My son has been taking piano lessons from Melinda at Giacoletti Music Center for several years now. 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. read more

I just wanna give a shout out to Melinda, this review has been a long time coming. Me and my wife have 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!! read more

Two Generations of my family have attended Giacoletti Music Center. If you're looking for music lessons, performance coaching or mentoring, this is the place to go! Our son's love of piano has blossomed and so has his confidence. It has developed into a form of expression and relaxation and a way to unwind. His teacher challenges him with the right amount of pressure to grow, such as participating in piano guild, learning new songs and different genres of music. As a parent, what is most pleasing is to see him find time for himself to simply sit down and improvise a tune he feels inside. Thank you Giacoletti Music Center! read more

Great service. Customer oriented. Vinny knows what he is doing. Great place to look for a ukulele or guitar. Prices reasonable.

I love Giacoletti's Music. My niece and I started Ukelele lessons during Covid. It was a lot of fun. We tried lessons online for a while but paused because life was a bit hectic and we weren't practicing like we should. The teachers are really nice and very talented. We started with one teacher but switched to another that matched our energy a bit better. I was worried that they would take it personally but they didn't. The switch was handed very professionally. Melinda, the owner, was very kind, courteous and thoughtful. We bought a really beautiful Baritone Ukelele and it was very reasonably priced. I bought one in Carlsbad a couple of years ago and I think I paid more. I also purchased a few books that really come in handy when you are studying at home. The ladies at the counter are always so pleasant. Its easy to see why this music school is so popular. I would highly recommend Cindy for Ukelele/Guitar and Melinda for Piano. The music school is locally owned and family operated. This is very important to our family. I appreciate that they provide a safe and fun environment for children and adults to learn music. Friedrich Nietzsche said "Without music, life would be a mistake" Im my opinion, everyone should learn how to play an instrument so they can truly live to the beat of their own drum. read more

I love this music center. My daughter love it she came here when she was 6 years old for Violin lesson, but we stop because we moved to Orange County. But she came back again 3years later for vocal lesson with Miss. Sacha. She loves her teacher and class till now. Miss Sacha, is very patient and directed her in good way of singing. I recommend her if you looking for vocal teacher. read more

Our family has been taking piano lessons with Giacoletti Music for 3 years and are very happy with our choice! Our son started near the end of kindergarten at the height of Covid when there weren't many "safe" activity options. We made it through masks and some remote lessons (and an initial remote recital!) and thrived! We really appreciate all the studio did during that time to keep music lessons going. Our younger daughter seemed to want to mimic her older brother and started piano lessons the year before kindergarten. We definitely owe some of the credit for her young musical appreciation and success to her teacher Ms. Heidi, who is very animated, patient, and great with young elementary students. Now that our son is more advanced in his music study, we still feel that we have chosen the right music studio. He is still challenged in his musical journey, especially with the incorporation of advanced music theory books, recitals, and the studio's annual participation in the National Piano Guild. At the same time, the studio has listened to our feedback and intuitively helped our son work through some roadblocks with practicing and motivation to keep the musical journey going. We highly recommend this studio for all levels of piano study! read more

Ukuleles as far as the eye can see -and it's not even a BIG store! I did my research on where to find an array of legit ukuleles (because a Hawaiian, me, is NOT going to buy an ukulele from Guitar Center, or, god forbid, Amazon *cries at the thought), and my online searching brought me here! With no price preference in mind, I came to Giacoletti's looking for what just felt right! But, for those with a price point in mind, there is a wide range from affordable for the average person to hope you saved your pennies or are a rich person. So many cuties! It'll take you a while to choose, again, even though the store is quite small, the selection of ukuleles is outstanding! Nice amount of cases to choose from too! Music lessons are offered here in what looks like the back of the store in separate, small rooms(?). Out of curiosity, I asked the friendly, young woman that rang up my ukelele about lessons, and she cited a few class and price options -all information which has since escaped me, but I may inquire about by phone for my two children! Ugh, but the ukuleles they have here! Go here! read more

Giacoletti has always been wonderful customer service for us for the past 5 years. When it was time to buy a violin for my daughter she had a particular style in mind and they went out of their way to find it for her. Truly appreciated. read more

