Appointments allow us to provide a custom-tailored fitting experience, in-person at our shop in Boston, MA. You'll go one-on-one with one of our instrument specialists and have priority access to our extensive inventory of instruments and accessories during your 1-hour appointment. Best of all, appointments are completely free!

How it Works

• Before you even arrive, our staff will hand-pick and reserve appropriate instruments/accessories, based on your goals or requests. Everything will be ready and waiting in our practice room, which will be reserved for you for the hour.
• Arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Bring your current instrument and setup (mouthpiece, reeds, ligature, etc.), as well as music you want to play.
• One of our specialists will meet with you and assist you during the appointment.

Pre-Appointment Checklist

1. Identify what you want to try and why. Also figure out your budget. Let us know this information in the appointment form so that we can make appropriate recommendations.
2. Bring your existing setup: instrument, mouthpiece, reeds, ligature, etc. It is crucial you have this as a comparison point, and we cannot provide nor guarantee exact replacements for these items if you forget them.
3. Bring music, etudes, or repertoire you are currently playing. You should consider (1) something you can play comfortably and consistently, plus (2) something which is familiar yet still challenges you technically. This will help you distinguish the differences between instruments.
4. Bring a list of recommendations for instruments from your teacher. Teachers are also welcome to come assist their student in the trial process, just let us know!
5. Bring something to write down your observations on: pen and paper, a tablet, even your phone. Taking notes is a great way to organize your thoughts.
6. Lastly, bring an open mind. “What works for others might not work for you, and what works for you might not be the answer for someone else.”

Ready? Schedule your Appointment:

Book an Appointment at Virtuosity!

Appointments vs. Walk-ins

Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-serve basis including access to the practice room, instruments, and accessories. Staff are only able to assist walk-ins intermittently when not assisting retail customers. We strongly encourage all customers seriously interested in purchasing an instrument to book an appointment for the most streamlined and enjoyable experience.

If you are not interested in making a purchase and would simply like to browse our current selection of instruments and accessories, we encourage walk-ins as a low-impact way to experience the shop!

Appointment Policies

Please be respectful towards other customers and our staff by only booking one appointment at a time. Appointments are only available for booking on our website via the above form, and cannot be booked via phone, e-mail, or in person.

Virtuosity does not guarantee the availability of any particular product or reserve products before or after the 1-hour appointment period. If you wish to try a particular instrument or accessory, we encourage you to e-mail us to verify its status, and book your appointment as soon as possible.

It is essential that you arrive on time if you wish to utilize the full duration of your appointment. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, Virtuosity will consider it a no-show and will release all staff, items, and spaces reserved for you. You may still try items, but it will be as a walk-in customer. Multiple no-shows or excessive bookings may result in revocation of appointment privileges.

Appointments begin and end on the hour. At the end of the appointment time, any reserved items may be returned to the shop inventory and you may be asked to leave the practice room to make room for another customer.

If you believe you may need extra time beyond the end of the appointment to make a decision, please let our staff know as early as possible. Please understand that we may not be able to accommodate you.

Virtuosity does not guarantee the availability of specific staff member(s) for your appointment. Please allow us to determine the most appropriate specialist to assist you. Staff are not guaranteed to be present for all of the appointment time and will need to leave to handle other responsibilities.

Teachers, parents, and mentors are all welcome to attend the appointment. We suggest a maximum of two guests join you in the practice room. Other family members are welcome to wait in our lounge area at the front of the store.

Appointments are intended for customers who are actively interested in purchasing an instrument or accessory. If you don't fall into this category, please leave appointment slots available for others.

Virtuosity reserves the right to deny appointment privileges to anyone who violates our terms of service or store policies.