Hey Strings that Sing are the new kids on the block, but Brisbane Northside has a rich history of music shops.
“Remember Music Junction in Aspley?”
“Of course! But you couldn’t beat Morris Brothers for service. And now there’s Strings That Sing – have you seen what they’re doing with instruments and repairs for string players?”
Brisbane’s northside has always had a quiet but steady musical heartbeat. From suburban garages to school halls, it’s home to generations of musicians — and the stores that nurtured them.
Back in the 1960s and ’70s, it started with the classics: Carroll’s Music in Kedron, and later, the rise of Ellaways, first in Boondall and then in its signature Aspley location. With rows of pianos, full orchestral strings, and brass sections, Ellaways became a destination — a kind of music department store where students and professionals alike roamed the aisles.
Then came Music Express in Enoggera — smaller, louder, and loved by rockers. It was the home of guitars, amps, and adrenaline. On any weekend, you’d hear someone trialling pedals at full volume — no judgment, just raw sound.
But when it came to care, repair, and school instruments, Morris Brothers Music Store built a name for genuine service. Founded in the mid-1990s and now based in Stafford, they became the go-to for school musicians and families. Whether it was a rental flute for a Grade 5 band student or a violin emergency the night before an AMEB exam, Morris Brothers stepped in — no fuss, just help.
“They knew your name, your teacher, your kid’s next concert,” a parent remembers. “It felt like family.”
As the 2000s rolled in, the music scene began to shift. Online sales surged. Some stores closed their doors. But instead of fading, the northside adapted — and this is where Strings That Sing enters the story.
Launched as a fresh, community-rooted venture, Strings That Sing blends performance, education, and creativity. Based in Brisbane’s northside, it’s more than just a violin or cello studio. It’s a hub where young string players learn to make their instruments sing — not just technically, but musically.
With a focus on connection, expression, and support, Strings That Sing offers lessons, workshops, and performance opportunities that go beyond exam prep. It works closely with local ensembles, youth orchestras, and schools, often providing pop-up services at events or workshops for string players who are just finding their voice.
“It’s where my daughter realised music wasn’t just notes — it was storytelling,” says one parent.
Together, Ellaways, Morris Brothers, Music Express, and now Strings That Sing form a kind of living musical map of the northside — past, present, and future. They’ve each shaped a different slice of the community: retail giants, trusted repairers, bandroom lifelines, and nurturing studios.
And while there may be fewer stores now than in decades past, the spirit remains. If you walk into any of these places, you’ll find someone who knows the difference between a good setup and a great sound — and who genuinely wants to help you play.