Find a music lesson in Santa Monica, CA

Find music lessons in Santa Monica, CA

Find music lessons in Santa Monica, CA

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

Find music lessons in Santa Monica, CA

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

Top 10 music classes in Santa Monica, CA

Students agree: these Santa Monica music lessons are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
McLeod Management & Debbie McLeod Productions

McLeod Management & Debbie McLeod Productions

5.0Exceptional(6)
Offers online services
13 hires on Lessons
29+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Gabrielle C. says, "Debbie single-handedly helped me land my starring role on South of Nowhere. 16 years later, we are still coaching/booking leading roles in tv, film, and commercials! A phenomenal coach, Deb has the gift to see what we are truly capable of as artists, as well as the honesty, instinct and passion to push us to be brave enough to go there. I can unequivocally say that Deb is the best acting coach in the business, and I’m eternally grateful to have found her." Read more
Ben Dabiri

Ben Dabiri

5.0(2)
Offers online services
3+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Andrew S. says, "Ben has been fantastic teaching my son jazz piano. His patience, skill, and expertise have been a joy to behold. Highly recommend." Read more
Cornerstone Music Conservatory

Cornerstone Music Conservatory

5.0(1)
Offers online services
1 hire on Lessons
55+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
F T. says, "Commitment to quality music of all genres, including Classical, which is my focus. Well-organized business that makes scheduling simple. Reception staff is exceptional. Director of the school is most experienced in the area, and infuses dedication in all the students. My piano instructor is superbly qualified and has been a gem to work with. A place where I trusted my children's music education from their small childhood through high school." Read more
Bray Ghiglia Music

Bray Ghiglia Music

5.0(1)
Offers online services
1 hire on Lessons
45+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
I have been inspiring students to feel the joy of making music for decades. I have a Degree in film Scoring and I curently teach Strings, Ukulele and Band at Ocean Charter School. I toured with former Eagle, Randy Meisner for four years playing Guitar, Flute Sax and Keyboards.
Christian Poezach

Christian Poezach

5.0(4)
4 hires on Lessons
31+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Leah G. says, "i’ve absolutely loved my time taking drum lessons! christian is very patient and agrees to work on whatever i want to. he gave me lots of drills to practice at home and always wants to make me better. best teacher!!!" Read more
Jacob Abinante

Jacob Abinante

5.0(2)
2 hires on Lessons
11+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Daniel B. says, "Jacob is awesome! I have wanted to dive into jazz and this guy just gets it. He's super encouraging and actually makes it fun. I'm not just mindlessly pressing keys or following tutorials, I'm actually getting to learn about how music works. While our curriculum is focused on jazz, Jacob is never shy about teaching me the occasional pop tune that I want to learn. Most folks think you have to start playing an instrument as a youngster, but I'm an adult with a job and a family, and I can't believe how much I've progressed in such a short time. If you're looking for a piano teacher, this is the guy." Read more
Multi-Verse Education Support

Multi-Verse Education Support

5.0(4)
Offers online services
1 hire on Lessons
15+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Morgan S. says, "Erol offers multi-threaded computing, cloud storage options for lesson files, as well as embedded audio monitoring software. All of those benefits are leveraged at the most affordable, critically acclaimed rate for the services that are offered. Erol is kind, flexible, knowledgeable, and a fantastic teacher. " Read more
Easy Guitar

Easy Guitar

5.0(1)
Offers online services
2 hires on Lessons
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Renee S. says, "Gui is very professional and easy to work with. He taught me so many things on my very first lesson. I’m so !" Read more
Angel Diva Music And Acting

Angel Diva Music And Acting

5.0(4)
Offers online services
22 hires on Lessons
26+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Richard M. says, "Her patience!" Read more
Maja 🎹

Maja 🎹

New on Lessons
Offers online services
25+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Special custom made individualistic system of teching, everibody can learn to enjoy playing piano... Happiness of the student when learns something.

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 Santa Monica music classes

Recent success stories from people in the Santa Monica area.
Teri D.
There aren’t enough stars to give Debbie the review she deserves! Her vast experience and enthusiasm for her craft are invaluable. Debbie is professional and compassionate and truly cares about my daughter and her journey into the world of acting. Lessons with Debbie have resulted in more confidence and a solid foundation to continue building upon.
McLeod Management & Debbie McLeod Productions
Anna O.
Ben is an amazing musician and a wonderful human! He approaches the instrument intuitively and incorporates musical theory and playful jam sessions into every lesson. We recommend him whole-heartedly. Here is a note from my 10-year old son Jacob: Ben is my favorite piano teacher and always will be. I have learned so much in the past year. To me, he is so special because I can learn my favorite song and have fun learning it. Even when I'm really sad because I haven't had enough time to practice, the class is always fun because of him. Playing Classical music like Eine Kleine Nacht Musik is really fun after playing some crazy hip-hop or even Taylor Swift.
Ben Dabiri
Stephanie F.
I am learning a lot with Christian and feeling more confident behind the kit!
Christian Poezach
Emma D.
Jacob is very patient, skilled, and highly informed in music theory. I learned so much and we made a lot of progress in just one lesson. Definitely hit the jackpot having him as a teacher!
Jacob Abinante
Gwen B.
updated tech for course delivery online. helpful instructions. good attitude.
Multi-Verse Education Support
Patrick M.
Jan has been nothing short of a great teacher and friend to me. Shes critical on where you need to improve and encouraging with your strengths! If you're looking for a teacher with lots of personality, stories, and drive to help you further yourself; you're in the right place.
Angel Diva Music and Acting
-Bruce B.
"Kevin Katich is fucking amazing!"
Kevin Katich drum lessons
Laura H.
I decided to take piano lessons in my senior citizen years after not having played since I was a child. Deborah's patience and encouragement during weekly lessons have given me great confidence. She guides me through each piece carefully focusing on techniques to help me improve. I also think her selection of music books and practice exercises are appropriate for my abilty. And , she gently challenges me with more difficult pieces as I become more comfortable and capable. I would highly recommend Deborah to anyone regardless of age who wants to learn how to play the piano .
Deborah Sealove Piano Lessons
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