I know negative about guitars. I have a nephew graduating from high school this spring and I…read morewanted to get him something meaningful and useful. He plays bass in one of those School of Rock type places and is passionate about it. I called my sister to see if there was anything he could use and she sent me a blurry photo of some kind of board he uses and told me he needs a carrying case. I went to Bananas at Large because of their reputation for being kind and knowledgeable. Their reputation is well deserved. I was greeted right when I walked in, I decided to look around a bit before asking for help because while I don't know anything about guitars, some of the instruments they had on the wall were works of art and I enjoy looking at art. When I was ready, I found the first employee, showed him the photo and explained the situation. He knew exactly what it was and where to find what I was looking for. He then took the case over to where they had the exact thing in the photo to show me how well it fit and other features of the case. He explained the 14-day return policy if it turned out to be the wrong thing and let me decide what I wanted to do. I wound up purchasing the case. I loved that I was nicely greeted when I walked in but left alone to browse. I loved that I didn't have to hunt down someone to help me when I was ready. I loved the general vibe of the place. I loved that they had what I needed and clearly a ton of things I might need if I ever decide to get into playing. I loved that parking was easy. I loved that they were excited to help someone who had no idea what they were doing in a guitar shop, were in no hurry to get me out of the store and patient enough to answer all my questions. I even loved that they accept Venmo for payments. Great place to go if you don't know anything about guitars but love someone who does.

This place is everything a music store should be. Yes they have great selection, and yes their…read moreprices match anything you can find online (even Reverb, often) but it's their service and relationships they build with you that's special. True stories of what they've done for me even in just the last month: My guitar needed some repairs before a gig, and they fast tracked the service and ordered an uber to bring the guitar to my house! I wanted a tuner pedal that was out of stock basically everywhere in the country, and they took their last one from Santa Rosa and shipped it to San Rafael store for free for me to pick up the next day. Best of all, I was unhappy with my guitar tone and Dan spent nearly 2 hours sitting with me trying different pedals and setups, before settling on showing me some different settings on my own amp, some different plectrums and swapping a pedal I'd bought recently for only a $10 difference! It would have been so easy to have sold me another pedal or 2 that I didn't really need, but the fact he didn't builds complete trust and makes me a customer for life!

Pollyanna is a great talent and educator. Her classes are a joy. She offers many formats. Soar…read moreSong is great fun and very e pressure. Her workshops are top notch individual training

I've been taking private voice lessons with Pollyanna for the last six months and recently a group…read moreharmony class. I've taken voice lessons from other teachers but none compare to Pollyanna's focus and expertise in making me a better singer. Her technique is a huge success in Europe but only recently catching on in the US. I highly recommend Pollyanna to anyone looking to improve their vocals. The harmony class is the best class I've taken as far as useful content and technique. I've taken over 10 classes from various Bay Area teachers and by far Pollyanna's is the best. Her energy and love of music are infectious.

I can't say enough good things about MCMS. With no musical experience, I came to MCMS as an adult…read morebeginning cello student. My teacher, David, has patiently and thoughtfully worked with me as I very slowly progress. When I'm in the school before and after lessons I get to listen to other students, or all ages, with David and the other wonderful teachers. There is a great sense of community and the interest and enthusiasm the instructors have for each of their very different students is heartwarming. From talented mini-rock n' rollers to older students, everyone is treated with care.

I am 66yo with long forgotten high school music experience and wanted, if I could, pick up were I…read moreleft off. What was I to do? I found MCMS and it was exactly my answer. This small but loaded school caters to the young and older alike. It has a bevy of accomplished and practicing musicians; teaching drums, guitars, piano, violin, cello. I see it as a place to perhaps learn to be a multi-instrumentalist. My first inquiry to the school was answered quickly and then put in touch with it's cello instructor (the instrument I wanted to learn). I was given a complementary hour of introduction and was sold after that. I appreciated the instructor's encouragement and that he did not sugar coat the road ahead to learn; I liked the challenge of that. This school has checked off all the boxes for me to learn. It is conveniently located in not quite down town San Anselmo and has a neighborhood feel about it. It is San Anselmo's very own School of Rock and Bach!

Excellent, unique and personal shop for all things stringed, with a master luthier at the helm and…read moresome beautiful instruments and many happy clients. This shop epitomizes what I love about Marin county, the vibe, the personality and the specialness....

John has a wealth of experience and some beautiful instruments. I highly recommend this shop,…read moreespecially if you are looking for high end vintage instruments.

