MUSICAL INSTRUMENT STORES
IN TARRYTOWN & RYE, NY
ABOUT THE OWNER
A rock, blues, classical guitarist, pianist, bassist, composer and arranger, Argentine born Paul Bessolo and his team of professional instructors bring over 25 years of experience and an impressive cadre of talents to his studios, schools and stores.
Paul started playing guitar when he was seven and piano when he was 10 years old. At the Universidad Nacional de Musica in Buenos Aires he studied music composition, first as an undergraduate and later receiving his Masters. Arriving in the States in 1992, he attended SUNY Purchase receiving his Master’s degree in composition.
Impressive are not only his academic credits but also his private studies with various classical guitarists and well known South American composers. His training, however, is by no means limited to the classical genre. He has studied acoustic guitar, electric guitar and popular composition.
His most recent passion has been Rock. He has played with numerous local bands and opened for the likes of Ace Frehley (Kiss), Poison, Cinderella, Slaughter and White Lion.
He has honed his teaching skills by offering private and semi-private lessons for guitar, piano, bass, theory and composition in his studio, at schools, teen centers, churches and homes across Westchester, New York City and New Jersey.
From beginners to the modestly talented to the expert, Paul makes learning to play musical instruments both fun and challenging for all ages. Lessons are tailored to the individual needs of each student, providing a high quality experience and expedited results.
ABOUT ROCK ISLAND SOUND
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SALES, REPAIRS, RENTALS & LESSONS
I’m Paul Bessolo, founder of Rock Island Sound, proudly serving our community since 2004.
At Rock Island Sound, we operate Westchester’s premier music stores in Rye and Tarrytown, NY, offering everything musicians need — private lessons, instrument sales, rentals, repairs, and summer music camps. Both locations feature a wide selection of quality instruments and accessories, plus professional luthier services for expert guitar and amplifier repairs.
What started in 2004 as a single store in Rye, providing great deals on high-quality instruments for beginners and professionals alike, quickly grew into something bigger. As demand for lessons and repairs increased, I expanded our teaching staff and repair department to keep up with our growing community of musicians.
Recognizing the need for a trusted local music hub in Tarrytown, we opened a second Rock Island Sound location — continuing our commitment to quality, service, and passion for music.
Today, Rock Island Sound is more than a store — it’s a place where music lives and grows. Whether you’re looking for your first instrument, expert repairs, or lessons in guitar, voice, piano, drums, or virtually any instrument, our dedicated team is here to help you play, learn, and sound your best.
ABOUT THE OWNER
About Paul Bessolo — Founder of Rock Island Sound
Music has been the heartbeat of Paul Bessolo’s life since childhood. Born and raised in Argentina, Paul picked up his first guitar at age seven, discovering a passion that would shape his life’s path. By ten, he was already diving into the world of piano, captivated by how melody and harmony could express what words could not.
That love for sound led him to the Universidad Nacional de Música in Buenos Aires, where he earned both his undergraduate and Master’s degrees in Music Composition. His curiosity for learning and exploration didn’t stop there—after moving to the U.S. in 1992, Paul continued his studies at SUNY Purchase, completing another Master’s in Composition. Along the way, he studied under renowned classical guitarists and South American composers, expanding his voice as both a musician and educator.
But Paul’s journey wasn’t meant to stay within the walls of academia. Drawn to the energy and freedom of rock, he began performing with local bands, channeling his classical training into the raw, electric excitement of live music. Over the years, he has shared the stage with icons like Ace Frehley (KISS), Poison, Cinderella, Slaughter, and White Lion, finding the same thrill in performing that first inspired him as a kid.
Out of that lifelong passion, Rock Island Sound was born—a place where musicians of all ages can learn, grow, and discover their own sound. What began as Paul’s small teaching studio has grown into a vibrant community with schools, stores, and recording spaces in Rye and Tarrytown, New York.
Today, Paul leads a team of professional instructors who share his vision: that learning music should be fun, inspiring, and deeply personal. Whether you’re picking up a guitar for the first time or mastering advanced techniques, Paul believes every student deserves an approach tailored to their goals, pace, and passion.
At Rock Island Sound, Paul has created more than a music school — he’s built a home for creativity, connection, and lifelong musicianship.
