I had a great time playing at SoCal Jazz Academy and Music Around! I enjoyed Tom Cunningham's, Karim Yengsep's, and Ian Rapien's mentorship. read more

Music Around has been wonderful for my son. The teachers are so supportive and encouraging, and he's really grown as a musician since starting. His love for music just keeps growing. read more

We have had a fantastic experience with Music Around! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by a warm and friendly staff who made us feel right at home. The school is impeccably clean and well-organized, creating a perfect environment for learning and creativity. The instructors at Music Around are not only highly skilled but also incredibly supportive and encouraging, which has been instrumental in our children's musical journey. We've seen continuous progress in their skills, and most importantly, they've developed a genuine love for music. We couldn't be happier with our choice and highly recommend this school to anyone looking to nurture their child's musical talents in a positive and inspiring setting. read more

Music Around - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

The short time I spent at the Socal Jazz Academy has been proving to be invaluable in a college level Jazz Combos class. Our instructor made a point to mention in the first class session that beside the obvious need for instrument technique, leadership skills were going to be needed to get our small groups to meet class goals for the semester. I've been able to apply what I've learned from the Academy, such as the interactions required within a small combo to make it successful. Except for one person, the rest of my group of seven are literally half my age, and I've been so surprised at their earnest responses when I've shared these invaluable skills. We even have a newby alto player who's new to jazz, and I've applied some of what I saw happening for the teens at the Academy to help her get on board. read more

5 Stars Is Not Enough,,,, Everything here is perfect, the classes, the teaching, the mentoring, the networking and the performance opportunities. I have spent 5 years with this great organization and now I play in a professional band called "Midnight Martini" with two other former class members. Fantastic networking opportunities needed to create a musical group. The City of Lake Forest is lucky to have a school of jazz in their backyard, every community should have a school like SoCal Jazz Academy. This is a fine way for the "Come Back Player" to build their chops and meet other musicians. For the parents considering this program, it's the perfect music school for your child. Dr. Karim and his professional team have an amazing program, our society could use more of. This is the real deal. Thank you, Dr. Karim for your teaching and friendship! Horns Up read more

The SoCal Jazz Academy performed at our HOA 25th Anniversary event in Irvine and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the music, including a vocalist with a beautiful voice. Thank you to all of the the musicians for making our event extra memorable. read more

Music Around - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I joined So Cal Jazz about a year ago and highly recommend it. I had a music background, but no study or experience with jazz. The school provides a full framework for learning: great instructors, lots of combos to play in, a direct connection to the So Cal jazz scene and lots of local performances. If you have at least a low-intermediate competence on your instrument you can succeed here. It's a warm, inviting place to learn read more

A rare opportunity to learn from the maestros of jazz in an intimate atmosphere with many opportunities to perform. Instruction is excellent and encouraging. I highly recommend signing up for solo lessons or group combos if you want to get great at jazz. read more

My 17YO has been taking online piano lessons with Michael Le Van and I am astounded at the progress that he has made in just a few short months. Michael has a relaxed and personable teaching style that lends itself well to a high-schooler; but he also encourages his students to challenge themselves with material that is level-appropriate. He is an incredible musician and I consider my son lucky to have him as an instructor. Everyone at the school is Zoom/tech-savvy and there have been zero issues with technology during these post-Covid times. Dr. Yengsep is the Director of the School and the communication from him, the school, and the staff strikes the balance of "just-right" (not too much, not too little...) Also, he is quick to respond if I have any questions. (I have never had to wait and wonder.) I ran this review past my son and he approves (hard part over). If you are wondering whether to enroll yourself or your child, do yourself a favor and take your playing to the next level! read more

I was away from my instrument for 30+ years and decided to take it up again 3 years ago. After trying other community Jazz programs, I reached out to Karim Yengsep in SoCal Jazz Academy in 2020 and found his program to be refreshingly unique, innovative, educational, and challenging. It completely turned my preconceptions about Jazz upside down and enabled me to grow as a musician in ways that would not have been possible otherwise. SoCal Jazz Academy is not just about learning and playing some tunes. It's about helping you, whatever your skill level and experience, to learn the language of Jazz, acquire knowledge and skills to be confident and successful on the bandstand, and, most of all, allow yourself to be challenged musically, to be open to new ideas, to explore, and ultimately become a better Jazz musician. This program will take you as far as you want to go. Personally, I wanted to get good enough to play professionally someday. My experience at SoCal Jazz Academy enabled me to learn first-hand from faculty and guest clinicians who are some of the best working professional Jazz musicians in Southern California. These experiences were invaluable to me. During this past year, I even got invited to play with several of them on professional gigs and Jam sessions. I have completed my program now, have put together a Jazz combo, and, am working on getting professional gigs of my own! In my opinion, SoCal Jazz Academy is by far the best program available for musicians of all ages and abilities who want to learn how to play Jazz from top-notch professionals in a safe, non-judgmental, diverse, and, most of all, FUN environment. There is no other program like it anywhere. read more

