Broad Ripple has been a quaint go-to hub for music lovers for decades. The attraction of the pubs, bars and the bands that perform here weekly, if not daily, have always been a draw.
And what hip village would be complete without a cool guitar shop? About Music is one gem of a guitar store. However, it is much more than that. It has become a symbiotic part of the community.
Nestled discretely along College Avenue, About Music has evolved from a guitar shop into a community music shop where you can find strings, reeds, brass or wind instruments and many other accessories. Used and new instruments including auto harps, classic organs, upright bass, violins and of course, guitars cover the walls. I even spotted a piano in a corner.
Indy native Robert Norwood has owned About Music for over 18 years. He’s like the cool dad of your best friend growing up. Teaching guitar lessons, he’s laidback, easygoing, and I can easily imagine him with this shop on a side street in the Village in New York City, but fortunately it’s here in our village.
When asked i
f anything has changed over the years with music and technology, Norwood says that apps, such as ones that assist with ear training, have improved productivity and interface beautifully with lessons.
“Technology has the ability to improve the environment of individual instruction and aides in helping speed up the learning process,” Norwood said.
This was pleasantly surprising to hear how he welcomes whatever helps the students he teaches. The more I talk to him, the more I realize how he’s a perfect fit into the artistic fabric of Broad Ripple.
A renaissance man who lives in the moment, he is always busy. The shop is easily a reflection of the proprietor. There is an eclectic selection of just about everything musical you can think of, which is part of the charm. It’s like walking into your grandfather’s attic, knowing there are undiscovered treasures to find and you just have to look.
Celebrity clientele love About Music because it is a comfortable space. And with a shared interest in music, anyone who walks in appreciates the ambiance. There is a feeling that there is something in store for you here; you just need to be drawn to it.
It is refreshing to walk into About Music. You are greeted upon entering, but there is no agenda; it’s all About Music.
About Music is located at 6346 N. College Ave. For more information, give them a call at 317-255-4411.
