We have been taking lessons with Todd at Hummingbird for eight years -- two kids and occasionally…read moreone adult (me) across four instruments. Todd has gotten the kids hooked on playing music over the years, as he finds songs in their musical taste (and beyond) that have inspired them to grow and not only learn, but look forward to their weekly lessons and enjoy playing for the sake of playing when they have downtime, want to jam with friends, or take the edge off homework stress. Francesca, who runs the show, is extremely responsive and sets up a fun spring recital where the kids get to perform in front of a crowd. Both kids have also done Hummingbird's excellent summer Rock Band Camp multiple times -- that's a blast that ends with the kids playing a mini three to four song live set.

We've been with Hummingbird for over 7 years. All three of my children's music journey started…read morethere. Professional, warm, talented, fun, communicative and flexible - couldn't recommend them enough. Francesca has created an incredible culture and sweet program of the arts.

If you're considering picking up an instrument, I highly recommend Sandy Mix! I've been going to…read morelessons with her for the last 4 1/2 years with no plans on stopping anytime soon. I seriously can't say enough good things. First of all, she's so good at teaching adults. I started with the piano and was really nervous to pick up something new at my age, but she made me feel completely comfortable - she never made me feel bad for not practicing (which took a while to get in the habit of) but gave me enough structure to help keep me progressing. And I've had the opportunity to practice playing at her annual sing-along parties, which again I was really nervous about the first couple of times, but it's the most accepting and encouraging group of people and I can mess up as many times as I want with no judgement - which I think has really helped me grow and learn how to stay calm (although my hands still tend to shake when I get started). I also appreciate how flexible and versatile Sandy is. My at-home electric piano shorted out and we were able to transition to the guitar for bit - and now have even found the ukulele! It's really fun to be able to mix it up if I want to - and Sandy is very accommodating with whatever I feel like doing on that day. Although lessons do tend to be better when I do practice, it's always fun and I leave in a much better mood than I came. And I now rarely miss a day of practice, which is a testament to how much I love it! Music really has become such a fun hobby and has enriched my life in so many ways - and I'm really so grateful that I found Sandy. It's never too late to start something new...

Love this sister of mine. I've known Sandy since I was very young. She is smart as hell and knows a…read morelot about music. We both played trumpet together in junior high through high school and I had to work hard to compete with her mastery of music. Years later, she is still at it. I found out not too recently that Sandy has played many instruments and has taught them as well. I'm impressed by her ambition to teach those who yearn to learn. Got me excited enough to dust off the trumpet and give it a go. Got a musical itch to scratch?

We purchased our very first piano from here at the beginning of the pandemic. We figured that…read moresince we'd be staying home more often, why not purchase a real piano!? We made an appointment to come in and Ulysses helped us out. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and helped us through the process. He didn't rush us or pressure us to buy a piano, and he was patient in answering all our questions. We went home that same day to think about which piano we wanted to get and returned a week later to purchase a Yamaha upright piano. Overall, it was a great experience and we now have a beautiful piano!

Update: Gary responded to this review... and then deleted his response a day later…read more After reading it, I actually understand and respect the appointment-only business model. If customers want a private showroom experience, that's completely reasonable. Plenty of luxury businesses operate that way. The problem was never the appointment policy. The problem was how a potential customer was treated. I live next door and have been curious about this store for a long time. I finally saw you at the business and thought I'd ask about purchasing a piano. Instead of a simple, "We're appointment-only, but here's my card--I'd be happy to schedule you," I was dismissed while you waited for your DoorDash order. As someone who works in marketing and customer experience, this felt like a textbook example of turning a warm lead into a lost customer. Your original response then spent paragraphs explaining why I shouldn't have expected service, but not one sentence expressing regret that a genuinely interested buyer walked away with a bad experience. That said, I'm adjusting this to a 2-star rating because I did see some effort to acknowledge my post, even if it ultimately fell short. Businesses don't earn loyal customers by proving they're technically correct. They earn them by making people feel welcome. A 30-second conversation could have turned me into a customer. Instead, it turned me into someone who will be buying a piano elsewhere. If you already have an appointment, I'm sure the experience may be perfectly fine. But if you're hoping to stop in, ask a question, or get a feel for the place before committing, don't expect much hospitality. That's ultimately why I'm leaving this review--not because the business is appointment-only, but because customer service begins long before the appointment ever does.

I will be honest: the idea of taking piano lessons for the first time as an adult was both an…read moreexhilarating and frightening prospect. Luckily for me, one of my good friends recommended that I check out the Community Music Center, and overall, I had an excellent experience! My instructor was Erick Peralta, and he covered both music theory and piano technique with patience and great skill. I thought that he paced the classes well, and the only reason I stopped working with him is due to leaving the Bay Area. I also appreciated how he integrated and referenced modern pop music while also making sure I learned piano standards. Finding practice piano rooms can be a challenge during peak instruction periods, but more often than not, I could find an open piano to practice right before my early afternoon classes. There were also some minor communication snafus when I tried to register for classes, but generally, staff at the center were welcoming and friendly.

