If you are shopping for your first guitar, or honestly any guitar, just go to True Tone Music. I…read morewill get into why, but that is basically the whole review in one sentence. I found them online and called ahead to see if they had the guitar I wanted in stock. They did, and whoever answered the phone was so genuinely enthusiastic that I was excited to go make my purchase. When I got there the place was busy, with people in the back trying out guitars and a few staff floating around helping everyone. The thing that struck me right away was that all of them looked like they actually enjoyed being there. The guy who helped me, Louis, was a total rock star. I told him I was after a guitar and wanted to start taking lessons, and he immediately walked me back to meet Shawn, one of the teachers who happened to be in that day. Shawn and I hit it off, and I texted him later that day to set up my first lesson, which is this coming week. I am genuinely excited for it. The guitar I wanted was there, brand new and in flawless condition. Here is the part that really got me. I had read that silk and steel strings can be gentler on your fingers when you are starting out, so I asked about them. Instead of brushing me off, Louis walked me through the real pros and cons, and not once did it feel like he was nudging me away from them to save the shop a little money or labor, which is honestly what I half expected. I ended up deciding against them, and then he handed me a set anyway and told me to take them home, and that if I changed my mind I could come back any time and they would put them on for me free. He let me pick out a handful of picks, threw in a tuner, and even knocked a chunk off the price of the guitar without me asking. I had not even thought to ask, since it was in perfect condition. Then there was the warranty. I asked about it, they did not know off the top of their heads, and at one point something like four of the staff were working to track down an answer for me. Mind you, I had already checked out. I was buying that guitar no matter what the warranty said. They chased the answer down anyway, simply because I had asked. They also threw in a hat, which sounds like a tiny thing but genuinely made me grin. Picking up a new instrument feels like the start of something, and a small gesture like that fit the whole spirit of the place. I walked out already wanting to come back, even though I have no reason to until my lesson. This is the kind of customer service people say does not exist anymore. I am here to tell you it does, and it is alive and well at True Tone Music. I never even planned to buy my first guitar there, and now I cannot picture it having gone any other way. Huge thank you to the entire team, and to Louis & Shawn. You made my first guitar purchase a great memory.

Best music store ever. This place is a gem in Santa Monica, the guys that work there are real…read moremusicians, they know everything there is to know. I've known one of the guys for decades, and let me tell you, if you need guitar advice, there is no one better.

Outstanding experience! Excellent customer service, very knowledgeable, friendly, helpful to sell…read moremy euphonium! Highly recommended!

This neighborhood shop is worthy of even a modicum of customer service…read more The GM must be operating in some mindset of scarcity or tyranny because their crew are all kind, helpful, and upbeat. Unfortunately, none of them hipped me to their absolute no way no how zero returns policy when i made a purchase under duress and need. They kind of had what i needed so in a pinch, I was grateful. When my situation changed, and I would have gladly accepted store credit they said "no way no how!" to my humble request to return or exchange brand new stuff in original packaging. Its no wonder stinkin guitar center prevails in this economy. Someone help out the underdogs so they can maybe run a good business! Shop at your own risk friends. Happy music making no matter what!

My first time here and it won't be my last! Loved the intimate space while watching one of my all…read moretime favorite female singers, Jonatha Brooke. The room is normally set up for sales but when a show is on the calendar the staff quickly clears it to set up the chairs for the audience. Since their first impromptu show back in 1968, McCabe's has been hosting the finest in folk, bluegrass, Americana, world music and more. It can accommodate 150-seats and is one of the best listening rooms in the world. The sound engineer was spot at this performance. Most of performers will play one of the guitars for sale here which helps keep this amazing shop going. *Located just off the 405 freeway @Centinela on Pico Blvd *Plenty of street parking (meters) *A few restaurants within walking distance if you want to grab a bite to eat before or after a show. *Guitar lessons available *FYI purchase show tickets online. You will get receive a confirmation email telling you that your name will be on a list at the door (you will not get physical tickets)