This academy is great! My kid loves this place. Owners and coaches are great people who has passion to music. Highly recommend this academy if you want your kid love and learn music. read more

I'm thrilled with my son's experience at this piano school! The instructor Ella is incredibly patient and skilled, making the learning process enjoyable. My son's progress in playing the piano has been remarkable, and I credit this school for that. The facilities are well-maintained and create a conducive learning environment. I highly recommend this piano school for everyone . It's truly a fantastic place for kids to develop their musical talents. read more

My son has really been enjoying his lessons and is learning so much! We are grateful for Dr. Karim and all the other teachers!

The entirety of the SoCall Jazz Academy is an incredible collection of educators, professionals, and community members that live and breathe music. Dr. Karim Yengsep is not only extremely knowledgeable in the realm of jazz musical theory and history, but has a deep love and passion for music and builds community directly around that passion. Being a newer student within the last 2 months, it can feel daunting on paper to approach learning such a culturally important musical tradition, but never once did I feel behind or alienated in any way during my learning journey; Dr. Yengsep and the many other community members of the academy helped me feel right at home and apart of their bigger picture. Overall, SoCal Jazz Academy, along with its community led by Karim, is an incredible institution that is keeping an important cultural musical tradition alive and well. I would recommend the academy to anyone of any age and any skill level! read more

My son is learning upright bass (online due to covid) from Dr. Yengsep. He is a wonderful, patient, encouraging and diligent teacher. He takes a methodical approach, and my son wishes he had learned from him years ago so he would have started off with the proper foundation. Still, he is glad to be learning now, and even online has progressed so much in a short time due to Dr. Yengsep's guidance. My son also says he feels happier after every lesson. This is what we look for in the best teachers--teaching of proper skills and technique along with sharing their joy and enthusiasm in the way they bring those skills into their life. read more

Hidden treasure in Orange County! Love every experience and amazing lessons learned so far!

Teachers of SoCal Jazz Academy have made a big change for both my son Sattar and daughter Sofia. They both started learning music with Dr. Karim Yengsep who introduced them to musical instruments 1 year ago. He is the person who inspired them and developed their love to music. After Dr. Yengsep, they both switched to Michael Le Van and kept learning the piano basics. Mr. Le Van is an amazing teacher who gives strong academic skills in a fun way for kids. Also, my son takes drums classes with Mr. John Rush who is an incredible educator. Sattar loves his classes and always excited for them. And the most favorite and fun part is being in a youth jazz group class among other kids playing different instruments. This class is taught by Dr. Yengsep who is their biggest support and motivator! This whole jazz community of SoCal Jazz Academy is a very friendly and safe place where students find their inspiration to go further with their musical dreams! read more

We had SoCal Jazz play at our private event and everything was fantastic! They were very professional, sounded amazing and super friendly! I would definitely recommend them :) read more

My daughter Akniyet started with the bass guitar over a 2 month ago. We are now adding another class with band. She has fallen in love with music and wants improve her skills.Great school and Wonderful Atmosphere! Thank you for helping my child fall in love with music and WANT to play. She already performed on recital, her teacher Karim is great! read more

First time registrant/student of SoCal Jazz Academy and completely happy with instruction/support from Jazz Director, Karim Yengsep and the Jazz faculty all of which are highly accomplished musicians and extremely supportive instructors. Many, many thanks for helping me improve my improvisation skills and to gain confidence in my ability to grow as a musician. Blessings read more

Here is a serious jazz community in Irvine, Tustin ! Very affordable, high quality, academic evening jazz classes are ready for full time students and professionals. If you are looking for a chance to seriously develop yourself as a jazz player, you must check this place out ! read more

The staff at SoCal Jazz Academy are all great. I took about 15 years off from playing my instrument. Previous to that I played little to no jazz. The staff has been extremely helpful and patient with helping me with my improvisation and jazz style playing. I wish it was closer to me in Long Beach, but it's worth the drive once a week. read more