My 11-year-old daughter is very passionate about singing and the guitar. This is all fine and…read morewell, but she has already surpassed my singing abilities and while I played the flute, piano, and percussion, I know absolutely nothing about the guitar. It was time for professional help. I came across Voicemaster, saw the bits about the law of attraction and immediately knew it was the studio I wanted for Rain. It looked like a place that would believe in her unlimited potential. It looked like a place that would NOT be the strict conventional musical training I grew up with. And I was right! Two months in and Rain's voice and guitar playing have transformed. Junior is SUCH a gifted musician but also an immensely gifted teacher who knows exactly what an individual student needs and precisely how to deliver it. He is not only expanding Rain's guitar skills like crazy with his unique approach to guitar mastery, but has helped her become a more confident singer, performer, and human being. Rain has a tendency to be very hard on herself, and he has taught her to embrace challenges, that failing is an essential element on the path to success, and to RELAX and have fun. Junior's training is downright miraculous and we are so fortunate to have him in our lives. If you want to improve your singing or playing abilities, or are a parent looking for someone who will expand your child's musical skills in an amazingly positive and effective way, Junior is your man! Since Covid-19 Shelter-In-Place has been instituted Junior transitioned my daughter to Facetime lessons and continues to deliver his incredible teaching, not a beat missed! I am so excited for Rain's continued journey. She has dreams of Broadway and performance and songwriting and I know she is well on her way. Thank you Junior!

I signed up my daughter for voice lessons because she was introverted, a bit anxious, and had…read moreexpressed wanting to try singing lessons. She was a complete beginner and super shy to sing even in front of him. But uncle Junior created a safe and comfortable environment, and his calming presence put her at ease. He has an incredible ear and picked up on her bad habits immediately, and his exercises and techniques were easy to understand and apply. Her tone is now clearer, her projection is stronger, and her confidence is soaring. She genuinely looks forward to every lesson and it is obvious how training with him has helped her overall growth, maturity, and confidence. Thank you, Junior, for helping my daughter find her voice!

I've had 3 voice teachers in the past, and none have made such an impact to my singing as Craig…read morehas. ngl, I wasn't impressed at first, but we found our rhythm after 3 lessons, and my level improved by leaps and bounds within a couple of months. I never even knew what a mixed voice was before him, but him helping find it was so transformative. I came to him an amateur, and within months, I am singing professionally with a band! I get excited when it's time to come see him (twice per week) bc I know we're going to hit another milestone, or another new vocal ability! And the huge smile on his face when I get that "aha" moment, you can just tell her takes personal joy, pride and gratification in the knowledge that he has a hand in that (in my progression). I also love that he can help with any genre, I dip my toes in theater, rock, pop, Spanish/mariachi music, he can help all of it!

It is now 2021 and Kennedy Taylor has been with Craig Shimizu for nearly 5 years now and it has…read morebeen an amazing journey. Craig continues to challenge and mentor Kennedy with her singing, articulation and performance. He especially was pivotal in preparing Kennedy with her vocals before she went into the recording studio. Kennedy Taylor and The Electric Pancakes will be releasing their original music this summer 2021. So if your wanting to learn how to sing or take your singing to next levels? There is non better on Island thank Shimizu Voice. Contact him and you won't regret it! Let him know that Kennedy Taylor sent you! https://youtu.be/em05Ev6vygM

