Driven by Service, Rooted in Music
At Brighton Music Center, we’re more than just a music store—we’re a hub for musicians, students, parents, and educators across the Western Pennsylvania region. Our mission is simple: to make music accessible at every step of the journey, whether you’re renting your first instrument, prepping for college auditions, or finding the perfect setup for your stage rig.
We’re proud to be a locally owned, education-driven business with a strong commitment to customer care and community.
In fact, we were honored to receive NAMM’s Best Customer Service and Dealer of the Year Award in 2025, and we’ve consistently ranked as one of NAMM’s Top 100 Dealers .
What We Do
Along with two full-line retail store locations, Brighton Music Center provides a full range of services for musicians at every level:
- Instrument Rentals for school music programs and individuals
- One-on-One Music Lessons with professional, vetted teachers
- Instrument Repairs through in-house techs and trusted partners
- Electronics Repair & Sound System Installations
- Retail Sales of instruments, accessories, sheet music, and more
- Group Classes & Workshops for all ages, from ukulele to songwriting
- School Services including delivery, educator partnerships, and fundraising support
We’re proud to partner with local schools, churches, libraries, and educators to make music more accessible across Western Pennsylvania.
Who We Are
Brighton Music Center is a team of musicians, educators, and gearheads who truly love what we do. Every person here—from the lesson coordinator answering your questions, to the tech repairing your child’s trumpet, to the owner greeting you at the counter—is invested in helping you or your student succeed.
We live by a few core beliefs that guide everything we do:
- Do the right thing—always. Whether it’s helping a beginner find the right instrument or supporting a school music program, integrity comes first.
- Deliver legendary service. Our customers aren’t just transactions—they’re part of the BMC family, and we treat them that way.
- Be positive. Music is about joy, expression, and connection. We show up every day with an attitude that reflects that.
- Listen to understand. We’re here to help, and that starts with really hearing what each student, parent, or teacher needs.
- Have fun! Because at the end of the day, making music should be something you love.
We take pride in offering personalized service, honest advice, and a no-pressure environment. We’re big believers in music as a lifelong journey, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our Story – History of BMC
Brighton Music Center began in 1958 as a small private lesson studio called Beaver Valley Music, founded by local band directors James Botti and James Kaplan. They saw that students needed more personalized instruction to truly thrive—and that spark of inspiration became the foundation of everything we still do today.
By 1962, the business had outgrown its space. With more lesson studios and a growing reputation, the team expanded into selling pianos and organs. As more educators from Pittsburgh joined their teaching staff, the studio transformed into a full-service music store—Brighton Music Center was born.
Fast forward to 2011: longtime employees Brad Wittmer and Richard Schiemer purchased the business, keeping its roots strong and its future bright. Today, with two locations and a passionate team, BMC serves students, families, and schools across Western Pennsylvania.
Through every note, every lesson, and every repair, we’re still here for the same reason we started: to help people express, create, and be inspired through music.
