Our teen granddaughter took Voice Lessons with Christine Lao through Raffia Music. Christine was easy to work with and flexible if we needed a schedule change. She helped our granddaughter prepare for a theater audition and we saw her vocal skills and her confidence soar! She received many positive comments during her audition and the difference before and after voice lessons were noticeable! Highly recommend! read more

Love this studio!! Woman owned! My daughter is now 7 and has been taking lessons here since she was 4. I took piano lessons from age eight until age 16 and wanted a place that could start my daughter sooner. Raffia Music Studio was the only one that would start my kid at 4, plus it offers so many other types of musical instruments, voice and performance training. I am a serious researcher. I have always made exhaustive lists weighing the pros and cons of any endeavor. After researching several studios, I decided this was the one! Consistency is key in becoming good. We've had the same teacher since we began 3 years ago. Srimal is not only a teacher, but performs regularly with a band around town. I appreciate when a teacher also honors their craft by doing it. Srimal is very patient. Works to get the best out of his students. Pushes them, but also meets them where they are. Every winter, there is a recital where you get to enjoy seeing all the students performing their pieces. I highly recommend Raffia Music Studio! read more

Miss Emily is such a great piano/voice teacher. She connected well with my daughter and I have seen such great improvement in the few months my daughter has been taking lessons. Miss Emily also has done wonders boosting my daughters confidence. She usually has great anxiety, but overcame her anxiety and performed so well at the music recital! Raffia has also been a joy to work with. The whole process has beeen flawless and I have never had any issues getting any questions I have answered immediately. I highly recommend Raffia Music Studio. read more

Raffia Music Studio - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Lomita, California

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I'm lucky to to know Raffia and CC from their Jazz shows in Santa Monica, Venice Beach and Marina Del Rey. Supportive of the School too by attending CC's Shows at Harvelle's. He does that to support the Young Minds Foundation. That supports the kids needing funding to learn music and get equipment etc. If you have heard their performances, Lucky You. I'm sure it comes through to each and every one of their students, that they are passionate about music. read more

Raffia Music Studio - Raffia filled the room with her terrific voice at this Jazz show I attended. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Lomita, California

Terri my guitar teacher was professional and knowledgeable. He has played with professional musicians and studied music in school. He is highly educated. Terri can make guitar fun and interesting. He can talk about all aspects of music and help you understand almost any concept you're curious about or want to learn. I am in my 40 s and I really felt like I learned allot and gained confidence working with Terri. For example he taught me how to string my guitar if the string broke . He is very practical . Raffia the owner was amazing very accomplished herself and was very flexible and accommodating on my payments. The music studio has private rooms and is set up very nice and clean with refreshments. I definitely recommend read more

My wife and I love this music studio! Our 8-year-old daughter is autistic and was paired with a wonderful and talented instructor who has experience with people with disabilities. She was kind and patient with our daughter and was able to help her engage and focus by her second session. The studio is very welcoming, neat and organized. We're looking forward to seeing where this progresses. Thank you Miss C. And Raffia Music Studio. read more

Raffia Music Studio - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Lomita, California

Signed up on their website for lessons. Rearranged our schedules to make it, paid and when we got there- no one knew what was going on. They said we could text and arrange a virtual lesson. Trying to text has been a train wreck- she texts and says Monday the 23rd- Monday is the 20th?? Zero respect for people's time or money read more

My daughter has been taking piano lessons with Raffia Music Studio. Her lessons are with Ms Emily and she's learned so much. I'm very impressed on how fast my daughter has learned to read notes. My daughter is so engaged and at every lesson she builds on her piano vocabulary and skill set. She just participated in her very first recital. Which was a success. She enjoys learning to play and repeatedly asks me for more lessons each month. Thank you Raffia Music Studio. read more

My son started taking vocal lessons with Raffia last year, and It's been a wonderful experience ever since. He is very involved in musical theater but was having some challenges after his voice changed (13 year boy). Raffia has been able to help him find his voice and work on songs for auditions that really feature his range and style. My son looks forward to each lesson and is so grateful that we found her to work with him. He's done virtual and in person lessons. Raffia is patient, encouraging and motivating. She is an incredible singer too!! read more

