Find a music lesson in New York, NY

Find music lessons in New York, NY

Find music lessons in New York, NY

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

Find music lessons in New York, NY

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

Top 10 music classes in New York, NY

Students agree: these New York music lessons are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Guitarscool

Guitarscool

5.0(4)
Offers online services
4 hires on Lessons
Serves New York, NY
Ben K. says, "Very friendly, great teacher." Read more
Carlos Gonzalez

Carlos Gonzalez

5.0(1)
Offers online services
5+ years in business
Serves New York, NY
Sofia B. says, "He was always very patient with me. I learned how to play the flute from him in our church band. I started when I was in highschool. I often had trouble with sight reading the notes so when I messed up it, It felt frustrating but each time I felt it was ok because of his patience and his focus on making sure I'd get the music down. He was always clear on the lessons and efficient even when I'd get distracted. I have ADHD and I'm often a very nervous person with anxiety, so I'd often get off track or very embarrassed from the frustration ...which made me mess up more. But often enough I didn't have to feel that way or when I did it went away fast because I didn't feel the need to rush my brain to accommodate or adjust to what I thought he would think of me. He made lessons engaging, fun and taught me a lot about how to play the flute and about music theory. Reading music paper and such is almost like learning a new language, but he made it entertaining and clear. Each lesson, I felt, was like our own little safe space to mess up as much as I did until I got the music right. It also didn't make me feel so nervous when I did mess up in a performance because I knew what he'd say. It helped with my confidence in performing and in my flute playing in general." Read more
Intervals Music School

Intervals Music School

5.0Exceptional(5)
4 hires on Lessons
17+ years in business
Serves New York, NY
Sarah K. says, "My 6-year old daughter has been taking lessons with Jessica for six months, and the progress has been amazing! Jessica is incredibly patient and really knows how to make lessons fun and engaging for kids. She adapts her teaching to fit my daughter’s pace and interests, which keeps her excited about practicing. She is professional, always punctual, and communicates clearly about what we should work on between lessons. I love how involved she is — she gives me weekly updates on my daughter’s progress and gives helpful tips for at-home practice. We feel so lucky to have found her!" Read more
David First

David First

5.0Exceptional(10)
Offers online services
22 hires on Lessons
39+ years in business
Serves New York, NY
Katharine M. says, "I’ve been going to David for more than a year now. I started as a beginner and I’ve since seen improvements in every area of my playing, from tone to technical skill. David balances providing structure while honoring my personal goals and music taste. He’s an incredible musician in many respects and I’ve really enjoyed learning from him." Read more
Labrosse Music Lessons

Labrosse Music Lessons

5.0Exceptional(5)
Offers online services
1 hire on Lessons
17+ years in business
Serves New York, NY
Nicolas A. says, "James is very knowledgeable and meets his students at their current skill level. He also will constantly challenge to stimulate growth. Highly recommend" Read more
Piano & Organ Lessons

Piano & Organ Lessons

5.0Exceptional(7)
Offers online services
9 hires on Lessons
21+ years in business
Serves New York, NY
Karen H. says, "In August, 2012, under Patrick’s guidance, I returned to piano study after a hiatus of 10 years. With infinite patience and great sense of humor, Patrick helped me rebuild my technique, expand my repertoire and regain my confidence as a pianist. As an educator myself, I can attest to the fact that Patrick has an excellent understanding of adult learners and their particular needs. I recommend him highly!" Read more
Wendy Sutter

Wendy Sutter

5.0Exceptional(5)
Offers online services
25+ years in business
Serves New York, NY
William David H. says, "It is lovely to work with Wendy, each class is a gift.She is kind hearted, generous, and has a clear passion for her craft." Read more
Suki Rae

Suki Rae

5.0(1)
45+ years in business
Serves New York, NY
Elise J. says, "Suki is an inspiring teacher that encouraged me time after time to go out of my comfort zone and explore my possibilities further than only playing from sheet music." Read more
Glenn Jude Rhythms

Glenn Jude Rhythms

5.0(1)
Offers online services
1 hire on Lessons
29+ years in business
Serves New York, NY
Laura says, "Glenn makes learning exciting, dynamic, and fun. All of my lessons with Glenn have been tailored to my individual needs and level of progression. Additionally, with Glenn's wide range of rhythmic expertise, I have been lucky enough to gain a level of competency and exposure to a wide variety of music, including traditional Brazilian grooves, classic rock, surf, funk/soul, New Orleans-style second line, and more." Read more
MusicTutorNYC

MusicTutorNYC

4.9Exceptional(14)
Offers online services
21 hires on Lessons
13+ years in business
Serves New York, NY
Vladimir L. says, "Great advice on equipment to purchase. Flexible with schedule. Accommodated our schedule for the most part. Training was effective and our son was able to start recording / composing his music in 4 lessons." 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 New York music classes

Recent success stories from people in the New York area.
Stephen O.
Tony is truly a master. Whether you want to develop your technique or work out a new song, Tony is the man. His musical knowledge and practical experience have elevated my playing and creativity to greater heights.
guitarscool
Rumi F.
She is great with kids. My 6yo had only 2 lessons with her but they already started reading/understanding music notes for beginners, which is amazing.
Intervals Music School
Batya R.
David is an amazing teacher! I've been working with him since 2019, first on electric bass, then music theory/composition/Logic and electric guitar. We've done in person and online classes, both of which have been great. He's incredibly knowledgable and patient. Anyone would be lucky to learn from him.
David First
Joe D.
Personal, focused approach got me to a higher level
Labrosse Music Lessons
Katherine H.
As a theory teacher, Patrick Kreeger possesses the exact teaching style the subject requires. Patience, availability for questions and dedication to my desire to learn best define my experience with Patrick. It was such dedication that also made him call me out when he didn’t think I was doing my best or was making careless mistakes. Perhaps this wouldn’t be that outstanding except that Patrick did all of this long distance; he was in Philadelphia and I was in Delaware. He was timely in mailing me assignments and tests, and even more so in grading and returning them. I learned more from him in the 2 years I studied with him than I did in my last year of theory in my undergrad at music school. If you have the opportunity to study with Patrick Kreeger, consider yourself lucky. You couldn’t find better quality teaching elsewhere.”
Piano & Organ Lessons
Andy C.
Wendy is PHENOMENAL! I wish I could give her more than 5 stars! As a teacher, she is thoughtful and extremely organized. She is brilliant and truly helps improve your playing, giving a mix of both technical and musical development. I know her students have gone on to do amazing things and have gotten into top programs such as Juilliard pre-college. I am always impressed by the way she approaches her teaching, really taking the time to understand the issues and help find a solution that works for the student. If you have a chance to study with Wendy, you will not be disappointed. I would recommend her to anyone and everyone!
Wendy Sutter
Roy B.
Jason really understood my situation—a kind of writer's block about the rhythm of my lyrics. He zeroed in on the how and why of it and gave me very clear help that "unfroze" my writing. And production-wise, he's amazing.
MusicTutorNYC
Artur B.
Christopher goes above and beyond as a teacher. Every lesson has been fun and challenging, I plan to continue working with him for a long time!
Christopher Buchenholz, Composer
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