WENTWORTH MUSIC The Heart Of The Business
Wentworth Music is a prominent family-owned music retailer and education center based in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Canada. For over 60 years, it has evolved from a small teaching studio into the largest “one-stop” music destination in the BC Interior.
History and Origins
Wentworth Music’s history is a classic “garage startup” story that began in 1966.
- Founding:
The business was established by Walt, Vera, and Dale Wentworth. It originally operated as a small music lesson studio out of the back of Walt’s lighting store, Capri House of Lights, in Kelowna’s Capri Mall
- The Pivot:
Dale Wentworth, who taught lessons to put himself through college, noticed that the income from music lessons and instrument sales was beginning to outpace the lighting business. He eventually convinced his father to convert the entire shop into a dedicated music store.
- Expansion:
Over the decades, the business expanded beyond Kelowna to serve the entire Okanagan region, opening additional full-service locations in Vernon and Penticton.
Business Profile & Services
Today, Wentworth Music is recognized as one of the premier music retailers globally, having been voted among the Top 100 Music Stores in the World by NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants).
- Retail and Rentals:
The store is a “full-line” dealer, meaning it carries everything from guitars and drums to pianos and orchestral strings. - Key Brands:
They are authorized dealers for major brands like Arturia, Korg, Yamaha, Taylor Guitars, Roland, Ovation, Schecter, Pearl, Marshall, Vox, Fender, & more. - Rental Program:
They operate a popular “Rent-to-Own” program, particularly for school band students, which includes a customer protection plan covering all repairs and maintenance.
Wentworth Music Education Centre
The heart of the business is its award-winning education wing.
- Scale: At its peak, the center has hosted over 1200 students weekly.
Community and Charity
Wentworth Music is well-known for its Bi-Annual Student Rock Shows. These are large-scale productions held at venues like the Kelowna Community Theatre or Prospera Place.
- Philanthropy: Through these “Kids Helping Kids” concerts, the company has raised over $250,000 for the children’s wards at Kelowna General Hospital and Vernon Jubilee Hospital
Locations
- Kelowna (Flagship): #106-1634 Harvey Ave, Kelowna, BC
- Vernon: 4301 29th St, Vernon, BC
- Penticton: 51 Nanaimo Ave E, Penticton, BC
Wentworth Music operates one of the most comprehensive music education and rental programs in British Columbia. Their Education Centre is particularly unique because of its focus on contemporary styles alongside classical training.
🎓 Music Lesson Programs
The Wentworth Music Education Centre offers a broad range of private and group instruction for all ages (starting at age 4).
Available Instruments
- Contemporary: Rock/Pop Vocals, Electric & Bass Guitar, Drums, and Ukulele.
- Classical & Traditional: Piano, Violin, Cello, Saxophone, Trumpet, Clarinet, Flute, and Acoustic Guitar.
- Specialty: Banjo and Mandolin.
Unique Features
- Performance Opportunities: Unlike many studios, Wentworth focuses on stage experience. Their massive student rock shows give kids the chance to perform with professional lights and sound at local theaters.
- Flexibility: They offer both in-person and online lessons. Private lessons are typically priced around $33 to $38 per 30-minute session, often billed monthly.
🎷 Instrument Rental Rates
Wentworth is famous for its “Rent-to-Own” program, which is the primary choice for school band students in the Okanagan.
Estimated Monthly Rates (Student-Level Gear)
While exact pricing can vary by brand and condition, their standard monthly rental rates generally fall into these ranges:
| Instrument Category | Monthly Starting Rate (Approx.) |
| Violin / Ukulele | $15 – $25 |
| Acoustic / Electric Guitar | $20 – $30 |
| Trumpet / Trombone / Flute | $25 – $35 |
| Clarinet / Alto Saxophone | $30 – $45 |
| Digital Piano / Keyboard | $30 – $45 |
Rental Benefits
- 40% Purchase Discount: At any time during your rental, you can choose to buy the instrument. They typically apply 100% of your paid rent toward the price and give you a 40% discount on the remaining balance.
- Protection Plan: For a small fee (usually $2–$5/month), they provide a “No-Fault” coverage that handles all repairs, maintenance, and even accidental damage or theft.
🛠️ Additional Services
- Repair Shop: They have a dedicated repair department for brass, woodwinds, and stringed instruments, along with guitar and drums.
- Used Gear: They frequently buy and trade used instruments, making them a great spot for affordable beginner kits.
For more information, you can visit their official website at WENTWORTHMUSIC
