Kidder Music Service opened its doors in 1974 with a commitment to support music education and inspire new generations of musicians. From those early years, they’ve remained steadfast in their mission, going beyond simply selling instruments to provide a rich, supportive environment for our schools, churches, civic groups, and performing arts organizations. Their dedication to helping beginning musicians take their first steps—through instrument rentals, repair services, and specialized sheet music—has made music accessible to thousands of students across Peoria and the surrounding areas.
But Kidder Music’s influence doesn’t stop with students. They are there for musicians of all ages and skill levels, offering everything from top-notch repair services to advanced instruments, challenging sheet music, and even annual maintenance agreements. For fifty years, they’ve supported the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, the Peoria Municipal Band, the Peoria Area Civic Chorale, and countless other community groups, bringing the joy of music to countless people in our region. Kidder Music’s investment in these organizations has been instrumental in strengthening our community’s cultural fabric.
In fact, they’ve taken their support one step further by expanding to include private and group lessons, creating a space for musicians to deepen their skills and explore their passion for music. Through Kidder Music’s lesson studio, students young and old have access to expert guidance, cultivating a lifelong appreciation for music in a nurturing environment.
The City of Peoria recently honored Kidder Music’s 50th anniversary with a proclamation that includes a quote from the philosopher Plato, who said, ‘Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.’ Kidder Music has done just that. For fifty years, they have given flight to our imaginations and life to our community by making music a vibrant and accessible part of our everyday lives.
