They found the sofa and chair of their dreams. And such a good deal, no interest for two years. But final payment for that dreamy furniture turned into a nightmare.

With music programs being slashed in school districts across the country. parents have been forced to find other options in order to get their children involved with the arts. But as PIX News found out, one company is singing out of tune.

Bill and Noreen McCarthy wanted their two daughters to get the most out of a music education, so last December they signed up the girls for piano lessons with a company called Amadeus Home Music School. The total cost for 16 lessons came to a little over $1,000.

"I gave her my credit card and didn't think I'd hear from her for a while, and had to keep calling her to find out when the lessons were going to start," Noreen said. "Finally we got contacted by Brooke the music teacher to start lessons."

According to Noreen, after reviewing her credit card statement, she noticed she was charged twice

She called the company and told them about the error. Noreen said they assured her it was a computer glitch and it would be fixed immediately. But she soon smelled a rat after being charged another three more times soon after her first complaint against the company.

After relentlessly hounding the company and getting nowhere, the McCarthy family decided to call Howard Thompson. Watch the story after the jump...

What happens when an honest window washer can't get paid for doing his job?

Howard's efforts to help a worker get paid uncovers much more about Brite Smile.

Most people take it for granted they can go in and out of their home any time they want to.
But what if you couldn't go in or out after 5 PM? Or before 8 AM? That's the case for one man.

The award-winning pizza maker calls in Help Me Howard to take on their competition.

As the government gets ready to rescue millions of Americans facing foreclosure, they have to take on mortgage modification scammers as well.

A woman's new diamond ring brings more angst then joy!

A family shells out nearly $600 for tickets from a re-sale site.

Four-year-old Leukemia Patient Needs Your Help

What would you do if someone gave you $1000 in cash?

Get ready for "Feel Good Friday," as every Friday Help Me Howard will be giving $1000 to one very lucky person.

But there's a catch!

Tune into the PIX News At Ten this Friday night to find out what it is.

And be sure to go to our blog every Thursday night to find out what part of the tri-state area Howard's going to be giving away cash next.

This May 1st, the "Feel Good Friday" location will be Midtown, Manhattan.... in the vicinity of Bryant Park.