Question...........Do you have vocal lessons? ubein@yahoo.com…read more I have a 9 year old granddaughter who is anxious for vocal lessons. Do you teach vocal or can recommend someone who can in Santa Cruz?

I have been taking piano lessons for a little over a year with Diana Brown through Santa Cruz Music…read moreAcademy. I'm in my thirties and had often thought I missed the boat by not studying piano earlier in life. But, I've been feeling extremely happy with the progress (starting as a complete beginner) that we've made over this time so I thought I'd post a review. Diana has a structured but flexible teaching style that has helped me to efficiently develop a well-rounded set of skills. We've focused on learning scales / arpeggios, proper technique, and building a repertoire - sometimes we delve a little further into theory or even some vocal lessons here and there. I've found that she goes above and beyond in tailoring the pace and content of the curriculum to her individual students. I would absolutely recommend Diana as a teacher without hesitation to anyone hoping to start learning piano!

Here's the thing about Gianni Staiano: he claims to be a piano teacher; however he is infinitely…read moremore than that. I first happened upon Gianni and his love affair with keyboards at a local venue called The Crepe Place. His Funk Trio, 7 Come 11, was almost literally sucking people into the front door and gyrating the floor beneath their feet. I bounded towards the front to see the instrumentation. Well, my eyes ended up glued to Gianni's fervent-foot and handwork on the hammond organ for about 2 hours. As a kid, I had learned some classical piano and listened to rich and multifarious musical styles. In the back of my mind I had been searching for someone to resuscitate my relationship with the piano. I thought, "I found the doctor." Fast forward to one year later and I am grappling with scales, chord voicings, baseline rhythms, ear training, sight-reading, chord progressions, and new songs in Gianni's studio. At this point, honestly, I felt frustrated. This guy is giving me every tool in emporium and I am just NOT a musician, I should give up. ...I'm giving up. Well, I voiced this concern to him and he earnestly reasoned that I was growing as an artist and musician. I just wasn't ready to hear it at that point. I quit for about 6 months, all the while recalling Gianni's simpatico encouragement. My life circumstances changed and I decided to give the piano, music, and Gianni another try. Returning was like sipping an outstanding scotch with a clean palate after having tried it before with a mouthful of soap. Music has a way of defying definition. Gianni continues to patiently help me wrap my head around constellations of musical concepts. His teaching helps me feel that music and life govern each other. The tools he provides allow me to face the truth of who I am as an artist and musician. One of the greatest gifts of Gianni's teaching is self-acceptance, the reminder to love ourselves where we are at this moment and keep working towards our greater goals. Three years later I am preparing for a performance, singing and playing, writing my own music, and showing up at Gianni's studio every week for more. It really makes a difference taking lessons from a performing musician. While I can't say that lessons with Gianni has instantly turned my hands into the likes of Art Tatum, Vladimir Horowitz, or Chopin, I can say that I call myself a piano player, musician, and artist with growing confidence. You can certainly take lessons from him and take his teaching as a literal guide to playing the piano and you will glean numerous playing tips and learn new songs; however, I recommend learning between the lines and trust that the really juicy stuff will digest and give you a rich takeaway in time. So, a 5 isn't enough. I have an infinitude of stars and gratitude to post for Gianni's nurturance of a really, REALLY important part of my life.

My daughter wanted a piano teacher who would nurture her love of music beyond learning scales &…read moremusic theory. Gianni has introduced her to jazz, blues & latin rhythms. She has developed the confidence to take on new music by recognizing the chords & patterns within each piece of music. Gianni has an engaging personality along with his creative teaching style. Each lesson provides guidance & a deepening connection with music which inspires her to keep playing.

As a mandolin player, I wasn't sure how helpful a lesson would be with someone who doesn't actually…read moreplay mandolin but I had heard such great things from fellow musicians about Colin I had to give it a try. I'm really glad I did! Colin is an excellent music teacher who explains music theory in a clear, practical way that immediately applies to your instrument. He quickly helped me see keys and scales differently and gave me tools to approach improvisation with much more confidence. I was honestly surprised by how much progress I made so quickly. If you're looking for help with music theory, improvisation, or just becoming a more versatile musician, I highly recommend taking lessons with Colin.

If you're looking for a music teacher who makes students feel comfortable and excited to play,…read moreColin is fantastic. My son can be a bit shy, but Colin's friendly and patient approach immediately put him at ease. Miles was up and playing something he recognized in just one lesson, which was way faster than I expected! Colin explains things clearly and gives great technique tips. My son left the lesson genuinely excited about playing. We're so grateful we found such a great teacher.

We feel so blessed to have found Rob Mahoney for piano lessons for our son! Our son started…read moreworking with Rob 1.5 years back, at the age of 5. Our son can now read music, and play basic piano beautifully! Rob is patient, kind, and fun too. He has a detached recording studio at his house with a full grand Yamaha piano, keyboard, and drum set. We are so grateful to Rob for all he has taught our son, and we look forward to working with him for many, many years to come!

Too cool for school. Signed my kiddo up for singing lessons. He has a couple learning…read moredisabilities-dyslexia and auditory processing. Really not too big of a deal, just needs to take his time learning. Told the owner that when we signed up. He told me to tell the instructor. Tried to talk to the instructor about his needs before his first class, and she blew me off saying "It's singing. He won't need to read." A week later she prints out lyrics to read on the spot. I watch him freeze up and just stare at the paper. My kid learns by listening and needs to take his time reading. She would know that if she didn't blow me off. A few weeks later, after the lesson she reminds him to practice, and as he says he will, the owner, who was in the room, laughs out loud at him. My husband even calls him out on it. No response or apology. We never went back. Here's the thing. Many artists have quirks that are actual gifts. But society often deems them as not enough because they are not neurotypical. I thought for sure this business was about lifting up ALL kids. They project as a laid back cool musician business, but really aren't.

Great place for the kids. COVID safe and Awesome people. My…read moredaughter has made long term friends there who share passion for music and understands her on a different level. I do recommend this program. They really work with each student to help develop the confidence to preform and be thier best selves. I have seen positive changes in my daughter that I am very thankful for. They do shows everywhere. You get a band page with videos and pictures. So many wonderful memories in such a positive experience.

Sam is a super energetic teacher! She is great with the kids and really knows how to get them…read moreinvolved and learn! She always creates a fun environment for the kids to learn in.

My daughter has had 2 incredible years at little Mozart. She can read music and notes. Sam is an…read moreamazing instructor! Your child will immensely benefit from little Mozart.

Wonderful way to learn music or new instruments. The Abbotts and those who teach for/with them…read morehave real passion and know-how. This is by far the most supportive and non-threatening learning environment around. Bring friends, kids, and anyone you care for and want to share music-making with.

Ben is an amazing teacher! I started practicing as an adult. He's extremely patient and is able to…read morebreak down any obstacle into manageable parts. Can't recommend enough!

Our 13-year old was transferred to Ben when her previous teacher, who had been highly esteemed for…read moreclassical piano training, decided to retire. So far her progress with Ben has been great. He's got her playing some very advanced pieces with good rhythm and clean fingering. He's enrolled her in a demanding program that requires a lot of music theory training - stuff I never heard of when I was learning music theory as a kid - and I think it will pay off down the line, especially if she goes into an area of music that uses non-standard modal keys or jazz. Ben's got a formal approach to teaching, and this is probably good for kids like my daughter, who need a short leash to be reminded to polish what they're leaning before moving on to new material.