Find a music lesson in Oakland, CA

Find music lessons in Oakland, CA

Find music lessons in Oakland, CA

Confirm your location to see the best music classes near you.
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Find music lessons in Oakland, CA

Confirm your location to see the best music classes near you.
Zip code

Top 10 music classes in Oakland, CA

Students agree: these Oakland music lessons are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Smart Hands And Minds

Smart Hands And Minds

4.9Exceptional(12)
11 hires on Lessons.com
25+ years in business
Serves Oakland, CA & Online
Ian K. says, "I am an adult student taking piano lessons from Marshal. I have found him to be a great teacher who genuinely understands teaching at its core. He does not simply hand you a textbook and tell you to start on page one as if you are a machine awaiting programming. He instead gauged my current skill level and based off of that determined what to focus on or even to postpone an idea if it wasn't relevant/helping at that moment. If you laid out every lesson I have done with him the focus might seem scattered but I know firsthand it's exactly what I needed at the time and my skill progression has felt nothing but smooth and natural through his teachings." Read more
Ken Aram

Ken Aram

4.8Excellent(6)
65 hires on Lessons.com
22+ years in business
Serves Oakland, CA & Online
Christopher Austin L. says, "Ken Aram’s professionalism, knowledge, expertise, and consistency as an instructor of vocals has been a great pleasure to work with and allowed me to go to another level of vocal ability that I kept dreaming of until I started seeing results thanks to him. Ken has always shown great enthusiasm and patience throughout my difficult journey to grow as a vocal student. Also, Ken is very friendly, and I got to know him as a great friend." Read more
Yanowitz Tutoring Services

Yanowitz Tutoring Services

Serves Oakland, CA & Online
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.)...
Vida's Music Studio

Vida's Music Studio

Serves Oakland, CA
Teaching has always been Vida's passion. Rich in experience teaching piano, Vida can help students of all ages, especially beginners. If you're looking for a fun, engaging, and supportive learning environment, look no further. Vida's class will focus first on the technique and coordination skills, so that accuracy and precision become second nature for you. All of her lessons are individually tailored for each of her student.
Amazing Accordion

Amazing Accordion

5.0Exceptional(9)
7 hires on Lessons.com
Serves Oakland, CA & Online
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
Music Lessons With David Lopez-White

Music Lessons With David Lopez-White

5.0Exceptional(13)
10 hires on Lessons.com
27+ years in business
Serves Oakland, CA & Online
Maan A. says, "I've been taking lessons with David for almost a year now, and he always goes above and beyond. Highly recommend as his passion for flamenco and teaching shows in his lessons" Read more
SHREDLAB Guitar Lesson Studio

SHREDLAB Guitar Lesson Studio

4.0(1)
14 hires on Lessons.com
11+ years in business
Serves Oakland, CA & Online
Kevin K. says, "Andy is good teacher and takes me along at a pace that is challenging, but not overly so." Read more
Ali Soliman Drum Lessons

Ali Soliman Drum Lessons

5.0Exceptional(11)
3 hires on Lessons.com
14+ years in business
Serves Oakland, CA
Amber G. says, "I've been taking lessons with Ali on Tabla and standard drum kit and I am so happy to have found him! Not only is he a talented percussionist, you can tell he's also incredibly passionate about teaching. He's really great. He's always prepared for our lessons and I'm learning so much each time we meet. It's also nice that he has a convenient home studio with lots of drums to choose from! Overall, A+++ experience with Ali!!" Read more
Sheldon's Drum Lessons

Sheldon's Drum Lessons

6+ years in business
Serves Oakland, CA & Online
I am a drummer with years of experience in the Jazz Field. I have a plethora of connections with bay area musicians and educators who can bring your knowledge of the Jazz idiom to the next level. I love teaching especially at the beginner level and watching people grow, trying to achieve their goal of becoming not only a drummer but a musician. Right now, I am taking a short break in between my bachelor of Jazz studies at the California Jazz Conservatory and have specifically studied under Gerald Cleaver, Alan Hall, Hamir Atwal, and Dillon Vado. I am excited to meet you and help you achieve your goals.
Susan's Piano Services

Susan's Piano Services

5.0(3)
11 hires on Lessons.com
15+ years in business
Serves Oakland, CA & Online
Samantha B. says, "We really like Ms. Susan. She is a wonderful piano teacher and very patient with my daughter! Highly recommend her." Read more

Your Music Lessons questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.com.

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 Oakland music classes

Recent success stories from people in the Oakland area.
Rameez S.
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!
Smart Hands and Minds
Noura M.
"Ken Aram is a skilled teacher who effectively conveys a love for drawing to kids online, and he has taught my children very well."
Ken Aram
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
Ethan M.
Kind and knowledgeable teacher. I would highly recommend David to anyone looking to pick up the bass.
Music Lessons with David Lopez-White
Apple U.
Ali is an amazing drum instructor. He is very patient, professional and very kind. My daughter never wants to miss a class with him.
Ali Soliman Drum Lessons
Sue H.
Ms Susan is organized and communicates clearly about lesson schedules and expectations. We are grateful for the progress our son has made and the passion for music he has developed. My son is always at ease and confident during lessons. I highly recommend her teachings and am very pleased with all she has to offer through her lessons. Blessed to have her as a part of my sons learning environment ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Susan's piano services
Ricardo
Samuel is an awesome teacher and a friend. I have improved so much with my dizi and look forward yo lessons in the years to come. He is very talented, patient, and kind. Thank you teach!
Samuel Bai Music
Laura N.
I took lessons with Naomi during all four years of high school and she was amazing in helping me grow as a cellist. She was always so encouraging and made her lessons engaging and exciting! She did a fantastic job of training technique, working on improving my musical ear, and helping me expand my musical palate. I would highly recommend her as a teacher to anyone looking to refine their musical skill and technique!
Naomi Stoodley's Cello Studio in San Francisco, CA
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