Having never played drums prior, John has given me a great foundation…read more Within a couple of weeks I've learned good technic practices, from how to sit and hit the drums properly, to learning how to count and read notes. Each class is varied to what you want work on. John is super talented and well versed in explaining things in a way that makes sense for newbies like me. I liked that we would jam out together, which was not only fun, but helpful for me. He is also tech savvy, which makes it great for when you are practicing alone. By recording parts of sessions when needed, and using and blog to help keep you focused and on track. You rule John :) Many thanks!

In my drumming experience, I've had three teachers to date (two of which are named John, but that's…read morebeside the point). Anyways, I have been taught in various styles by all three, but none ever asked me to play what I was feeling or just go for it, like John did. I am really good at hearing/seeing a beat and then imitating it exactly as follows -(thanks NYU for training my brain to do this with your rigid theory). But John pushed me outside of my comfort zone by making me play a beat and then connecting it with what I thought would sound good. He is always eager to jam with whatever style I like, just using his teaching methods. He's really hands on with the methods as well, so that is helpful. Also, since our lessons have been really spaced out, he always records voice memos detailing what we learned so that I can practice on my own without feeling lost! These are worth the lessons (and jam time) alone. Thanks, John!

Cassie has been such a gift for our kids. We found her during COVID. She created a safe way to…read moreintroduce our children to new musical instruments, and for once, they stuck with it! It has a lot to do with Cassie's kind approach, meeting kids where their interests are, and incredible patience. With Cassie, the kids were consistent with their lessons, and it now shows in their comfort with their instruments and even experimenting with new instruments at home. My kids FINALLY love playing music! Sadly we have to move away. We'll miss Cassie's lovely disposition. It will be difficult to find another teacher like her. If you have or are someone, who might be a little shy or reluctant about trying a new instrument, give Cassie a try. She teaches students of all ages and makes music accessible to everyone.

With all of this time on our hands, I HIGHLY recommend Cassie and Musica Bella. I've known Cassie…read morefor many, many years, and just started taking guitar lessons from her. She is WUNderful! It's so fun to pick up my guitar again after so many years. All done remotely at this time. It's very simple - she helps you select a video option. And it is just SO much fun to play my guitar with her each week. Cassie has been a music teacher for many, many years. She teaches piano, voice, guitar, and pretty much any other music you want to pursue. She is right here in El Sobrante! So give her a call at (510) 409-8487.

Kathryn is a wonderful piano teacher! She taught my 15 year old daughter piano for 9 years. My…read moredaughter showed up at age 6 to her first lesson not knowing a single note of music, and over the past 9 years Kathryn helped shape her into a mature pianist who has developed a true love of music. Kathryn has a very gentle, organic approach to teaching piano, and before your child knows it, they are reading music and counting rhythm. It is a tears free approach to teaching and learning! Kathryn does hold her students to high standards, and will expect that your child will practice daily, and it is worth it! http://kathrynwinterpiano.com/

A little over a year ago I read the only review on Yelp of this instructor. I was looking for a…read morepiano teacher close to our house for my 9-year-old son. I figured it would take a while to find the right teacher for him. But we were lucky. Kathryn is the real deal. She lives to teach, and she's really good at it. She and my son seem to have a soul connection; she understands him, finding music that she knows he'll enjoy playing. This keeps his lessons and his practice alive for him--piano is exciting and interesting. There's love and care and time put into everything she does to prepare for lessons with my son. Kathryn has healthy, realistic expectations for him, and I appreciate this. A teacher myself, I see the wisdom in how she works with him. Kathryn taught both piano and music theory in Cal's Gifted Young Musicians program for 30 years--her many years of experience are a BIG asset, and she is whip-smart and fun. I love the twinkle she has in her eye, and the special way she is able to connect with children of all ages (we have strayed a while as she teaches other children who come after us). I also love that she is slow and methodical in her thinking and speech--she works with great intention. If there were a "slow-food" version of piano teaching, my guess is that Kathryn could really market her approach. My son started with her without having any knowledge of musical notation or instruction; a little over a year later he is playing advanced musical pieces, and understanding complicated music theory. My son, as it turns out, has a "gifted" capacity for music. Kathryn knows how to work with all capacities and arranges the lessons so they are appropriate for each child. She doesn't take children under 5 years old normally ... she prefers to start at a more developmentally appropriate age. That said, Kathryn never turns down anyone without meeting them and the parents for a tryout lesson. You can learn more about her on her website: http://kathrynwinterpiano.com/ Or contact her via phone: 510.527.3839

