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.
Chromatic Music Academy

Chromatic Music Academy

5.0(3)
2+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
Kevin A. says, "The distinguished faculty's dedication is unmatched. At Chromatic, they meticulously prepare all their students for prestigious exams, performances, masterclasses, and recordings. leaving no stone unturned to ensure their success." Read more
The Piano Studio Of Dr. Ali

The Piano Studio Of Dr. Ali

5.0Exceptional(25)
2 hires on Lessons
22+ 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
12 hires on Lessons
21+ 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(2)
Offers online services
13 hires on Lessons
15+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
Elledeja C. says, "She’s so great to work with and super encouraging. Plus she doesn’t make me feel judged and she has great technique." Read more
AHMAD Guitar Lessons

AHMAD Guitar Lessons

5.0Exceptional(155)
Offers online services
4 hires on Lessons
30+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
Brad F. says, "Ahmad is an easy going teacher who kicks my butt at the same time. He's a stickler for the foundational elements, which is exactly what I need to take my guitar playing to the next level. He is truly interested in seeing me improve. I'm a songwriter and I need to up my game to be able to hang with co-writers who are more advanced musically, and I also have the goal to play out at writers rounds and open mics and I need to get a little more proficient for that. We're playing acoustic. We've done both Skype and in-person lessons. Highly recommended. Good location." Read more
Soulfulwake Studios

Soulfulwake Studios

5.0Exceptional(5)
Offers online services
4 hires on Lessons
9+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
Lonnie C. says, "I've had other vocal lessons, and none have compared. I always give up after a short while because I don't see the results. Maybe that was a mistake and I should have stayed longer, but what I do know is with Sarah, literally in the first lesson I got more than I had gotten with any other lessons. I've now been with Sarah for a full year and have no intention on stopping. The growth that I've had is undeniable even to myself and I'm by far my biggest critic. Things I was struggling to record just 4 or 5 months ago I've recorded recently and those struggles weren't even a concern for me. I almost didn't go with Sarah in the beginning because we are in different states, but the lessons being remote don't have any impact on the quality as these are better than all of my in person lessons of the past. Highly recommend!" Read more
Neil Kelly Guitar

Neil Kelly Guitar

5.0Exceptional(8)
Offers online services
15 hires on Lessons
23+ 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
South Bay School Of Music Arts

South Bay School Of Music Arts

5.0Exceptional(14)
1 hire on Lessons
40+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
Hung H. says, "Teaching experience! Joe, as a long time educator, knows how to explain and demo the drum lessons to my two kids. Not just technical issues, Joe also motivates them into learning drum. Highly recommend! " Read more
Nora Ayzman

Nora Ayzman

5.0(4)
Offers online services
3 hires on Lessons
Serves San Jose, CA
Yukiko K. says, "Nora is very patient and knowledgeable. I enjoyed our online lesson and hope to switch to face to face lessons once pandemic is over. " Read more
Jim's Drum Lessons

Jim's Drum Lessons

5.0(1)
4 hires on Lessons
13+ 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.
Megan L.
As an adult learner, the idea of reading music seemed daunting. Thanks to Chromatic Music Academy, I've not only conquered that challenge but am now joyfully playing melodies I adore!
Chromatic Music Academy
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.
The Piano Studio of Dr. Ali
Xavier C.
Excellent teacher! Patient and always has new material for me, overall good experience so far.
Mrs. Lin's Music Studio
Julia P.
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!
Jess E Allen Studio
Mark K.
Ahmad zeroed in on the areas I wanted to improve and gave me very helpful tips on technique - as well as exercises that were beneficial and fun to play. He gave me some recommended listening too. He's easy-going, patient, and has the education and experience to know what he's talking about!
AHMAD Guitar Lessons
Jess B.
Sarah, Jess and Liezl are all amazing teachers! I’ve been excited about my progress so far and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow and learn! My next goal is to get into the recording studio and apply all the strategies I have learned.
Soulfulwake Studios
Sara S.
Great lesson!
Neil Kelly guitar
HG
My son has been taking drum lessons with Joe Santoro for the last six years. Over the months and years we have seen tremendous improvement in his drumming abilities. Joe is an excellent teacher. He has been such a positive influence in our son's life. He genuinely cares about his students and wants to see them succeed.
South Bay School of Music Arts
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