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.

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.

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.

Zack Olsen is a true treasure to Santa Cruz, offering education as a well-rounded musician,…read moreeducator, technician and historian on a professional scale. Whether rock, funk, or jazz Zack has played on the professional level in these categories and more, and can offer one an extremely worthwhile education on the drum set. Starting from playing in ska band Slow Gherkin, to now playing locally in rock and jazz bands and educating, Zack's versatile career is a reflection of the education and wisdom he can offer you.

Short Review: Don't miss a beat, go to Zack for drum lessons! You won't be disappointed!…read more Long Review: Zack is simply amazing and the best drum teacher I could possibly imagine. First of all, the stuff you really want before the drumming even starts: Zack is punctual and has never been late to a lesson. He's never cancelled on me. He never shows up groggy or like he had a late night gig the night before (and I have early morning lessons) His sound-proofed clean studio is equipped with 2 side-by-side quality drum-sets so he can play along with you or demonstrate new concepts. He also has a computer and access to any music you want to play during your lesson. I should also point out that he is a normal and super nice guy; he's not intimidating and is someone you're happy to sit with for an hour! He is a gifted teacher. He is patient, organized, and a talented drummer in any style of music you want to learn. He allows you to learn what you want, but also mixes in a good amount of rudiments and drumming exercises to practice on your own. He can bring anything down to a basic level so you're feeling progress immediately and constantly. He makes sure your body is aligned and you're holding your sticks correctly. (I'm a brand new drummer, so I started at the very beginning) He writes stuff down and teaches you to read drum sheet music. You would think someone of his ability would be bored out of his skull teaching someone new like me, but honestly, he never seems bored or distracted. He knows everything about drumming and can help recommend drum-sets and accessories. He even came out to my house to help me set up and tune my new drums! Whatever your level of drumming or reasons why you want to learn, Zack can help! I am an empty-nester woman with kids in their 20s-- some good friends in a local all-women band offered me to learn drums and join them knowing I was suffering some PTSD related symptoms after losing my youngest daughter to cancer (playing music is the best therapy!). It's been only 6 months since I picked up my first drumstick and our band just played our 2nd gig this weekend with me as the new drummer. Let me just say that people were blown away at the fact I've only been playing 6 months! I have a long, long way to go, but I would not have had the success I've had without Zack as my teacher. I haven't seen him with kids, but can only imagine how much young kids would enjoy learning from him. You will learn a lot at each lesson if you do your homework and come prepared. Feel lucky if he has a spot for you! I can't recommend Zack highly enough! Drum roll please...

I came over with my guitar, which was extremely out of tune due to complex problems. I had just…read morereplaced the strings myself and did basic tuning with no improvement. I showed the guy at the store exactly what the problem was. I left the guitar with him. A few weeks later, I was told that the "guitar was ready". I came over, plugged my guitar in, and saw zero improvement. I showed the guy that the problem persisted, and he asked to try again to fix it. A few weeks later, once again my guitar was 'ready.' I tested the guitar again with no improvement. The guy explained that there was nothing he could do. It didn't prevent him from charging me!! What a crook!!! This guy is a complete scam! BEWARE

Huge scammers! They over price their instruments then artificially cut the price. When I realized…read morehow bad he ripped me off I went back to see if I could get a refund and he said it's not policy despite no attempt to make this know on a receipt or postings in the shop. I'm all for supporting small businesses but it makes it hard when they are so willing to scam you.

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.

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.

After staring at a little-used guitar in my house for 10 years, I decided to take lessons in my…read more60s. I found Ron through his reviews, and it has been an awesome experience to start playing a new instrument at this age. Ron really focuses on proper technique and holding the instrument/playing the instrument correctly from the get-go, but is also thoughtful about customizing the position of the guitar and your fingers to make it comfortable and easy. Ron is incredibly patient, always encouraging, and just a delight to spend time with since he makes you feel comfortable no matter how you're playing. He clearly enjoys sharing his passion for music, even with beginners.

I joined Ron's Performance Workshop in 2019, after having studied two years with an on-line…read moreclassical guitar school. When I arrived, Ron quickly spotted difficulties I had with right and left hand position, posture, and excess tension, which are very difficult to assess in a video format. He worked with me in a patient and positive manner, and I gradually understood the whys and hows of the basic skills I'd been missing. These improvements led to other positives such as easier playing, better tone, and more enjoyment of the instrument. I've been attending Ron's Performance Workshop continuously for the last four years and have seen all of the students, from intermediate to very advanced, continue their progress with Ron's coaching. I use the word "coaching" because there is no lecturing or over-teaching. Ron pinpoints the source of a student's difficulty and offers solutions concisely, based on his extensive teaching experience and knowledge of the repertoire. Each session leaves me feeling that I can and will improve my skill and enjoy the pleasure of playing.