I worked with Rebecca for a little over a year before I sadly had to move…read more As an adult learner, I was a little worried about finding a teacher that would work well with me. I'm so glad I found Rebecca! Having now worked with a few teachers, I can confidently say that I struck gold. Rebecca breaks down difficult passages and works with your hands to find the right fingerings and arm movements. As an expert in the Taubman approach, she is masterful at being mindful of your body movements. This was a whole dimension of piano I had previously unexplored and led directly to improvements in my playing. She also has a great ear and is able to give specific, actionable feedback on different ways to play passages or be more expressive. And lastly, she is a joy to be around and hear play. She hosts recitals and workshops so that you can play in front of a set of peers of fellow learners. As someone with stage anxiety, I was so grateful to be able to have that safe space to play and get feedback. My only regret is moving! If I ever move back to the bay area, I'll be right back in her studio. Thank you Rebecca!

I've been a long time student of Rebecca's and highly recommend her for anyone who wants to learn…read morepiano. She is very skilled at assessing and correcting technical difficulties and is equally talented in teaching expressive technique. In addition she fosters a warm and supportive community by hosting regular workshops where her students meet to perform for one another.

I started working with Adrienne nearly 4.5 years ago because I wanted to liberate my voice. I knew…read morethat the resonance I carried inside of me didn't match my external expression. What I felt within, I wanted to be able to share with others. And now, having worked across both the technical aspects of vocalization through Western music, and the emotion and connection to the Divine through Persian music, my capacity to express what I feel now matches. My expression is more fluid, expansive and clear. I'm grateful not just for Adrienne's technical mastery and ability to translate complex skills into tangible changes in my body, but more importantly for the invitation she creates through loving presence and laughter to bring forth heart -- in myself and others. I wholeheartedly recommend working with Adrienne (whether in person at her studio or remotely via Zoom). She has helped me transform my relationship to my voice, and what I'm capable of expressing -- and for these lifelong gifts I'm grateful!

Listened to an amazing concert by Adrienne tonight. Wow!…read more Her instrumental accompanying of her wonderful voice is sublime. I can't wait to be able to see her perform in person. Shout out to the F&S Freight At Home Series!

Zeb and his team exceeded every expectation at our August 2nd, 2025 wedding in Monterey. For…read morestarters, he brings a great blend of laid-back willingness to meet any idea or request, with a sharp music acumen and event expertise. He worked with us during each step of the planning process, never pressing, to amplify our vision. A special shout out for a meaningful family/bridal party/etc. song. Playing a particular remix of a song we like. Nailing down particular subgenres during each stage of the night. Attentive to our song dislikes and "no plays". But at the same time, adding his expert feel and live touch for what the crowd was wanting. Zeb and his team built standout moments - our crowd even started a room-wide conga line (who does that anymore?). And a shout-a-long of Bohemian Rhapsody as our closer for the night. And the live sax fusion... everyone kept commenting about that being their favorite part of the night. At the same time, he simplified all of our anxieties in what can be a whale of a planning process. He got our mindset/vision immediately and was the perfect amount of helpful in steering us to the best party ever.

This review is entirely overdue, but much deserved for Zebuel, Lindsey, and the amazing and…read moreextremely talented team behind Sounds Elevated. Zebuel is not only an amazing musician and DJ, but also the curator of event excellence. He brought to life with his team a NOLA influenced second-line to keep our wedding celebrations alive post ceremony, heading into the reception with instruments and all the bells & whistles. Not only was this an epic highlight for our guests, but something my husband and I only thought could happen in our dreams! He truly listened to our wants/needs with flawless execution, but above all else, went above & beyond to ensure this was the best day/night of our lives. From lighting, a DJ/live instrument fusion, and photography from So Good Photobooth, we could not recommend this Team more for your next special event ~ whether corporate or personal! Because of this Team, we had an unforgettable and picture-perfect event filled with our favorite people and the musical experience of our lifetime. Thank you Sounds Elevated for rockin us forward into marriage & beyond!

