Linda West is terrific. She knows her cellos and knows how to help you choose the cello and "wand"…read more(bow) that work together perfectly. She stays to your price point and explains the differences between instruments clearly and precisely. We can't recommend her highly enough.

Recently ordered an endpin setup online from Linda West Cellos' and when my order arrived, realized…read morethat I had made an error measuring the endpin opening on my cello. Their representative, Anne was extremely helpful with processing my return and exchange for the endpin with the proper fitting size. Hugely appreciate their customer service!

THE BEST! Right before a gig I broke a few strings on my guitar and ran straight to them for the…read morefirst time. The staff was so incredibly sweet and eager to help me. I wish I could've gotten their names. They probably fixed my guitar within 30-45 min and saved my life! Would recommend!

Tired of dealing with trash in Santa Barbara, specifically the weird upper state/uptown Santa…read moreBarbara people (like the sutter hospital case) that think they're above the law. Also dealing with children whose first or second year being employed and or running the store. So this Michael, curly haired man was telling me that they didn't have a book I wanted so I was going to resort to the normal route-buying it on Amazon and getting it shipped to my door the next day. But he insisted that he can get it transferred from another store and it'll be three days tops, he took my info down and said he'll give me a ring after it arrives. And I wanted to support local so I waited the old school way. After two weeks went by I didn't get a call or text so I decided to call them and this lady picks up and said yes they do have it. I came in the store and they didn't have it and he went off angry and screaming at me basically because I'm a dummy - 'like if you don't put a deposit down, you won't get it.' He was saying it all fast paced and clearly very annoyed of me. I mean what are they busy doing? All of the instruments I've touched are all dusty and ragged looking and most are made in china and doubled the price of online. He initially told me I didn't even need to put a deposit and now he's screaming at me and irritated at me and arguing back and forth with a customer. Unprofessional and milks the hourly doing nothing. I hope no one supports this outdated looking and made in china products store. If you want great customer service from all departments for music- go to Santa Maria, Oxnard or Westlake Village for The Guitar Center, they are super professional and they're actually rockstars that will keep you and/or your child inspired.

Kindermusik with Kathy is truly the best. I wish I had joined earlier! My almost three year old…read moreis in love with the classes, with Miss. Kathy, the songs, every part of the experience. My 5 1/2 year old is taking the Young Child 1 class and is having a blast while learning musical theory (although he doesn't know that's what he's doing!) piano, glockenspiel, note reading. The integration of movement into the class makes this truly special in that children are not just getting music classes, they are building body awareness, coordination, strength, and more. Kathy is genuinely wonderful and her teachers are also fantastic. She is warm, loving, inviting, understanding, and the kids can feel it and respond in kind. Lastly, money & schedule-wise this is by far the way to do music classes. You pay one monthly fee and then you can take your child to any of the classes (at any fo the locations!) for their age-group plus any of the family classes. Both my kids straddle the age between two different classes and Kathy has encouraged us to attend all of them when the timing is right. This is something special and personal. The music classes themselves are of the highest quality but what really makes Kindermusik with Kathy exceptional is Kathy herself. The way she runs the program makes it clear to all of us that she truly values each and every family and wants us to get the most out of the program. Plus, for the baby/toddler/[preschooler music classes there's no need to worry about make-up classes as you are able to go to any of all of them. Can't beat that!

My kids have been taking music with Kathy since they were 3 months old and recently finished the…read moreyear long young child program. There is no other program like it in Santa Barbara. They learn 4 instruments over the course of a year(recorder, piano, glockenspiel, and dulcimer) and they learn how to read notes and play songs as group with other kids playing different parts. They learn the music not in an academic way, but in a kinesthetic way. First they clap, sing or stomp the music out before they ever play a note. They act out songs and stories from all over the world. Kathy is so playful and engaging with an expert grasp on the method behind the music. Kathy is one of their all time favorite teachers and they have such a love for music because of Kinder Musik. There is something for every age group!

Crystal is not only an incredible teacher, she is just an all around incredible human. Her heart is…read moreshining in everything she touches. I have been taking voice lessons from her for just over a year. She has a way with words that perfectly describe what she hears, and then she is able to perfectly describe what you need to do strengthen your technique and grow as a singer. I have witnessed other students (young and old) express their love and appreciation to her and she returns that love right back. She is a rare gem ! She truly is passionate about what she does and it shows!

From the owner: The Magical School of Musical Arts…read more Inspiring wee folk and grown folk alike to find their voice and (re)discover their passion for music-making. Musica Anima offers group vocal masterclasses, private voice lessons, vocal coachings, and virtual voice lessons. With a belief that every human can create beautiful music with the instrument with which they were born, Musica Anima instructors utilize a whole-human approach to music exploration. Whether 9 or 99... anyone is capable of making beautiful music with their voice. As we gain a better understanding of our own unique instruments, we also gain a better understanding of ourselves. Why commit something to memory, when you can learn it by Heart?

I was a student many years ago, and played piano for 8 years, culminating with being able to play…read moreBeethoven's third movement of the Moonlight Sonata. Some of the things that piano really benefits is structure, pattern, connection, coordination. This is both a skill and a beautiful hobby that can be pursued at any age. For the young, it helps develop their mind and make important connections which adds to their learning capacity for other subjects, skills, and professional development. It is also a gentle enough hobby and brain stimulator for those who are in the later stages of life. All around, very educated and professional instructor. A bonus is yearly recitals where students not only practice performing, but gain confidence by practicing their composure in front of others.

Robbie is the BEST! A music teacher who loves music, his students and what he does! He is…read morepatient, kind and so knowledgeable with music instruction. He's been giving lessons to our family for about 5 months now and I can't even tell you the leaps and bounds of progress that is being made! He varies the lessons and music week by week, and keeps it interesting. Whether you are just starting out or want to fine tune your skill, Robbie is the teacher for you. He comes directly to your home, is prepared and makes learning how to play an instrument fun! He's affordable and flexible with his schedule. And when I say that he genuinely cares about his students, I truly mean, he cares about them. We are so lucky to have him give lessons to our family. A Santa Barbara gem!

Robbie has been a wonderful teacher. He is patient and gives easy instructions to follow. My…read moreguitar skills have vastly improved through his teachings. He is a devoted teacher and a skilled musician. He even takes extra time outside of our lessons to make recordings for me to practice with throughout the week. I would recommend him to beginning, intermediate, or skilled musicians, really anyone can benefit from him. Robbie also gives weekly goals for his students to focus on, which I feel has helped a lot. I am able to target areas that need improvement by having these goals set. I love that he will focus on the style of music that I enjoy. He has great rates as well, very affordable. Great teacher!

I took my custom built, $10,000 acoustic Koa cutaway for minor surface repair and this guy did a…read morebotch job, I was horrified, it was worse when I went to pick it up. He handed me my guitar, I was speechless! I looked at him, , trurned around and left. He knew better that to even ask me to pay him. He might be good repairing amps, but I don't think he's really a "luthier", he's not even set up to do finish work.

Great guy, does an awesome job. Handed him a bass guitar and he got it set up exactly how I wanted…read moreit.