I want to be fair here, because this is really a story about two very different visits…read more The first time I came in, I worked with Barry, and he was fantastic. I had never bought a guitar in my life and barely knew what questions to ask. He sat down with me, pulled close to ten guitars off the wall, and played every single one so I could actually hear the differences for myself. He never once rushed me or made me feel like a clueless beginner taking up his time (great player btw!) By the time I walked out I had fallen for the shop and found the exact guitar I wanted, a Taylor 114ce. I was so excited that I could not wait to come back the next day to buy it. I had also planned to sign up for lessons there. The next day is why I'm writing this. Barry wasn't in, and the guy working the guitar repair counter helped me instead. He acted like I was a massive inconvenience from the second I walked up. The store was nearly empty at the time, just one woman trying out a guitar in the back and another customer making conversation up front, both of whom were perfectly friendly when I chatted with them for a minute. The guitar I wanted was a floor model with two deep scratches gouged into the front, the kind that do not buff out, plus a pickguard worn down from being played constantly. It was still priced like it was brand new. When I asked if anything could be done about the price, he went to check and came back offering fifty dollars off. I asked if he could come down to seven hundred and he flatly said no, though he said he could throw in strings. All of it came wrapped in the same cold attitude, like I was lucky he was even bothering with me. I decided to leave and went to another shop that had the exact same guitar, brand new and so pristine it clearly had never been played. I did not even think to ask for a discount because it was in perfect condition, but they gave me one anyway and knocked ten percent off without me saying a word. On top of that they set me up with a stand, a tuner, a capo, a handful of picks, strings, and even a hat, and discounted those accessories too. They were thrilled to help the entire time. I bought my first guitar there and booked my first lesson there too, and I walked out feeling exactly the way you should feel buying your first instrument. So if you go to McCabe's and you get Barry, you will understand why this place has the reputation it does. He was the reason I almost became a customer for life. There was also a gentleman there both days who I believe may have been the manager. The second day he gave me a quick hello and then stepped into the back right as I pulled the guitar down to start the process. I have no idea whether he picked up on how that interaction was going, but I really wish he had been out front for it, because a ready and excited first-time buyer walking out empty handed could have been saved. If this somehow gets back to Barry, thank you for helping me find my first guitar.

This is a review for the camp only. Some things to know if you put your child in their camp. I…read moredon't usually like to post negative reviews but I do want other parents to know about the following things so they can be aware. 1) On their camp advertisements they mention instruction in many different instruments. What isn't specified is that they only have a couple different instruments to learn on if your child does not own that instrument themselves. So unless your kid has their own Oboe, Cello, Flute etc they can't get lessons. I think they have guitar and violin on hand. Thus, i would not recommend this place for a summer intro to an instrument unless you own said instrument or you double check they have your instrument ahead of time. They will say it's on the paperwork the child needs to bring their own instrument but they don't send you that paperwork until the night before camp starts. 2) They watch a movie every single day. I don't think any parent wants their kid watching tv every day at a camp they pay good money for. Why not have other activities for the kids for breaks from music? Maybe Let them run around in the park longer, or play some games, or talk amongst themselves and make a friend. Another note about the movie watching -- they show the kids PG13 movies. And if your kid isn't allowed to watch PG13 movies they will sit your chilld with the much younger children and watch a disney movie or cartoon. This is not great for those kids 7-11 whose parents may not want their kids watching PG13 movies but also don't want their kid to feel humiliated watching cartoons with much younger kids and not being around their peers in their age group. When my child was there, there were no kids ages 13 and up so it was baffling to me that they were catering to the kids whose parents allowed their young children to watch PG-13 movies.

We are lucky to have SM Conservatory as a resource for our kids…read more I have experienced nothing short of excellent customer service, from the director to the front desk staff to the instructor. When I sit on the couch waiting to pick up my son, I hear laughter, enthusiasm, singing and of course music. It warms my soul. My son loved 3rd grade chorus (and the complimentary bus shuttle is a huge plus for kids and parents!). We are currently taking private flute lessons with Sierra - so far so good! She is patient, kind and helping my son make the ever important first step, a sound! The school music program is great but with so many children my son needs extra one-on-one instruction and this business fits the bill. Looking into the musical theater next ... to be continued!

Green Brooms Music Academy has been an incredible experience for this 40-something looking to…read morerebuild confidence. I'd always wanted to take vocal lessons, but anxiety--rooted in a childhood experience--held me back for years. From the very first lesson, Isabelle made me feel completely at ease. She created such a safe, supportive space that I've been able to let go of a lot of that fear and finally enjoy singing again. With her guidance, I'm discovering a vocal range I didn't even know I had! It takes a truly special teacher to help someone work through emotional blocks, and Isabella is exactly that--patient, talented, and a joy to be around. Not only has my confidence grown through this journey, but I'm now getting ready to perform in my first-ever adult recital--something I never thought I'd be brave enough to do. If you've ever felt nervous about trying music lessons as an adult, this is the place. I can't recommend Green Brooms--or Isabelle--enough.

