I recently got a quick tour of the new music school that opened up in downtown Monterey. Owner and…read moreInstructor Dennis Murphy, a friendly jack of all trades with an upbeat personality, has transformed this space (formerly People's Mortgage Banc next to Ocean Sushi Deli) into an amazing space including class rooms, a stage with state of the art acoustic panels that are not only great to look at but help with sound control, a recording studio and more. The space is welcoming, comfortable and provides a great atmosphere to grow to your potential in the realm of music. I myself haven't picked up an instrument (clarinet only because I had a crush on the guy playing the French Horn, silly me) since Jr. High School and unfortunately stopped playing the piano in grade school but I am thinking about taking vocal lessons for my own ears sake. Dennis Murphy School of Music offers the following for those ages 7 to Adult: *Private Lessons and Music Clinics *Vocal (glee, choir, gospel) *Band Programs ( rock, jazz, blues, classical) *Recording & Production *Private Instruction for All Instruments Come check it out and he will be hosting a Grand Opening Party very soon! For more information about DMSM you can contact Paula at 831-920-1310or email her at paula@dennismurphy.org

Recently performed at a fundraiser were he was doing the sound for the entertainers…read more He was extremely rude from the beginning, we were just there to perform for the fundraising event, and were very sad that he turned what should have been a great event into a really bad experience!

I have had a succession of classical guitar music teachers through the years, including two…read moreex-students of Andres Segovia. Anthony is my current music teacher and one of the best I have had. Anthony encourages me to keep my eyes on the music, and not on the fretboard - which has improved my posture and music reading ability tremendously. I also like that he focuses intently on the lesson, wasting no time. I am inspired to practice and demonstrate my growing proficiency each week. This is what I want in a teacher. Anthony is not just a classical guitar teacher - he is a true musician, using the classical guitar as chosen instrument. Anthony also produces two student concerts every year, and although scary, allowed me to perform in front of a warmly receptive audience on several occasions. I do not live in Monterey, so Anthony teaches me remotely using video chat through my computer. It works like a charm and I don't have to leave home. Anthony is a serious music teacher for the serious classical guitarist. I recommend him without any reservation.

I've devoted much of my life towards studying guitar, and I've been with Anthony for 12 of those…read moreyears. He is an incredibly patient and knowledgable man with a passion for music which has made the years I've been studying under him go by in a flash. Every time I had a question, he would always give a detailed and thoughtful response-- no matter how trivial or stupid my question may have seemed. I had the opportunity to work with a couple of his other students in an ensemble, giving me an incredibly valuable experience in playing guitar in a group. For a few years I participated in several concerts for his students, although I had to miss a few because they happened to fall on the weekend either during or before my final exams. No matter what your skill set is, Anthony will gladly teach you everything he knows with high energy and enthusiasm. I can't recommend Anthony enough.

I've been taking my son to Stephanie's Music Together class since he was 6 months old. Four years…read morelater, he still loves going! If he emerges from childhood with any musical talent, she is 100% responsible for its development! Stephanie is one of the most patient and generous people I've ever met. As a class of little kids, it can sometimes be a high energy environment. Yet Stephanie is always steady and calm, in a warm way that brings out the best in everyone. Whenever I meet new parents trying to find their way with a little one, Stephanie's classes are my first recommendation!

Stephanie is passionate about Music and Teaching children, the perfect combination for Music…read moreTogether classes that you will remember forever. If you want to help your child benefit from the power of music there is no better opportunity in California than Bella Quattro Strings in Carmel!

I'm a fan of this private music studio. El offspring had his first lesson and he is hooked. He…read morethinks his teacher is one cool cat. Lessons are a fair price from a credentialed music teacher who has elected to teach privately. The teacher came highly recommended from friends in music circles as well as other parents. (Update... still taking lessons and it is June 2012!)

Todd is a fantastic teacher! He loves his job and is really great with kids. He helped my 10 year…read moreold daughter prepare for her school holiday school performance, and we are continuing on with lessons because she enjoys them so much. Todd's lessons have given her confidence, skills, and an enthusiasm for playing music!

Every time I go into Wise Music, I am greeted by people who are genuinely happy to see you and…read moreshare their knowledge. Bryan has been great at handling my overcomplicated upgrades for my Schecter and old Ibanez and pointing me in the right direction with the techs. He was also a pleasure to talk to on the phone when he called to provide updates. Their tech Alex was super helpful when discussing an upgrade I didn't think was possible. I asked, on the off chance, if we could put active pickups in a 25-year-old passive Ibanez. Alex accepted the challenge with positivity and excitement. He said it would be no problem and explained what he was going to do. He also went ahead and installed some custom Guyker locking tuners on my Schecter. They are red and chrome, matching my body. He did a fantastic job! Robert is a dedicated guitar tech. I first met him when I came in to upgrade my Schecter. I had a complex humbucker set unad he was so positive and confident that I knew I had found the right place. I went back on a whim to see if I could replace my old Ibanez passive humbuckers with the ones he removed from my Schecter. I genuinely thought I was going to be laughed out of the shop. However, Alex and Robert both thought about it and were once again positive and enthusiastic. I handed over my guitar and parts, and the shop just had a very can-do attitude. I got a call after a few days to say it was done. I'm amazed at their turnaround time, as the technician's room always looks stacked with axes. Robert also went above and beyond when installing the active humbuckers in my Ibanez. I originally asked to keep the middle pickup just to be kept in but dead because I didn't want a big hole in my body. Not only did he get the actives in, but he also managed to wire it so the middle passive is still live! So my old, crappy guitar can now shred but also go back to my old punk-pop days . It also now has six voices to choose from, combining the passive and active pickups. Madness.... I highly recommend this music store! For all your guitar teaching needs, just ask for Robert

Frank is the best! He knows everything I needed to repair my guitar's neck that needed an artistic…read moretouch. He is one of the best luthier's around.

Brad is the best ever. He is very with my children and they are doing amazingly well at playing the…read moreguitar. His kind mannerisms and thoughtful demeanor will make him very popular with children and parents alike. We as parents are impressed. He teaches our son on Skype and used to teach his Del Rey Oaks home. Happy Parent

You know that feeling of walking into a store not knowing what to expect only to have your jaw…read moredrop? That happened to me today. I thought, "guitar store, huh?" Yeah, guitar store. Nationals, Martins, Guilds, banjos, mandos, some incredibly gorgeous hand-carved thing from Bali... all packed into a compact shop. Then Bernie starts talking and it's like the bookseller who's read every damned book in his store. A luthier with endless knowledge and experience running a guitar store. What a concept. And what a gift for local pickers.

I found this site searching for Fretwork for my 07' Fender Telecaster Ash Deluxe…read more During a consultation appt. I realized Bernie new exactly what was needed besides just a overall setup. Fret crowing & polishing as well as full setup. Of course I occasionally try to make adjustments & occasionally I get it OK. He also made some truss rod neck adjustments & fixed a neck bolt on issues. He knew by the look of my frets where the majority of my playing was on the neck. All I can say Is my Guitar sings better than I have heard it in years!! Highly recommend Carmel Valley Guitar professional service.

John did a great job on setting up a new 5 string bass I recently acquired. Even had it done the…read moresame day! Very reasonable price as well.

Great costumer service and a great collection of guitar gear, came in and bought a used 2x12 after…read moretesting it out and it sounds fantastic. Thank you so much!!