This place is really disorganized. We tried to arrange a first lesson for our daughter. They…read morechanged the lesson time 3 times, and then the teacher didn't even show on the day we finally got aligned. I sent an email to follow up and never heard back.

Our children have been students at Village Music School for 5+ years and love it! They have very…read morefriendly staff and our kids have always felt comfortable around their teachers. This year we started attending their new building in Walnut Creek. Their music teacher, Josh, is absolutely an amazing music teacher! He's very patient and knowledgeable in so many instruments and our children have learned so much from him. We totally recommend Village Music School!

Gift Certificate//…read more Bought a gift certificate over the phone for my mom's 60th birthday. The person who answered the phone was very helpful, happy to help, and guided me in the right direction. Received the gift certificate in a very timely manner and I look forward to hearing about the fun dance lessons from my mom.

Arthur Murray dance studio runs like a car salesmanship. I understand being friendly to your…read morecustomers but the instructors were so over-the-top that it felt completely fake and smarmy, from how they say hi to you to how they sell you a packet of $550 introductory dance lessons -- 4 45 min "lessons" that only cover the bare minimum where they refuse to correct your dance moves (big red flag if you want to learn dance) and they five high you every 5 minutes like you're a toddler or otherwise just retarded... Amongst the intro packet was the 2 group lessons coupled with 2 more subsequent "party" dance sessions where all the students dance w each other but the way it was being lead, it felt more like a cheerleading/glee club. Please actuallt teach us some moves! Im not here to be part of a cheering squad and to be everybody's bff! Josh, a dancer who doubles as their sales guy, was goading me into buying more group packets for an unbelievable amount of money after completing the bare minimum in the equally expensive introductory dance packet -- talking to you as though you affirmed to him that you wanna buy super expensive packets for when I never even implied that! Before then, when I asked about paying for individual lessons...well, I'm going to quote the last reviewer who said it best here when she expressed uncertainty : "he acted all offended and said, 'when someone doesn't want to buy it means that they didn't understand what I was explaining.'" Basically same thing here but also refusing to answer the question in my case. Finally, when I asked for references to other dance studios that dedicate more time to individualized dance lessons (like if you wanna focus on just tango as opposed to all of the ballroom dances), he went on about how "Well, Arthur Murray does it as well! You like our dance studio though, RIGHT, Tiffs?" Yeah I know, that's why I asked -- if you weren't trying so hard to sell yourself like I'm just another product, I wouldn't have asked. I found another class that is worth your buck and teaches you more in one lesson than 10 Arthur Murray lessons combined. In fact, my other peers were also there precisely because of their experience with Arthur Murray as well. And, due to the last reviewer actually affirming my previous experience, I think I'm on point. Do not buy Arthur Murray classes! They are a scam!! Worst dance studio I've ever been in, and I've gone through several myself! Edit: Yelp removed my last review from Arthur Murray, but I didn't break any review rules; I did not slander anyone personally, reinforce stereotypes, or threaten with violence. Part of me suspects that this removal was at the behest of Arthur Murray dance company so that they do not look bad in other people's eyes. Well, I'm back! And I'm not going to stop telling the truth about this company to let honest people decide for themselves if they want to go through the same horrible experience with this dance studio as I did!

My daughter is only 4.5 and has been taking ballet through Walnut Creek Rec since she was three…read more It was fine for what it was and affordable but when I missed the tap cut off I began the hunt for another class that fit into our schedule. I left a message at Dance Conn and was called back and given the time and consulting that I needed to find the right class for my daughter. The clincher was that they allowed drop in make-ups which makes life so much easier and the cost so much less painful to swallow when you have to miss a class. We ended up in Miss Andrea's combo class and I have to say WOW! The difference in instruction level, what they are learning and the structure is night and day! My husband brought my daughter for her first class and even he was impressed and said that is money well spent (for him to say this is the highest praise you could possibly receive). Miss Andrea is VERY clear in her instruction, keeps them on task and keeps them constantly engaged which is astounding. There is no waiting around for anything. My daughter is learning SO MUCH MORE and has been talking about the importance of stretching etc. Thank you!