I've been attending this Academy for several years now I'm…read moreso happy they reopened because I will continue to support and most of all master my instrument the instructors are fantastic the energy there is amazing what a wonderful gem in Santa Monica

We love Jessie! She really cares about her students and thinks about their progression. She teaches…read morepiano, flute, and voice. We've been to many different music studios in the local area. For us, it comes down to the teachers and how they price their lessons. What I like about Santa Monica Academy of Music is that you pay by the lesson. They bill you monthly, but if there are 3 Fridays in that month, you only pay for those 3 Fridays. Other studios, there is a flat monthly rate regardless of how many lessons a week one is taking and it often comes out to paying an additional $500 a year. At Santa Monica Academy of Music, you pay for the lessons you take. Since my daughter plays multiple instruments, paying for only the lessons she takes makes a huge difference to us financially. Sharon, their administrator is well organized and friendly. While they don't have dedicated parking, there is plenty of metered parking in the area.

I took classes here for 3 months. Edan was a great piano teacher. He thought me classic pieces as…read morewell as Jazz and other genres. He is a true teacher. Sharon was always very nice in accommodating my changing schedule. I loved it!

Camila is practically family now. We've worked with her first on violin and now on piano since my…read moredaughter was 3 (she's now 8) and it's a highlight of the week. She keeps it fun and she'll work with your student at whatever pace that they're comfortable with. My daughter started learning with theme songs of her favorite shows because that was what kept her interested, then moved on to a blend of rock songs and classical as she got older. My point is that she's someone that will help your child love music and love to play music. Camila is an immensely talented musician and getting to see her play is a joy in and of itself. I've recommended so many people to her and they've all been happy with the results. I really can't say enough.

Camila has been an absolutely amazing violin teacher for my daughter! We have been with Camila for…read moreover two years and my daughter has learned so much! Camilla is so knowledgeable, talented, sweet, kind, and patient. She keeps my daughter very engaged by asking her what song she wants to play and adapting the song for the violin. My daughter is always excited to go to her lesson! In addition to being a wonderful teacher Camila is an amazing person!

Rachel is not only an amazing piano teacher to my two girls (ages 9 and 5), but she is also such a…read morelovely human being. She connects with each child to help them understand music in a way that is specifically catered to them. Even when my daughter was just three years old, Rachel developed a brilliant system to teach her piano, and it worked. As a piano student myself growing up, I wanted my kids to develop a love for piano that lasted for life -- Rachel listened to my dream and is turning it into reality. She is multi-talented and uses those talents to inspire a love for music and piano in my kids. I cannot say enough wonderful things about her, and I'm so grateful we have found her!

Rachel is amazing! I've played instruments most of my life but didn't start piano until recently…read more(well into adult life)... I wanted a teacher with experience in multiple instruments/styles, so I was lucky to find Rachel. She was very quick to understand my musical background and helped me adapt my existing knowledge to the piano while leaving room for brushing up on theory/sight reading/etc. I can only imagine how this adaptable approach to teaching works wonders with her younger students. Whether or not you have any musical background, she's a great option and you'll be lucky to have her!

We love this place ! I have 3 children…read more We had them at another place in the Palisades (which was sweet but they didn't learn anything) I cannot believe the difference - a loving environment but they still learn! Yes - parking is a pain but it's LA so let's be real

I am so in love with this place. My son takes drum lessons and my daughter take voice lessons with…read morethe owner Paulette. In less than a month my daughter is confidently performing an Amy Weinhouse ballad at live event coordinated by Paulette! And my 8 year old son can punctuate my bad jokes with an actual rim shot!(budumbumching!)

There are only good things to say about the LoveBug experience! The classes are fun and a great…read morego-to place to take little ones. They have studio locations, but if you're going to do music, why not do it outside? The 45-minute park classes are run by an instructor with a guitar (and LoveBug the puppet of course!) who leads sing-alongs while everyone sits on their own picnic blankets. Kids get individual instruments and mesh fabric while a bubble machine always makes an experience. It's nicely individualized as each kid is welcomed with a hello and goodbye song. It's a fantastic small business and you can purchase a membership or drop-in for classes. They also donate a portion of proceeds to local nonprofits. This is a great option for babies as young as a few months old through toddlers!

We love lovebug, especially the music class with Miss Macy. She remembers our kids' names,…read moreencourages their musical abilities, and hosts such a high energy class that both our 3 year old and 6 month old love. We took the art class a couple of years ago and also quite enjoyed it. Highly recommend.