Find a music lesson in Berkeley, CA

Find music lessons in Berkeley, CA

Find music lessons in Berkeley, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best music classes in your area.
Zip code

Find music lessons in Berkeley, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best music classes in your area.
Zip code

Top 10 music classes in Berkeley, CA

Students agree: these Berkeley music lessons are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Jon Swann Music Lessons

Jon Swann Music Lessons

5.0Exceptional(5)
Offers online services
4 hires on Lessons
20+ years in business
Serves Berkeley, CA
Elizabeth M. says, "Knowledgeable, fun, and tailors each lesson to my needs and interests. Great teacher. " Read more
Ali Soliman Drum Lessons

Ali Soliman Drum Lessons

5.0Exceptional(5)
2 hires on Lessons
13+ years in business
Serves Berkeley, CA
Gaurav G. says, "Ali is super disciplined and talented. Our 12 year daughter enjoys her drum lessons because Ali makes them fun and interesting. He brings in a mix of traditional and modern ways of learning. Ali's exposure to different percussion instruments and cultures is a strong value add to classic drum lessons." Read more
Amazing Accordion

Amazing Accordion

5.0Exceptional(9)
Offers online services
3 hires on Lessons
Serves Berkeley, CA
Michael C. says, "Aaron is quite excellent for piano accordion lessons. Patient and perceptive about where your current challenges/weaknesses lie and clever at proposing exercises/remedies for those weaknesses. Very low-key, easy-going, professional, and high quality teaching. Highly recommended with no reservations. " Read more
Smart Hands And Minds

Smart Hands And Minds

4.9Exceptional(11)
Offers online services
5 hires on Lessons
24+ years in business
Serves Berkeley, CA
Rameez S. says, "Marshal is a great teacher. My son is getting home lessons and I am quite happy with his progress. Marshal understands my child and tries new techniques at his level. Marshal listens to my child and talks to him which makes it easier for him to learn. Marshal is a decent man who talks less but makes sure he is working hard. Would definitely recommend him!" Read more
Johan Stone

Johan Stone

New on Lessons
Offers online services
14+ years in business
Serves Berkeley, CA
Hi, my name is Johan. I recently moved from Nashville to SF and I have been a musician all my life. In Nashville I played with several bands, professionally, spent most of my days on the road, touring the country, recording ,writing and performing. Now I'm in SF and would like to teach you the joy of music.
Richard - Piano Teacher And Concert Pianist With 25 Years Experience

Richard - Piano Teacher And Concert Pianist With 25 Years Experience

5.0(4)
1 hire on Lessons
26+ years in business
Serves Berkeley, CA
Judy F. says, "It was great to meet and get to know Richard in person after getting connected on Lesson.com. Richard is very patient and adapt quickly to my children’s learning style. He is very knowledgeable, able to give constructive feedback, and make piano learning and practice more fun and engaging. I would strongly recommend Richard to anyone learning piano. Thank you, Richard! Looking forward to our lessons again soon." Read more
Monica Williams

Monica Williams

5.0(2)
Offers online services
2 hires on Lessons
24+ years in business
Serves Berkeley, CA
Gina W. says, "My daughter has been taking flute lessons with Monica for four years, and we can't say enough wonderful things about our experience. After her lessons my daughter always says how much fun she had. Monica is very patient, and she understands how to motivate and foster a love for music in her students. Monica is a very talented teacher, and my daughter has won both national and international contests under Monica's guidance. We highly recommend her!" Read more
Yanowitz Tutoring Services

Yanowitz Tutoring Services

New on Lessons
Offers online services
Serves Berkeley, CA
I tailor lessons to students' unique learning styles and interests. Depending on student's interests I can teach a combination of sight reading, harmony, ear training, technique, and songwriting. I have taught popular, jazz, and contemporary piano styles to students of diverse ages ranging from 5 to 65. I hold a Bachelor's Degree from Yale, a certificate in jazz piano and composition from the acclaimed Dick Grove School of Music, and an MS/MBA from Purdue. I enjoy watching my students's improve their performance skills and seeing it carry over to other parts of their life (i.e. school, work, confidence, and discipline.)...
Dillon Vado's School Of Music

