Darcy is the best! She's super sweet, encouraging, easy-going, and talented. She makes learning fun…read more:) Darcy is the first music teacher I've had who truly meets me where I'm at -- she's great at finding music that's fun for me to play, helps me make adjustments that make more sense to my brain, and tries to explain the theory behind what I'm learning (but also knows when to drop it because it's over my head). She's been playing since she was a wee one and has practiced with some of the world's best fiddle players, and it shows. She has such a deep love for her instrument, it's infectious. I love practicing, and I never thought I'd say that. I see myself improving significantly each week.

Darcy is an amazing teacher. Not only has my 12 year old daughter made big improvements in her…read moresight reading ability, musical ear and playing skills in the last two months, she has become more enthusiastic about playing music. We've only had Zoom lessons during SIP but Darcy makes them fun and engaging. She's very professional, courteous and flexible with regards to scheduling. Give Darcy a try, you'll be glad you did!

I have come to Scarlett at different times in my life. The first to come back to a love of singing…read moreafter stopping upon leaving my high school choir. At that time she helped me through her skill and encouragement to pursue my dream of singing, going as far as to help me audition and attend SF conservatory of music. After realizing while I love to sing, I didn't neccesarily want to become an opera singer, I went back to Scarlett a second time for support in coming up with an original song adaptation to sing for my wife at our marriage ceremony. The reason why I outline these moments is to firstly express my gratitude to Scarlett in all the ways she has supported me in my life in having the joy of singing be a bigger part of it. Secondly is to let others know the incredible range that Scarlett has to meet and mold her students to become whatever they might want to be in their singing aspirations. Scarlett is an incredible voice teacher, a gifted pianist and accompanist, as well as having a huge knowledge and music library to match any vocal students unique singing styles and desires. Scarlett is patient, funny, compassionate, and a general wonderful person to be around. 5 stars all the way, I couldn't recommend her enough.

I paid almost $100 for one voice lesson and the lesson was her lecturing me for an hour I didn't…read moreget to sing. She had laminated lecture notes and the whole works for plans for lectures in the future. I didn't come back because I don't want to spend money on lectures I've already had voice training in my lifetime and none of it ever involved being voiceless and quiet for an hour. I wanted to sing and be coached on my singing. I think people have a lot of respect for tradition and might not be as honest and straightforward as I'm being in this review. I think it's fair to know before you go in there that this is about $100 for a lecture unless she changes her style of teaching which I don't think is going to happen because this person seems really used to doing this the way she does it.

I have been taking piano lessons with Laura Ponti at Albany Music School for the last 2-3months…read more Lessons are offered to both kids and adults from beginner to intermediate skill levels. If you are looking to take piano lessons, I highly recommend Laura. She is kind, patient, passionate and dedicated to teaching you how to play the piano the right way. This is a nice music school. It's not too big or too small. They have 5 rooms for lessons and they offer a variety of lessons with musical instruments including the piano, violin, drum, voice, and guitar. Both Lina (owner) and Judy (receptionist) run the school quite well and they are organized and professional. The only problem is that this studio doesnt have adequate insulation, which feels even hotter than it is (especially during the heat wave we are going through). I hope the building managers take this seriously and get the problem fixed soon. I recommend dressing light and drinking lots of water to stay hydrated. I highly recommend Albany Music School. Great piano teacher and staff.

YAY!!!!!!!!!!! I finally did it!!!! I finally started…read moreplaying the piano...and you know what...I LOVE IT!!!!!! I've passed this place several times since it's in my neighborhood and I kept saying I have to call, I have to call. Finally I did :) The place is located in an upstairs studio. Very nice place and well lite. There are 3 piano rooms and a nice waiting area :) I take private lessons w/Lina who is such a cutie pie. Since this is my first time taking lessons she is soooooo helpful and very pleasant. She goes over everything with you and reassures you :) I love her!!!!! The monthly fee to attend the school is $240. That includes the private lessons, the materials and they opportunity to come in any time and practice and listen to others. They also have other lessons available. I know for sure when I go, there's this little boy who plays the violin. He's really good too :)

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

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.

Ellen is talented, patient and fun! I never would have thought that I'd enjoy piano lessons so…read moremuch. You will look forward to your next lesson. Thanks Ellen.

I'd been playing piano off and on for a long time, but I hadn't taken private lessons in many…read moreyears. After I retired and had more time to practice, I wanted to take lessons again. I specifically wanted to work on my jazz playing. I'd heard Ellen play a number of times over the years and was impressed by how well she plays jazz as well as many other musical styles. When I started lessons with her, I was very pleased by how quickly Ellen assessed my skills and knowledge. She is a gifted teacher and has been able to seamlessly tailor her instructional approach to me and what I want to learn. I am very happy that Ellen does not use a 'one size fits all' teaching approach! (I've unfortunately encountered that in the past.) Soon after I began lessons with Ellen, an opportunity came up to take the vocal duo I'm in to the next level. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Ellen also does vocal coaching and helps vocal and instrumental groups enhance the arrangements they've developed. I'm thrilled that one teacher can help me with all my disparate musical interests and endeavors, and that it's no problem for Ellen to roll with it when I want to do a 180 and switch to something totally different from what we were last working on. I am grateful to have found such a flexible and student-centered teacher!

We recently moved to Rockridge and discovered Palaka music classes for our daughter. She took one…read moreclass and talked about it for weeks! We look forward to taking more classes!

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!