Monaco’s Violin Shop

It saddens me that a place as wonderful as Monaco’s doesn’t have a single review.
At the young and spunky age of eight years old, I decided I wanted to play the violin. Now, mind you, not a single person in my family had any sort of musical talent whatsoever. But as a bouncy and bold third grader it was so IN to want to play an instrument. If you wanted to play the violin, you were able to start a whole YEAR earlier than the rest of the instruments out there.
I didn’t do a lot of extracurricular activities at the time, so my parents readily agreed to allow me to play the violin. They trucked me over to Monaco’s, which at the time, was on the Boulevard, next to Ted’s (and is now a bridal place.) The room smelled like a tree had just been chopped down to make instruments and like rosin, the stuff you put on your bow. Now and again when I go back to Monaco’s (in Getzvillle, nowadays) I still remember that smell and think of my childhood.
Anyway, Monaco’s rented out a lot of violins for kids learning the instruments. They still do this and they are graceful with their loan period. I’m not sure the costs for loaning an instrument (usually it’s per season), but it’s well worth it for a child learning how to play. I played all throughout grade school. I was never the best, but I enjoyed the sounds emanating from my instrument. Although not the most rustic sounds come from the violin, it sure is unique in the execution of the sound.
Having no real support at home and going to the weekly lesson at another store, I just got by. Somehow in the process of growing up I acquired my own violin and began to frequent Monaco’s with less intensity, merely stopping by for the occasional package of rosin, a new book to look at, or a metronome to keep pace.
At the end of high school I wanted to rediscover my instrument. I went to Monaco’s with a purpose: to get a high quality teacher so I could grow with my instrument and not let it sit to collect dust. Mark, the owner, suggested his mother. I contacted her and I met up for lessons soon after that. I knew all my scales (something no one really taught me through high school), I played in a mini orchestra in her basement, and I practiced my violin all the time.
For all my lessons, I went to Monaco’s to order all of my books and accessories to help me become a better student. I ordered about five books and if they didn’t have one, they called me as soon as they got it in so I could come pick it up.
The Monaco’s helped lead me by hand to music competitions (scoring a 99 for All-​State is still one of my most treasured moments) and then into my first real-​time orchestra, where I played for the UB Symphony Orchestra. It was intense and I was in love… With lessons and the right tools, I accomplished and grew as an individual through the orchestra.
As soon as I figured out my career, I set my violin aside to spend time doing research. I’ve tried to resurrect my violin multiple times and in the past six months I’ve gone to Monaco’s to get new strings for my instrument. Sadly, I was unable to stick with it and my childhood love for my beautiful instrument was set aside to do other things. :(
It’s impossible not to appreciate what Monaco’s already knew: 1) giving children the gift of music (which the Monaco’s already knew is beautiful and important in life) 2) Music, diligence, and patience helped mold me into a stronger, more able human being 3) providing the tools and resources to become a better player is essential in your growth.
I cannot thank the Monaco’s enough for their love and support as they watched me grow up. Their family is amazing and gems in the region. Mark, the owner, is extremely laid back and provides amazing opportunities for the youth in our region. His children and wife often frequent the store and help him out with sales and such. What a beautiful family… exemplified in the maintenance of a beautiful store. Monaco’s is off of North French, located in the Crosspoint plaza, next to Dunkin Donuts.
So if you or a loved one has ever wanted to play a string instrument, I’d recommend Monaco’s for that. They’re great people and run a very nice store.
Also, on a more personal side note, music builds character. I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve spent replaying a section on a piece to get it right. Patience, appreciation for art, and learning to listen to others (in a group setting) is essential in your growth as a musician. Even though I don’t play anymore, I still apply the lessons I’ve learned through my instrument growing up as a kid to my life as an adult.
I think the Monaco’s know and understand this and provide children with the opportunities to learn more about themselves through the gift of music.