Find a music lesson in Washington, DC

Find music lessons in Washington, DC

Find music lessons in Washington, DC

Confirm your location to see the best music classes near you.
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Find music lessons in Washington, DC

Confirm your location to see the best music classes near you.
Zip code

Top 10 music classes in Washington, DC

Students agree: these Washington music lessons are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Jodi Beder

Jodi Beder

5.0(3)
1 hire on Lessons.com
50+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC
Stephanie S. says, "Jodi is a wonderful teacher and I feel so lucky to have had the chance to study with her! I am an adult student (early 30s) and it had been many years since I had taken lessons. I came to her hoping to fix some bad habits, work on some repertoire that I had gravitated towards during the pandemic as well as to learn and explore the Klezmer music tradition. Jodi helped me with all this and more, focusing (and challenging me!) on certain fundamentals (particularly bowing technique) while pairing this with thoughtfully curated repertoire and duets (dueting together was one of my favorite parts of the lesson!).  Once I had joined a community orchestra she helped me with challenging passages for this as well. Jodi is not just a thoughtful teacher but also just a kind and fascinating person and I looked forward to spending time and chatting together around the lesson itself.  I think she would be an excellent teacher at any stage because of how she curates to the individual -- nurturing but also rigorous-- and I wish I could have studied with her even earlier on!  (on a practical note as an adult with weird work hours/schedules I was very grateful for her flexibility as well on our lesson schedule (could ebb and flow in frequency and she gave different time slot options)." Read more
Holtz Music Studio

Holtz Music Studio

30+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC
I teach all levels and ages. I can teach bassoonbreed making and advanced playing techniques.
Sikkelee Piano Studio

Sikkelee Piano Studio

2 hires on Lessons.com
Serves Washington, DC & Online
Carol has been Organist and Assistant Director since 2000. Carol has served as organist/choirmaster in churches in North Carolina, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, with long tenures at The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church and Washington Hebrew Congregation in Washington, DC. Carol has led efforts here at First Church to produce benefit concerts to aid New Orleans and the Gulf Coast after Katrina; Haiti after the earthquake; and most recently, Japan and the USA after the earthquake, tsunami, tornadoes and floods. Many of the finest musicians in the metropolitan area have participated in these concerts. Carol studied with Harold Andre...
Narciso Solero Piano Studio

Narciso Solero Piano Studio

5.0(2)
11 hires on Lessons.com
28+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC
Suzanne A. says, "Narciso has given me the structure and discipline to restart my musical studies after many years of not playing the piano. He is positive, encouraging and demanding, but understands the time constraints of the working adult- some practice weeks are better than others! He pays close attention to choosing appropriate material, works consistently on skill-building techniques, and handles my inevitable frustrations with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have found his studio and cannot recommend him highly enough. " Read more
Meizi Lin's Piano Studio

Meizi Lin's Piano Studio

32+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC
I’ve been teaching piano for over forty years. Most of my students stay with me from the age of five until they leave for college. I also have experience working with children with special needs. Lessons are personalized for all ages and skill levels, with flexible scheduling options to suit busy families. Students also have opportunities to perform in recitals and prepare for exams and competitions. My goal is to make lessons fun, engaging, and inspiring—especially for young learners.
Lessons W/ Ian Otto Collins

Lessons W/ Ian Otto Collins

5.0Exceptional(7)
11 hires on Lessons.com
11+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC & Online
Samantha C. says, "Ian is a very patient & teaches in an individualized student centered manner! He takes his time to study his student to figure out their learning style whether that is visual, hands on , auditory or a combination of all the styles ! If you are stronger in one style he will make sure to use that one but incorporate the others to strengthen them . Another reason I loved Ian as an instructor in guitar is that he would incorporate theory and then something “fun” such as learning a song you personally have as a goal to learn . He also takes his time to figure out your goals , for me it was to be able to sing and play guitar at the same time . So of course vocals were incorporated with the lesson !" Read more
Lezhnev Piano Studio

Lezhnev Piano Studio

Online now
6+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC & Online
Teaching piano is my passion. I teach all levels and age groups (4-85). I have a Masters of Music in Piano Performance from George Mason University and also studied privately at Peabody Institute and with renowned concert pianists in Washington DC, Austria, and Germany. I performed at the Kennedy Center, the French Embassy, and many local venues.
Joseph Inman

Joseph Inman

5.0Exceptional(6)
53+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC
Karen K. says, "Very skilled, warm and patient teacher. Great with adult students who want to add piano to their busy lives." Read more
Jam Class: Music And Guitar Lessons

