What went well? Everything. Great repair shop and service. Great selection of guitars. Great all…read more-around atmosphere -- and the sweatshirts are really nice! I've been to them all, but this is my favorite guitar shop in LA if not the USA.

Truetone is back and better than ever! This new location on broadway is a labyrinth of guitar and…read morebass goodness where you could get lost for hours in their meticulously curated inventory. Meter parking is available in front of the store, the door is locked so you need to ring for entry. You will then be greeted by some of the most passionate music lovers you will ever meet... and these guys know their stuff! I would classify this place as "boutique" or "high end" but that wouldn't do justice to the fact that they have really got some tremendous deals here, while they for sure will be able to satisfy those looking for a high-end instrument, they also have some great deals on quality guitars. It is great that they cover so many bases with their inventory. And pedals? Fuggetaboudit. I have never seen so many pedals in one place! An outstanding collection full of big manufacturers like Boss and JHS, but also a lot of boutique offerings as well, like Beetronics and Way Huge. And they aren't all wired together like other stores, if you want to try just one pedal, they let you do that! No figuring out someone else's signal chain. Individual practice rooms (with doors) so no one has to suffer through your rendition of "Enter Sandman"... this place is a guitar player's dream come true! Highly recommended!

Outstanding experience! Excellent customer service, very knowledgeable, friendly, helpful to sell…read moremy euphonium! Highly recommended!

This neighborhood shop is worthy of even a modicum of customer service…read more The GM must be operating in some mindset of scarcity or tyranny because their crew are all kind, helpful, and upbeat. Unfortunately, none of them hipped me to their absolute no way no how zero returns policy when i made a purchase under duress and need. They kind of had what i needed so in a pinch, I was grateful. When my situation changed, and I would have gladly accepted store credit they said "no way no how!" to my humble request to return or exchange brand new stuff in original packaging. Its no wonder stinkin guitar center prevails in this economy. Someone help out the underdogs so they can maybe run a good business! Shop at your own risk friends. Happy music making no matter what!

My first time here and it won't be my last! Loved the intimate space while watching one of my all…read moretime favorite female singers, Jonatha Brooke. The room is normally set up for sales but when a show is on the calendar the staff quickly clears it to set up the chairs for the audience. Since their first impromptu show back in 1968, McCabe's has been hosting the finest in folk, bluegrass, Americana, world music and more. It can accommodate 150-seats and is one of the best listening rooms in the world. The sound engineer was spot at this performance. Most of performers will play one of the guitars for sale here which helps keep this amazing shop going. *Located just off the 405 freeway @Centinela on Pico Blvd *Plenty of street parking (meters) *A few restaurants within walking distance if you want to grab a bite to eat before or after a show. *Guitar lessons available *FYI purchase show tickets online. You will get receive a confirmation email telling you that your name will be on a list at the door (you will not get physical tickets)

Local gem, iconic establishment, and great music. Of course, you may have heard of McCabe's. Maybe…read moreyou've driven by. Once you finally get there (or maybe you already have a deep connection with it already), you'll see how this place is special. I saw a fantastic show here earlier this month. The sound is pristine, the talent abundant. I've also now got tickets for the end of the month, too. But hosting shows for the past 50 years is only part of the story here. Guitars are at the heart of the matter. Lessons, sales, repairs, community. When you see the stage, you'll see the many guitars displayed on the walls. It's a comfortable, expansive vibe with a matter-of-fact quality that you might pick up on.. I can't believe it took me this long to visit McCabe's. It's a thrill to be there, and the music is what will bring you back.

This is a review for the camp only. Some things to know if you put your child in their camp. I…read moredon't usually like to post negative reviews but I do want other parents to know about the following things so they can be aware. 1) On their camp advertisements they mention instruction in many different instruments. What isn't specified is that they only have a couple different instruments to learn on if your child does not own that instrument themselves. So unless your kid has their own Oboe, Cello, Flute etc they can't get lessons. I think they have guitar and violin on hand. Thus, i would not recommend this place for a summer intro to an instrument unless you own said instrument or you double check they have your instrument ahead of time. They will say it's on the paperwork the child needs to bring their own instrument but they don't send you that paperwork until the night before camp starts. 2) They watch a movie every single day. I don't think any parent wants their kid watching tv every day at a camp they pay good money for. Why not have other activities for the kids for breaks from music? Maybe Let them run around in the park longer, or play some games, or talk amongst themselves and make a friend. Another note about the movie watching -- they show the kids PG13 movies. And if your kid isn't allowed to watch PG13 movies they will sit your chilld with the much younger children and watch a disney movie or cartoon. This is not great for those kids 7-11 whose parents may not want their kids watching PG13 movies but also don't want their kid to feel humiliated watching cartoons with much younger kids and not being around their peers in their age group. When my child was there, there were no kids ages 13 and up so it was baffling to me that they were catering to the kids whose parents allowed their young children to watch PG-13 movies.

We are lucky to have SM Conservatory as a resource for our kids…read more I have experienced nothing short of excellent customer service, from the director to the front desk staff to the instructor. When I sit on the couch waiting to pick up my son, I hear laughter, enthusiasm, singing and of course music. It warms my soul. My son loved 3rd grade chorus (and the complimentary bus shuttle is a huge plus for kids and parents!). We are currently taking private flute lessons with Sierra - so far so good! She is patient, kind and helping my son make the ever important first step, a sound! The school music program is great but with so many children my son needs extra one-on-one instruction and this business fits the bill. Looking into the musical theater next ... to be continued!