I highly recommend Raffia not only because I occasionally work with one of the owners Cecil Thomas outside of Raffia on touring concerts but I know him with his integrity and determination to educate children and people of all ages musically and artistically that enhances a person's growth and further develop an awareness of self, inner strength, creativity, skills, and learning of how to be a better human being in the world. This type of education has been all but eliminated in the US public school system and that's a good enough reason why I recommend Raffia that will help to complete the job that public schools have dismissed. Ultimately it is to make a better future for the world. This is pianist/ keyboardist Terry Burrus of New York City. read more

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A year ago, after looking at many different places I decided to take my daughter to Raffia music studio for a trial voice lesson. From the moment we first spoke to Raffia we were welcomed with open arms. Christi (my daughter's instructor) has helped her tremendously with learning how to use her voice, project and feel confident performing on stage. As my daughters interest in music has grown, Christi met her where she was at and also harnessed her interest in also learning to play the piano. I am so thankful that we found not only a Music studio that is fantastic, but created lasting relationships with all the amazing instructors. read more

The Raffia Music Studio is close to my heart. As a long time friend and colleague of C.C. Thomas and more recently Raffia, I can say with all certainty that any child who gets to be in the presence of these amazing musicians/artists will surely have a life changing experience. I am proud and humbled to be serving on the board of directors. Kids don't just get a music lesson. They have the opportunity to try new things they wouldn't have the opportunity to do, including the technical side of the music industry. I won't list the professional credentials of these well respected and loved humans. You can google them. Not everyone who performs can teach. C.C. and Raffia have always kept sharing their skills and wisdom with young and old alike a cornerstone in their very successful lives. I've seen, heard and felt the magic at the recitals they produce. This is not the music lessons of my childhood. This is next level. And all levels of skill, from beginners to more advanced will find this studio a place to learn, expand and grow. Feel seen, heard and honored. Music has a profoundly positive effect on child brain development. Stress relief, creativity, listening skills, and self-esteem are but a few of the essential benefits. I will always be grateful that my parents made music lessons a priority. Every child deserves a chance to have that gift. Music also connects us at a heart level and reminds us that we are all one. read more

When my daughter, Tyler first came to me and wanted to start taking vocal lessons ... I wanted her to learn from the best! Being a professional vocalist and a Grammy Nominated recording artist myself ... it was very important to me to find a school that would guide and teach her proper techniques that would carry her through out her music endeavors and career! The Raffia Music Studio was the perfect learning center for my daughter! As a direct result of Raffia's tutorage ... I have witness Tyler develop into quite the aspiring artist. Not only has she blossomed as a vocalist ... Tyler has also gained confidence in herself in every area of her life ... Thanks Raffia Music Studio! ... You and your entire staff of educators are simply the best!!! Terry Steele read more

Raffia Music Studio is the Best! My son has been with them for 3 years learning the piano with Sirmal. He is on his way of becoming a great pianist. Their recitals are well put together and the students love it and we are her to support them. My family loves Raffia and Sirmal. R. Roberts read more

Raffia Ford Thomas is a dedicated teacher who welcomes students of all ages and all levels of proficiency to her music studio. As a vocal coach, and fellow Vocalist and Musician, I once participated in a lovely afternoon workshop, and her students were enthusiastic, and it was a pleasure to encourage them to go deeper and learn more. I highly recommend Raffia Music Studio. If you're interested in vocals or instrumental music regardless of your level, you will find something to offer. read more

I've been singing for church since I was a teenager but never received any formal training. Always thought about it, but never did it for one reason or another (money, time, age, "if it ain't broke why fix it?" etc.). However, after getting Covid in 2022, I noticed that my lung capacity and range unfortunately had diminished to an extent. After talking with a singer who shared how she was able to improve her singing post-Covid with vocal coaching techniques, I decided to give vocal coaching a try. In January 2024 I chose RMS primarily for its convenient location but also because of the reviews and the experience of the staff. Raffia, the owner, called me to introduce herself and her studio and to find out what my goals were. I immediately liked her! She was very friendly and genuinely interested in making sure I was placed with an appropriate instructor. In the end, SHE became my instructor, and she's been great! She's very patient, easy to work with, and an enthusiastic coach. She definitely knows her stuff. And it's really been a blessing to receive her guidance on all the vocal techniques pros like her use that now have improved my singing and vocal techniques. If time travel were possible, I would definitely transport my younger self to the future every week just so I could get coaching from her! :) read more