This band is outstandingI I hired them for our wedding reception party in May 2024. Most of our…read moreguests told me and my husband that this was one of the best, if not the best wedding party they've attended. Everyone had a blast. I owe a lot of it to the Back Pages. They are all fantastic musicians. They played many songs from the 60's and 70's which people loved to dance to. Although most of our guests were baby boomers, the younger generation including teenagers were dancing and knew the lyrics. Thank you, John and to wonderful band members. You made everyone so happy at our wedding party. You gave us the party we dreamed of!

Best musical group at the Solano Stroll! They were great! People could not resist dancing to the…read moremusic!

We hired Ilana to put together a string quartet to play at our wedding ceremony and she was…read moreawesome!! Ilana was very clear in her communications with us and was super accommodating as far as the timeline/schedule for our big day and all our song requests. We picked about 15 songs specifically for before and after the ceremony and they used that list as a jumping off point to fill in the rest of the setlist (it was basically 80's and 90's pop music and Disney songs!). We also requested a couple songs that weren't in their repertoire and for a very small fee they were able to get the music and add it to the playlist. Many of our guests told the quartet and us how much they loved the music!!

I signed up for Ilana with duet musician services for my SF City Hall (1Hr) Wedding and It was…read moreAmazing!! Through the entire process she was very responsive, and I was able to make payment easily thru her suggested methods - we also used Google docs for the agreement. For my wedding she worked with Lewis P a cellist as I really wanted to hear both instruments. Btw, She is on the approved musician list for SF City Hall- so if you are in need of a violinist for the SF City Hall, she's the one! Her website includes a variety of of songs from R&B, classics, oldies and pop. We had two custom songs done for an added fee in addition to the hour service. We got many compliments and we were happy with our modern selections being changed into such wonderful instrumental violin and cello sounds that our guests were able to recognize in amazement. We were so happy with her professionalism and both their talents. Fabulous- and I would totally sign up again!

Dan Plonsey's "Music Of El Cerrito" is some of the most intriguing and lovely music I have ever…read moreheard. On many a June 21st, I have heard Dan and his merry band of talented musicians at the Summer Solstice Chapel Of The Chimes experimental music festival in Oakland. Chances are, he will be there again in the future. Any project Dan Plonsey is involved with is bound to be fascinating and cutting edge. Also, legend has it that his lovely wife, Mantra, can belt out an operatic version of Amazing Grace that will make you cry and question everything that has gone before it.

Best musician out in the bayyyyyy 11/10 recommend. His 4th period class slaps his album for fun,…read moresuper lit btw should check out. His kindness will pervade any room he is in, like puppies. If you like cupcakes, and sweet things, you will love Dan. Absolutely amazing.

I do not recommend the musicians hired for my friend's private event this past Saturday…read more Prior to booking, I reviewed feedback from others and noticed a recurring concern regarding poor communication. Unfortunately, that was exactly the experience we encountered. After receiving payment, the musicians left the venue without any communication or explanation. The venue has a strict noise ordinance, which required additional coordination, setup adjustments, and effort in order to proceed with the performance. Despite being aware of these circumstances and after having already been paid, they chose to leave rather than communicate or work through the situation. Their lack of professionalism and communication created unnecessary stress and disappointment for my friend on what was supposed to be a special and memorable day. Clear communication, especially when unexpected challenges arise, is essential when providing services for important events. Based on this experience, I cannot recommend their services. I truly hope they listen to everyone's feedback and do better, no one deserves to be ghosted during any special event, and we do not wish to hinder people who love to work and love what they do. Please do better !! My friends and I support local businesses.

My friend got married on June 6, 2026, and unfortunately this mariachi completely let her down on…read moreone of the most important days of her life. They were hired to provide live music and arrived at the venue, but couldn't use their speakers because the venue wouldn't allow them and instead offered alternative equipment. Everyone agreed to the change, and they were paid in cash at the moment. Shortly afterward, they left without performing and stopped responding to calls and messages. Although my friend eventually received a refund, the stress, confusion, and last-minute disappointment they caused on her wedding day were completely unacceptable and completely ruined what should have been one of the happiest days of her life. No bride should have to deal with this kind of experience, especially on such a special occasion. We are extremely disappointed with the lack of professionalism and communication and would not recommend this vendor to anyone.

