I discovered McCormick a year ago when I found a beginner's open jam session on Meetup. At that…read moretime I had been learning bass for about 5 years on my own through YouTube tutorials and tabs. It used to take me several weeks just to learn one whole song at tempo. Improvisation skills were at zero. Plus, I didn't know anyone else who played an instrument, so I wasn't making much progress. The two times I had previously attempted joining a random open jam, I was completely lost and frustrated. But then I attended that first McCormick jam session... What I love about the open jams is that it's run by an instructor, so they'll often suggest easier songs and run through the chords on a whiteboard before starting. The people that attend are welcoming and friendly for all skill levels, and it's nice to see the same faces come back each month. Beginner/intermediate players get a chance to play along to easier songs, but there's also a chance for more advanced players to improvise and solo. I wound up having so much fun that first time, that I signed up for private lessons the week after, and have been going to the monthly jam sessions ever since. If you take private lessons, you can also sign up to join a student band that practices once a week to perform at concerts 4x a year. For beginners/intermediate who think they're not good enough to join a band, or if none of your friends are musically inclined, this is PERFECT. No matter who much you practice by yourself and can play along to a recording at home, it doesn't beat playing live in a group. Private lessons + band practice + monthly jams have seriously leveled up my skills in the past year. Now, I can learn a song well enough to survive a jam session with only a couple run throughs beforehand if I've never heard it before. I can survive a 12 bar blues jam without any prep. Plus I've also connected with a couple people during the jam sessions, and am now learning 3-4 new songs each week! Also, shout out to Jules who's helped me learn songs much faster by simplifying basslines that I thought were too hard to play, and getting me to work more on listening and improvisation instead of relying 100% on tabs. He's an excellent and encouraging teacher, and I've picked up tons of tips and advice in the past year. Really happy I found McCormick! I've always loved playing an instrument, but it's 100x more fun if you get to play with other people.

Amazing teacher, amazing students , amazing learning environment to really grow and harness…read moremusical skills. I would give it 10,000 stars if I could.

Great music center! Friendly staff that is always willing to help you out. I was looking to…read morepurchase a cello fir my daughter but didn't want to spend thousands of dollars. The sales person (I forgot his name) took time to help me and find a cello that wasn't too expensive but also good quality. My daughter loves her cello! We will be coming here for all our music needs from here on out!

We had a poor experience from start to end unfortunately…read more I had called and left three voicemails over the span of two weeks, different days and different times. I never got a call back, and I decided to try once more where I finally got someone and booked a session. (Our other local music school was relocating farther from us, and my daughter really wanted lessons.) Our lessons were.. okay. They didn't always start promptly and they were usually in tiny, hot rooms big enough for one small folding chair (plus instrument and standing student with teacher). We tried it out for a couple months and it was not for us. When canceling, they assured me it would be okay, but of course they continued to charge us the following months. I called, and again no return messages. I called again, spoke to someone and they said James would call me back, but not a word since two weeks ago. I had to dispute the charges with my card, but save yourself the effort I went through and seek lessons elsewhere.

We rented out a viola for elementary school music class. We paid a monthly rental fee…read more The viola we received was like new. We were so impressed with the service, the product and the pricing. Dropping off at the end of the school year was easy peasy and all the staff were chatting with us and so friendly. Highly recommend if you're unable to get your hands on an instrument at the school.

I recently visited Irvine Art and Music to select a new GS Mini-e Mahogany, and I couldn't be more…read moregrateful for the assistance from Gabriel. His help was incredibly valuable and made the experience both enjoyable and stress-free. Gabriel was patient and knowledgeable, introducing me to several options and allowing me to hear and understand the subtle differences in each guitar. He didn't rush the process and ensured that every choice was tailored to my desired style and size. The GS Mini-e Mahogany turned out to be the perfect fit for my emotional storytelling music. Thank you, Gabriel, for your excellent service and for making this a memorable experience!

Over the last several years, I have been attending the Russian School of Music, studying the…read moreclassical guitar with world-renowned, concert artist, Irina Kulikova. What an opportunity! Irina is an amazingly talented musician and inspiring teacher. Over this time, I have also gotten to know Feliks Volozhanin, Director of the String Program. I have seen first-hand how skilled and inspiring Feliks is with his many young cellist students. They always seem anxious to begin their lessons, and, of course, they love learning from him. This is a welcoming, inviting, and family-oriented School with a Faculty of dedicated professional teachers trained at the highest levels of their musical craft and chosen instrument. Whether you are an absolute novice or a musical prodigy, young or old, you will find this a great place to study your chosen musical instrument. It is a pleasure to highly recommend the Russian School of Music.

