Find a music lesson in San Jose, CA

Find music lessons in San Jose, CA

Find music lessons in San Jose, CA

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

Find music lessons in San Jose, CA

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

Top 10 music classes in San Jose, CA

Students agree: these San Jose music lessons are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Piano Lessons With Dr. Ali

Piano Lessons With Dr. Ali

5.0Exceptional(25)
2 hires on Lessons
21+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
Winnie J. says, "Dr. Ali is absolutely amazing! Getting ready for the RCM Associate Diploma was super stressful, but she really went the extra mile to make it a fantastic and efficient prep. I genuinely look forward to every session with her." Read more
Mrs. Lin's Music Studio

Mrs. Lin's Music Studio

4.5(4)
Offers online services
11 hires on Lessons
20+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
Christia Tamse M. says, "Ms. Lin is very knowledgeable and my daughter has learned to play and improve quickly. Ms. Lin is kind and patient as well as flexible with her time. My daughter feels confident more and more after every practice. Thank you Ms. Lin!" Read more
Jess E Allen Studio

Jess E Allen Studio

5.0(1)
Offers online services
8 hires on Lessons
14+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
Julia P. says, "I’ve done lessons with Jess since I was very young. She’s always encouraged me to grow as an artist in anyway I dreamed. For that I am very appreciative and grateful. Jessica will always be patient with her students and invested in their success. She’s an amazing coach!" Read more
Ride Music Studio

Ride Music Studio

5.0(4)
Offers online services
4 hires on Lessons
13+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
Carol R. says, "I am an adult student and have been taking lessons from Maureen at Ride Music for about 5 years now. Truly enjoying the experience and I have learned a great deal. Maureen is a patient and inventive teacher. I particular love the small group classes. They're fun and I find I learn more in a group lesson than in a private lesson, which I didn't expect. Highly recommend Ride Music Studio." Read more
Neil Kelly Guitar

Neil Kelly Guitar

5.0Exceptional(8)
Offers online services
13 hires on Lessons
22+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
Robert J. says, "Neil is extremely knowledgeable and has a way of teaching that really puts it together. Great experience so far and look forward to learning more." Read more
Melody Ocean Studio

Melody Ocean Studio

5.0(2)
Offers online services
3 hires on Lessons
7+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
Lu W. says, "My son has taken piano lessons with Ms. Pailin for 4 years and my daughter has taken it for 2 years. Ms. Pailin is patient and great with kids which has made the learning process fun and enjoyable and has really fostered a love of music in my kids. Her teaching method is precise and instructive, which helps build a solid foundation for children to develop their interests and skills in playing piano. Ms. Pailin teaches kids many piano skills that lead to success, helping them improve with advice and practice during each lesson." Read more
Marina Tha Soprano

Marina Tha Soprano

5.0(1)
Offers online services
Serves San Jose, CA
Mark H. says, "Marina is a very nice woman; she does not only song, but plays piano." Read more
Piano Lessons And Music Theory With Ken

Piano Lessons And Music Theory With Ken

5.0(2)
6 hires on Lessons
59+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
Bonnie S. says, "Ken is very encouraging and explains things well. I am enjoying my lessons with Ken. He is very patient." Read more
AHMAD Guitar Lessons

AHMAD Guitar Lessons

5.0Exceptional(150)
Offers online services
4 hires on Lessons
29+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
Ken F. says, "I've been taking guitar lessons from Ahmad for about a month now, and he has already helped me progress in my playing and music theory knowledge. As someone who is self taught and has been playing for over 10 years, it's nice to be taught all the stuff I never bothered to learn or couldn't grasp on my own. Ahmad is super knowledgeable, patient, and relatable. Plus, the dude can shred and has some cool guitars." Read more
Jim's Drum Lessons