It has been a dream of mine since I was a kid to take voice lessons. The closest training I ever…read moregot was high school chorus and a couple music classes while in college. But even after taking these classes, I've always wanted to do more. But when life got busy, I ended up putting this passion on hold. As I got older (and hopefully wiser lol), I realized there will never be a right time to do the things we love until we make time for them. So I did a quick Google search and found Grammy award winning soprano, Audrey Luna. And this is where I started my beautiful musical journey. To be honest, I really was a bit scared and anxious to reach out to her knowing I had no real musical background. But I took a leap of faith and sent her an email to let her know I was interested in private voice lessons. She responded promptly and inquired about the reason for wanting voice lessons. And I told her for personal development. She quoted me a reasonable price for a trial session. And before I knew it, I was attending my 1st private voice lesson :) Although she is a world renowned singer AND Grammy award winning soprano, she truly is a humble and kind person. During my lesson, she taught me how to do some vocal-warm ups and improvements with my singing technique. I was able to immediately notice a difference in my singing ability, which really surprised me. She helped me to determine what my range was. All my life I thought I was an alto because I was told this in my high school chorus class. But with Audrey's guidance doing vocal-warm ups and help with technique, she was able to reveal the soprano in me to my great delight :) If you are looking for a friendly, supportive, patient, kind, knowledgeable, vocal coach who has solid technique and the voice like an angel, look no further. Audrey is everything stated above and so much more! For one whole hour, you will have access to a vocal coach with over 15 years of experience who teaches any level (including beginners like me), who is able to sing and teach in all genres and multiple languages. For all the years of experience and knowledge Audrey has, you would think her voice lessons would cost an arm and a leg. But her prices are so affordable, she has students ranging from young to old and even internationally. Audrey has helped me achieve a personal goal, and this has meant so much to me. I feel so lucky and privileged to have a vocal coach of this magnitude guide and support me in this wonderful musical journey. I highly recommend her. You won't be disappointed.

First of all: Audrey is a wonderful colleague and a great teacher!…read more I am an opera and concert singer (working mainly in Germany and Europe) and have worked with many teachers and coaches. When I had the opportunity to sing the extremely difficult coloratura part of "Ariel" from Thomas Adès' "The Tempest," I became aware of Audrey. She has successfully sung this supernatural part at the world's greatest opera houses (MET, La Scala, Vienna, etc.)! I felt very honored when she immediately agreed to help me. And all of this online (due to the great distance between us). Her singing technique is so experienced and stable that she can master the most demanding parts with a healthy voice, and she can also teach this technique. Not many teachers are able to listen to or see their students online and correct them so precisely and effectively. Audrey does this very well, and I firmly believe that live lessons with her would be even more brilliant! She also attaches particular importance to the development of musical colors, dynamics, phrasing, and expression/acting. I was able to successfully perform "Ariel" with her and haven't wanted to stop working with her since. Now she advises and helps me with classical repertoire such as Queen of the Night, Olympia, Blonde, etc. I would also like to emphasize that Audrey supports me with repertoire questions, career planning, and mental training, which is essential in this business. I can recommend her to every singer (whether beginner, advanced or professional)!

We chose Cat because 5 years ago she was the only speech level teacher on the island! Having been a…read morestudent of the SLS method in Maui myself, I was determined that my daughter should learn this method as well. Enter Cat. At the time my daughter was only 6 years old, and the youngest student in the studio. Cat had not had a student so young yet (now there are so many, it seems!) but she was willing to take a chance on us. She did not disappoint, treating my daughter with as much professionalism, respect and poise as she would any adult, all the while exhibiting patience and the insight to incite motivation in my daughter to learn and grow as a singer. In the years that followed my daughter performed in a number of singer showcases with other students from the studio. You have only to attend one of these showcases to see the level of success in each and every student - not just in skill, but in confidence and coordination. Everyone comes from a different place in terms of exposure, experience and skill, but Cat is somehow able to figure out what works best for you and your situation. And SLS is a fantastic method that really aids everyone from the shower singer to the aspiring local artist in singing their own best notes (to steal a line from Cat herself!)! Cat is a positive teacher who encourages you to reach higher and celebrates you when you get there. Her studio is in a great central location, and is warm and inviting. She even offers Skype lessons! If singing is something you've always wanted to explore and you're looking for a skilled teacher, visit Cat Wong Studio. You won't be disappointed!

My daughter felt confident leaving the studio. My daughter experienced a huge difference in your…read morevoice in a short amount of time! Cat is an amazing vocal coach and brings out the very best of your vocal abilities! We will be forever clients!

