MUMBAI: Guitar Hall, the Mumbai based professional music training and music showroom chain, plans to double its outlet count in Mumbai by next year-end to cater to the city's growing appetite for music learning and stress bursting needs.

Guitar Hall Mumbai development partner Rajveer Singh says, "In the next 12-14 months, we are targeting a 100 per cent rise in store-count from four at present to at least 15 by December 2010."

The music institute which opened its first institute cum store at Chembur in March 1998, has grown steadily with outlets at Ghatkopar, Vashi, Andheri and Cuffe Parade. "In the past three months though, there's been a spurt in activity with two stores being launched at Ghatkopar and Ahmednagar. In a few days, another will open at Vashi," said the official statement.

"The enthusiasm with which customers in Mumbai have embraced the Guitar Hall Programs and the handpicked instruments on offer in the stores is indicative of a shift to more professional music training and services. Over the next year, we plan to fill the pockets that are currently not covered. These include many parts in Mumbai," says Singh. Presently, the work on their second outlet at Chembur is underway.

Guitar Hall plans to venture out this year with centers outside Mumbai with their Ahmednagar center launching on 1 November. Their Ahmednagar center is located at Musiversity which is spread over 20,000 sq. foot state of the art facilities.

Next year, stores are lined up in other cities in India. "Till last year, we were consolidating in Mumbai. Last year, the downturn hit our expansion plans. But with the economy doing a smart turnaround, the growth plan is back on track," said Singh.