We have been providing music lessons in downtown Salem since 1964. We are now in our 3rd generation as a family-run business and our service is backed by decades of combined experience and musical knowledge. Our mission is to provide excellent quality gear at highly competitive prices and to encourage all people to make music.

Highlights and features

Drums, Guitar, Ukulele

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Randy Hartley

Randy is a patient and friendly teacher. He has been developing, performing and teaching one of the world's largest solo guitar repertoires for 45 years. He has taught ages 3-85, from beginners to pros, on how to play pop, blues, classical, bluegrass, Latin styles, jazz, flamenco, gospel, country, reggae, rock, TV and movie themes and old standards.

Rick Burch

Rick is a professional bassist with 35 years of performing experience and over 10 years of teaching bass and guitar at ABC Music. His specialties include ear training, chord structure, theory and technique in all styles and skill levels

Bradd Stine

With 25 years of teaching experience and 35 years as a professional drummer in the Bay Area, Bradd recently relocated to Oregon and is looking forward to making a positive impact on local players. Equally adept at all drumming styles, Bradd is also a classically trained percussionist.

Nate Hagen

Nate has been playing and studying a large range of music for over 10 years. Nate teaches both acoustic & electric guitar. He loves any and all styles of music: Rock, Jazz, Metal, Country, Funk, Harp Guitar, Classical, American Fingerstyle, Ska, Blues and more

Taylor plays 143 on the Kala Spruce Tenor Uke at ABC Music

Enjoy this clip of 12-year old Taylor playing Jake Shimabukuro's '143' on his Kala Tenor ukulele at ABC Music in Salem, Oregon. Can you believe he's been playing for less than 8 months? There's great talent on display here, and many more fine Kala Ukuleles are on display at ABC Music, too!

Breedlove C350/CMe demo

ABC Music owner Dave Chassman plays a familiar tune to demonstrate the Breedlove Atlas Solo C350/CMe. This guitar has a second soundhole, located on the side of the guitar, that effectively projects the detail and depth of the instrument's tone directly to the player's ear!

Kala Uke Jam NAMM 2011 with U-Bass

James Hill & Bathiki Kumalo jam @ the Kala booth

Michael Kelber

Dec 12, 2019

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Here I am at 72 playing Metallica on stage with the Renegades. River City is a unique opportunity at all skill levels. The teachers are not just fantastic musicians but amazing teachers. So glad I discovered this organization.

Sophie Kasner

Sep 10, 2019

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I love this place! It's really fun and all the teachers are nice. Shame that they do not do lessons for instruments besides guitar, bass, drums, keys, vocals, and violin but still good.

Mark Mason

May 19, 2018

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This place is really amazing, the teachers are so on point! My daughter learned to play the guitar like she was one of the Rolling Stones :

Hunter

Apr 30, 2018

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This is an amazing place for people of all ages to learn how to play music and to become more familiar with the music scene in Salem. The teachers care about their students and are passionate about their work. The entire system is fantastic and I highly recommend to anyone who wants to learn an instrument or to professionals looking to play with other musicians.

Brian Hart

Jan 02, 2018

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RiverCity Rock Star Academy is amazing! They really care about teaching music and the teachers are super passionate. They take on all ages and all musical skill levels. Amazing!