Jim's Drum Lessons

5.0(1)
2 hires on Lessons
12+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
Kunal S. says, "Jim is a highly energetic person and loves teaching. He is one of the rare breed who teaches not for the sake of money, but for the genuine love of music. He's been my teacher for more than 3 years and I see him on a weekly basis. I've had more than 130 drumming lessons and there hasn't been a single lesson where I felt he was bored or tired or uninterested (I probably have missed 13-15 lessons in 3 years). This only speaks how much dedicated he is and how much his students mean to him! I also have to mention about his fees. When I was looking for a drum teacher, I approached atleast 5-6 different people and the lowest fees I got were $60 per hour per lesson. Jim charges $25 which is nothing in comparison to the others. There have been lessons where we went almost 1.5 hours but he never ever asked for a dollar about $25. Lastly, his feed have been the same for all these years (unlike others who increase yearly). I can go on forever to appreciate his great teacher! I am very lucky to have found him and only wish the best for him. His teaching is neither monotonous nor repetitive. Anybody who has an aspiration to become a drummer, Jim is the man! I will end the review by saying he is even a better human than being such an awesome teacher which makes him one of the best out there!" 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 San Jose music classes

Recent success stories from people in the San Jose area.
Agatha D.
Our kids absolutely love Dr. Ali and the way she teaches. Her creativity lights up every part of her lessons. Dr. Ali uses really smart ideas to make music learning a life-long passion for her students. She also organizes studio sessions, masterclasses, and performances for all of her students. We feel lucky to be part of Dr. Ali's successful studio.
Piano Lessons with Dr. Ali
Xavier C.
Excellent teacher! Patient and always has new material for me, overall good experience so far.
Mrs. Lin's Music Studio
Vishakha S.
I have been taking piano lessons with Maureen at ride music studio since almost a year.Maureen follows simplymusic technique to teach piano.I have learnt lot of songs with her so far and still learning more.Maureen is very patient when it comes to teaching and she always has a plan in mind about what all things to teach within 45 minutes class.She also arranges lot of events like playing at senior living homes, jam sessions, etc which I feel is really exciting.I would definitely recommend ride music studio if you want to enjoy playing piano and not just follow the coursework.
Ride Music Studio
Sara S.
Great lesson!
Neil Kelly guitar
Kyle T.
My daughter, Rebecca, has been taking private piano lessons at Melody Ocean Studio for the past five years, and my experience has been nothing short of exceptional. My teacher is knowledgeable, patient, and truly passionate about music. She has a wealth of experience and expertise in teaching students of all ages and skill levels. The lessons are well-structured and tailored to students' individual needs and goals. Ms. Yang incorporates a variety of teaching methods and resources to ensure that she's challenged and engaged in her learning. She is also very supportive and encouraging, which has helped the teen to build confidence and improve the playing skills over time. In addition to the high-quality instruction, the studio itself is well-equipped and comfortable. The environment is conducive to learning and allows students to focus and practice without distractions. The scheduling and communication with the studio staff have also been seamless, making the whole experience stress-free and enjoyable. Overall, I highly recommend Melody Ocean Studio for anyone looking to learn piano in a private setting. The quality of instruction, support, and resources available make it an excellent choice for students of all ages and skill levels.
Melody Ocean Studio
Kim S.
Ken is a very experienced musician and performer and really teaches what it’s all about, he uses his own material and everything you do has a specific purpose. And because Ken teaches independently of some book, or guide he can always adjust his lessons to what you need or are struggling.
Piano Lessons and Music Theory with Ken
Jonathan F.
Ahmad is very knowledgable, patient and a vert experienced guitar teacher!!! I highly recommend him!
AHMAD Guitar Lessons
Kimmi H.
I feel incredibly blessed to have had Nora's musical influence through out my life. Nora is deeply committed to instilling a deep understanding of music through historical context, music theory as well as the expression of music through her students' connection with music. From Nora's experiences growing up in Russia, her understanding of European history and her natural curiosity for historical culture, her life experiences culminates in the practice room to bring meaning to the music that were written in times of Bach, Beethoven, Schummann, Prokofiev, to the comtemporary. I remember it to be a colorful depiction of what life was like back then, the social revolutionary movements and it's effects on music. She is then able to translate that into the musical notes on the page from form and structure to music progressions to chromatic development to style of playing and articulations. But the most important lesson I learn from her is how to express emotions through music as this is what connects us to the sounds that is being created. Although I have won awards from competitions during Nora teachings, I cannot tell you where those certificates lie but what stays with me in the last 20 years is the love of music, the trained ears for appreciating classical music, the spirit of beauty in the world by valuing music and last but not least the ability to express myself in a deeply satisfying way without using words.
Nora Ayzman
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