Dillon Vado's School Of Music

5.0Exceptional(13)
Top Pro
Offers online services
9 hires on Lessons
14+ years in business
Serves Berkeley, CA
Arav B. says, "My favorite part of being Dillon's student was his willingness to tailor his lessons to my particular needs, and his ability to teach me not just as a musician but also as a fellow human. Dillon was versatile, teaching me how to play many different percussion instruments. He helped me see through many of my goals and was the first music teacher who challenged and empowered me to feel like a true musician. My time with Dillon have profoundly impacted not only my relationship with playing music, but his mentorship during and beyond lessons has also shaped how I approach life as a whole." Read more
Marco Ghezzo Violin Lessons

Marco Ghezzo Violin Lessons

New on Lessons
2 hires on Lessons
15+ years in business
Serves Berkeley, CA
I'm a italian violinist with 20 years of professional history specialized in Gypsy and Estern European music, Swing,European Folk. The past 10 i played with many bands (Taluna, Bristol,KELMO, Guajiro Valentano) touring in Europe,Usa, Mexico and Central America. Text the name of this band in Youtube or my name for check sound videos. My fb account a artist is M-Arcush Ghezzo.

Your Music Lessons questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.

How much do music lessons cost?

Music lessons cost $40 to $90 per hour. Most teachers offer weekly lessons in order to provide regular feedback, keep students motivated, and provide enough opportunities to learn new techniques and pieces of music. More frequent lessons do not provide enough time to practice and master skills between lessons.

To save money on music lessons consider group lessons, which are often cheaper than private lessons and allow you to learn from other students. Another option is to take online lessons which tend to be more affordable than in-person lessons and can be a great way to learn from a qualified teacher that isn't local. Finally, look for scholarships or grants to help pay for music lessons.

At what age can you start music lessons?

The best age to start music lessons depends on the individual and their interests. Most experts agree that children can start learning music as early as 3 or 4 years old when they can communicate and follow instructions. There is no age that is too late to take music lessons – even seniors can benefit from learning or improving their musical skills.

Studies have shown that children who are exposed to music at an early age have better language skills, memory, and problem-solving skills. Music lessons help improve fine motor skills like hand-eye coordination and finger dexterity which are important for other activities like writing and drawing. Learning to play an instrument can also build a child's self-confidence and help to develop a child's creativity.

How long does it take to learn an instrument?

The amount of time it takes to learn an instrument depends on the instrument, the student's age, and the amount of time they practice. In general, it takes several months to a year to learn the basics of most instruments including how to read music and play basic scales and chords. With regular practice, students can expect to play simple songs within a few months.

Piano, guitar, and percussion instruments are some of the easier instruments to learn. Strings and horn instruments take a bit longer to learn. Becoming proficient at any instrument takes several years of lessons and regular practice.

Do I need an instrument at home to take music lessons?

No, you do not need an instrument at home to take music lessons, but it does make it easier to practice and improve your skills. Without an instrument at home, you will need to find an instrument to practice between lessons if you hope to improve.

Before investing in any musical instrument, you will want to talk with the music teacher to find the instrument that is right for you. Guitars are a popular instrument for beginners since they are relatively inexpensive to buy. The flute is another simple instrument to learn and is a good choice for students who want to learn to play an instrument quickly. Pianos are a more costly instrument but are a popular choice for families since everyone can enjoy playing the same instrument.

How do online music lessons work?

Online music lessons are similar to in-person lessons, only the teacher and student are not in the same physical location. Using video conferencing platforms such as Skype or Zoom, the teacher and students can communicate with each other from the privacy of their homes.

In order to take advantage of the affordable online lessons, you need a computer and internet connection with good audio and video quality to avoid frustration. The teacher and student join the video call and the lesson proceeds in the same way they would for an in-person lesson. Online music lessons require more focus and patience and are not suggested for very young students.

What questions should I ask a music teacher?

Here are some important questions you should ask a music teacher before you start taking lessons:

  • What is your teaching style?
  • What is your experience teaching music?
  • What are your rates?
  • How long are your lessons?
  • What is your availability?
  • What are your expectations for students?
  • Can you provide references from your current and past students?