Melinda is amazing and this spot feels like home. Our now 11 year old took piano w Heidi at Giacoletti throughout the pandemic and it was the highlight of her week. Whether in person or online, Heidi guided her and supported her own love of music. When our kid wanted to learn Billie Eilish, Heidi found and recommended a book to bring to her lessons. Never have I ever seen a prouder kid than mine when she played Ocean Eyes all the way through. Melinda is great to work with, especially when schedule changes are needed. Seriously don't know how she does it all - and with so much professionalism and kindness. I love the way they approach recitals, too. No pressure. Just sharing the growth and the gift. Recommend! read more

We were customers for ~6+ months, my 5 year old son was learning the piano and took private lessons. While we truly loved his teacher and felt that we were making great progress in how to navigate engagement with my young child, we had explored another music school to have the ability to see how his learning style would best thrive. In doing so, my son ended up telling us he really wanted to continue both schools. Especially at his age, the experience for him is exploratory and fun and I was really happy to hear he wanted to attend both classes. Unfortunately, I received a phone call with from the owner who shared, 'sounds like your family is ready to move on'. I was very shocked and confused. There was no openness to trying or understanding his interests/needs, rather she said bluntly, 'this is my realm and I know what is best for him.' As his mother, you can imagine this was extremely difficult to hear and I was made to feel that I was 'ruining' things for him. I thought it was inappropriate to force this ultimatum on us (I do understand a teaching philosophy, however he is only 5 and loves his teacher.) so to force them to 'breakup' over the fact we had only 2 exploratory lessons with another school felt unnecessary. I felt it was important to share this in case you are prospective parents that the owner felt very committed to their own method and ego vs. my child. She continued to justify how much she knows each child and she's seen parents think they know what's best but she knows whats best. It was very off putting and certainly didn't align with the values they promote. If a child wants to explore music at two schools by choice especially at 5 with no set goals of advancement, they should be free to do so. I had to tell my son this morning that we will no longer be seeing that teacher he loved so dearly and he just seemed sad and confused. I told him it was a rule that this school has so he said ok but still looked like he was hurt. read more

My six year old daughter has been taking piano lessons here for over 6 months. She really enjoys it! It can be a little challenging to engage a young kid (especially after school when they're a little fried!) in learning something tricky, and Teresa does just that. She's also so good about ensuring she's giving my daughter lots of choices, and also pushing her gently, which is what she needs. Highly recommend! read more

Nice, small local music store. There is a small section of sheet music and small sections of instruments, also they give lessons. The person behind the counter, who is maybe the owner, was very helpful and pointing me in a direction for sheet music. It's in a convenient location if you happen to be in downtown Carlsbad Village and definitely worth perusing around before heading off to one of the large chains. read more

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It has been 50+ years since I became interested in my acoustical guitar again. I love the songs from the 60's like Pipeline and Apache. Theresa hooked me up with the "tab" sheet music from Apache, which gives me a fighting chance to pluck out its beautiful melody. Her kindness and willingness to help me made the experience easy. As I progress (pray for me, please), I'll return to Giacoletti's for any music needs. read more

I am in my 30s and taking piano lessons for the first time here. I actually used Yelp to request a quote, the process was so easy and the staff are super responsive. My piano teacher is patient, engaging, and wicked talented! I love that she has a great dance in music taste and lets me bring that into class too! There are mostly kids that take classes here, and all the staff have made me feel super comfortable in taking up piano as an adult! I started taking classes to alleviate the stress of working full time and being a full time doctoral student. For 30 minutes a week, it's my me time building a skill not related to school or work! read more

Giacoletti Music Center - Exterior - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Oceanside, California

Ukulele date night with my daughter was so much fun! The teacher Brian was cool, funny and patient. My daughter walked in never having played an instrument and walked out understanding how to read music AND playing "Twinkle Twinkle" and "Mary had a little lamb" She was over the moon excited and so proud of herself! It made me very proud! She has found her lane- MUSIC! She will start lessons here in January! I can't wait to start her musical journey at here! read more

Giacoletti Music Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Oceanside, California