I've been taking weekly guitar lessons from Sandy Israel for the past 5-6 years. Sandy is an…read moreincredible musician and teacher. He plays multiple instruments, has a wonderful musical ear, and has an amazing repertoire of styles ranging from rock to blues to country to blue grass. If Sandy doesn't know the song you want to play, he will learn it and teach it to you. He has a knack for simplifying and explaining complex music theory. He gives you written material (tabs, notated music, or charts) for your songs and suggested drills for improving your technique, knowledge, skill and speed. Sandy is always positive and upbeat. You will not feel self-conscious playing for or with him. His music studio is relaxing and in a beautiful setting. I've learned so much from Sandy. I can't say enough good things about my experience.

Sandy was a great guitar instructor for our teenager. I know he will miss his lessons with Sandy,…read morebut unfortunately he moved schools and won't be able to attend anymore. Thank you Sandy for teaching him this year!

Our 14-year-old son has been taking guitar and drum lessons with Jason for two years, and we truly…read morecan't say enough good things. What started as a fun hobby has grown into a real passion--thanks to Jason and his teaching style, encouragement, and deep love of music. He's kept our son motivated and progressing, always tailoring lessons around the music he's most excited about--mostly rock--and making it both fun and challenging. One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been watching our son not only grow as a guitarist and drummer but also find the confidence to sing.

I feel incredibly lucky to have found Jason as a guitar teacher for my son. Jason brings his…read moretalent, experience, patience, and positive energy to each and every lesson. He was able to connect to my son, initially a 4th grader with online lessons during the pandemic to now, with in person lessons and adapting to him as a teen. Jason manages to strike a balance between keeping lessons fun while also challenging my son to improve. He actually wants to practice! I have seen such an increase in his confidence and musical ability since working with Jason. Jason truly cares about helping students grow, both as musicians and as individuals. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a guitar teacher who reall makes learning music something to look forward to each week.

I've known and worked with Cherie Lebow musically for many years. When I ran a music program at a…read moreprivate high school in SF I hired Cherie to offer lessons in singing, guitar and help with some of the small groups the kids were forming. I've also known her as a professional musician as she worked with my music tech company laying down guitar and vocal tracks for sample libraries and such. I've recommended Cherie to various friends of mine who do booking and produce and promote shows. She's a consummate professional who knows her stuff and has been teaching for many years in NY and Bay Area. She's also a good communicator, lots of patience and a nice person to interact with. If you want something that is better than some online pre-packaged method-of-the-week - and to work with a real musician, composer and artist - Cherie is the real thing. She's recently re-located from SF to Marin, and I'd encourage Marin-ites, beginners and up to check her out!

I have to give Cherie 5-stars. She recently moved her teaching business to Marin and I'm so happy I…read morecan finally get back to lessons with her. I studied with her years ago when I lived in SF, I was a complete beginner back then. Now I'm breaking into writing songs and she has helped me get over a huge block I've had for years. She's really helped me expand my guitar skills so I can write with a fresh sound. And how to fine tune my performance.

Josh was the best! He was so patient and sweet with our children. Both of which have ADHD and can…read morelose interest quickly. Josh kept them laughing, engaged and on task throughout their back to back sessions. I love the virtual training option via video conference, and honestly they would not have excelled so quickly and proficiently if we had to drive out to his music studio with our very busy schedules. Josh is very talented and was even featured on "American Idol" Give Laughing School of Music a try- you won't be disappointed- I guarantee it!

I have attended many social Fusion dancing events that Josh was hired to perform at in and around…read morethe San Francisco Bay Area as well as in Seattle, Portland, Philadelphia, Denver, and Vancouver. At these events, Josh performed his own original electronic music for huge crowds of dancers. He is a very talented musician, and has great stage presence. I love his original songs!! I have also listened to him play great covers on the piano as he leads a group thru some late night karaoke sing-alongs :) Recently I contracted him to help me record and produce a song of my own, and he really guided me every step of the way. Josh is also a music teacher offering piano, drum, guitar and ukelele lessons out of his home studio. I couldn't recommend him more as both a performer and a teacher!!

Sam has been teaching guitar to my 8yo for 6 months. He's a kind, patient teacher and is able to…read morefind songs of interest to keep my son motivated to learn at his weekly lessons. He's been progressing well and is proud to be able to play (and does so whenever his relatives visit). In my son's words, he's "encouraging, flexible, and a good musician." I'd highly recommend him as a teacher for children or adults!

From the owner: Sam Sohmer offers private guitar lessons in the comfort of your own home! Lessons are designed to…read morehelp you tap into the source of your creativity and innate gifts and talents by inviting both your mind and heart into your music. Additionally, Sam provides music shows for children ages 0-6 yrs. Venues include elementary schools, home-daycares, and birthday parties. Contact Sam for more details!