Paul is a gifted, patient teacher. He has a way of making the music come alive. I would highly…read morerecommend his services for anyone wanting to learn and feel the music.

Paul Hurst is not only a superb professional musician, he is an excellent teacher. As my harp…read moreteacher, Paul has been so helpful in improving my technique, helping me to analyze my music, and helping me find easier ways to play previously difficult passages. I love Paul's help in adding embellishments to my improvised arrangements. He can make the simplest passage come to life. Additionally, since Paul is knowledgeable on a variety of instruments and ensemble playing, he has been immensely helpful in working with my husband and me on our harp and flute duets. I can strongly recommend him as a teacher and coach. Sue Dinwiddie, Wind in the Strings Harp and Flute Duo

I've been studying voice with Dr. Lee Strawn for two years, and he is an incredibly passionate and…read morebeloved vocal teacher. It's hard to gauge progress in yourself, but fellow singers (and opinionated strangers) have remarked on how my voice and stage performance have blossomed under his instruction. He's approachable and witty, and experienced in many styles of music. Whether you're a newbie who only sings in the shower or a seasoned professional, I've seen him work his magic on ALL levels of singers at every age. I would recommend him to anyone!

My vocal challenges have defeated many skilled teachers over three decades. I find it extremely…read moredifficult to access my head voice and to produce any sound in that range. I have made more progress in overcoming this in a year with Lee than in all of the prior efforts combined. He is always encouraging and positive and has worked patiently and incrementally, valuing each small step of progress which helps me feel hopeful and stay motivated. I've watched him experiment with my voice, always informed by his deep understanding of singing technique, anatomy, and pedagogy, and then take what he's learned to come up with new exercises to create further opening and stretch me. There are moments where we both stop and smile in awe at a pure, free-floating, high note issuing from me where before that note would have been unattainable and anything approaching it would have been forced and impossible to sustain. I am discovering the head voice I lost so long ago and I'm liking the sound I'm producing!

I've been going to John Mello for over a year so far and he is a great guitar teacher. He is in…read moreSan Mateo on B street. I went from attempting to play tabs via tab apps and youtube to actually learning how to play chords in various places along the neck, learning notes in scales, playing mini solos and actually playing entire songs. The songs and scales I learn and the pace are my own choosing. I've learned quite a few songs - enough to show off when camping. I mainly do the blues, classic rock, modern rock thing - isley brothers, richie valens, pink floyd, creedence, eagles ac/dc, green day, jason mraz, foo fighters, etc. He is extremely knowledgeable and usually picks up the chord structure without having to research the song. Additionally he's helped me fix/ refurbish my electric guitar when he saw some issues (the neck was bent/arched and he knew had to adjust the truss rod, modified the pickups, etc) which has made it much easier to play - not too mentions it sounds better too. Also he helped me purchase an acoustic guitar. He's so good that I stuck with him after I moved to the East Bay. Added bonuses Bonus #1: He's flexible about re-scheduling if you are on vacation,sick, etc. Bonus #2: He accepts credit cards (Square) Bonus #3: He has lesson blocks as small as a half hour making it more affordable If you are on the Peninsula look him up.

Sunglasses Warning: Glowing Review ahead :)…read more Whether you are a seasoned veteran, emerging professional, or a curious beginner, Peter Maleitzke will meet you exactly where you are, assess where you can improve, and then supply you with the tools, motivation, encouragement, and challenges that will move you forward: professionally, artistically, and personally. I started working with Peter when I was 13 years old, and he has since led me through classically based training in musical theater voice, which has landed me at the Interlochen Arts Camp, the Interlochen Arts Academy, and the UCLA Theater, Film, and Television department of musical theater. Because of our work, I have auditioned and successfully booked professional gigs both in live theater and recording studios. He knows how to work with singers of all ages and abilities (in a multitude of styles). Starting out with him as a young singer, he took care of my voice and trained me in a way that was healthy and sustainable, even starting at a young age. With the ever-changing demands of musical theater singing, I feel confident that I know how to keep my voice safe, while using it in musical and expressive ways. Having now worked with a number of teachers and coaches, I can easily say that when it comes to the dramatic-musical interpretation of a piece of music (be it an aria, art song, musical theater piece, or pop song), there is no one like Peter. He works with the expertise of understanding all angles: musical director, singer, stage director, actor, musician, conductor... sometimes even choreographer! :) Peter works with enthusiasm, integrity, a sense of play, and perhaps most importantly, a real love of his work. I feel so lucky to have found him at an early age; he has truly shaped the singer-actor I am today and I couldn't have dreamt for a more giving, patient, dedicated, and skillful teacher. With Peter, you will feel inspired, challenged, and supported. Have fun!!!!

