Ambrose Rivera 1942-2019
A Second-Generation, Family-Owned Music Store
Ambrose Rivera, native to Northern New Mexico, was first introduced to guitar as a child by listening to his father sing and play spanish music. Growing up in Santa Fe, and later Rainsville (Mora Valley), Ambrose was surrounded by family and friends that played music. With the culture of Northern New Mexico that was inspiring to him, Ambrose played with a cousin and friends in a local group named Manny and the Casanovas. That band brought him to Albuquerque where he eventually opened a small music store in 1974 named Mr. Music. There he sold instruments, offered repairs, and taught lessons. After moving his family to Cedar Crest in 1979, he soon moved his business to the East Mountains. In 1983 he officially opened and renamed his music store—The Village Guitarist.
Fast forward to 1997, his son Eric joined the family business teaching lessons. The father and son team were able to give the community a variety of music styles to learn. Ambrose specialized in classical and jazz, and Eric specialized in blues and rock.
In 2005, The Village Guitarist moved to its current location in The Turquoise Trail Shopping Center located 3 miles up North 14 from the Cedar Crest exit off of Interstate 40. With that move, Eric’s wife, Krista Rivera, brought the introduction of a fantastic piano lesson program to the shop.
Moving into 2023, The Village Guitarist is proud to continue to offer instruction for guitar, bass, piano, ukulele and percussions. Currently with 5 teachers offering various instruments and styles, you are sure to find the right match in an instructor.
The retail side of the shop has lent itself as one of the premier music stores in Central New Mexico. With major brands such as PRS, Ibanez, Suhr, Yamaha, Godin, Furch, Alvarez, Alvarez Yairi, Reverend, Orange Amplification, Line 6, Fishman, Strymon, and many more— you will surely find all your instrument needs in one stop.
It is our goal and privilege to continue serving Central New Mexico with quality lessons, repairs, and instruments for what is now 40 years. The Riveras, as well as our fine teaching and sales staff, are honored to continue the passion that Ambrose had—which was to bring the gift of music to the community.