of 9 retail locations throughout the upper Midwest and housing a flagship store in Bloomington, MN, Schmitt Music stands at the forefront of music retail. We cater to a diverse clientele, whom we call Music Makers, ranging from beginners to professional musicians, providing everything from private lessons and onsite repairs to an unmatched selection of instruments.

Schmitt Music employs nearly 200 people, many of whom are musicians.

Dedicated to Music Makers

All those who make music inspire our mission.

At Schmitt Music, we define our core customers as “Music Makers”, meaning anyone engaged in the creation or performance of music at any level. They can be young students learning their first note, adults rediscovering a passion, or professional performers. A music maker, whether part of a band, an orchestra, or a pianist, is dedicated to continuously learning, creating, and expressing themselves through music. 

Become a Music Maker

What are the Specialty Shops?

Schmitt Music's Specialty Shops in Bloomington, MN, are the result of a ten-year evolution, marking a significant shift from a traditional full-line music store to a curated, niche shopping experience. This transformation began with a focus on saxophones and has grown to encompass shops built around other instrument families within band, orchestra, and piano. Today, our shops offer a comprehensive selection of accessories, instruments, and master repair services for orchestral strings, flutes, brass (both low and high), clarinets, saxophones, and pianos—all under one roof.

Each shop is staffed by a dedicated team of experts who specialize in their respective instrument families, ensuring that every Music Maker - from beginners to seasoned professionals - receives tailored guidance and support. Our unique setup not only provides a specialized shopping experience but also fosters a community where Music Makers of all skill levels can inspire and learn from each other.

This distinctive approach is exclusive to Schmitt Music, making our Specialty Shops a premier destination for musicians seeking both variety and expertise.

Paul A. Schmitt Violin Shop

The Flute Gallery

The Clarinet Gallery

The Sax Shop

Trumpet Shop mouthpiece case at Schmitt Music Bloomington

The Trumpet Shop

The Trombone Shop

Growing with Pianos

In 1896, Schmitt Music opened its first location in Downtown Minneapolis, MN, specializing in sheet music. The company didn't expand to include pianos for another 50 years.

Present day, Schmitt Music is home to the world’s finest piano. As the exclusive dealer for Steinway & Sons, our specialists help guide music makers of all kinds to the piano that best suits their style. Our dedicated piano specialists are pianists and members of the musical community with a passion for supporting music.

Begin your Piano Journey

Over 125 Years of Supporting Musical Excellence

Dive into the rich symphony of Schmitt Music's past, from our humble beginnings with a single sheet music store in 1896 to becoming a pivotal part of the musical community across the Midwest. Explore how each generation has shaped our services, upheld traditions, and innovated to meet the evolving needs of music makers everywhere.

Who We Are