Steve is an excellent teacher & musician. He has a wide breadth of knowledge, both practically and…read moretheoretically. His lessons are a great value relative to the quality of instruction you receive. I have made great progress in my playing throughout our lessons and would highly recommend him to anyone. Just ask him to rip it up and you will be in awe, feel inspired, and probably realize how far you have to go! Particularly helpful is his willingness to tailor learning pathways to your specific goals and tie in your favorite musicians and styles while also exposing you to cool, obscure, and interesting artists and genres. As a bonus, he will give you that good guitar wisdom, funny anecdotes, and show you that the instrument is a life-long passion project that requires curiosity about yourself and the world around you. Pretty helpful stuff!

I've been playing guitar for ten years on and off, taking lessons from multiple instructors…read more However, my experience with Steve has been the most transformative. In just a year, I've felt the most improvement and confidence in my ability to move around my entire guitar neck and understand chord shapes, smaller shaped triads and basic soloing. Steve's approach is refreshing; he provides structured worksheets and theory concepts while allowing students to choose their own musical adventure. While I have been able to work on learning fun pop songs and songwriting under his wing, he still inserts mini lessons including bossy nova, travis picking, CAGED, and has introduced me to listening closer to prominent guitarists in jazz and pop history to perfect my sound. As a person who gets nervous to play and overwhelmed, I've never felt pressured during practice sessions to have prepared more. Steve always has a wide knowledge of concepts to talk about so I recommend staying consistent with lessons to see the most growth. Finally, Steve's background in music theory is evident in his teaching style as he's even helped me delve into songwriting and production techniques. His expertise extends beyond the fretboard, making him a well-rounded mentor for aspiring musicians. If you're seeking a guitar teacher who fosters growth, creativity, and a love for music, look no further than Steve. He's a true gem in the world of music education.

Neat small guitar shop with a nice dog that roams the place…read more The stock is mostly classic and vintage guitars and amps. No Vs in sight though.

Great variety of guitars packed neatly into a compact space with a unique atmosphere. Lots to…read morechoose from with a full range of prices. I was enjoying the art and memorabilia all over the walls while my husband tried out various instruments. Glad we stopped in while traveling through Austin. Friendly employees who were attentive, no-pressure and ready to help. Shop dogs were a total bonus!

We had a great experience here. The groups are always less than ten and the teachers are not only…read morecompassionate and good with kids but also highly talented musicians who are actively playing in Austin-area bands. Our daughter played piano her first semester, which ended with a live performance of three songs at the Saxon Pub, presenting to over 100. The next semester she switched to vocals, with a live performance at the Far Out Lounge with her super fun band buddies. The students and teachers take the lessons very seriously but also have a lot of fun. There is one on one instruction blended with small-group instruction. I would say that the instructions provided for instruments (guitar, bass, drums, piano) are a little stronger than the instructions provided for vocals. But no private/one-on-one instructor can provide the super fun, motivating experience of playing in front of a large audience in an iconic Austin venue. That's what makes School of Rock so special for its students.

My kids had summer camp at this location, and are signing up for private classes. The staff we…read moreencountered have been friendly and helpful. The teachers are cool and energetic, and my kids walk away excited to keep learning.

It's a shame I'm only limited to five stars! I have nothing but good things to say about the Austin…read moreSchool of Music. This is where I got started as a musician years ago, and half a decade of bass guitar, vocal, music theory, and music production instruction really made a mark on me as a player and person. The school is well staffed with friendly and knowledgeable professionals who have been helpful in all the styles I've over the years, from rock to classical to metal to jazz to funk. The fondest memories I have of my adolescence were at their summer camp program, Rock Camp USA, forming bands, writing, recording and performing. The friends I made there continue to play with me to this day in the professional music world, as well as the instructors and teachers when I'm lucky! This school had no small part in preparing me for music school and a music career. As for now, I study music business and jazz bass at UT Austin and continue to gig and record around Austin as an in-demand bass player. No matter how far up I move though, I never forget Dave Sebree (owner) and the rest of my friends at ASM that got me started.

I've been taking lessons with Chris Bennett and David Spann at Austin School of Music for about 13…read moreyears, and I have to say this school has been one of the most important places in my life, not only as a musician, but as a person. The atmosphere, quality of education, and opportunities that can be found here are unparalleled! If you're looking to learn an instrument in Austin, there's really no other place to go if you ask me :)

Best place in Tx I 've tried for me and my two kids for music lessons: voice and guitar!!!…read more Amazing teachers !!!!! Great atmosphere

We came in for a free trial lesson with our 8yo child, knowing next to absolutely nothing about the…read moreguitar. In just 30min., we had learned terminology, some fun + basic techniques to practice, and we had a realistic idea of what learning the guitar would entail. Most importantly, my child was excited to return for official lessons!! We're signing on for lessons; you should, too!

Cute store, friendly staff, lots of gadgets to choose from for that great souvenir, gift or…read morepersonal purchase. Centrally located on Congress Ave, can't miss it while on your way to some of the local landmarks happening around town. Need a guitar? They got you!

This is a MUST SEE in Austin. Shopped here upon our arrival to Austin. Brought our group back…read moreanother time, to visit Louis the resident kitty and to shop some more!!

Awesome mom & pop shop that really cares for their customers; especially their youth clients. Old…read moreschool customer service and will take care of you on the spot,

The best! Todd is so knowledgeable and engaging with the kids he rents out to. We've had a few…read moreyears of wonderful experiences with Westbank.

Great store. Vance the manager very nice and helpful. Would definitely recommend…read more They had a color of thumb-picks in stock that I had never in any other music store. Very cool

I went to Music & Arts last Saturday for my fiance to spend some of his tax refund. It's a nice,…read moresmaller music store that seems like it mostly caters to middle school and high school students who are looking for their band instruments. They also have a decent guitar selection. The associate was very helpful and friendly. We started talking about our own high school band days of yore and he took the time to look up french horn prices for me out of my own curiosity. The store can order pretty much anything you want and they are honest about price ranges for instruments. They won't try to pressure you into buying an instrument that is more expensive than what you need. I will definitely be back for more musical shopping!

I had a wonderful summer working with Icy to help me prepare to join a choir. Our sessions were fun…read moreand productive. Icy considers the whole person- the science of the body, the mind and spirit, when providing instruction and feedback. I've started my choir journey confident and prepared. I recommend Icy without reservation!

Working with and learning from Icy was a completely positive experience. She knows her craft front…read moreto back and she made me feel so confident in my ability to continue improving my vocal ability outside of lessons and beyond my time with her. We had so much fun together and she's always dropping insight and wisdom about how to come into one's own voice. I was with her every other week for three months practicing on my own for 10 mins three times a week and I cannot only hear the improvements but feel so much more relaxed and expressive. EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR! I WOULD RECOMMEND ICY TO ANYONE LOOKING TO COME INTO THEIR VOICE!

Joe is an excellent teacher with a positive, upbeat personality. My son loves going to piano…read morelessons with him.

Joe isn't just a proficient musician, he's also a wonderful teacher. He has great empathy and…read moreunderstands people's unique ways of learning. He's friendly, professional, and provides excellent customer service.