When I was in the fifth grade I joined the orchestra and needed a violin. My mom took me to Dorsey Music and rented a 3/4 size violin for me. As I got older I outgrew my violin so we returned to Dorsey Music and she bought me a beautiful full-size Glazel. They are always great about helping students out with renting instruments purely in the best interest of keeping children eager to play music and making it affordable for parents to provide those instruments for their budding young musicians.
Dorsey Wheeler, the owner of Dorsey Music, was a former school band director. His stores in Nampa and Boise have been serving the Treasure Valley since 1969, with stores in Boise, Nampa, and now Ontario. Dorsey holds a degree in Music Education from Weber State University in Utah. By working with children he saw the need of students having access to musical instruments that were affordable, so he left behind his days as a music teacher and decided to open a store where he could sell instruments and rent to students. He has helped to put instruments into the hands of 1000’s of the future musicians of the Treasure Valley and still does.
At one point or another, his children have worked at the store. His son Derek Wheeler told me that he had taken piano lessons when he was in school but quit after a month. Ironically enough he married a piano teacher who now teaches their children to play the piano. He has worked at Dorsey for over 20 years now and loves it. On some days he is setting up church PA systems, at others he is helping out at the store. There’s never a dull moment! The staff at Dorsey Music is always helpful and ready to answer any questions customers may have. They are comprised of musicians with extensive knowledge of the various instruments they play, and they are always willing to assist customers in finding the right instrument that fits into their budget.
Dorsey Music carries every instrument you can think of and some you probably can’t. From acoustic guitars to electric guitars, all kinds of orchestral stringed instruments, saxophones and trombones, drums and percussion instruments, as well as a Cajon or two. They also carry a wide array of PA equipment in a broad range of prices, both used and new, as well as accessories. I even saw a bad-ass cross that attaches to the top of a mic stand that I was tempted to buy.
Photos By Jaz Fagan
I met up with Dorsey last night at the Taylor Guitars Road Show and we talked about music, of course, and his new store that is having a grand opening in Ontario, Oregon this month. They are selling raffle tickets for $5 and all of the proceeds go to benefit the local music program of your choice. They have amazing prizes such as an Amati Violin worth $900, a Gretsch Hollow Body Electric Guitar worth $700, a Mio Flute valued at $1000, and so much more.
Dorsey is now in his 70’s and is still going strong! He commutes back and forth from the three stores and the love of his customers, music instruments, and music shows just in the way he affectionately discusses his business. Thanks to him and his wonderful store I was able to get my first violin and that little spark grew into what now is a professional musician. I can only say, “Thank you, Dorsey!” To find out more info about Dorsey Music please go to their website at https://www.dorseymusic.com/
Idaho Gazette 