My daughter has an interest in musical theatre and she wanted to take voice lessons in late 2022…read morebecause she felt "weakness" when singing so the search began to look for an in-person instructor. Not only has Yvonne helped my now 13 year old with her singing, I appreciate Yvonne's truthfulness in sharing her personal theatre experience, her professionalism, and her motherly mentorship for my daughter!

If you really want to improve your singing ability or have a child that you want to turn into a…read moresuper star, Yvonne is the absolute best! I started taking voice lessons from Yvonne this past year and she's more amazing than ever. Not only does she have the most phenomenal voice, but she has an incredible work ethic and a vibrant, energetic and positive attitude! Being able to take voice from someone who is genuinely passionate and super fun to be around is such a gift. Having a boring teacher is like being stabbed by the subject you're trying to learn. It can really make or break the experience, especially if you're new to the arts or a young child. Yvonne's students range from young children to high schoolers to adults, at all different skill levels. When I first started taking lessons, I was so worried about what she'd think of my voice because hers is so incredibly powerful. But I eventually got over that silly fear because Yvonne is so kind and knows how to help change your technique in a way that anyone can learn to sing with practice. At your voice lesson Yvonne accompanies you on piano or you can sing to a karaoke track if you'd prefer. You start with important warm-up exercises and you get to sing whatever type of song you'd prefer. You can take a 30 or 60 minute lesson and pay through her website (http://www.voicebyyvonne.com). If you're really serious about voice lessons, she's who I'd recommend because she expects you to practice and your instructional time will be 5-stars on every level. Voice lessons are in Manoa at a formal music lesson studio located in the corner of the Manoa Shopping Center. The studio space is very clean, professional and parking is free.

I saw Nick play at a restaurant one time, and his speed and accuracy were so impressive; he plays…read morewith his soul, you can feel that he puts his heart into whatever he's playing. I was blown away when I found out he gave lessons, and the power of his playing continues into the lessons he gives. He asks all the same questions that every teacher has asked me in the past but what sets Nick apart from the rest is that he continues to make sure that we are on the path that I need to improve my playing speed and ablilty and knowledge of music theroy, instead of just telling me this is the best way to go. He involves you in the process, which makes you feel your part of the whole process, not just sitting there and copying what he's playing. He makes sure you know why it's done a certain way and how whatever you're playing correlates to the different scales and keys that are being played. If you're looking for someone who lives and breathes music, this is your man. He's not only a great guitar player, he's just a great person. Thanks, Nick, you're the best.

So far so good! Actually, better than good . . . great!…read more My older twin daughter has been taking drum lessons with Scott Shafer for the past few months and she's loving it! The owner (Landon???) responded to our inquiry for drum lessons the same day and got us in touch with Scott right away. We were immediately provided with options for lesson days and times and literally set up her first lesson for the next day. She's been going weekly ever since and has shown no signs of wanting to stop. I like how I can pay per lesson/week to week to gauge her continued enthusiasm and interest. When my other daughter took violin lessons (at another music school), we had to pay for a whole session (8 or so lessons). So when she decided violin wasn't for her, she was forced to stick it out for the remainder of the lessons we already paid for. Honolulu Music Lessons Workshop also offers lessons for voice, guitar, ukulele, bass, piano, violin, viola, cello, bass, etc. Conveniently located at the Varsity Building on University Ave. Lots of parking.

My sons and I have been learning music with Mr Neel for the past 5 years. It is an enriching…read moreexperience for my children - I have seem them go from basics to now being able to sing and recognize hindustani raagas and sargams. My older one (11) has also learnt to play the harmonium and the younger one(8) is starting out on dholak now. I have personally benefited from the meditative powers of yoga. We always start out with the meditation and alaap and that has helped me tremendously. Mr Neel is the most patient teacher and very flexible with timings and learning new songs etc. His classes are fun and a soulful experience for my family. Thankyou Mr Neel!

