Brian&#x27;s Guitar Lessons

My favorite music store in the world. There is *nothing* like a local music store: the…read moreknowledgeable staff who get to know you by name; the curated collection of instruments, equipment, accessories and resources; the music lessons on-site; the in-depth knowledge and recommendations given freely with a smile; the special orders with the expert opinion to know what you actually need and what the best choice would be based on quality, price, shipping time and more; the on-site repair shop - there is just *nothing* like it. Sure, I could buy from That Big Instrument Center, or that Sweet Other Big Retailer, or That Amazingly Big Website, but if I buy it from Dale or Aaron or Caruso, I'm getting the same price while also investing in the fabric of our community and in making my own day a little brighter, and my my musical knowledge grows a little every time I come in. I LOVE this place and so will you!

I went in to try alto sax mouthpieces and was very enthused with this charming store. It's rare you…read morefind such a clean cozy music store with such warmhearted people and I was delighted to find one. It was definitely a welcome refresh from the corporate music stores of today. They had a wide variety of things in the store which is what first brought us there and we were not disappointed. When we first walked in they instantly remembered us from the phone and allowed us to use one of their rooms in the back to test out some of their products. When we went to check out it was clear it was great value especially considering the level of service. We even chatted with the owner, Dale for a bit and he gave me some helpful tidbits on things like reeds and maintenance. Everyone in the store was so welcoming and kind, it definitely made me feel like a part of such a warm music community. Was a bit out of our way but definitely worth the drive any day. We will for sure be coming back for other essentials and repairs if needed since it was clear it was a shop we could definitely trust! Would absolutely recommend!

Fender Starcaster

Marshall MG30Fx

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School of Rock

5.0(33 reviews)

3.3 km

•$$$

Super patient with the kiddos, and adults. They give a lot…read moreof grace to their students. Carly is who I've met most often and she's super kind and encouraging. It's exciting witnessing our kids grow in their knowledge of music. Looking forward to more classes. If you are not sure, they offer a free visit via their website. What do you have to lose?! Go check them out.

All of my kids go here! They learn rapidly and lessons are top quality! Thank you so much for your…read moregreat service. We are looking forward to the school reopening so the little one can come back.

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Dusty's Guitar

3.4(88 reviews)

4.9 km

Came here for the first time and met James. Was looking for a guitar for my son who came with me…read more James was super accommodating and nice. Explained alot and was so helpful. Son broke the guitar string came back the next day James again fixed it in like 2 mins and again was super helpful. I live real close and this is probably my go to store now. Thanks James!!

Dusty's guitars? More like dusty ass guitars you're not allowed to touch! I played one and he said…read more"well now I have to re-polish this whole thing". I'm sorry considering purchasing a guitar from you was such an inconvenience! They have 1 fender and 1 Taylor locked away. Not a single good guitar brand in sight.

Nice sounding folk guitar...a nice first one.

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Repaired and ready to go! SWR Super Red Head

Giacoletti Music Center

4.6(56 reviews)

4.4 km

My son has been taking piano lessons from Melinda at Giacoletti Music Center for several years now…read more Melinda and the staff have fostered and nurtured my son's love of music and he has excelled during Melinda's instruction. My son has played at venues, participated in recitals, and is a National Member of Guild because of Giacoletti Music Center. Now my son will be applying to college for a music performance degree. We are so grateful for finding Giacoletti and highly recommend anyone to take lessons here.

I just wanna give a shout out to Melinda, this review has been a long time coming. Me and my wife…read morehave been doing business with Melinda for quite a few years now and I have to say she is very committed and passionate at what she does. Just an overall great person. We would never bring our kids to another music place other than here. I highly recommend to my friends and family thanks. Giocoletti Music!!

Lots of ukuleles, uke bags-hard or soft, books, strings, straps, etc.

Great selection of music for students and teachers. Giacoletti knows music.

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Carlsbad Village Music

4.5(37 reviews)

4.2 km

Nice little music store! Good variety of instruments. Some really nice tongue drums, and guitars…read more They also have picks, strings and basic supplies. It is also a gift shop with lots of fun things!