I was a student at Dance Connection for multiple years. I want to start this off by saying you…read morecannot speak freely at this studio, anything you say that sheds a bad light on the studio will be used against you. In addition, this review doesn't apply to the teachers, they aren't treated fairly either but are incredible and have truly made me a better dancer. The studio owner Kaylee and her right hand woman Camille hold all the power at the studio. Many parents, including my own have had issues with Camille who constantly belittles others and doesn't treat you with respect. (which is embarrassing considering she is the front desk woman whose main job is customer service) They hold the "average" students to such high standards which don't apply to their favorites. If you aren't already a phenomenal dancer, this studio will not pay attention to you or give you the training you paid an insane amount of money to get. They will purposefully hold you back so that you don't get in the way of the favorites. Last year, a month out from nationals, a student got injured and instead of letting her leg heal for 3 more days, Kaylee kicked her off the team. Her family never got a refund and this choice put pressure on the teachers to re-block all her dances right before the biggest competition of the season. That's just an example of what they've done to their dancers. The moment I joined DCPAC, my mental health immediately declined. If you want a nurturing, supportive dance environment that wants you to succeed, DCPAC is not the place for you.

Diablo Choral Artists presents significant works of sacred and secular choral music; inspires and…read moreuplifts audiences through live performances of artistic excellence; and nurtures the appreciation and enjoyment of choral music in people of all ages and cultures.

Are you or your friends not familiar with classically written music? You can open up the world and…read moreintroduce your friends to the sound of classical music. All you have to do is attend of the Diablo Choral Artists Concerts through the year in the Diablo Valley. Check out their website. You will find out very quickly why the music that is sung transcends and outlives the modern music of the last 40 or 50 years. It captures the magic that is timeless and speaks directly to the soul.

We had a wonderful visit here!…read more It is a beautiful setting, but still low-key and not pretentious at all. All the employees are grounded, friendly, and very knowledgeable. We also got a tour of their Italian winemaking equipment. The food was surprisingly good. Found out later that the chef has a Michelin pedigree. My filet was amazing! It came with bone marrow which was unique and very tasty. The views are incredible. The vineyards...Mt Diablo and the views of the clear night sky with low light pollution are breathtaking. Go for the scenery, stay for the wine and the food.

This was our first time at Shadowbrook, and unfortunately our last…read more The service was absolutely disappointing especially considering there's already a 20% service charge. When we first arrived we were seated right away and given waters immediately by our lovely host, after being seating it took 15 minutes for our waiter to even look at us and when she did she said "Do you know what you want to drink?", this was our first interaction. It took about 20 minutes to receive our wine and when she brought it to us she never let us taste the wine before pouring it, which I have never experienced at any other winery. After leaving it took an extra 10 minutes to receive our order of French fries, luckily the water machine was right next to us so whenever we needed a refill we could just get up and get it ourselves! We almost asked them to not even bring out the bread because it had been 45 minutes after ordering before it came to our table. I think we would have been more understanding if it was a busy night but it was the complete opposite. I could have driven all the way to Napa, been served, eaten a full meal, then home with my teeth brushed in bed by 8, but instead I'm at Shadowbrook waiting for my bread. Overall the food was great, the wine was excellent but the service was absolutely horrific! We felt overlooked and unwelcome from the start. Our server barely acknowledged us and gave the impression that we weren't worth her time while serving others next to us with enthusiasm. Unfortunately the 20% service charge did it for me, I wouldn't mind paying if it was worth it, if I could tip our waitress less I would.

As a former student who learned piano up to level 7 in ABRSM with her, Christine was a wonderful…read morepiano instructor and teacher. I first started lessons with her in 2016 when I was nine, and despite my initial apprehensions about starting to play a musical instrument, she turned out to be delightful, skilled, and considerate in introducing me to and teaching for the next seven years until 2023. Following true to her teaching style and ABRSM's curriculum (which she weaves into other activities and pieces we have the opportunity to learn ourselves), she gives us both the necessary skills to score distinctively in exams (I've never scored less than a high merit on the exams I took while she was instructing me, and that is with comparatively less practice owing to school) and free choice to both discover, practice, and play pieces in other repertoire she provides and our personal interests and likes. Alongside her passion and ability for teaching, she is also incredibly considerate and understanding. She gives the perfect amount of support, encouragement, yet also attentiveness to personal and outside activities when communicating with her students and implanting the skills of a pianist in her students; she fully understands and cares for her students while making a fantastic and effective effort in teaching, and even after lessons, whether short or long-term, she is never less willing to provide as much aid and support as she can. Owing to the teaching, communication, and understanding she constantly and effectively does with her students, I would truthfully say she is one of the best instructors I've ever had in my lifetime. I highly recommend her, both for those thinking of getting into piano or cello and those who already have experience and would like a splendid mentor and teacher.

