I heard a firecracker go off across the room after I'd briefly set aside my cello. It had fallen…read moreand split down the entire back. With tears in my eyes I searched the web and found Bill, to whom I rushed the freshly damaged instrument. He was optimistic after looking things over and after explaining the break we decided to see what could be done. I soon heard from him, complete with a clear picture of the inside of the instrument. He expressed confidence that it could be repaired and likely sound at least as good as if not better than before. It's finished and sounds wonderful! He told me I did the right thing to bring it in right away rather than try to fix it myself or let it sit for a long time. So that's the advice I'll pass on to you. And I'll top it off with the feeling I was treated honestly and fairly.

I've been taking lessons from Jeff for about...5 or 6 years now. I was a total start from scratch…read morebeginner on the guitar, and Jeff is the most incredible teacher. I would rate myself today as an average-ish skilled guitar player, only because I don't practice NEARLY as much as a good and prudent student would. I play purely for hobby. I'm sure if I applied myself on that level, I would be HELLA good.... because that is how phenomenal a teacher Jeff is. He will individualize your lesson to be whatever you are seeking to experience on your guitar journey. My absolute favorite thing is asking him to teach me any random song of my choice and then proceed to watch him re-compose it in tabs or sheet music...by ear. In less than an hour. To witness his process is like watching live musical genius at work. It's so cool and fun. He is more than qualified to teach and has an impressive music education. His grasp on the classical, technical, structural aspects of music theory boggles my mind. Literally. His actual skill is quite remarkable as well. He gigs in a band, he composes his own music, his vibe is progressive east bay ARTISTÉ, funny and sarcastic as hell, patient, cool as shit and a good human being. I've seen him play live a few times, and he is entertaining to watch and always kills on the guitar. He really should be famous...and he would humbly disagree... But he's an underrated musician and I would definitely watch for this dude. If you need a guitar teacher, beginner or seeking to hone existing skills, take a chance on Jeff. You wont regret it.

Jeff is a fantastic guitar instructor…read more I have been taking lessons with Jeff for 6 years. I played guitar for many years and then stopped playing for a long time and began to miss it. Jeff has helped me find my love of playing again. Jeff's lessons are tailored to his students and what you want to learn. If you want to learn music theory Jeff will focus the lessons on that. If you'd like to learn how to play songs, you can do that. When I first started taking lessons I told him I only wanted to play rhythm guitar not lead because I wasn't good at it. The more we played together, the more I started to gain confidence through our work together. Now I am learning both rhythm and lead and having a great time playing both. Also, through the songs I'm learning I'm learning theory as well. Jeff has pushed me out of my comfort zone, in the best way. I am learning and playing things I never thought I could. His confidence in me has caused me to believe I can be a good lead player as well. He is very patient and will take doesn't mind going over things more than once. He makes sure you understand the correct technique in addition to the music on the page. Jeff understands busy lives. I work full-time and often find getting enough practice time challenging. He understands and works with my progress level. I can say my playing has improved from taking lessons with Jeff. I would highly recommend him to anyone, at any level, wanting to learn to play guitar.

You know what? I found Raphi through Yelp - thanks Yelp!…read more My daughter has been studying guitar with him since late 2015 and we are extremely happy across the board. His sessions with her are professional and productive, while simultaneously being fun, open and creative. Having experienced multiple types of extra-curricular classes, I recognize that this is a difficult balance for teachers and I appreciate him for being able to juggle it. I'm thankful that he's also game to learn the variety of pieces her dad and I ask him to teach her as well as how open he is to incorporate our goals for her musical education into his weekly lessons. Some highlights for me were: when he dissected and taught her a fairly complicated John Fahey composition, when he spent a month teaching her to be able to do spontaneous jamming, and when he slogs through teaching her to read music even though she's resistant :). He's shepherded her through a variety of music and techniques, many of them challenging for her skill-level and I'm always pleased with both the learning process and the final product. His spring showcases are always fun to attend and I love, love, love seeing the progression of his students, many of whom have been with him for years and years. At this next one, I'm excited to see a duet with my daughter and her dad, who also started taking lessons with Raphi last year. He's got a great teaching space with instruments for students to use, with plenty of parking in a great neighborhood (Laurel) to while away the time during lessons. Highly recommend him - 5 stars!

