Our Mission

ƒocus on People
Offer the Highest Value in Quality Product and Services
Reach Potential through Empowerment
Tradition of Integrity
Enrich Lives by Encouraging Music Participation

For-te (fôr-tā) n.

1. Something in which one excels.
2. Music-adv. & adj., Played in a loud, strong manner. Growing.
3. Adv. & adj., Emphasis and attention.

Willis Music, Buddy Roger's Music, and Willis Music Piano logos in one image.

WHO We Are

TRUSTED SINCE 1899

Willis Music & Buddy Roger’s Music is the only full-line music store serving the Greater Cincinnati area and Lexington. We are a fourth-generation, locally owned and operated business with over 120 years of experience. We are committed to providing you with the highest-quality service, musical instruments, and accessories for musicians of all skill levels.

Our six retail stores and two repair centers provide you with everything from drums to pianos and everything in between.
We rent instruments tailored to your band and orchestra program – including accessories and all the necessities.
We remain the place for any and all things print-related.
Our print music catalog is represented by Hal Leonard Corporation in the Americas and beyond, Shanghai Music Publishing in China, and Zen-On Music in Japan.
Our expert team of teachers provides music lessons in all locations for all instruments.

Timeline of Willis Music's History Image

WHAT We Do

Instrument Rentals

From beginner to advanced –Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, and Strings – we strive to make beginning band and orchestra available to any student with our affordable rental program.

No enrollment fee
All instruments are approved by your child’s director
No long-term commitment – return your instrument at any time
Monthly rental payments may be applied toward the purchase
You never pay for repairs made by our certified repair technicians
Rent in-store or online at www.willismusic.com

Gear

Willis Music has been a leader for decades in the guitar, percussion, keyboard, and pro sound markets. Top brands such as Taylor, Martin, Fender, Gibson, Yamaha, PRS, and many others have trusted us to represent their products. We proudly carry hundreds of top-name brands and also provide warranty service for you on almost all of them.

Music Lessons

Your song starts here. Whether you are a seasoned musician, a fifth grader starting band, or anything in between, music lessons are an integral part of your musical journey. One-on-one coaching with an instructor will help give you a step above the other members of your school or garage band. Lessons are available at all of our locations.
Go to www.willismusic.com to check out our teacher bios and schedule your lesson today.

Print Music

Our robust music catalog is like no other. In stores or online, we maintain an inventory of the most popular music for a variety of instruments and skill levels. If you can’t find it, we will get it for you!

Pianos & Keyboards

Our team of trained consultants will help you find the perfect piano. We can show you a full range of pianos for every level of student or professional. Visit our piano showrooms at a location near you.

Music Educator’s Partnership (MEP)

The MEP program is an exclusive program that allows teachers who support Willis Music to earn special discounts, access special programs, and help grow their studio.

University Support

We offer support such as fundraising, inventory analysis/fleet support, and financing to name a few. Our goal is to help universities develop, build, and grow their music programs.

Proud authorized dealer of:

WHY We Do It

Music Education Advocacy

At Willis Music & Buddy Roger’s Music, we have been enriching lives through music education and helping the community develop a passion since 1899. From our internationally known educational piano catalog to being one of the top retail music chains in America, the focus has always remained on education.

We advocate for music at the federal, state, and local levels.
We would be happy to assist if your district or school needs an advocate for music at a parent meeting or meeting with administrators

NAMM

NAMM is the trade association for the global music products industry. Our owner, Kevin Cranley, was honored to serve as NAMM’s Chairman from 2011-2013. Kevin and members of NAMM work with members of congress to ensure that music is a vital component to a well-rounded education for all children.

More…

Repairs

Willis Music & Buddy Roger’s Music has a full-service repair shop offering a wide variety of repair services to students and professional musicians. Located in our corporate office and North College Hill location.

LINKS

LINKS stands for Lonely Instruments for Needy Kids.

The LINKS program brings together the desire of young students who want to learn to play an instrument with used instruments that others have no current use for. Through LINKS, you can donate your used instrument to a promising young musician who cannot afford to rent or purchase one of their own. The program began as a project of the College-Conservatory of Music Alumni Board in partnership with Willis Music & Buddy Roger’s Music. It started as an idea to fulfill a need that had been identified in the music programs of area schools.

Sound Systems

Cook’s professional, bonded installation team will help you meet all your sound needs, from a large sound system install to a microphone for the choir. We carry all major brands, and our in-house experts will assess your space and present a plan that best fits your needs.

John Thompson Recital Halls

Available at our Florence, Kenwood, and Lexington locations
Seating capacity of 70-180 varies by location
Multi-functional spaces equipped with Steinway or other top-name grand pianos
Multi-channel mixing boards matched with speaker systems

For reservations, contact a store manager:

Florence: (859) 525-6050
Kenwood: (513) 252-0445
Lexington: (859) 273-4063