museum of making music

If you like music this little museum is a nice way to spend a few hours. Nice exhibits displaying the history of music in the US... Manufactures, musicians and instruments.

We enjoyed the variety of music history displayed, as well as the many types of instruments. The short recordings illustrating the various types of music through history added a lot to our enjoyment.

As museums go, the MoMM is relatively small, but I always find it interesting. Keep in mind, the museum not only shows vintage and current musical instruments but it also teaches about the eras during which various kinds of music became popular, so there’s an educational element here too. In each of the galleries you will find a combination of instrument displays and TV screens that allow you to push buttons to view examples of the artists that made their brand of music popular. [Note: some of the interactive features might not work; upkeep needed] Also, there are “stations” throughout the galleries where one can put on headphones and play instruments to learn how they create sounds (e.g., digital drum kit, electric guitar, lap steel guitar). Recommended for anyone who appreciates music.The MoMM holds numerous concerts throughout the year. Many of these feature renowned artists and sell out fast, so check the website for a schedule. Arrive early so you can get a good spot in line.Also for your consideration:* Plenty of free parking on-site. General admission = $8; discounts for various categories.* Push as many buttons as you have time for. It’s fun to watch the videos and sample the sounds.* At the end of the galleries is a room where you can try out lots of instruments: guitars, drums, harp, keyboards, etc. Kids swarm to these things like bees around honey… then they proceed to pound away. Everything is “percussion” to a kid, I guess.* Beware of elementary school tours. The group will take over virtually the entire place and majorly impact your “flow.” Also, you will be asked not to push the buttons, as the music bothers the tour guides. I happened to arrive just after a large group of kids and it was uncomfortable to hear some of the rambunctious ones get publicly scolded. Front desk staff informed me that Thursday mornings are the most popular for school tours.* The gift shop has some clever, music-related things.

A very inexpensive way to spend a couple of hours. Designed both as a "don't touch" museum featuring heirloom instruments and a kid-friendly "please touch" experience, the Museum had the right idea when first opened. However, during my two visits there, spread two months apart, virtually all of the hands on interactive "make your own music" displays either did not work, were missing strings or drumsticks or were greasy and sticky. In short, the interactive displays need maintenance and a good dose of cleaning. For adults, it is worth the $5 or so price of a ticket you can often find on Groupon. For younger children, I suspect they might get a bit bored, for there are far more "don't touch" displays than there are interactive modules.

Museum is very nice with lots of interactive exhibits that you can play. Great place for kids and nice gift shop. Saw Muriel Anderson and Stanley Jordan concert on Jan 30th, 2015. Spectacular show in small, private setting (small room with padded folding chairs).

you like old guitars. The collection is a bit mind boggling. There are other instruments too of course, but the guitars really caught my attention. Gibson, Martins, Gretsch, Rickenbacker, Old Tele's and Strats, you name it. If you're in the Carlsbad area and enjoy history, especially musical history, stop by. P.S. The volunteers at the museum were very enthusiastic and friendly.

This museum is hidden away in an industrial park and has little signage to direct you to it; but it's a fabulous museum, and well worth searching out. Along with the other exhibits are instruments that you're invited to play. Music history, beautiful instruments, and friendly staff.

This little museum is a gem if you or your kids like music. You can see, hear, and play instruments from the late 1800s through the jazz age, rock'n'roll, and post-punk-grunge-reggae current stuff. Everything from ordinary little harmonicas to unique horns, amazing vintage guitars, and gorgeous keyboards. Well worth the little detour and the admission when you're between LA and San Diego.

Tons of experiential points for this place! A great place to learn about instruments and their connection to the people and the tools of the music industry. I am a music teacher- Looking forward to returning!

different museum. It covers musical instruments. Some hands on others interactive. We dropped in on a whim and spent 2 hours there. Fun

My teenage son and I spent about an hour and half here. The place is small but had some interesting hands-on exhibits. My son loves music so this was a nice place to visit instead of shopping like the rest of the family. Parking was easy and the entrance fee was reasonable.

The family enjoyed it very much, especially the hands-on instruments that were available. If you like making music, this is a good diversion for a few hours in Carlsbad.

Great for music aficionados. Teenagers enjoyed it, especially my nephew who played drums. I like the way it is growing.

Amazing displays and progression of musical instruments thru the century. Very interesting even for those who do not play a musical instrument.

This is the sweetest place - dedicated but really fun for the whole family (unless you are not into music) It's nice to have a manageable place to visit when you want something to do!