My 4 1/2 year old son (Mason) has been taking weekly lessons from Dylan for a few months now. Dylan…read moreis incredibly patient, treats Mason with respect and humor, and has been super thoughtful about coming up with creative ways to teach such a young kid. Mason has committed about 20 chords to memory and has even started to play along (poorly, mind you ) while we sing kids' songs together. It has been a lot of fun to watch Dylan and Mason working together; I would definitely recommend him for anybody looking for a thoughtful and extremely talented guitar teacher. Mason's review: "Dylan is a GREAT guitar teacher - I learned chords! And he has bunnies that look cool and are black."

Updating to say that now both my 10.5YO son and I each take lessons with Dylan twice/week, and I…read morestill have only the best things to say about him. He's very patient, and adapts to the individual student while still emphasizing music theory and technique. My son focuses on electric guitar and bass, while I'm obsessed with acoustic.

He's a great jazz piano instructor. He's patient and obviously very good at what he does.read more

Josh has to be one of the best music instructors in the area…read more I am largely self taught and have tried private lessons over the past 10 years and am usually left disappointed. This is not the case with Josh. I still mostly teach myself but I find myself coming back to him over and over again to check in with my progress so that he could make adjustments. Even though at a certain level I think everyone eventually teaches themselves I now see the value of finding someone who knows his/her stuff to guide you and check in once in awhile. Josh seems to have a natural talent for psychology , which I have found to be one of the most important factors for teaching music. He is able to diagnose habitual errors and try to correct your practicing so that it is productive and fun. He is also one of the few teachers I have had that really tries to get to know what kind of music the student is into, regardless of how simple or complex it is. I could send him tunes ranging from Debussy to folk songs to get him to know the 'sound' I am trying to chase. Needless to say, the guy knows his music inside out. He is best known for klezmer music but I came to him for Jazz. He understands jazz theory and can simplify the concepts (without dumbing it down) to make it practical. He also is trained classically so he brings a deep understanding of the structure of harmony, which can give you insight into your own compositions. All in all if you could afford lessons I highly recommend Josh. If you can't afford weekly lessons I still recommend taking a lesson every once in awhile with him when you are in a rut-- you will be surprised at all the insights he could bring from one lesson.

I came to Alexys as a beginner singer with a breathy voice. I was somewhat doubtful at first since…read moreit can take months to see improvement (I come in once every 2 weeks), but with Alexys's encouragement and enthusiasm I've been able to trust the process and keep my motivation. It's been a little over a year, and I can sense more agility and strength now. He is always open to respond to any questions or doubts, and just a down to earth person. For anyone who is committed to practicing regularly, I recommend giving Alexys a try!

Took one session with Alexys in 2019 and felt so bizarre being there that I still remember it to…read morethis day. I was researching vocal coaches as I have never been a great singer but had always loved to sing and thought it would be a good time to try to step out of my comfort zone. I saw that Alexys offered free first time sessions and immediately thought it sounded great based on the good reviews. I walked into his place, and immediately did not feel welcome. I did the vocal exercises with him but it just felt like such a judgy environment that I was never relaxed or comfortable. I am not doubting Alexys talents as l'm sure he is a wonderful coach and likely an even better singer but the way I was treated did not sit well with me, even all of these years later. The vibes seemed like he only wanted to work with more established singers, which is fine if he made that clear somewhere on the website, then I would have never booked. Just didn't love his approach especially it being my first time trying something new like this, as vocal coaches are supposed to help you find your voice not stifle it further. I've since seen much more open and supportive vocal coaches online and have now realized how wrong his approach was. Again, I'm sure Alexys is talent and it is likely he was just having an off day as we all do, but it was just not a good vibe and if you'd like to work with more talented people please make that clear. Sending blessing to him still because we all have off days but a bit of clear communication makes all the difference. Leaving two stars instead of one since he did go through with the session despite him seeming like he did not want to, which I suppose is its own form of kindness.

Warning: Long one, coming in hot!…read more For the longest time, after my vocal nodule injury, (a rough, blister/callus that forms after over-use/incorrect voice technique), I thought that music was an arena that I no longer could visit. But one evening, a decade later, as I had done many nights before, searched Craigslist for vocal coaches that had experience with my injury. The copy in her ad was cool. Our email exchange was revealing. So... I took the plunge. What I thought I was getting: a voice teacher on my journey back to music. What I got instead: a guru, life coach, music shaman and career planner. Like a bountiful apple tree, she's brimming with knowledge on all aspects of musicianship and what it means to be a professional. It's just sitting in her Oakland studio, (or online right now, as we're living in the time of Corona.) All of this while maintaining a casual and down to earth persona. Having been together for two months now, my musical aptitude and powers are bubbling up from their dormant sleep into my fingers and throat.If you're willing to work hard, embrace humility and listen, I can assure you that whatever gift is buried inside of you will burst from your soul into whatever reality that is. Lindy has been an invaluable part of my life. At the risk of coming across as a shill, my only regret was not meeting her 10 years sooner. My life would've been markedly different. If you have music in your heart without the knowledge to pull it out, contact Lindy today and live your life with one less regret.