Jam Class: Music And Guitar Lessons

24+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC & Online
Jam Class: Music and Guitar Lessons, founded in 2001, serves the Falls Church, Virginia, and surrounding areas, offering top-quality guitar lessons for all levels. A leader in musical education, they specialize in rock, jazz, folk, and more. They are passionate about teaching, providing a broad and deep education for their students. In addition to individual lessons, they offer ensemble sessions for those interested in group playing. At Jam Class, they take pride in bringing music into people's lives, fostering creativity, and providing a well-rounded educational experience.
Violin Lessons With Christine 🎻

Violin Lessons With Christine 🎻

5.0(2)
8 hires on Lessons.com
Serves Washington, DC & Online
Brittany B. says, "Christine is a phenomenal violinist and teacher. She is very nice and encouraging, and really helped me improve my technique. Her lessons are so much fun. I highly recommend her!" Read more

Your Music Lessons questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.com.

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 Washington music classes

Recent success stories from people in the Washington area.
Alix L.
Learning cello from Jodi has been a highlight of my last 4 months. As an adult learner, with no previous musical instruction, I think I present some unique teaching challenges and Jodi has been brilliant at meeting my specific needs. I also appreciate her supportive instruction, humor, porch concerts, and involvement in her community. I highly recommend her, and look forward to learning from her for years to come. -- Alix Lambert
Jodi Beder
Cheryl J.
Narciso Solero is an exceptional piano teacher. He gives students an excellent musical foundation, teaching them scales and arpeggios, music theory, sight-reading, and how to play with musical expression. He trains them to be ready for performances and competitions. The students have the opportunity to perform in multiple recitals each year, including a concerto recital. Receptions after the recitals create community among the families of the students. Mr Solero is organized. He maps out the year, performance dates, competition opportunities, and holiday breaks, in a calendar at the start of the school year. It is so nice to know in October what the recital date will be in February. He also uses organization to teach the students in a method that is easy for them to follow. The students are able to take ownership of their own progress and feel a sense of accomplishment after each time they practice. Mr. Solero taught our sons how to study and how to break down an overwhelming project into smaller pieces. He also taught them to work steadily toward their goals. Our younger son, who stayed in the studio for a couple of years, has a lifelong love of music and truly appreciates the time he spent in Mr. Solero’s studio. Our older son credits his 7 years in the Narciso Solero Piano Studio with preparing him for college auditions and acceptance into conservatory. We all highly recommend Narciso Solero Piano Studio.
Narciso Solero Piano Studio
Eric S.
Ian is a very talented guitar and music theory instructor! He helped me grow as a musician and better understand the theory behind music so I could apply things like scales on my own. He is a creative and thoughtful teacher and helps to explain not just how to play music but why certain musical theory rules work. I highly recommend Ian and I think anyone who works with him will also grow tremendously in their musical skill. - Eric
Lessons w/ Ian Otto Collins
Arina
Ideal instructor in so many way! Able to tailor lessons to my particular needs and tastes (mostly baroque) though he encourages me to push beyond my meager abilities. As an aging baby boomer myself, I am so happy to find someone who has allowed me to accomplish a lifelong dream: to play better than I did when I took lessons as a kid. Joe emphasizes good technique but still makes lessons fun. Definitely 5 stars!
Joseph Inman
Olivia B.
Christine is an amazing violin teacher! Not only is her technique amazing and extremely advance, she works hard to make sure her students understand what they are learning and encourages growth! I have worked with her for many years and I can honestly say she is an excellent teacher and violinist. I am very grateful to have worked with her!
Violin Lessons with Christine 🎻
Daysha M.
He’s awesome! I feel like i’m actually learning when we have a session. Any questions that i have he’s has an answer, even if it’s not directly about the bass, like music theory or anything about music in general. He also talked time to learn what I want out of being a musician and curates our lessons to that while still teaching me fundamentals. #1 things is that he’s patient. If he knows that pure trying and your not getting it he’s will to got over a section again and again until you get it right. Very thankful for David.
David Lester Music
David P.
Austin knows what he is doing... just love the depth of information and resources he provides in his Lessons. Theory, performance, practice tips and overall lesson objectives make this 61+ year old just love taking lessons with Austin.
austinteachesmusic.com
Lucille S.
Christion Ty Edwards is professional, kind and a courteous instructor. I also appreciate his flexibility, patience and his willingness to help in any area needed.
Acting and Performance Coaching
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