I had such an amazing experience with Mariachi Trio Estrellas De Oro! I hired them for a surprise…read morebirthday party at a restaurant patio in Mill Valley and it was better than I could have imagined. I arrived only moments before the guest of honor and the band was ready to go--they started playing right after the big "surprise" and it made it so special! Rigo was super easy to work with, and all of the setup coordination was between Rigo and the restaurant directly. Very talented group of guys, the party was an absolute hit. Thank you Rigo and Mariachi Trio Estrellas De Oro!

Wow. We are so grateful we hired this fabulous, talented and fun trio for my mom's 90th birthday…read morecelebration. Everyone LOVED them. We sang along to well loved songs and heard new ones. My husband was even able to play guitar with them for a song. They were on time. Communication was great. Great for any celebration calling for an entertaining and engaging band!!

Another of the many musical groups performing at this year's Solano Stroll, Shabang drew me in…read more I've always had a weak spot for steel drum music--it's pretty much guaranteed to make me smile and put me in a good mood. Their performance was no exception; combined with the warm sun of the afternoon, it let me drift mentally to some Caribbean beach full of bikinis, barbecue, and cool beverages. When I finally realized I was still in Berkeley, the affordability of their CD led me to buy it. Bonus: If you REALLY like steel drums, fans who mention Shabang get 5% off at kakesa.com. TRIVIA: Steel drums (or more correctly, steelpans, since they aren't technically drums) derive natively from the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. In the late 1930's, all-steel bands started becoming popular at Carnival. An international festival, the World Steelband Music Festival, has been held each year in Trinidad since 1952.

I am very pleased with the quick response's by email that I have been getting from Harry. I first…read morereached out to Shabang in hope to get info on Steel Drum Lesson for my Husband. I then was informed by a contact of Harry's that Harry is the best and only one in East Bay that sells Steel Drums. I am looking forward to the next email with details on the shipment that I have informed my husband on Christmas Day that his gift is coming. Thank You! Beverly

My daughter is just starting as one of Victoria's harp students, and although we are new to her…read morestudio, Victoria has already struck me as knowledgeable, patient, warm, and genuinely kind. She is encouraging and motivating with my daughter, and I feel her teaching style will be a wonderful fit. What really moved me to write this review is how generous Victoria has been with her time and knowledge before we've even really gotten started. My daughter has been practicing on a small Harpsicle, and Victoria recommended transitioning her to a larger classical harp. As a parent who doesn't play, I had no idea where to begin finding a good one. Victoria connected us with the wonderful people at Peek Harp Rentals in San Rafael. While we were waiting for a couple of rental harps to become available, I happened to find a pre-owned Lyon & Healy Troubadour for sale. Victoria called Peek to get their thoughts on it, and with their combined expertise, we felt it was worth going to see. She then went a step further and met us at the shop to evaluate the harp herself. With her guidance, we ended up purchasing a beautiful full-sized Lyon & Healy Troubadour with floral inlay that will hopefully grow with my daughter for many years. Seeing my daughter stand next to this magnificent instrument was a pretty special moment. None of this was something Victoria had to do. The fact that she went so far out of her way for a family she had only just met meant a lot to me and told me so much about the kind of teacher and person she is. We're only at the beginning, but she has already made us feel welcomed and supported. We feel incredibly fortunate to have found her and are genuinely excited for what's ahead.

Victoria is an incredible harp teacher that I would recommend for adults and children alike. I have…read morehad several music instructors over the years, and Victoria stands out as being so generous, so skilled, and just a delight to learn from. Due to work and other personal demands, I was not always as diligent in my practicing as I would've liked, and Victoria gave me so much grace, and always had thoughtful lessons and music to offer. She pairs her mastery of the instrument with openness to following her students' interests, which led to her crafting some Beatles arrangements for me, which was so fun. I also witnessed her being so compassionate with a younger student who had some stage fright during a group recital, and the student was able to finish proud and strong, supported by her wonderful teacher. Highly recommend!! Thank you, Victoria!