I started taking drum lessons as an adult and Raphi is the best! I tried a few instructors before I…read morefound him, and he is patient, reliable, and makes learning fun. If you are looking for a fun music instructor, I highly recommend Raphi!

I can't recommend Myles highly enough as a guitar teacher. He's a deeply knowledgeable musician…read morewith a real talent for assessing where you are as a learner and tailoring lessons to your goals. From the start, he took the time to understand what I wanted to achieve and structured our sessions accordingly. Myles is friendly, patient, and explains concepts in a way that actually makes them stick. He has a great ability to break down complex ideas into clear, manageable steps, which significantly accelerated my understanding of the fretboard. I always left lessons feeling more confident and motivated, with practical tools I could immediately apply. If you're looking for an instructor who combines technical expertise with an approachable teaching style and a genuine investment in your progress, Myles is an excellent choice--for beginners and more experienced players alike.

I sort of stumbled onto Melodies for Life after a poorly researched internet search for guitar…read morelessons in Alameda. What a great find! Myles keeps my goals in mind better than I do. He teaches to my level. He knows what it takes for me to be a better musician and guitar player. I would recommend him to anyone looking for an lessons on any rock band type instrument or vocals. He might teach other instruments, too. He seems to be able to play anything. I signed up my wife a for a month of vocal lessons for a gift. Now she sings better. Win win

So glad to see Jim active as he is the best news in progressive jazz modes…read more.. It is so simply put with no charades and judgmental posturing I have encountered before. I passed on my experiences to others who were mystified by some of the rhetoric and needed help with ear training... I was relieved to see how much could be cleared up. His courses helped me communicate better to other soloists in my band.

Jim Grantham writes the books the musicians play. He is "The Source" for Jazz Theory and Practice…read moreand presents clearly, concisely and with precision. He spans a 40+ year career as a player and teacher, and plays with the best. If you are serious about music and love Jazz, study w/ Jim. He's the best!

Our son has had only two lessons with Steve, and he looks forward to each week's lesson with Steve…read more As a musician and instructor, he's patient and knows how to engage with and communicate with our 10 year old. I might hit him up with adult lessons! I definitely recommend Steve for music lessons. Currently teaching drum lessons to our son. He rocks!

The best! Insofar as smashcraftery is concerned he is a Sultan. A rhythmic Olympian. A black…read morebelt of beats. A Tsar of syncopation. A doyen of drums. A brigadier of batterie. The top man on the totem pole when it comes to drum mastery.

I have taken guitar lessons with Andrew for about two years. I would be considered an advanced…read moreplayer, and my goal with him was to make my formal jump into jazz, and I chose Andrew's tutelage over other teachers. Andrew is a wickedly talented, extremely knowledgeable, and hard-working studio musician and live player. He really is a true working musician, and honestly the kind of player I always aspire to become. As a teacher, he's been really patient with me, but knows when he should be pushing my musicianship's bounds and limitations. The level of enthusiasm he has for teaching inspires a lot of confidence in the people he works with. I've always recommended my other friends who are both beginning and advanced players to at least try out taking lessons specifically with Andrew, with one friend taking up the mantle and several others trying to figure out a way to make it happen. Andrew has been more than just a guitar teacher and instructor. We would have conversations regarding music, the changing local scene, and the art scene associated with it. Beyond the fret board, theory, chord charts, and sheet music, he would always recommend various artists, music, soundscapes, and people to help enrich my overall learning experience. I highly suggest anyone taking their music and craft seriously to hit him up. Also, support your local musician! Andrew does write his own music and perform regularly around the Bay Area.

I've learned more about music in 3 months of lessons with Andrew than I did in the 10 years I'd…read moreplayed guitar previously. He's patient, enthusiastic and remarkably talented. I really can't recommend him highly enough.

​My girls take voice lessons from Sage and she is fabulous. Sage is the kind of person that lights…read moreup the room when she walks in. My girls love her. Everyone at Notes Academy has been nothing short of polite and professional. If the business owner happens to be around, he takes the time to introduce himself, what a gentleman. Music = Joy and that's what Notes is bringing our community. In my opinion, their success is our success. ​​ I'm so happy to have this business in my neighborhood.

Really wonderful experience so far. My 6 year old is learning so much. Loves her teacher.read more