It is with great pleasure to recommend Feliks Volozhanin as your next musical instructor for Cello…read more Feliks had been my son's Cello instructor since last March 2018. In this time, Feliks played a pivotal role in encouraging their love for his Cello. Our son was also able to advance his musical skills through direct lessons with Feliks. He has been able to play pieces from "Bach" to " Camille Saint-Saëns "The Swan " since that time with Feliks and The Russian School of Music. I have read and researched that music programs improve individual's communication skills and overall quality of life. Music allows individuals of all abilities to feel empowered, and improve their critical thinking skills, verbal fluency and mathematical abilities. I believe that adding Feliks and The Russian School of Music to your child's strings endeavor will truly enhance your child's musical abilities. Since our son has been playing the Cello he has built and added positive character traits, and a sense of achievement for him.

I can't say enough how much our family loves Ms. Mairead! My son started classes over five years…read moreago and he is still so passionate about singing thanks to his extraordinary very talented teacher Mairead! She is a gem, Mairead connected with my son right away and helped to develop his skills while singing songs that he loves!

I've been coming here for over a year for vocal lessons. Maddie is fun and easy going. I enjoy…read moreparticipating in recitals with opportunities to sing with a live band, and we get to hear other student talents. I come here for fun and plan to continue coming.

My son has been working with Lennie in Algebra 2/Trig and Spanish 2, and the progress has been…read moreamazing. At the start of the year he was really behind in both subjects, and now he is not only caught up but actually doing well and feeling confident. Lennie's patience has made all the difference. My son can be challenging at times with his ADHD, but Lennie knows how to keep him engaged and on track without ever making him feel pressured. He has also helped him with executive functioning skills like organizing assignments and staying on top of due dates, while still letting him explore the parts of the subjects that interest him most. That mix of structure and encouragement has helped my son build real momentum. I am so thankful for everything Lennie has done and would recommend him to anyone looking for a tutor who is both supportive and effective.

Our story with Lennie has been so incredible and fortunate. My 9th grade daughter is a mild…read moremoderate autistic and wants to join her high school marching band next year. She doesn't have any experience playing any instrument, but when my husband contacted Lennie he happily agreed to meet with us even during rainy days. Lennie also got the generous sponsorship of Mrs. Casanave who was looking forward to sponsoring a girl trumpet player! The positive energy and passion of Lennie got my youngest daughter interested in playing trumpet too! Now both of my daughters are looking forward to practice in their weekly lessons, eventually be part of Lennie's band camp, and the 4th of July parade! I am so grateful and blessed to have found Lennie!!!

Greg Peake has been my guitar instructor and sometimes banjo instructor as well for over 6 years…read morenow! I was sn almost absolute beginner in my early forties and he has helped me reach my music goals with just a lesson a week! His style of instruction and guidance proved to be the spark I needed to learn guitar and be excited to play every day. A big thanks to Greg Peake Music. Spending your money on lessons anywhere else would be throwing your time and money away. Zach T. Curtis

I am so happy to have found Greg - I've been searching for a banjo instructor in the Orange County…read morearea for a long time. Greg is professional, very laid back, extremely knowledgable about music - he's the real thing.

I've had a few guitar teachers and Ramsey has been by far the best. Very knowledgeable in every…read moreaspect of guitar and music which is exactly what I needed. Gives you a different aspect on playing, theory, and learning to have fun with it. Almost been a year now and look forward to every lesson. Would highly recommend this academy if you want to take it to another level. He put a lot into this and it shows. Love it man!

The Modiri school of music and its coach, Ramsey, makes band practice for his students musically…read morechallenging and pushes them to a new level. From his own performing experiences, he guides the students on performing live, and pushes them to work outside of their own disciplines by learning guitar, or singing harmonies. An excellent coach and gifted musician.

Donna, Len, and every other teacher we've had experience with at New Day Music Studios are…read moreabsolutely amazing. Top notch! My son has been a student at New Day Music Studios, on and off, from middle school to young adulthood and has always had a wonderful experience. Donna and Len have music in their souls and are so patient, kind, incredibly knowledgeable, and well connected to the music community. The students have opportunities to perform and the teachers are dedicated to their students making progress and fueling a love and appreciation for music. If you are looking for music lessons for your child, or yourself, New Day Music Studios is the place to go!

My husband gave me voice lessons as a Christmas gift one year since I could not sing on key and…read morenever had any lessons as a kid. NOW, I can sing on key and enjoy singing more than I can say, beyond 5 stars! Donna is an excellent teacher, never makes me feel embarrassed or self conscience when I hit a bad note. She encourages her students, is a fan of her students, and is a loving and kind teacher. And, she has the voice of an angel, so beautiful and inspirational. I am very thankful for each and every lesson and enjoy singing all types of music. I encourage anyone who is looking for voice or other music lessons to go to New Day Music and talk with Len and Donna. Wonderful people!

I needed to restring my guitar which I have neglected for maybe 15 years. Expected to be charged an…read morearm and a leg but was super reasonable and done in about an hour. Now I can hack my way into playing some chords. Thank you Cottonwood!

My favorite place in Costa Mesa. The team there are top notch. They really know their stuff.read more