Saying that Lindy is great at everything related to music, though slightly hyperbolic, is totally…read moretrue from my perspective. I can only remember maybe just a few small things over the years where maybe she wasn't totally familiar with something I asked her about, but after a week she'd be knowledgable, and after a month she was an expert. The dedication that she brings to growing and polishing her own abilities get equally applied to her students and clients. She will help you achieve your goals. Facts. She's thoughtful, creative, flexible, well-connected, and perhaps most importantly, honest. Ambition and dreams aren't enough when you are talking about developing a skill, you also need a plan. Lindy can not only teach you the fundamentals about what you're trying to learn, but she'll also teach you how to put them all together. She will help you get where you want to go and be who you want to be. That's the story for me anyways and I've seen the same happen for her other students and clients. I am super grateful for her contributions to my career.

LJ is an inspiring, encouraging vocal coach who knows the voice. He listens intently for nuanced…read morevariations in breath support, pitch, vowel shape, and tone, and gives supportive feedback. After just two lessons, I can hear and feel the difference in my singing. LJ is an amazing instructor.

Did vocal and piano. LJ is an excellent instructor. Very patient and talented. Looking forward…read moreto more lessons.

Alex is both professional & sensitive. He sings from his heart and with passionate talent…read more He moved many to tears with his rendition of "Ave Maria" at our event. I also had the pleasure of recording with him in the studio - where I saw him sing so gently and sweetly. Unforgettable & kind Hire this man! Sincerely, Rev. Jonathan Leavy BCC

The ultimate in exquisite vocal music education and performance training can be found in Maestro…read moreAlexander Taite, bar none!" Carolyn Watson Parent of Oakland School for the Arts Multiple Award Winning Vocal Music Student Richard Watson, currently a member of 5 Time Award Winning A Capella Advanced Preprofessional High School Ensemble "Vocal Rush" and formerly a member of Award Winning A Capella Advanced Intermediate Middle School Ensemble "Encore!"

Lenny is amazing. He's been teaching guitar for decades. He has such a great feel for it. I've been…read moretaking lessons for about a year now and he's such a great teacher. There are a lot of ups and downs when learning an instruments. Lenny knows exactly when you need a bit of encouragement. I would have probably quit within a month or two if it wasn't for Lenny. My guitar lesson is the highlight of my week for me.

Aside from being an outstanding teacher, Lenny makes guitar easy, & fun. He rolls with the punches…read moreand is cool, nice, & professional. He's patient, easy to work with, and encourages you to enjoy playing and practicing. He'll also cater the lesson to your needs if you want to focus on a technique, learn a song, learn theory, or learn to read music. Logistically, He's in the Lakeshore neighborhood, near Mandana. We do 30 minute lessons each week (YES!) and material is broken down into digestible chunks. For my lessons we usually focus on a song, theory, &/or technique, unless I ask a zillion unrelated questions, which I'm, at times, inclined to do. No matter what, I leave with something to practice and we check on on the progress the next week. His handouts and homework are very clear, beneficial and get me excited and happy about playing. BONUSES * He knows a lot of great music. * He can, on the spot, listen & write it/tab it if you bring in any CD/iPod, :D * He teaches guitar, bass, & drums * He puts together a blues improv classes & does student band practices and gets students ready perform as temp bands at Starry Plough. Both of these are cool because it's great to play with other people. Woo-hoo! : )

My daughter has been in lessons with Cynthia for about three years. It is obvious, from hearing…read moreher more long-standing and accomplished students, that she has the experience and knowledge to prepare her students for a serious future in music. For us though, it it more about building competency and appreciation. My daughter enjoys the lessons (more than she likes practicing, according to her) and it has definitely helped develop both her ear, and her enthusiasm. From my perspective though, the main benefit it gives is for my daughter to learn to accept criticism and high expectations. Cynthia will hold your child (or you) to what is on the page. All of it: the notes, the rhythm, the tempo, the dynamics, the articulation...(plus some other stuff that I don't even know the name for), all at the same time...So it's a great opportunity for my kid to learn focus and multi-tasking. It can be a bit harrowing at times, as the all-of-it-right-all-at-the-same-time is not the approach taken in school, (or at home) but honestly, I'm grateful that my daughter can experience this, as discipline/hard work/humility/practice /all those cliches are obviously going to be required for whatever she chooses to pursue. Cynthia is strict, but also rejoices when the student does finally find success. She knows the student is capable of more than they themselves, or the parents might initially believe. My daughter definitely gets frustrated during practice at home, but she keeps working on it, and eventually gets the satisfaction of learning and getting it right. Also, the songs in the books get good pretty quickly! They are a good mix of pretty, fun, energetic without much dreck...super helpful when you hear it many times over.

If are looking for a piano teacher for an energetic child, run away from this woman and never look…read moreback. She was monstrous. I do not recommend Cynthia for piano lessons for young children. We had an absolutely awful experience. She humiliated and rejected my 7-year-old son, who genuinely loves piano and was trying his best. When he began to grow emotional, she continued to criticize him while speaking to me in front of him. I have never encountered such an unkind or unprofessional approach from someone who chooses to work children. At one point, she even asked me, "Is he in special ed or something?" -- an absolutely offensive and inappropriate question on so many levels. To act like this in front of a young child who was doing his best is unconscionable. While she uses stickers and small prizes as motivation, her teaching style relies on constant criticism rather than balanced feedback. Instead of combining positive reinforcement with gentle correction, she fixates on mistakes and ignores effort or progress. Our experience with her was deeply upsetting and the opposite of what learning music should be.