My daughter has been taking Violin lessons at Giacoletti Music center for the past two years. Her current Violin teacher Heidi is amazing and has so much patience. It can be difficult teaching young kids (daughter is now 7), so it's so wonderful to have a teacher who can make learning music fun and engaging. During COVID she has had virtual lessons, and she continues to learn and excel. My youngest daughter will now be attending at the turn of the year for piano lessons. read more

3.5 stars. Giacoletti's is a small ukulele and guitar store. In comparison to a big chain store like Guitar Center, Giacloetti's offers a more personal experience when shopping for a guitar or ukulele. The only downfall of being a smaller store is the lack of variety in their inventory. I appreciate the personal experience and knowing that the gentlemen I was speaking with had over 20 years with the guitar. I only wish they offered different brands and lower prices or at least specials. read more

Giacoletti Music Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Oceanside, California

I am an old wannabe violin player. I have no experience but Brian is excellent. I have to take time off but I will be back. Brian listens and helps you with a myriad of techniques. I highly recommend him for young and old alike. read more

I'm so glad we found Melinda and her awesome crew at Giacoletti. My oldest daughter is learning ukulele and guitar with Brian, he is super cool and a really great teacher. My son and younger daughter are learning drums with Roger, he is super patient and encourages my kids to be proud of what they learn and do here in music class. They've also tried the drum night/drum groups with multiple students, where they get to rock out, make friends and learn new instruments. Our time here has been so informative and uplifting to my little family. 100% recommend for anyone, young or old to try a new instrument. read more

Giacoletti Music Center - They let us borrow a ukulele on our first lesson so I knew they'd like it before making the investment! (Thank goodness!) - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Friendly help, lots of services offered, convenient location to Oceanside and Carlsbad.

I've been taking piano lessons from Mrs. Polino for a little over a year now, and she is nothing if not fantastic. She's extremely flexible with scheduling and re-scheduling and has always been kind and encouraging, and on top of that is an incredible teacher. Would 10/10 recommend if looking for piano lessons. The store is also great, customer service is awesome and the music/instruments are all fairly priced and of great quality. read more

A great place to learn an instrument! My son has been taking piano lessons for a few years and I can't say enough positive feedback regarding his teachers. Even on the most difficult days, he always wants to go! read more

All three of my children have rented instruments from Giacoletti for their school music programs. Most recently they set my youngest up with a cello. Everyone was super friendly and helpful, and the process was quick and easy. read more

I have been taking lessons for a little over a year. I am a retired senior who has always wanted to learn the piano. I was so happy to find Melinda at Giacoletti. She is very encouraging and doesn't have a negative vibe in her body. I love going to my lessons. I have learned a lot in the short time. I would highly recommend this music studio! Everyone is friendly and helpful! read more

Needed to get a trumpet for my son on short notice, the staff was friendly and accommodating. I was in and out in a few minutes with everything I needed. I would use their services again. read more

My son has been going to see Melinda for almost a year now and we love her teaching method and how she supports his growth with encouraging to learn music he likes. It's a wonderful, welcoming community of teachers and staff. I love the community outreach with occasional recitals at a retirement home and the yearly formal recital was well done. Excellent for any age group! Great selection of Ukeleles, hoping to take a class myself soon!!! read more

Nothing but positive experiences here. used to take guitar lessons and that was good, but in liking to shop local, I find their selection of instruments (for what most of us do as amateurs) more than satisfactory with ok prices. May find slightly better deals on internet, but after shipping, taxes, etc..don't really save much. Staff mostly friendly, just have to start a conversation and you'll be fine. for the most part, no one approaches with any kind of hi-pressure sell, so really no one is ignored, just ask. read more

Melinda helped us purchase a violin with an accessory for my fourth grade daughter. She was extremely helpful! We even signed up for a date night class! I'm so excited to have found a music store like this with reasonable prices! We had originally just wanted to rent one. Definitely coming back for whatever we need for violins here, also because my son plays too! read more

My daughter has been taking Piano lessons for just over a year with Mr Phillip, and she has been learning to play well. We started classes upon the recommendation of another friend that has had her kids taking classes here for over 3 years. Giacolletti is a very good music school with good teachers and they also organize 2 yearly recitals for the students at the Museum of Making Music. The recitals are well organized and divided in multiple sessions, which is good because they are not overly long. They also have guitar, drums, violin and voice lessons, I know this because I have seen the students at the recitals. read more

