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.
Franklin Beau Davis

Franklin Beau Davis

5.0(1)
Offers online services
6 hires on Lessons
41+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA
Maki M. says, "Communication is always kind, the teaching method is polite, and even beginners can explain it in a very easy-to-understand manner. A wonderful teacher." Read more
Ed Johnson Guitar/Novo Tempo Productions

Ed Johnson Guitar/Novo Tempo Productions

5.0(4)
Offers online services
34+ years in business
Serves San Mateo, CA
Brandon S. says, "I took both guitar and singing lessons from Ed on and off for a number of years, both in person and remotely. I was an intermediate/advanced guitarist and a beginner/intermediate singer when I started lessons with him. I have had guitar or voice teachers here and there over the years, but Ed has been the most effective for me by far. I am most impressed with how quickly and easily Ed is able to zero in on very specific areas that need to be worked on to improve. He then always seems to have a useful practice technique to address the issue. This effectiveness combined with his easy going and laid back personality make lessons with him an absolute pleasure." Read more
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
Javier Montilla Flute Lessons

Javier Montilla Flute Lessons

5.0(1)
Offers online services
8+ 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
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
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
Amazing Accordion

Amazing Accordion

5.0Exceptional(9)
Offers online services
3 hires 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
Angeline Branson

Angeline Branson

5.0Exceptional(5)
1 hire on Lessons
Serves San Mateo, CA
Rebecca P. says, "I have been Angeline Branson’s student for more than a year. I came as a “returning adult” student – someone who’d studied through high school, then stopped for many years, and had resumed playing only in the past few years. Over the course of time, I’d managed to invent many “bad habits” in technique. Angeline has an uncanny way of figuring out what’s going wrong and how to address it. After only six months with her, I was getting many positive comments from friends on how much better my bowing had become. Although I still have much work to do, I can hear a marked difference in my playing and so can my friends. Angeline is knowledgeable and patient and good at making suggestions aimed to improve my playing. I recommend her very highly." 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.
Francesco D.
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!
Ed Johnson Guitar/Novo Tempo Productions
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
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
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
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
How Lessons.com works
Search

Search, get cost estimates, contact teachers, and book—all for free.

Compare

View profiles, read reviews, check qualifications, and see prices before hiring.

Hire

Ask questions, confirm their availability, and hire the right tutor when you're ready.