We have been taking lessons with Todd at Hummingbird for eight years -- two kids and occasionally…read moreone adult (me) across four instruments. Todd has gotten the kids hooked on playing music over the years, as he finds songs in their musical taste (and beyond) that have inspired them to grow and not only learn, but look forward to their weekly lessons and enjoy playing for the sake of playing when they have downtime, want to jam with friends, or take the edge off homework stress. Francesca, who runs the show, is extremely responsive and sets up a fun spring recital where the kids get to perform in front of a crowd. Both kids have also done Hummingbird's excellent summer Rock Band Camp multiple times -- that's a blast that ends with the kids playing a mini three to four song live set.

We've been with Hummingbird for over 7 years. All three of my children's music journey started…read morethere. Professional, warm, talented, fun, communicative and flexible - couldn't recommend them enough. Francesca has created an incredible culture and sweet program of the arts.

Love this sister of mine. I've known Sandy since I was very young. She is smart as hell and knows a…read morelot about music. We both played trumpet together in junior high through high school and I had to work hard to compete with her mastery of music. Years later, she is still at it. I found out not too recently that Sandy has played many instruments and has taught them as well. I'm impressed by her ambition to teach those who yearn to learn. Got me excited enough to dust off the trumpet and give it a go. Got a musical itch to scratch?

sandy is such a thoughtful & engaging teacher!! really worked to understand my needs & build a…read moretailored program. strongly recommend!

We purchased our very first piano from here at the beginning of the pandemic. We figured that…read moresince we'd be staying home more often, why not purchase a real piano!? We made an appointment to come in and Ulysses helped us out. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and helped us through the process. He didn't rush us or pressure us to buy a piano, and he was patient in answering all our questions. We went home that same day to think about which piano we wanted to get and returned a week later to purchase a Yamaha upright piano. Overall, it was a great experience and we now have a beautiful piano!

Another five-star review for Music Exchange and Gary in particular! I recently had a wonderful…read moreend-to-end experience; Gary was patient and helpful and didn't try to sell me something we didn't need. The entire process was smooth and delightful. I am happy to recommend Music Exchange/Gary and we will certainly reach out to them again for our next purchase.

I will be honest: the idea of taking piano lessons for the first time as an adult was both an…read moreexhilarating and frightening prospect. Luckily for me, one of my good friends recommended that I check out the Community Music Center, and overall, I had an excellent experience! My instructor was Erick Peralta, and he covered both music theory and piano technique with patience and great skill. I thought that he paced the classes well, and the only reason I stopped working with him is due to leaving the Bay Area. I also appreciated how he integrated and referenced modern pop music while also making sure I learned piano standards. Finding practice piano rooms can be a challenge during peak instruction periods, but more often than not, I could find an open piano to practice right before my early afternoon classes. There were also some minor communication snafus when I tried to register for classes, but generally, staff at the center were welcoming and friendly.

Went for a concert there, specifically to see the Curtis Family C Notes. While there, I learned a…read morelot about the school. What a lovely group of people running the place. You can tell there's a lot of love and passion for music and commitment to community.

Brought an inexpensive alto sax in to see if it needed work. Katia was so helpful. We chatted and…read moreshe did a diagnostic on my sax and found some leaks. Wouldn't take my money. I'd go back here again!!

I called this morning to inquire about finding a cable for my standup bass (to hook up to an amp)…read moreand for some reason, the buy who spoke to me was very impatient and annoyed with me when I asked him a couple questions. I know this is a good store, but it was very off-putting to be spoken to like that.

Overdue review. Started my daughter at their yamaha group with Ms Nicole, and shes fantastic, just…read moreenough firmness and still fun. My daughter completed 2 recitals. Now she is in drums with Henry, another ever so patient instructor, he is also teaching my other daughter who was only 5yrs old when she started.

Super cute music store! They have way more than what you think. I went in on a whim to see if they…read morehad harmonicas, and they had three different types to choose from! I didn't even know there were that many options, but the employee was very knowledgeable, helpful, and nice! Will be back once I've mastered the C-scale harmonica

Angel is an incredible vocal coach and musician. I came in as a total beginner, and he met me where…read moreI was--with patience, insight, and a great sense of humor. His guidance helped me build a strong foundation in singing that I'll carry with me for life. Angel accompanies lessons on piano with such ease and artistry--it makes the whole experience feel rich and grounded. He's not just a teacher, he's a true musician, and it shows in everything he does. If you're thinking about taking lessons with him, do it. I'm so glad I did.

Angel is a great teacher. He is patient and understanding. He takes the time to explain the music…read moreto you, so you understand it. He goes at your pace, not pressuring you but encouraging you. Highly recommend.

Highly recommend Herman as a piano teacher. He's very experienced, while being patient and…read moreencouraging with a beginner like me, explains concepts clearly in a way that really helps things click. He also takes time to explain why the piano is structured the way it is, which makes learning more interesting. Herman tailors his lessons to each student, also has experience teaching kids. His studio is beautiful and in his Duboce Triangle home, and the location is very convenient, easy Muni access. A great teacher and a great learning environment overall.

Herman is a great teacher. I've been practicing with him about four months now as an intermediate…read moreplayer (took lessons growing up, had been teaching myself again for a few years before getting back to lessons at the start of 2025), and it's crazy how much I have improved from his instruction. I already had a couple challenging Chopin Nocturnes under my belt that help helped me polish and gave me some choices for Bach Preludes & Fugues and Mozart Sonatas to round out the periods of pieces in my repertoire. There was quite a bit of work upfront with technical stuff like Czerny etudes and Hanon exercises that aren't the prettiest songs to play, but they damn sure helped me improve as a musician. Herman is patient, kind, funny, and you can tell he loves what he does and really wants you to improve. I highly recommend.

Barbara is a fantastic teacher! Barbara is knowledgeable, kind, and a joy to be around. My 11 year…read moreold has been taking piano lessons with Barbara since she was 6, and really connected with her and her teaching style. Barbara's lessons include learning different types of music, as well as developing an understanding of music theory. She also puts together a recital 1-2 times a year that is really fun to attend, and allows the students to meet and see each other perform. I would highly recommend her to everyone.

Barbara taught piano to all three of my children for most of their childhood. She worked very…read moresuccessfully with many different ages - starting off our youngest with playful, manageable pieces that helped her gain confidence and learn music theory. She had the wisdom to use different book series for my two children who are closest in age so that they wouldn't feel like they were competing with one another. She worked with our oldest on extremely complex music, helping him dig deeply into classical works, stick with them until mastery, and learn how to perform them with musicality and joy. Barbara is incredibly reliable, easy to work with, and charges very reasonable rates. She is also a kind Noe Valley neighbor who helps bring everyone together around music, including planning a recital every spring for her students to experience performing. We're so grateful to Barbara for sharing her talents with our children!