The Raffia Music Studio is one of a kind. Both Raffia and CC are amazing talents as well as amazing teachers. Their passion and drive to help serve the communities through music is inspiring. The amount of intention they have to their craft and to people is filled with so much care and thought. Anyone would be more than lucky and blessed to have such amazing, caring, and talented people as your instructors. read more

Combining love, joy, great skill, and enthusiasm with a genuine interest in a persons success creates an environment for a transformational experience! This is what I've seen transpire at Raffia Music School! HOW PROUD I am to have witnessed this and even more HONORED to be an unwavering supporter, participant, and fan! COME! Join the rest of us kids from 2 to 92 :) read more

Possitive: Profesional, Great communication, flexible I'm happy to have found Raffia Music Studio. Raffia and and her team are knowledgeable, patient, friendly and have good connection with the kids. Would definitely recommend. read more

You found the right place! Raffia Music Studio has wonderful music program opportunities waiting for you. Raffia's teaching style is skillfully balanced with encouragement and furthering current skills of her students on an individual basis (I love this vs. cookie cutter lessons that don't always meet you where you are). She is a great performer and her musical knowledge is extensive through her studies and hands on experience from live to recording to teaching and more. Oh and I must mention that loves children which is very important to me and her team of professional instructors are carefully hand picked to meet her high standards. I've worked with Raffia for years now and she's consistent. If you are seeking a friendly environment (in studio or virtually) and people who care, choose Raffia Music Studio. read more

My two daughters ages 6 and 8 years old have been attending Raffia Music Studio for piano lessons for over a year and have really enjoyed their experience and have made significant progress. I reached out to the owner Raffia to inquire based on positive things I had heard regarding the studio. She is wonderful, communicates well, and pricing is very reasonable. The studio provides a comfortable atmosphere and parking is readily available. The piano instructor Srimal is an excellent teacher and the girls really look forward to their weekly lessons. The girls had a great time performing at the Spring recital, which Raffia sets up for family and friends to come watch the students showcase their talent. We just recently signed up the girls for voice lessons as well, after they had a great time doing a trial lesson with their voice instructor Emily. Thank you again to Raffia Music Studio! Highly recommended. read more

This school is teaching music and students are playing instruments & singing the future is bright for all the children. I highly recommend Raffia Music Studio The work they put in for the children is wonderful. read more

I am amazed at how much progress my children made in just the first several lessons! By the fourth lesson in piano and guitar each of my children were playing songs - especially impressive that my piano player was playing with two hands. The approach to teaching allows the students to get comfortable with finger placement and cords very quickly. The teachers are also flexible in teaching the student's requested songs, which keeps them interested and engaged. We did individual guitar lessons for my stage brave child and group piano (though they have individualized attention) for my shy child. Both were great experiences. I highly recommend! read more

I've been a student at Raffia Music Studio since February 2019, when at the age of 56 I decided to take on singing as a new form of expression and I knew I needed help. I was looking for a teacher who can provide me the guidance I needed in this new adventure and Raffia was there to hold my hand through that process... I am now entering the fifth month of my fifth year as a student at RMS and I am getting piano lessons from Srimal and guitar lessons from Christi which have allowed me to accompany my singing and grow as a musician! I didn't expect music to have such an impact in my life, but here I am committed and still very excited about my lessons... read more

My sons started getting piano lessons from Raffia 8 years ago. Raffia was excellent at meeting them at their skill level as well as their developmental level as children. My sons always found her to be fun and engaging. After reaching a certain level in piano, they moved on to their next piano teacher, Srimal, who they now not only consider to be their instructor, but also a mentor. They have had an excellent experience with both of these instructors all these 8 years. Raffia provides a warm and inviting environment and provides her students with opportunities throughout the year to perform and showcase their acquired skills. I highly recommend this studio and the very knowledgeable and friendly instructors! read more

Raffia Music Studio is one of the best in the City. The music and education is top notch, with awesome instructors and all around good people to work with. In addition, the studio also works with the "Music for young minds foundation" which donates scholarships to deserving students who might need assistance in paying for lessons. I donate regularly to help keep real music alive in the community. Vince G read more

