Find a music lesson in San Mateo, CA

Find music lessons in San Mateo, CA

Find music lessons in San Mateo, CA

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

Find music lessons in San Mateo, 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 Mateo, CA

Students agree: these San Mateo music lessons are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
In Vitro Violin - Jungmee Hwang

In Vitro Violin - Jungmee Hwang

5.0(1)
Offers online services
1 hire on Lessons
4+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA
Ellen C. says, "Jungmee is an experienced and thoughtful violin teacher. I decided to play the violin again after having my first child, and Jungmee was the perfect teacher to re-learn with; She has been flexible but also consistent in the way that she teaches. I would highly recommend learning with her whether you are learning for the first time or re-learning the violin after 2 decades :)" Read more
Piano Lessons And Music Theory With Ken

Piano Lessons And Music Theory With Ken

5.0(2)
8 hires on Lessons
60+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, 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
Brad Davis Guitar Lessons

Brad Davis Guitar Lessons

5.0(1)
Offers online services
20+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA
Santosha N. says, "Brad has helped me with chords that I never thought I could play. This has helped me as soon I will be able to start to play more advanced tunes. He has encouraged me to keep going and has gone out of his way to transpose material when we were not in session. He really cares!" Read more
John K. Mello Guitar Studio At Lesson's On B

John K. Mello Guitar Studio At Lesson's On B

New on Lessons
10 hires on Lessons
29+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA
I can now offer online sessions. So distance is no longer a issue. Learning from my students. Teaching makes me a better musician because I'm required to explain what I do and how I do it.
Bruce Music Studio

Bruce Music Studio

New on Lessons
Offers online services
7+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA
Welcome to Bruce Li! Based in Daly City, CA, I offer specialized violin, music theory, and audio production lessons tailored to your unique strengths and aspirations. With a one-on-one approach, I ensure a personalized curriculum that not only hones your technical skills but also enriches your overall musicality. Whether you're a beginner eager to start your musical journey or an advanced student looking to refine your craft, I am here to guide you every step of the way. Let's create beautiful music together!
Sabina's Violin Studio

Sabina's Violin Studio

New on Lessons
1 hire on Lessons
9+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA
Attended Rice University and the SF Conservatory of Music for Violin Performance for my Bachelors and Masters. Been teaching for close to 10 years in the Bay Area. I like interacting and teaching kids. They're fun to talk and be with. I like how fast they can pick up on things and progress when they're into what we're doing.
Brig Urias

Brig Urias

New on Lessons
Offers online services
9+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA
Brig Urias is a guitarist based in San Francisco. His approach is at once retrospective and forward-thinking, drawing upon a rich tradition of classical guitar artistry while seeking to take his skills in new and exciting directions. Brig is a dedicated educator with experience teaching a variety of ages and skill levels. He seeks to foster a positive learning environment and inspire a love of music in his students while emphasizing the development of a strong technical and musical foundation. Brig specializes in teaching classical guitar, but is is happy to teach any style.
Wendy Cheang Piano Studio

Wendy Cheang Piano Studio

4.5(4)
5 hires on Lessons
15+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA
Tautua A. says, "Not yet but the simple platform of correspondences between me as a customer and the tutor is recommended. That’s from my initial question for a piano tutor to the point I agree and say hire great. Thank you." Read more
Shanley Guitar Lessons

Shanley Guitar Lessons

5.0(2)
Top Pro
Offers online services
1 hire on Lessons
Serves San Mateo, CA
Marcell says, "Flexibility of lessons. We’ve switched focus areas multiple times and I’ve been able to learn from each topic." Read more
Clara Fields

Clara Fields

New on Lessons
Serves San Mateo, CA
I’ve been playing flute for over 10 years. I offer lessons that cater to each individual students goals with the hope to share my love for music through my teaching! I offer lessons throughout the Bay Area. I studied at Oberlin College where I played in the Oberlin Arts and Sciences Orchestra as well as in chamber groups.

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 Mateo music classes

Recent success stories from people in the San Mateo area.
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
Viktor M.
I take lessons 2 times a week. Wendy is an exceptional teacher and an outstanding piano performer studied in one of the best conservatories in the world - Royal College of Music in London.
Wendy Cheang Piano Studio
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
Rini S.
Matilda really understands me well enough (I’ve never met her before btw) to keep me motivated and interested to learn from her. And to top it off, she’s a very funny and loveable person who makes me feel like a person and make this musical journey- our journey. She makes classes intersting and makes sure to choose a path on what ways to develop my skills better all while explaining to me why- and that’s important! (If you can’t tell, I really love her, she’s AWESOME!
Matilda Fung - In home lessons in SF Peninsula
Alyssa
Amazing
Lella Piano 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
Sarah
Clifford is an extremely skilled pianist, and a great teacher!
Clifford Lamb
Lisa Ramon C.
Sean isn't an excellent teacher. He covers everything. Theory and songs you want to learn. I am quite pleased and I have taken from a few instructors. He is one of the best!
Sean Griffin Guitar Lessons
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