How do I choose a music teacher?

Choosing a qualified music teacher is important for those wanting to learn or develop their musical skills. Find a teacher that fits your schedule, budget, and learning style by following these recommendations:

  • Look for a teacher with a degree in music or years of experience teaching your preferred instrument.
  • Make sure the teacher with a teaching style that suits you. For example, if you learn better with a more formal teacher that focuses on technique, don't choose a teacher that is more relaxed and focuses on creative, free-style playing.
  • Find a teacher that is affordable for your budget and has availability for lessons that fit your schedule.
  • Confirm that the teacher will help you reach your goals whether it is to learn a new instrument, read music, learn music theory, or just have fun.How do I choose a music teacher?

Reviews for Berkeley music classes

Recent success stories from people in the Berkeley area.
David S.
I took private lessons with Jon for almost two years in high school. He was always very knowledgeable and helpful, and was a major factor in my success those years in making All State and other Honor Bands. I only stopped taking lessons when I moved away for college, or else I'd still be taking them now! He was always organized and easy to schedule with. Definitely my best experience with a Private Instructor to date!
Jon Swann Music Lessons
Lina G.
I have been taking classes with Ali this whole year. I like studying with Ali because he breaks down the learning process very well and that helps me feel less intimidated by the instrument and motivated to continue. I highly recommend working learning from Ali.
Ali Soliman Drum Lessons
Clayton N.
Aaron has helped me a lot. Especially improving my left hand capabilities. He is familiar with many different styles of music. He is also very good at figuring out how to play pieces that were not written for accordion.
Amazing Accordion
Nicole S.
Marshal is not only a gifted musician but also highly skilled at teaching. Marshal infuses music theory into his lessons, helping me understand the meaning behind the notes. He also uses personalized techniques to help with proper hand placement and reading sheet music. As an adult student, I was nervous about picking up an instrument but Marshal customized his curriculum to my learning style, characteristics and ability, making my journey with the piano an enjoyable yet challenging experience! I've been working with Marshal for only a few months and I've made great strides in my ability to both read sheet music and play the piano. He's also very patient and highly personable! I highly recommend working with Marshal. Very excited for my future lessons and continued piano skills growth!
Smart Hands and Minds
Allen G.
I have been receiving piano lessons from Richard since November 2019 and have found him to be an enormously encouraging and patient teacher. He explains things clearly and simply, is generous with his time, covers lots of ground without ever rushing and gives me lots of feedback and plenty to work on in between lessons. I feel as if I’ve made a lot of progress during just a couple of months and really can’t recommend him highly enough.
Richard - Piano Teacher and Concert Pianist with 25 years experience
Linda R.
I am what I call an "adult re-entry" student, when it comes to the flute. Monica believes that once you know the flute, it never leaves you! I found Monica on the Internet-about 2 years ago. She has been extremely encouraging and professional, but most of all knowledgeable and fun! Monica has gotten into the technical part of playing the flute-which I love, and never learned in the past. It makes playing the flute so enjoyable, and helps me in recognizing how to improve my playing! I have every intention of continuing to learn from Monica and to enjoy the flute. I even bought a beautiful new instrument-which was super exciting! Monica had me come to her studio-(we have lessons via Muzie or Zoom) and we spent a couple of hours with various flutes to make a wonderful decision. I highly, highly recommend Monica as a flute instructor-her love of this instrument and her students-as well as her immense patience-shows each time we have a lesson-Oh..I have also performed a solo and with a group-what an accomplishment! Thank you, Monica!!
Monica Williams
Tina C.
Dillon is not only a talented professional but also a fantastic teacher. My 4th grader has developed a passion for music and blossomed thanks to Dillon.
Dillon Vado's School of Music
Saulo Q.
Jonathan is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the guitar. He takes his time explaining and breaking concepts down and has always worked with me to meet my specific needs. I have tried lessons with other people before, and by far Jonathan has been the best experience I have ever had with a guitar instructor. I have now been taking lessons for a year and a half and am grateful for every single moment.
Shanley Guitar Lessons
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