About Us | Pfabe's Music Academy

440.357.5513

MON-FRI: 12-8 | SAT: 10-6

Our History

Pfabe’s Music Academy has been a musical beacon for our community for over seventy years. The store was opened in 1946 by a rather frustrated band instructor, Edsel Pfabe.

Back then, Edsel directed the Chardon High School Band. He loved sharing music with his students and his community and was instrumental in founding the Great Geauga Fair band.

As a music lover and promoter in his community, he quickly became frustrated by the lack of access to quality instruments. It broke his heart each time he was forced to turn away a child eager to learn the piano or violin because there was no instrument to play.

Edsel felt called to bring music to his community and ensure anyone wishing to play had the chance to. He accomplished this the day he opened the doors of the first Pfabe’s Music Academy Location.

Throughout the following decades, Pfabe’s Music has provided lessons and instruments to established and aspiring musicians in our community—and while the location has changed and ownership has passed over the years, the desire to bring music into our community has stayed the same.

Pfabe's Music celebrated 75 years of business in 2021!

John and Elizabeth Budnik are now the proud owners of Pfabe’s Music Academy. The Budnik family, including their five children, are lifelong students and customers of Pfabe’s. They are honored to keep the traditions of music and mastery alive in our community.

For decades, local schools have relied on Pfabe’s support for their music programs through instrument sales, rentals, and repairs.

School band and orchestra directors know they can count on us when needed, and it’s not uncommon for us to be called for last-minute pre-concert emergency repairs. We’re always happy to help ensure the show goes on and each child has a chance to shine while they play.

The music we make at Pfabe’s is not just for band and orchestra students. We want everyone, young and old, to fall in love with making music.

We offer private lessons for Piano, electric and acoustic Guitar, Drums, Bass, Ukulele, Voice and Singing, Violin, Rock Bands, and more. Our musically proficient instructors are often skilled at playing multiple instruments—so odds are, if you have an instrument you wish to learn, we have an instructor who can teach it.

Our Mission

Pfabe's Music Academy exists to strengthen families through musical education. Our mission at Pfabe's is to support families on their musical journey.

We believe that music...
*brings families together
*improves educational outcomes
*and builds confidence!

Our Staff

Gina Artale
Academy Director
gina@pfabesmusicacademy.com

Erica Lohan
General Manager, Marketing & Rentals
erica@pfabesmusicacademy.com

Christi Milliken
Store Manager
store@pfabesmusicacademy.com

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Jared Delaney, Store Associate
Matt Gittins, Store Associate
Cadey Cousins, Seasonal Store Associate
Hayley Conely, Seasonal Store Associate

440.357.5513 1484 MENTOR AVE., PAINESVILLE, OH 44077
MON-FRI 12-8 | SAT: 10-6 | SUN: Closed