I have learnt Hindustani classical in the past for a few years. Classical music can calm the mind…read moreand nourish your soul. I wanted to give this gift to my child, and found this place. What makes this place special is Neel. His love for music coupled with his zest to inculcate the appreciation for music in young hearts makes this great for any one who wants to learn. A good teacher is indispensable and this place lives up to it. While I take my kid to these sessions, they turn out to be equally rewarding for me. The location where the sessions are conducted has great acoustics. Add to this the serene voice Neel has, his understanding of classical and this makes the whole experience exceptional.

After having the honor and opportunity to see some of the student performances on social media we…read moremade the decision to enroll in a trial piano lesson with the studio. Ms. Naho was very warm personable and welcoming upon entering. We were very impressed with how quickly our shy daughter warmed up to her and the piano. We loved the teaching style and how great she is with kids. We hope to continue our lessons with her and feel that she can help our daughter learn to play the piano & have lots of fun along the way! Thank you Ms. Naho and Ms. Renee!

My son loves coming here. Ms Shondi is an excellent teacher and makes the sessions fun and…read morerelatable. We've been coming here for years and won multiple competitions and performed in Carnegie Hall in NYC.

Besides being in Manoa they also have a location on Waialae Iki. Not a fan of people waiting in the…read morecar, smoking/vaping outside, people changing kids diapers, car doors open wide into the street, feet outside the window,etc. such a terrible look. Wish they held their private lessons elsewhere and not in a residential neighborhood where customers camp out til their child is done. That street needs HOA.

I kind of knew Manoa School of Music was located at the Manoa Marketplace. I had seen signs and…read morepassed by countless times on my trips to neighboring businesses. I never paid much attention, however, until recently, when one of my daughters expressed an interest in learning to play the violin. A quick internet search led me to their web page which provided some basic information. More useful and current information came via email with the owner Carolyn Stanton. She answered all of my questions promptly and professionally and we were registered and ready to go with violin lessons in no time. Erika is our daughter's teacher. Our daughter has no violin experience, and Erika has been very kind, encouraging and patient. After each lesson, she reviews with us how the lesson went (what went well, what was practiced, etc.) She also gives us guidance for what to practice at home until the next lesson. The school offers numerous musical classes - strings, piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, etc. Their brochure also indicates they offer visual arts classes and cooking classes. Who knew? Super convenient location (Manoa Marketplace). Lots of parking and lots to do while you're waiting for your budding musical virtuoso.

Let the gentle and experienced hands at Good Guys Music & Spund guide you…read more If you're an experienced ukulele or guitar player who knows exactly what you want, Good Guys with their assortment of electric guitars, acoustic guitars, amps, soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles, ranging from under $100 to thousands of dollars delivers a nice collection of goods in their tightly packed Kaphulu location. However, if you're like me -- just a dad shopping for his son's first beginner ukulele this is also a surprisingly excellent place to check out. Their store had an overwhelming number of positive Yelp reviews which helped to put my slightly nervous mind at ease. The shop is easy to find on Kapahulu Ave. right next to Jamba Juice and across the street from Jack in the Box with ample parking space in the rear parking lot. Rodney, who was so laid back that I mistakenly thought was just another customer, greeted us and answered all of my novice questions patiently letting us try a number of ukuleles before making our final decision. As other reviews have noted, there is no pressure at all to upsell and it genuinely feels like they want to find whatever it is that you are looking for at the price point you are most comfortable with. I liked the used koa Kala ukulele that Rodney first showed us, but my son finally chose a new spalted mango Lealani concert ukulele. Both sounded beautiful, but especially when Rodney played a few riffs! All in all, big thanks to Rodney and Bob for calming this dad's nerves and helping me to find the exact ukulele my son was looking for! Side Note: When I asked how long these guys have been in business, they told me 26 years! I've passed this location hundreds of times so I'm glad to have finally had a chance to support an old school local business like this one. Better late than never!

These guys are top notch. Friendly and knowledgeable about all things guitar. I really enjoy my…read morevisits here. They may not have the biggest selection in town, but I never leave here empty handed!! Love these guys!!