Green Brooms Music Academy has been an incredible experience for this 40-something looking to…read morerebuild confidence. I'd always wanted to take vocal lessons, but anxiety--rooted in a childhood experience--held me back for years. From the very first lesson, Isabelle made me feel completely at ease. She created such a safe, supportive space that I've been able to let go of a lot of that fear and finally enjoy singing again. With her guidance, I'm discovering a vocal range I didn't even know I had! It takes a truly special teacher to help someone work through emotional blocks, and Isabella is exactly that--patient, talented, and a joy to be around. Not only has my confidence grown through this journey, but I'm now getting ready to perform in my first-ever adult recital--something I never thought I'd be brave enough to do. If you've ever felt nervous about trying music lessons as an adult, this is the place. I can't recommend Green Brooms--or Isabelle--enough.

I've been attending this Academy for several years now I'm…read moreso happy they reopened because I will continue to support and most of all master my instrument the instructors are fantastic the energy there is amazing what a wonderful gem in Santa Monica

We love Jessie! She really cares about her students and thinks about their progression. She teaches…read morepiano, flute, and voice. We've been to many different music studios in the local area. For us, it comes down to the teachers and how they price their lessons. What I like about Santa Monica Academy of Music is that you pay by the lesson. They bill you monthly, but if there are 3 Fridays in that month, you only pay for those 3 Fridays. Other studios, there is a flat monthly rate regardless of how many lessons a week one is taking and it often comes out to paying an additional $500 a year. At Santa Monica Academy of Music, you pay for the lessons you take. Since my daughter plays multiple instruments, paying for only the lessons she takes makes a huge difference to us financially. Sharon, their administrator is well organized and friendly. While they don't have dedicated parking, there is plenty of metered parking in the area.

I took classes here for 3 months. Edan was a great piano teacher. He thought me classic pieces as…read morewell as Jazz and other genres. He is a true teacher. Sharon was always very nice in accommodating my changing schedule. I loved it!

Camila is practically family now. We've worked with her first on violin and now on piano since my…read moredaughter was 3 (she's now 8) and it's a highlight of the week. She keeps it fun and she'll work with your student at whatever pace that they're comfortable with. My daughter started learning with theme songs of her favorite shows because that was what kept her interested, then moved on to a blend of rock songs and classical as she got older. My point is that she's someone that will help your child love music and love to play music. Camila is an immensely talented musician and getting to see her play is a joy in and of itself. I've recommended so many people to her and they've all been happy with the results. I really can't say enough.

Camila has been an absolutely amazing violin teacher for my daughter! We have been with Camila for…read moreover two years and my daughter has learned so much! Camilla is so knowledgeable, talented, sweet, kind, and patient. She keeps my daughter very engaged by asking her what song she wants to play and adapting the song for the violin. My daughter is always excited to go to her lesson! In addition to being a wonderful teacher Camila is an amazing person!

Rachel is not only an amazing piano teacher to my two girls (ages 9 and 5), but she is also such a…read morelovely human being. She connects with each child to help them understand music in a way that is specifically catered to them. Even when my daughter was just three years old, Rachel developed a brilliant system to teach her piano, and it worked. As a piano student myself growing up, I wanted my kids to develop a love for piano that lasted for life -- Rachel listened to my dream and is turning it into reality. She is multi-talented and uses those talents to inspire a love for music and piano in my kids. I cannot say enough wonderful things about her, and I'm so grateful we have found her!

Rachel is amazing! I've played instruments most of my life but didn't start piano until recently…read more(well into adult life)... I wanted a teacher with experience in multiple instruments/styles, so I was lucky to find Rachel. She was very quick to understand my musical background and helped me adapt my existing knowledge to the piano while leaving room for brushing up on theory/sight reading/etc. I can only imagine how this adaptable approach to teaching works wonders with her younger students. Whether or not you have any musical background, she's a great option and you'll be lucky to have her!

We love this place ! I have 3 children…read more We had them at another place in the Palisades (which was sweet but they didn't learn anything) I cannot believe the difference - a loving environment but they still learn! Yes - parking is a pain but it's LA so let's be real

I am so in love with this place. My son takes drum lessons and my daughter take voice lessons with…read morethe owner Paulette. In less than a month my daughter is confidently performing an Amy Weinhouse ballad at live event coordinated by Paulette! And my 8 year old son can punctuate my bad jokes with an actual rim shot!(budumbumching!)

We love lovebug, especially the music class with Miss Macy. She remembers our kids' names,…read moreencourages their musical abilities, and hosts such a high energy class that both our 3 year old and 6 month old love. We took the art class a couple of years ago and also quite enjoyed it. Highly recommend.

LoveBug & Me Music holds such a special place in my heart. I started taking my youngest when she…read morewas just 8 months old (she's now 4), and my second has been coming along since she was just 3 weeks old, tagging along with her big sister. Now that my oldest is in preschool, my heart aches having to step away from this beautiful program. Over the years, we've taken music classes, met the most magical musical educators, joined sensory and art classes with truly fabulous teachers, celebrated both in-studio and at-home birthday parties, and spent countless afternoons at concerts in the park. When a friend first told me about these classes three years ago--about this amazing music class in a Santa Monica park with Mr. Bradley--I had no idea how deeply LoveBug and Mr. Bradley would become woven into our lives. My kids walk around the house clutching their stuffed LoveBug, yelling "oh LoveBug!" and can't fall asleep without him. We sing the songs, do the dances, and have created so many core memories I'll treasure forever. If you're even considering signing up for LoveBug & Me, don't hesitate--join. Your kids will thank you.