There's a famous saying, "If there's a will, there's a way." Some of you may think what's the…read moreconnection with this review? Well, I guess if you have the will to find a real good instrument repair shop, there's always a way to find one no matter how far it is. It's definitely worth it once found. There are of course a lot of other repair shops, perhaps some near where you are, but maybe not as good as Gino's. Gino's Instrument Repair Shop is a great find. My fiancé's bass saxophone needed a thorough repair and when we picked it up, it sounded brand new. Gino knows and understands everything about horns and this is a shop to go to. Wouldn't trust no other no matter how far the drive is from where we live, this is our right shop for all horn repairs.

Several years ago, Gino restored my father's wooden flute, which dates from either the 1930's or…read more1940's, so that our daughter could play it as she grew up. He has also taken care of our son's clarinet. Gino is a master craftsman and his knowledge of musical instruments is phenomenal. What other reviewers have said is really true--when you meet with Gino in his workshop you really do feel that you are traveling back in time to when real master crafts people walked the Earth. And on top of that, he is a really nice nice man.

I am phobic about singing. Fran has opened the door, that I might actually be able to use my voice…read moreand not cower in fear of anybody hearing it. In two sessions so far she has brought a level of freedom and acceptance and delight I would have never thought possible.

Fran has been my singing instructor for a number of years. When I came to her, I was having…read moredifficulty with the high end of my range. I also had a lot of fear about singing in front of anyone. I was a car and shower singer. Fran has given me the confidence to stand up and sing for an audience, which was a dream of mine. She also worked with me to increase my vocal range. She is very knowledgeable about voice, and offers opportunities to grow as a singer. I feel very fortunate to be studying voice with Fran.

Ali and Warren, a husband and wife musical team, lead these amazing and inspiring music classes. It…read moreis by far one of the best things I have done for my son and we have been coming for over a year now. My son looks forward to these incredible group sessions and is absolutely in love with music all because of Mini Music. He is 16 months old and he dances and already tries to sing along. He looks at Ali and Warren like they are celebrities and is absolutely enthralled with them. They are sincerely the nicest people in the world and they make this experience for the children (and parents) so incredible. Cannot recommend them enough!!!!!

Mini music was such a huge part of our lives when my son was a toddler up until he outgrew the…read moreclass. Ali and Warren are awesome musicians and people! They created a warm, safe, loving environment for children and parents alike. I remember my son would run to them after every class and give them the biggest hugs. Their music is fun and rockin and listening to the CD's in the car (on repeat) was actually fun for the whole family.....we still sing some of the songs years later! I believe this early exposure to music is part of why Reed, now almost 8 years old, is studying the guitar and in choir at school. Such a wonderful foundation and a place to build community with like minded mamas and papas. I highly recommend for anyone with a young child or infant!

Mark has been my son's tutor, a junior at Analy, for math and chemistry for this whole school year…read more He has been an excellent tutor/teacher to my son, as well as a mentor. He is always available to discuss concerns I have and my son's progress with me. He even met with his math teacher, early in the year to better understand his teaching philosophy and how he conducts his class. My son is an athlete who has a difficult schedule to work around, but Mark worked hard to accommodate him. Mark has the option of in-person or virtual sessions, which were great for my son and he used both about equally. Amazingly enough, Mark also encouraged my son, to call him with any additional questions after sessions. I can't rave enough about Mark's skill as a tutor and the relationship he has fostered with my son. Lisa P.

Just recently my nephew was visiting from Minnesota for one month and wanted to have the true…read moreCalifornia experience. So in addition to great local food and beverages, we went camping on the North coast, hiked the redwoods, tok a scenic flight to the coast and back, and wandered through the city. All the great things this place has to offer. In addition he wanted to learn how to play guitar and surf. I helped him with the surfing part and Mark gave him lessons for the month that he was here. They had sessions twice a week and after the second week he was playing a few basic songs. When asked why he was doing so well with this he replied. "Mark is an excellent instructor. He is passionate about his job and loves what he is doing. He is also a vey kind and patient teacher. He takes his time with me and makes me feel relaxed and comfortable. No pressure, just a positive learning environment." Not only did he learn how to play the guitar, he had a fun time doing it! Couldn't ask for more!

I would highly recommend as a solo pianist for live performances, especially one where you need a…read moresolo pianist to perform special pieces. He was an outstanding pianist for our wedding. We requested some unique modern songs arranged for piano, by Beach House, Philip Glass, Sufjan Stevens, and Agnes Obel. Miles performed all of them solo in our outdoor wedding ceremony, and for 2 he created a unique arrangement upon request since they were not common. He also had some standards that fit in with the style as prelude music. He was responsive, punctual, and reliable for initial conversations, preparations, and the performance. We would definitely hire again and recommend, Miles.

From the owner: Miles McKenzie and Prune Farm Studio teach piano, trumpet, and voice to students of all ages. He…read morespecializes in teaching students the music they want to learn, customizing lessons to the individual student's needs Miles regularly performs throughout the Bay Area. He is experienced in performing and teaching jazz, classical, latin, pop, rock, funk, R&B, and many other styles.

Miriam has been a huge help for me. I've been seeing her every week since around November and she…read morehas helped me gain control and confidence over my voice as a new musical instrument. She doesn't charge much at all and her schedule and cancellation policy is super flexible. I can't recommend her enough!

Ms. M's commitment to nurturing her student's musical growth is unparalleled. She is genuine,…read morepatient, kind, a role model, and truly an expert in her field--you should watch her perform live, she's phenomenal! Her teaching techniques are both educational and enjoyable, and her ability to tailor lessons to individual needs has truly been a transformative experience for my daughter. It makes my heart so full to have witnessed remarkable progress in my daughter's singing and I attribute it to the exceptional guidance from Ms. M for the past almost 3 years now. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone aspiring to elevate their vocal prowess. Ms. M has been such a blessing to us and has opened so many doors and opportunities for my daughter to perform and share her love and passion for singing. I highly recommend!