We've been involved with CMC during various phases in our family. My kids took lessons here but…read moreare not aspiring musicians and one quit after middle school and the other way earlier that that. It's expensive to pay for piano lessons if your child is really not interested and we could've used that money towards kinetic activities which was more in line with what they preferred. Not all the teachers were patient with the kids and our youngest had a bad attitude and went through 3 teachers. The first instructor was a brilliant musician but was curt and impatient with him most of the time. The second instructor, another brilliant musician, asked us not to bring him back on a couple of visits. The 3rd instructor was the most patient with him but it really wasn't his cup of tea and we finally agreed there was no purpose served to keep trying to enlighten him. I have been taking adult choir lessons 4.5 years now with a CMC instructor, Ms. Wilmurt, who is just fabulous and everyone in our group classes adore and love her. She also teaches a young children's choir and the kids love her too. No instructor wants a student who is unmotivated, lacks commitment and is uncooperative. So judge carefully if you think your child or yourself are suited to take music classes. It is a big commitment but well worth the time and effort if you're truly engaged and open-minded to learn music.

This is a great store, run by musicians for musicians. I bought a mouthpiece for my sax, and they…read morewere very helpful (and patient!) with me. I also rented a trumpet for my son, who was very impressed when the owner (a professional trumpet player) tried it for him. They also have real books, reeds, rehearsal rooms and a great staff.

Brought an inexpensive alto sax in to see if it needed work. Katia was so helpful. We chatted and…read moreshe did a diagnostic on my sax and found some leaks. Wouldn't take my money. I'd go back here again!!

Super cute music store! They have way more than what you think. I went in on a whim to see if they…read morehad harmonicas, and they had three different types to choose from! I didn't even know there were that many options, but the employee was very knowledgeable, helpful, and nice! Will be back once I've mastered the C-scale harmonica

Overdue review. Started my daughter at their yamaha group with Ms Nicole, and shes fantastic, just…read moreenough firmness and still fun. My daughter completed 2 recitals. Now she is in drums with Henry, another ever so patient instructor, he is also teaching my other daughter who was only 5yrs old when she started.

Angel is an incredible vocal coach and musician. I came in as a total beginner, and he met me where…read moreI was--with patience, insight, and a great sense of humor. His guidance helped me build a strong foundation in singing that I'll carry with me for life. Angel accompanies lessons on piano with such ease and artistry--it makes the whole experience feel rich and grounded. He's not just a teacher, he's a true musician, and it shows in everything he does. If you're thinking about taking lessons with him, do it. I'm so glad I did.

Angel is a great teacher. He is patient and understanding. He takes the time to explain the music…read moreto you, so you understand it. He goes at your pace, not pressuring you but encouraging you. Highly recommend.

I highly recommend Herman as a piano teacher, especially if you are an adult beginner like me. I…read morecame in with zero prior experience and am quite happy with the progress I've made in just a couple of months. Herman has many years of experience teaching students of all ages and differing levels of skill. Therefore, he knows what works and what doesn't. He has thought deeply about piano pedagogy and is able to tailor lessons to each student's needs. On top of that, Herman is extremely kind and patient which I deeply appreciate. Having an encouraging teacher really helps one get over the initial hump of trying something new. Lastly, he teaches in a beautiful studio in Duboce Triangle which is centrally located and easily accessible by MUNI.

I started lessons with Herman about a year ago after an 8-year break from piano, and it's been one…read moreof the best decisions I've made. Coming back after such a long gap, I was honestly a little intimidated because my technique was rusty and I wasn't sure how quickly I'd be able to pick things back up. Herman took the time to really understand where I was starting from and built a plan around that, rather than just handing me a generic curriculum. What I appreciate most is his patience and encouragement. If I'm struggling with a piece or feeling frustrated with my progress, he doesn't make a big deal of it, he just adjusted and kept things moving. Herman finds the sweet spot of balancing encouragement but the right amount of pressure so I will grow, without feeling discouraged. I can't recommend Herman highly enough, whether you're returning to piano after a break or starting new.

Barbara is a fantastic teacher! Barbara is knowledgeable, kind, and a joy to be around. My 11 year…read moreold has been taking piano lessons with Barbara since she was 6, and really connected with her and her teaching style. Barbara's lessons include learning different types of music, as well as developing an understanding of music theory. She also puts together a recital 1-2 times a year that is really fun to attend, and allows the students to meet and see each other perform. I would highly recommend her to everyone.

Barbara taught piano to all three of my children for most of their childhood. She worked very…read moresuccessfully with many different ages - starting off our youngest with playful, manageable pieces that helped her gain confidence and learn music theory. She had the wisdom to use different book series for my two children who are closest in age so that they wouldn't feel like they were competing with one another. She worked with our oldest on extremely complex music, helping him dig deeply into classical works, stick with them until mastery, and learn how to perform them with musicality and joy. Barbara is incredibly reliable, easy to work with, and charges very reasonable rates. She is also a kind Noe Valley neighbor who helps bring everyone together around music, including planning a recital every spring for her students to experience performing. We're so grateful to Barbara for sharing her talents with our children!