As a singer/actor who's been in this competitive world of show business for a decade, I was…read moresurprised to see someone like Peter. I don't even know where to start because he's a gem in san francisco. He really cares big time about your singing and career. You'll know from your gut that he really wants you to do well and be successful as much as your family wishes for you to. I'm seriously lucky to have him at my personal stage of artistic journey. I've worked with many vocal coaches both in East and West but this is the first time I feel like I actually have someone watching my back. He prepares you for the auditions and his class is delighful. You'll only sing right and with joy when you sing with him. It's shocking(and I'm not exaggerating) how he's changing my perspective of singing. It's a life changing experience. I do not need to think a second to call him the best coach ever. Not only he's an expert at singing and teaching he also gives a tremendous attention to you when it comes to your singing. I have never seen anyone who actually knows how to work on each individuals. Everything is focused on you and it's a total one on one hands on work. He's also very organized so you can virtually expect what you'll get out of his class for each session. He is a truly top-notch coach, teacher and mentor. Honestly he even beats every coach I've worked with in NYC. I mean I can't believe I finally found someone like him. His work ethic, professionalism, unbelievable amount of knowledge, and musical talent in interpreting music teaches you way beyond singing. You'll not sing a song with him. You'll sing your life off when you sing with him.

Tom Bertetta is the absolute professional, and what a piece of luck I had to find him, thank you…read moreHornucopia in San Carlos, another bunch of terrific people that kindly referred Tom. I feel incredibly fortunate to take class with someone of the talent and incredible teaching ability that he has, you always walk away and think about the class and then feel more impressed with Tom's talents. Tom is obviously very talented and more understated about it that you could imagine. He has a very natural ability to push you in a very covert way. Example, I was huffing and puffing at chipping notes ( a lot of them) , I cursed and said I friggin hate chipping notes, Tom's immediate comment "guess you chose the wrong instrument", that helps more than you can imagine and takes a lot out of the frustration out of learning. His set up and studio is very professional as is his scheduling and environment. Tom has a very jovial personality that in a way covers up his incredible knowledge and experience that is pretty mind blowing, he throws a lot of curve balls that you don't realize till later. He'll take apart a piece of music and really make you thing about it in such a different way. Tom studied with Claude Gordon for 10 years, you kidding me, and never heard him play the whole time. Whether you are an adult or you you have a child you want to enroll, I;d give 20 stars if I could. Thank you Tom.

My sons and I highly recommend Tom…read more He's been their trumpet instructor for 3.5 yrs and has been responsible for helping them greatly improve their skills. My oldest with his help got into Jazz and Marching band. He plans to play in the marching band in college now. Overall it was a good decision to go with Tom.

On behalf of my 7 yr old daughter, and her mom who researched and endured a number of trial lessons…read morewith other schools--we really value Evan's teaching style and encouragement. Having a very introductory exposure to piano a few years ago, at seven she has only had three months of focused teaching under Evan--she has really impressed us with her growth and skill. He has an encouraging way with kids, working through challenges, inspiring her by leading off a lesson by playing something relevant/familiar/fun (e.g. Frozen or show tunes, jazz). Most of all she has grown quickly by his challenging her, week by week, and her mom's guidance mid-week during practices. Evan's a great teacher and we are encouraged by what our daughter has learned, and how these skills and practice will bless her life with music and joy.

Evan is an outstanding piano teacher. I took lessons as a child, and started them again three…read moremonths ago at the age of 25, and I look forward to every lesson with Evan. The things I learn from him about how to play piano with good technique, and practice effectively to get the most out of my time, are things I couldn't have learned on my own. He's knowledgeable and patient, and tailors the lessons to my personality and interests. He's also very easy to get along with, very open and friendly. He's unconcerned when the lesson runs longer than I paid for; it's clear that he just loves teaching and loves playing more than anything. Not only is he a good teacher when it comes to the fundamentals and classical training, he's also teaching me unique things that he's well trained in, like jazz improvisation, that I couldn't get from most other piano teachers. This puts him in a very valuable role when it comes to my musical education, and I'm thankful I found his studio when I started learning.

I can't say enough good things about Nicco and his ukulele lessons for my daughter. My daughter…read morepreviously had a teacher who was pretty strict and to her "boring". Along comes Nicco and he teachers her modern music that she truly enjoys! Nicco rolls with my daughters preteen mood swings and always builds her confidence as a musician. He also provides her with opportunities to play live, which is priceless. Huge thanks to Nicco and his teaching.

I took lessons with Nicco Tyson for about a year, and he's truly an outstanding harmonica teacher…read more I was initially skeptical about taking lessons over Zoom -- especially for something as nuanced as bending notes -- but Nicco made it not only possible, but incredibly fun and effective. His teaching style is patient, encouraging, and incredibly knowledgeable. Each lesson was thoughtfully tailored to my progress, and I found myself improving week after week, even in a completely virtual setting. Nicco helped demystify techniques I had struggled with for years. I only stopped lessons because of a change in my job schedule, but I absolutely plan to return when I can. Whether you're a beginner or someone looking to refine your skills, I can't recommend Nicco enough. He's the real deal!

Aaron is an excellent musician. I've performed with him many times. He gives great musical insight…read moreduring rehearsals and is a dedicated trumpet teacher.

Aaron is an excellent trumpet teacher. He did wonders for my son when he was a beginner. I was…read moreafraid my son (10 years old at the time) wouldn't stick with the trumpet, but Aaron kept encouraging him and made his lessons fun and motivating. He has a gentle demeanor that worked well for my son, yet challenged him and kept him reaching for new goals. I think Aaron is a talented teacher and I highly recommend him.