Since 1991

Our Story

Wakefield Music has been the home for local musicians since 1991: a real showroom, real teachers, live concerts and thirty-five years of putting instruments into the right hands.

Since 1991 on Main Street

Dennis Costa opened Wakefield Music in 1991 at 56 Main Street in South Kingstown, in the space previously occupied by Axelrod Music. The shop soon moved next door to 58 Main Street, then grew back into the original storefront in 1999 as the teaching studios and inventory expanded.

Three decades later the mission has not changed: quality instruments at fair prices, honest advice and a place where players of every age and level feel at home.

The Wakefield Music Co. storefront at 58 Main Street, Wakefield RI
In-store concert at Wakefield Music

More than a store

Over the years Wakefield Music has presented more than a hundred in-store concerts and workshops, hosting nationally known performers and local favorites on a stage a few feet from the audience. Lessons, ensembles, and community events keep the shop full of music throughout the year!

The archive

Three Decades of Photos

The shop, the concerts in the main room, the workshops and the people who filled them — here are some photographs from the archive.

Bob Taylor playing a banjo in the shop
Pierre Bensusan in concert at Wakefield Music
A Celtic session at Wakefield Music

Artists who have played the shop

More than a hundred concerts since the early 1990s, on a stage a few feet from the racks. A partial list, in no particular order:

Greg Abate · Bruce Abbott · Pierre Bensusan · South County Rounders · Peppino D’Agostino · Guy Van Duser · Joe Beck · Ali Ryerson · Scott Cossu · Artie Traum · Benjamin Verdery · Jim Beloff · Yarina · Indulto · Sons of Bark · Hand To Mouth · RI Saxophone Quartet · Jon Campbell · Paul Geremia · Beppe Gambetta · Harvey Reid · Doyle Dykes · Dan Crary · Mark Hanson · Calace Duo · Josh Schurman · Joe Parillo · Pam Clayton · Will Ayton · Boxcar Lillies · Esmeree Skye · Adrian Legg · Bill Coulter · Cercie Miller · Chris Proctor · Northern Lights · Yang Wei · Ed Sweeney · Mair-Davis Duo · Ed Gerhardt · Marshall Wood · David Leisner · Dennis Costa · Wendy Waldman · Mimi Fox · George Masso · and more

Photographs from the concerts →

Brands we have carried as an authorized dealer

Past and present, a partial list:

Alvarez · Taylor · Yamaha · Gretsch · Ramirez · Kala · Kamaka · Eastman · Kentucky · Deering · Gold Tone · Kremona · Kanile’a · Hohner · Fishman · Seagull · Cordoba · Godin · Savannah · Lowden · Magic Fluke · Leho · Ohana · Guild · Fender · C.F. Martin · Cole Clark · Santa Cruz

Authorized means full manufacturer warranties, and every instrument set up properly before it leaves the shop. Read the full store policies →

Store policies in brief

Refund or exchange within 10 days of purchase (minimum 10% restocking fee may apply). Store credit or exchange up to 30 days. No returns after 30 days.

Software, registered-warranty items, harmonicas, kazoos, mouthpieces, reeds, installed pickups, and consignment or clearance items. Printed music is exchange-only within 10 days.

Consignment is reserved for unusual, special-interest and vintage pieces; ask in the shop.

Come see the shop

Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm, at 58 Main Street in Wakefield.