It’s back-to-school time, and the business is hectic at Rieman Music Inc. in Urbandale.

“We are slamming,” said Mark Ohlson, who manages the store at 6501 Douglas Ave., one of two in Greater Des Moines and six in the state. “This is our most active time of year. … The third and fourth quarters are our state fair.”

Rieman Music has been around since 1950. It is a major player in both the rent-to-own and lesson markets. The Douglas Avenue store has 26 lesson rooms, where an estimated 800 students take lessons from more than 50 independent contractors.

The store sells everything from cowbells to electronic drum sets and every stringed and woodwind instrument in between. Pianos are on display, and lessons are offered for every instrument.

Ohlson is a drummer who still plays in bands when he can take a break from work.

“We didn’t do any advertising in July, but we are aggressive marketers,” he said. “Our age group is 6 to 96, and we cater to all musical tastes and talents.”

Renting instruments to school students is a key part of the business.

“If musicians are educated, then they will keep up the trade. We would like to see people become educated,” Ohlson said.

The lesson business is so brisk that Rieman has a director of instruction to run its program.

After the school rental season, Rieman will shift its focus to holiday shoppers. The last two quarters of the year are the busiest times at the store, with some time left over for buyers with “holiday hangover,” those who have some spare gift money that they can use to purchase a tambourine or a guitar.

Customers have stuck with the store through the weak economy, Ohlson said.

“We are a secondary income business … but even in a down economy, people need something to escape. Music pays a high dividend for the individual, so what hurts us also helps us,” he said. “It would put us above sporting goods because we have a wider base. If you’re older than 35, the need for sporting goods goes way down. You’re less likely to play soccer at 80.”

After the shopper with a holiday hangover leaves, Rieman will have a by-invitation-only March tax sale, Ohlson said.

“It’s a blowout,” he said.