Patty is an excellent teacher who really has a great passion for teaching your children…read more Experienced and extremely dedicated to see that your children love music and develop their piano playing to their highest levels! Jeff Reber, In Tune Piano Service

Patty has been teaching my 2 sons piano for 7 years. She is technically very strong and passionate…read moreabout piano. In addition to being a great teacher she is also flexible with our family schedule. Both my boys play sports and at certain times of the year we have to make adjustments and Patty roles with it.

My 8-year-old daughter has been with Jasmine for about a year for piano lessons and we are very…read morehappy! Jasmine is a very pleasant and helpful teacher. Our daughter has a different style of learning and it can sometimes be frustrating teaching her something new, but Jasmine is incredibly patient with her. Lessons are taught in her home and the lesson times are convenient for us. The cost is very minimal compared to other piano lessons we looked at. I would definitely recommend Jasmine!

I've known Jasmine for many years and think she's amazing. My daughter has been learning piano with…read moreher for almost 4 years now and has learned so much. Jasmine is very patient and encouraging, not to mention extremely talented in music! I am always amazed at the wonderful talent shown by her students at each annual music recital!

Deborah is a fantastic music teacher! I actually took lessons from her when I was a child and now…read moremy son (age 9) has been taking lessons from her once a week for almost two years. So clearly, she has decades of teaching experience. She recommended that we purchase workbooks that have been great for my son to learn new songs from as his skills improve. Deborah has also been very encouraging when my son wants to create his own songs or learn a song that is special to him outside of the workbooks. She charges a very reasonable amount and is easy to pay. I highly recommend taking lessons with Deborah!

Our son started with Deborah during the dark days of pandemic, with virtual recorder lessons, and…read morethanks to Deborah's warmth and talent, this blossomed into a love of music! First the recorder then a transition to the piano. Deborah also eventually introduced him to composition, where he has shined. Our son adored working with Deborah and we'd recommend her to anyone!

I had a great experience taking Ryk's beginner ukulele class online with my brother-in-law and his…read moresister. We were all in different cities, along with other families joining from different places, and it still felt fun, connected, and easy to follow. Ryk is a great teacher who made learning approachable and enjoyable. I even unlocked a skill I've wanted my whole life, being able to play and sing at the same time! Thank you, Ryk. His classes are a great value and I highly recommend Ryk's Uke Class to anyone wanting to start playing ukulele or grow the skills they already have.

Ryk is a wonderful ukulele teacher! I highly recommend his class if you're looking to improve your…read moreuke skills. I took his virtual class during the pandemic and learned chords that I was previously afraid to play (hello flat keys!), expanding my ability to really play any song. At the time, I was teaching music classes to a group of preschoolers, and improving my own uke skills helped me have a tool to teach the kids. Thank you, Ryk! Even though the pandemic is over, I would still recommend the online class. Ryk has a clever setup with two cameras that's very effective for learning.

My husband and I are so happy we booked Brian Moran for our wedding! Brian went above and beyond…read morewhen playing for our ceremony. All of our guests absolutely loved the music, and there were a few tears shed. My favorite part of our wedding was when our guests left for the reception, and my husband and I had a private dance together while Brian played. Thank you Brian for giving us the most magical wedding ceremony!

I have worked with Brian over many years as an Event Producer in the greater Bay Area and in wine…read morecountry. Brian's musical sense is spot on and he really listens to what it is you're after. For this last production, a beautiful Jewish ceremony, Brian performed music from Fiddler on the Roof and another special traditional song for the families. The sound was just extraordinary, timing perfect. For the cocktail reception music we asked for uptempo current pop music and as I moved through the lively reception I caught bits of Talking Heads' "This Must Be The Place" and other favorites - nothing cliche, just lovely in the setting and really really special. As far as production goes, the work we do leading up to the event, Brian is patient and caring. He cares about getting it right for the client. Not rushing through but more careful and cautious. He patiently reviewed with me (a few times until I got it!) all of the musical instruments he felt would be best in combination for each song for the ceremony, and also for the reception, and I trusted that he knew best. It was perfection.