Ms. Raffia is a dedicated teacher who welcomes everyone with open arms and is an amazing teacher. My daughter has been taking classes with her for six years now and you can definitely hear the growth in her voice and she always looks forward to her class. She has also taken classes with some of the other teachers and are all amazing. read more

Raffia Music Studio - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Lomita, California

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When my daughter asked for vocal lessons I immediately reached out to Raffia! Even on opposite coasts, she welcomed my daughter as a new student! She provided weekly virtual singing lessons that quickly became the highlight of the week. She is patient, encouraging, and gently pushes for excellence. She has left a lasting impression on my daughter who is now 9. My daughter took some time off from singing but still keeps in touch. When she is ready to return we will be back! read more

Raffia is the sweetest and most caring human you will ever meet. Her studio has great teachers who are incredibly talented and are passionate about teaching music. I could not give a higher recommendation. read more

What an amazing place! In a short amount of time I have learned so much. Srimal is amazing!

Shout out to Raffia Music School!! Raffia is an incredible vocalist and her passion for teaching music is evident in this beautiful school. Because of Raffia and this school so many kids get the opportunity to learn music who wouldn't have the opportunity otherwise. Thank you, Raffia Music School for everything you do!! read more

I am so blessed to have met Ms. Raffia Ford! God truly knows the people who He puts in your life :) not only she is an amazing DIVA she also is an AWESOME vocal coach/teacher, pianist, great person, kind friend, rolled into one.... I couldn't thank her enough for helping me get back into singing again! Lost my confidence, my voice and the ability to sing until one day I made a call to her, she answered promptly and the rest is history! I recommend Rafiia Music Studio if you want your dreams to come true :) read more

We have been attending for years and have taken voice, piano and guitar with three different instructors and they all have been great experiences. Raffia is always professional, responsive, flexible and a pleasure to communicate with. Highly recommend this studio. We usually take breaks due to sports and conflicting schedules but always return. read more

I've been attending Raffia music studio for around six months now, I've always wanted to take some singing lessons and thankfully I was gifted them for Christmas. As soon as I stepped inside the building I was greeted by Raffia and her amazing team. Each lesson I take, I get more and more comfortable singing and I can even hear the growth of my voice! Raffia is a dream to work with, she helps in any and every way and has made my experience so much more enjoyable! I recommend this place for kids and adults of all ages! read more

It's been a lot of fun learning how to play guitar here . They definitely help me learn different things while keeping it entertaining and challenging throughout. read more

Raffia is not only a great teacher but also a great vocal coach. I've seen her work in the studio and she can bring the best out in an artist who is recording or someone who is preparing for a live show performance! Excellent choice for a beginner right on up to a seasoned professional!!!! Not to mention she is a phenomenal vocalist in her own right! I highly recommend her! read more

I finally decided to take piano lessons again and when I did a quick search I found Raffia in my neighborhood. So happy I made that call! She is an excellent instructor and such a pleasure to be around person-to-person. I highly recommend her and her studio to people of any age looking for music lessons. read more

Raffia Ford is a consummate, professional vocalist with a wide range of performing and teaching experience in music. This school has some of the most talented instructors who are also active performers and artists in the music industry. This means that they offer a practical, no-nonsense approach to learning an instrument in a fun way that goes at the student's own pace. They also hold recitals which provide a time to showcase and share what you have learned as well as motivate you to practice. I highly recommend this school! read more

OMG! Hi Everyone! I'm pretty sure this is my first Yelp review I've ever done! Anywho, I just wanna say I'm honestly so happy I decided to take vocal lessons with Raffia as my coach. She has taught me so much in the little time I've been taking her classes. Which is about three months. These lessons make me so excited for my future and the future of my voice! Just to see how I improve lesson to lesson is really dope and super motivating! I HIGHLY recommend her! She's AMAZING! read more

Raffia has been so wonderful! My daughter has been doing vocal and piano lessons since the summer and she absolutely loves it. She has learned a lot in a short time and I am excited to see her growth. Raffia is patient and kind, yet fun and she is helping build confidence in my daughter in an area that she needs it. I am so very pleased with her instruction and I would hands down recommend her to anyone who was seeking either vocal or piano lessons. read more