Great little music shop in the heart of Carlsbad Village…read more For a relatively small shop, Carlsbad Village Music has just about everything music related. Instruments including guitars, amps and ukuleles. They have a lot of interesting memorabilia type items and kitschy decorative stuff also. They give music lessons too! Becky and I wandered in just to mill around a bit. I found a cool little Fender amp lunch pail that I just had to have. It was under 20 bucks! The two guys working were cool, friendly and helpful. We're very glad that we stopped in. If you go, don't forget to stop and say "Hi" to Rizzo the pug dog!

Fender Gretsch Luna Seagull and Godin...

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Tongue Drum.

Tilghman's Academy of Music

5.0(4 reviews)

3.3 km

Great piano classes! I look forward to advancing to the next level. Very qualified and patient…read moreteachers for all ages!

We are so fortunate to have this wonderful music school so close to home. My son has been taking…read morelessons and taking part in ensembles with Kaitlyn for 4 years. Her and her husband have created a wonderful environment for kids and adults to learn and enjoy all types of music. I highly recommend their music school and encourage anyone that may be thinking about music lessons to check it out!

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Holiday recital.

The Music Hub

5.0(3 reviews)

5.3 km

So amazing to find an alternative to the over priced rentals. We just bought a refurbished violin…read morefor our son, and Luis was great.

My husband got a cord and liked the place a lot. I didn't go but he had good things to say after…read morehis visit so I wanted to share.

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Coastal Music Studios

4.9(64 reviews)

6.2 km

I've been at coastal for seven years, and it's always been great. I take guitar and my sister used…read moreto take piano. The staff are all so kind and make great effort to get to know their students. I've been in the band, done recitals, and done open mics, everything is always super well run. Amazing studio.

10/10 recommend!! My son has been going for 5 years for…read moreguitar lessons and it has been an amazing experience. He loves his teachers, the owners, his bandmates. He has done the summer art & music camps for several years as a student and enjoyed it, I think this upcoming summer he will be old enough to be a camp helper and he's looking forward to it.

Black Noise Band signing session

Coastal's twice annual youth band show.

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Back Stage with Black Noise

Drum Flip

4.9(36 reviews)

6.2 km

•$

UPDATE: I bought a second kit from Ed and Susan on 7/4 and I love it. Fun fact, Ed is also a former…read moreteacher and I told him the color reminds me of school pencils, that's why I picked it. I bought my first kit here an it was a great experience. Ed taught me as much as he could about buying used but I'm definitely still learning. I may not know a lot but I do know he gave me good deal and took his time explaining things. Thanks, Ed. I went to his old location but I'm looking forward to visiting them soon at the new shop. I'm taking a break from playing for a bit but looking forward to getting back into it soon.

Amazing staff, helpful and so nice. Drum Flip has a great variety of items from sticks to kits and…read morecymbals, new and used. Great prices also! Today we just got some new sticks but my son has picked up some really good cymbals in the past. They will be moving soon but we'll follow wherever they go. Make sure you check them out if you are in the market for some new equipment!!!

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Vista Music

4.8(16 reviews)

8.7 km

I believe I spoke to the owner today. I was looking for drop-in lessons to help my kid keep up with…read morepractice while on vacation. She closed for holiday but still called me back and spoke so kindly. We're only visiting till Monday for Memorial Days otherwise we would have loved to learn with her. Great impression.

My daughter has been seeing Mrs. Dyana for a little over a year now. She has helped her grow and…read morecome out of her shell. Mrs. Dyana has given the art and love of music to my daughter. We are so happy we reached out to Vista Music when we did and are so proud of the milestones that have been achieved. Thank you @Mrs. Dyana

Grace

Izzy

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9 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Trent M.

