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.
Nate Ly Music

Nate Ly Music

5.0(3)
Offers online services
1 hire on Lessons
Serves San Mateo, CA
Danielle M. says, "He really shows a love of music that kept lessons lively and fun. He caters to my needs as a student and has been an understanding teacher" Read more
Matilda Fung - In Home Lessons In SF Peninsula

Matilda Fung - In Home Lessons In SF Peninsula

5.0Exceptional(14)
Offers online services
11 hires on Lessons
23+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA
Elsa A. says, "Matilda is a wonderful teacher!" Read more
Olga's Voice Lessons

Olga's Voice Lessons

4.0(1)
Offers online services
2 hires on Lessons
Serves San Mateo, CA
Alice V. says, "Her experience and patience." Read more
Ed Johnson Guitar/Novo Tempo Productions

Ed Johnson Guitar/Novo Tempo Productions

5.0(3)
Offers online services
33+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA
Francesco D. says, "Ed is super friendly, calm, and very knowledgeable. He knows how to tailor lessons to my skill level and interests, and I've made great progress in my singing and guitar playing over the past few years. You can tell how much he loves music, and he truly seems to enjoy sharing the gift of music with me. I always feel comfortable making mistakes given how supportive and encouraging he is. I'm really glad I've got Ed as a teacher!" Read more
Leonviolin

Leonviolin

5.0(1)
Offers online services
Serves San Mateo, CA
Jay C. says, "I have been working with Leon for 5 years. He has helped me become a violist in demand in many organizations. Leon is a master teacher who understands the ins and outs of learning process, and he makes adjustments on-the-fly, in order for us to meet my goals. My learning needs are definitely non-traditional. With every lesson, I bring in something I'd like to be able to learn (oftentimes unreasonable). But Leon sees it as a challenge and a puzzle, and somehow finds a way for me to learn the piece. And in the process, my knowledge and skills increase. I've also had the privilege of sitting in on advanced/professional players taking violin lessons from Leon. He seamlessly transitions from topics of artistic expression to elemental techniques to musicology in the same discussion relevant to the lesson topic. In any endeavor, it's not easy coming across a master teacher. You will be in good hands, whether you are an adult starter, a child, a beginner, or an advanced player preparing for auditions, or even a professional player looking for a confidential second set of ears. Leon is also very flexible with appointments. I personally have most of my lessons during weekday day times (as I work weeknights and weekend nights). He's also accommodated emergency lessons and instrument repairs on occasions!" 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
28+ 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.
Javier Montilla Flute Lessons

Javier Montilla Flute Lessons

5.0(1)
Offers online services
7+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, 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
Soul Graffiti Studios

Soul Graffiti Studios

5.0(4)
Offers online services
2 hires on Lessons
11+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA
Erin P. says, "Justin is an amazing teacher. He plays all kinds of instruments and signs beautifully... He is a creative and passionate song writer....my daughter says he has a mathematical approach to teaching. Justin is Incredibly knowledgeable. Kind, considerate, and flexible.My daughter loves studying with him and is learning a lot." 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 San Mateo, 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
Amazing Accordion

Amazing Accordion

5.0Exceptional(9)
Offers online services
1 hire on Lessons
Serves San Mateo, 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

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.
James O.
He really understands me and what I want to play. Nate pushed me with pieces that I felt weren't in my range, but helped guide me to practice and learn them
Nate Ly Music
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
Tara C.
Ed Johnson is an extremely accomplished musician while also being an extremely effective teacher. He is a true master of the guitar in wide-ranging musical styles, vocal instruction, choral arranging, songwriting, composition, music theory and music recording/production. As a teacher, is he is ambitious on his students' behalf while remaining kind and patient. Well worth the investment, you cannot work with or learn from a finer musician!
Ed Johnson Guitar/Novo Tempo Productions
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
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
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
Paul S.
Nicely balances teaching technique and piano pieces.
Mrs Barrow piano lessons
Ivy W.
Ms. Angeline is Super! Looking for a right music instrument teacher is extremely difficult. I am so lucky that we started with an excellent instructor, Ms. Angeline Branson. My son loves Ms. Angeline, she is a very talented and passionate violinist, and she has a gift for teaching. She is engaging, motivational, and she puts in a lot of effort in picking nice music pieces, coordinating chamber music and recital, and CM exams. Ms. Angeline also has a reward program for kids who do well or practice a lot. This is a big help for beginners! My son loves going to violin lesson and enjoy practicing. Huge THANKS to Ms. Angeline!!
Angeline Branson
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