I learned to play faster than I expected! I was 45 years old when I first tried to learn to play the guitar and failed. Well... that was with a different place than Giacoletti's. After a few feeble tries to learn, I joined Giacoletti's and with in no time, I was playing music (and it really sounded like music). Within a few months I played my first open mic at Cafe Panini and within a year I started preforming live with Free Beer (the band). The entire Giacoletti staff is amazing. Never once have I felt intimated and they are always willing to answer any question. I would recommend Giacoletti Music Center to anyone! read more

This is the place to go for a ukulele in the home town. I bought my first there, and it's a nice quality Kala with (as everyone tells me) great strings-- the main reason I bought it. The employees are very knowledgeable and helpful. Tons of songbooks if you're just learning. They've also got a great selection of other instruments and their accessories-- specifically, guitars. read more

I have taken piano lessons with the school director, Melinda Polino for about a decade now. She has been an amazing teacher these past years and I will be forever grateful for the impact she's had in my life! She has provided me an appreciation of music, the ability to perform in front of an audience with confidence and so much more. Every summer I would perform for the National Piano Playing Auditions. This required memory of 7-10 songs and 3-5 skills to showcase for a judge. I was assessed on my playing and provided with direct feedback. It was a rigorous experience but I believe it has given me a strong work ethic and the tools necessary to tackle a stressful project. Giacoletti Music is a wonderful business. The teachers truly care about their students and want them to succeed. read more

I have always wanted to play an instrument, but have had some kind of block keeping me from learning. I don't know music at all, can't read it, write it, or play it. I have been told I'm tone deaf and should never sing out load. You get the picture! One day, walking by Giacoletti, I saw a sign in their window offering a free ukulele class, no musical experience needed. I went in for the drop in class, walked out with a ukulele, and 4 months later I'm actually playing songs! I've never been happier! read more

Great local music shop. They have a ton of ukuleles. The owner was very friendly. They have cool stuff and great people. Would definitely recommend!! read more

My two kids (14&15), have been taking piano lessons at Giacoletti's for over six months. They both have been playing the piano for several years. We were looking for new teachers to push them further in their piano skills. We are ALL thrilled with Giacoletti's. My son has Melinda as his teacher and she has definitely pushed him to another level with his piano skills. My daughter has Marie as her teacher and she adores her and has a new love for playing the piano. Everyone is extremely friendly and helpful. I would definitely recommend Giacoletti's for piano lessons! read more

Love this shop and the staff that work there. See Roy or Jared for all your music needs- they offer up lessons on many instruments and have one hell of ukulele selection! read more

Our kids, 6 and 10, started taking group and private lessons in 2019 at the convenient new South Oceanside location, and they immediately loved the fun and personable instruction! As parents, we trusted the Giacoletti reputation, and appreciate the safe and welcoming environment cultivated by the new owner of the center, Melinda, who is extremely knowledgeable, kind, patient, professional, and was able to seamlessly transition and lead her team and students to online lessons when needed. It is important for us to support local family-owned businesses and we know that our kids are in good hands and thriving in their lessons with teachers Tzytle and CindyLee. We are excited to meet back in person for voice, piano, and ukulele lessons (and Ukulele Date Night!), but we also love the flexibility and ease of learning online from great instructors right in our home...perfect for our busy family! It's also super convenient that there is a well-stocked and competitively priced retail & rental store right there at the music center...no need for Amazon when we can shop local! read more

We have sent our kids to Giacoletti Music Center for 5 years! I have been so impressed with the quality teachers this music school provides. My kids don't complain about going to lessons because they love Cindy Lee. My husband and I are constantly amazed over how much our kids have learned and the confidence they have gained from their experience at Giacoletti's. I would highly recommend this school to anyone! read more

You know I usually try and patronize local businesses to help the local economy. However, after visiting the store several times in the last few years , I think I'm just going to order my music books for my students online. The staff here are consistently unfriendly and unhelpful, especially the guy on Fridays with the beard...no smile and barely a mumbled greeting when you walk in, and no "thank you for coming in" when you leave , just silence. Not very smart if they want to get new customers or retain existing ones. They desperately need some PR skills. Bye Felicia. I'll be ordering all my books from now on online on amazon.com read more