Find a music lesson in Oakland, CA

Find music lessons in Oakland, CA

Find music lessons in Oakland, CA

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

Find music lessons in Oakland, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best music classes in your area.
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(11)
Offers online services
3 hires on Lessons
23+ years in business
Serves Oakland, 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
Dillon Vado's School Of Music

Dillon Vado's School Of Music

5.0Exceptional(13)
Top Pro
Offers online services
8 hires on Lessons
13+ years in business
Serves Oakland, 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
Jon Swann Music Lessons

Jon Swann Music Lessons

5.0Exceptional(5)
Offers online services
4 hires on Lessons
19+ years in business
Serves Oakland, 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

5.0(1)
1 hire on Lessons
12+ years in business
Serves Oakland, CA
Allegra O. says, "Ali is a passionate and patient instructor! When I started drum kit lessons, I had some experience with hand drumming and Ali was able to leverage my background in a way that helped me transfer my existing skills to drum kit. He is a very methodical instructor and his curriculum offers a strong foundation in technique while offering lots of opportunity to have fun playing beats and enjoy the learning process. As a student, I was very conscious of the way he scaffolded skills and techniques, helping me move from basic rhythms to layering on fills and licks as I became more proficient.  He offered great recommendations for listening music so I could recognize playing styles I like in order to develop my own sound. I recommended him to a friend whose 5 year-old daughter expressed an interest in playing, and had the pleasure of seeing him teach her. Ali was adept at building trust with her, and adjusting his teaching style to help her build beginning skills while creating a fun atmosphere and cultivating a love for music. I would definitely recommend him for kids too!" Read more
Amazing Accordion

Amazing Accordion

5.0Exceptional(9)
Offers online services
1 hire on Lessons
Serves Oakland, 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
Oakland Drum Lessons

Oakland Drum Lessons

5.0(4)
11+ years in business
Serves Oakland, CA
Andrea D. says, "Mike is an amazing teacher! He was able to connect with our 11 year old daughter like no other music teacher and keeps things fun and engaging. She has made impressive progress on her drums and she doesn't even mind practicing! I would definitely recommend him to anyone who has a kid that is interested in learning to play the drums." Read more
Yanowitz Tutoring Services

Yanowitz Tutoring Services

New on Lessons
Offers online services
Serves Oakland, 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.)...
Sarah Sophia Pun Piano Studio

Sarah Sophia Pun Piano Studio

New on Lessons
Offers online services
2 hires on Lessons
20+ years in business
Serves Oakland, CA
I've been teaching piano since 1995. First to friends' kids, and then started teaching with a full studio of students since 2003. I also enjoy singing, dancing. I believe in providing students with well rounded musical education in a fun and friendly environment, so that students can learn and develope confidence and will enjoy making music. I teach at my home studio in Alameda, and teach online lessons through FaceTime, Zoom and Google Meet. My students’ ages are from Kindergarten to high school. Some of my students are taking ABRSM Performance Grade Exams. Some are enjoy playing at their own pace. I have two studio recitals, one in lat...
Violin Lessons

Violin Lessons

New on Lessons
36+ years in business
Serves Oakland, CA
Hi, I’ve taught violin and viola for several decades here in Berkeley. In addition I have coached the string sections at several of the public schools here. I am also the assistant conductor of the Young People’s Chamber Orchestra. I’ve taught students of many ages and stages and would be happy to see if we could work together. I like to start with a phone interview so we can get to know each other and see if we are a good match. I can be reached at 510-693-6955. Did I mention that I’m also a violin maker?
Javier Montilla Flute Lessons

Javier Montilla Flute Lessons

5.0(1)
Offers online services
7+ years in business
Serves Oakland, CA
Dana R. says, "Javier is a very good flute teacher. He is an excellent flute player, and has an extensive knowledge of music. " Read more

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 Oakland music classes

Recent success stories from people in the Oakland area.
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
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
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
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
Dayan
Mike is excellent with kids, he is patient and talented. My son has learned a lot in the last year. He makes the classes fun for him since he is learning to play songs from his favorite bands Queen, Nirvana, etc. Highly recommended.
Oakland Drum Lessons
N.S.
My two children have been taking lessons with Ms. Anna for a while now. Ms Anna took in my son, who was very young at the beginning, and adapted her teaching style to accommodate his learning level. She is very patient and provides lots of words of encouragement that helps my kids going. When the pandemic hit, Ms Anna quickly transitioned to online classes and it was the only lesson we continued and I am very glad we did! The kids love learning piano from her!
Anna’s acting and music academy
Paul S.
I've been working and playing with Justin and Soul Graffiti since 2010 and it's always been good vibes and great sounds!
Soul Graffiti Studios
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
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