As one of Ms.Christine's past cello student, I would highly recommend her to anyone who wishes to…read morelearn music. Playing cello when I was 7 years old, I ended up quitting when I was 10. However, when high school came I suddenly got the urge to play the cello again. Picking it up was very difficult, but with Ms.Christine's teachings I was able to adjust and become better. Though I honestly didn't practice much, through her dedication and joyous lessons, I was able to apply and get into my high school's chamber orchestra. So to anyone who wants to take a stab at music, I highly recommend her as a teacher for you.

I've been a student since the beginning of SPA, and have grown so much artistically and…read moreacademically. In the challenges of new buildings and teachers, I've felt supported by the administration and peers, and the school has grown into the amazing place it is today. This experience has helped me prepare for college, as my time-management skills are greatly improved. The project based learning along with focus areas allows mastery of each subject, and the teachers are always willing to help with extra office hours if needed. The academic program is rigorous, and the arts are unmatched in the area. Speaking for theatre, the main stage and in-class productions are chosen with intention... that is, we do things that help us grow not only as artists, but as human beings. Director Mitchell and Ms. Martinez believe in us and our discussions in class help us realize we have a say in this world. I recommend SPA if you want your child to grow in an environment that will support them academically, artistically, and build an awareness of social justice and the difference we can make in society.

School sucks! Teachers don't kno what's going on. If your child has a IEP they will not get help…read morethey need. They do nothing for IEPs

This is such a lovely little preschool! The teachers are all awesome. We loved the curriculum, play…read morebased learning. And having mixed ages was great, I think it helped with my kiddos social & physical development. My kiddo usually started the day by visiting one of the learning stations, i.e. the Science table. I loved that my kiddo was so interested in what each station taught and was always excited to tell (or show) me what she learned that day. The annual Art Show that Teacher Thea puts on is absolutely wonderful! The children's artwork that is made during the year is displayed in the Community Center in the same style like when visiting a museum. We loved seeing each child's takes on different artists styles. This school definitely gets an A+ for having a great learning environment and awesome Teachers.

My daughter has thrived since starting here. Nurturing teachers with a play based curriculum makes…read morethis an A+ choice. Covid precautions definitely in place (smaller class size, masks, hand washing, and social distancing as much as you can w toddlers). Just an absolute gem.

Bryerly Review. I…read morekeep pinching myself in order to believe that we have these majestic animals so close to home. When my husband & I went for our first meditation session we were warmly received by Anne and introduced to a few of the horses after which we watched the sun at this charming ranch. I love coming here and can't wait to spend more with these healing animals.

Today was my daughter's last day before starting Kindergarten and I wanted to take her to real farm…read morewhere she can see some chickens and maybe pick some vegetables. We arrived at Bryerly Farms and it was nothing like we expected (not a farm in the traditional sense) BUT it more than made up for it in hospitality and the majestic horses we got to meet - most of which were wild rescue horses. Anne was so warm, very patient with my daughter and her one thousand questions about farm life and she introduced us to all the beautiful horses and ponies by name! On our way home, my daughter kept saying their names and how she wants to take riding lessons with one of the ponies. We're looking forward to going back soon , as we've been invited for an Autumn party and to pick prickly pears :)

It has been probably well over 10 years since I last attended the Obon festival at the Diablo…read moreJapanese American Club in Concord. I saw an Instagram announcing the festival which happened to be on a weekend that wasn't going to be too hot. A perfect opportunity. The festival is in a location that is in the middle of several neighborhoods and the city allows parking on the north side of Treat. Even with the large crowds the parking is abundant in the nearby neighborhoods and on Treat. We parked a short less than 5 minute walk away. The festival had a variety of food: Teriyaki Chicken Meal, Beef Teriyaki, Gyoza, Tempura, Sushi, Hot Dogs, Shaved Ice and Desserts. They had games for the kids, tours of the temple and a gift shop. Unfortunately I had an unsettled stomach so I was only able to try the Teriyaki Beef and some Desserts. The beef was tasty, small pieces and cooked well done so a bit toward the drier side. The cookies and brownie were chewy and delicious. I also tried the peanut brittle which was light, buttery and not overly sweet. I'm looking forward to next year so I can try the Tempura and Gyoza along with the Desserts. Fun outdoor event with food that supports a worthy cause. No entrance or parking fees in an easily accessible venue.

I've been going to the Japanese American Festival for many years. Their udon is delicious and…read morealways a short line (probably because the heat). But it's worth it! It's a great yearly tradition that's been around for 66 years. Their prices are reasonable and they now take cards. It can be pretty hot so wear appropriate clothing and use sunscreen. You can hide out in the building with AC if it's too hot. Love coming here!