Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Music Store in Milwaukee, WI
Brass Bell Music has been a cornerstone of Milwaukee's music community since 1971. Founded by Alan Gaulke after his transition from band directing due to hearing issues, the store pioneered a Rent-to-Own Program that remains largely unchanged for over 48 years. With 16 lesson studios, a repair shop, and a staff of experienced musicians, we serve beginners and professionals alike. Our core values emphasize exceptional service, reasonable pricing, and community music education support. Located in the North Shore area, we combine decades of expertise with state-of-the-art facilities to meet diverse musical needs. Our team includes certified repair technicians, NAPBIRT members, and educators with advanced degrees in music.We maintain partnerships with local school programs and advocate for music education through initiatives like our Student of the Month recognition. The store's mission extends beyond sales to nurturing lifelong musical passions through personalized guidance. As a family-owned business now led by Tristann Rieck, we continue evolving while honoring our founding principles. Our commitment to quality extends to instrument repairs, rentals, and curated product selections that serve Milwaukee's vibrant music scene.
Services
Instrument Rentals
Music Lessons
Instrument Repairs
Sheet Music Sales
Pro Audio Equipment
Event Hosting
Instrument Sizing
Educator Resources
Student Programs
Music Events
Details
- Year established: 1971
Highlights and features
- Serving Milwaukee musicians since 1971 with proven expertise
- Pioneers of Wisconsin's longest-running Rent-to-Own instrument program
- Certified repair technicians specializing in brass, woodwinds, and strings
- 16 state-of-the-art lesson studios with qualified music educators
- Active partners in local school band and orchestra programs
Associations and certifications
- Excelcia Select Dealer
What people say
Expert repair services
Knowledgeable staff
Great lesson programs
Friendly atmosphere
Quality instrument rentals
Services
Instrument Rentals
Our Rent-to-Own Program provides accessible instrument access for students and professionals. With flexible terms and quality instruments, this service has supported generations of musicians since 1971. Rental options include brass, woodwinds, strings, and percussion instruments with straightforward upgrade paths.
Music Lessons
Offering lessons in 16 dedicated studios with certified educators. Our instructors teach brass, woodwinds, strings, piano, voice, and digital production. Programs cater to all skill levels from beginners to advanced musicians, with specialized instruction for school band preparation and performance techniques.
Instrument Repairs
Professional repair services for brass, woodwinds, and string instruments. Staff includes NAPBIRT-certified technicians and specialized repair experts. Services range from routine maintenance to complex restorations, ensuring optimal instrument performance for students and professionals alike.
Sheet Music Sales
Curated selection of band, orchestra, and solo performance materials. Our inventory includes educational resources, method books, and performance pieces for all skill levels. Expert staff assist with repertoire selection for school programs and professional engagements.
Pro Audio Equipment
Professional audio equipment sales and support for live performance and recording needs. Inventory includes microphones, mixers, amplification systems, and digital recording equipment. Our staff provides expert guidance for both beginner and professional audio setups.
People
Tristann Rieck
Owner
Third-generation music store owner with extensive experience in music education advocacy. Holds business administration degree with finance emphasis. Active participant in NAMM Fly-In events and community music initiatives. Leads store operations and strategic direction.
Ben Ludwig
Sales Associate
Multidisciplinary artist with expertise in piano, viola, and digital production. Combines music knowledge with drag performance artistry. Specializes in product education across all store departments. Has worked at Brass Bell since 2014.
Amanda Malloy
Repair Technician
Certified Straubinger flute technician with NAPBIRT membership. Specializes in brass and woodwind repairs since 2003. Also serves as private instructor for trumpet and voice. Combines technical expertise with performance experience.
Nick Miller
Instrument Repair
NAPBIRT-certified technician specializing in woodwind repairs and guitar effects. Graduate of Red Wing repair programs. Combines instrument building expertise with performance experience across multiple musical genres.
Noah Liermann
Outreach Coordinator
Vocal performance specialist with degrees from Silver Lake College and UW-Milwaukee. Manages store events and community programs. Active in local choral ensembles and music education initiatives.
Questions
What services does Brass Bell Music offer?
We provide instrument sales, rentals, repairs, music lessons, sheet music, pro audio equipment, and community music programs.
Do you offer music lessons for all skill levels?
Yes, our 16 lesson studios accommodate beginners through advanced musicians with specialized instructors in multiple disciplines.
What makes your Rent-to-Own Program unique?
Our program has remained successful for over 48 years with flexible terms and straightforward upgrade options for student instruments.
Are your repair technicians certified?
Yes, we employ NAPBIRT-certified technicians specializing in brass, woodwinds, and string instrument repairs.
Do you support local music education?
We partner with local schools and offer programs like Student of the Month to recognize young musicians' achievements.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, credit cards, and offer financing options for qualified purchases.
Videos