4

10

0

13 years ago

I used to live in Oceanside a few months back, stationed at Camp Pendleton and was looking for a new hobby. I always wanted to learn how to play jazz guitar. I find it very hard to look for a genuine music teacher in the area that's not affiliated with what I call "Music Lesson Mills" (Companies or 'Schools' with multiples of hired music teachers who are usually amateurs and only concerned about getting paid). I was happy to have found a neon ad across the way from where I live with his info and phone number. He has been teaching for over ten years. He not only teaches electric guitar, but also acoustic and bass. He taught me many great licks from the masters of jazz guitar (Joe Pass, Pat Metheny!!!) and I now tend to show off my new talent to many of my friends at base and at home....... I'm back in Iowa now and I dearly miss those lessons. I recommend him to any bored Marine looking for a new hobby and ready to SHRED! ! :)) read more

Eulalia B.

54

30

9

12 years ago

Brian continues to be an excellent teacher! I've learned so much about music theory in these past couple of years. I have learned to compose my own music without the usual incoherence of tablature and now my fellow bandmates are looking for instruction from me with music theory and getting our music together the right way! He has a super busy schedule(not suprised because he's pretty awesome) but if you can get into a time slot that he is available at than take advantage of it!! I sometimes have to change my days around a bit and schedule a different time BUT he still tries to be flexible with me, never ceasing to be uber patient and understanding. read more

Joseph G.

0

1

0

10 years ago

Brian is an amazing teacher, he is very knowledgeable, helps you understand your mistakes while helping you thru them, and he is very patient. I would recommend him to anyone interested in learning guitar, and his pricing is great. I've been taking lessons for a few months now and have learned more than I thought possible thanks to him, and not only does he teach you how to play guitar but does so while teaching you some of your favorite songs at the same time. I have never had any trouble getting into contact with him, he is always on time and very flexible with my schedule, which is great for someone who is going to school and working part time. read more

Robin K.

Elite 10

45

375

117

3 years ago

We've had the pleasure of having Brian as our in-home guitar teacher in Harmony Grove for some time now, and we couldn't be happier with our decision. Not only is he consistently reliable, ensuring that each lesson starts on time, but his teaching style has truly ignited a passion for music in our ten-year-old. Under his guidance, our child has learned numerous songs and looks forward to each session with enthusiasm. It's a joy to see our child so in love with the guitar, and we attribute that directly to Brian's dedicated teaching and genuine care for his students. We highly recommend him to anyone looking for a top-notch guitar instructor. read more

Tom K.

0

1

0

10 years ago

I've been taking guitar lessons with Brian for more than a year and a half and our lesson is one of the best hours of the week that I have. He is a very talented guitarist and a great teacher with a lot of patience and dedication. Brian is very professional, knowledgeable in music theory and different music styles. When we started, he helped me focus on my musical direction and now he keeps on teaching me new things and helping me with my song writing. If you're interested in guitar lessons, I would highly recommend Brian for you. read more

Todd W.

0

2

0

7 years ago

Brian has been so incredibly helpful in not only teaching my son, but, more importantly, getting him excited about playing guitar. It's the ease in which he speaks to my 9 year old that really makes the difference. I would, and have highly recommended Brian to anyone that asks about a guitar instructor for their kids. My instincts tell me he'd be just as good with adults. Thanks so much, Brian, for what you've helped bring into my sons life. I'm grateful. read more

Susan S.

0

4

0

13 years ago

Brians Guitar Lessons are by far the best way to learn how to play guitar. Brian really gets to know his students & teaches them at a level where they feel comfortable & brings out the best in them. Before you know it they learn how to play their favorite song. I would highly recommend Brian to anyone who wants to learn guitar at any level. read more

Emily H.

0

3

1

8 years ago

Brian is an outstanding teacher- so patient and kind. He has taught both my boys how to play acoustic guitar and he teaches all other type of guitar. He is prompt, flexible, courteous and brings out the best in his students. He asks his students what type of music they like and then teaches them how to play it! read more

Amanda G.

1

7

0

5 years ago

Brian has been amazing at teaching my 9 and 7 year old how to play guitar. He is personable, great with kids, and knows how to teach them to be successful within their capabilities. Would recommend him to anyone looking for a great teacher at a great value. read more

Brian's Guitar Lessons - musicalinstrumentsandteachers - Updated September 2026

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