Find a music lesson in San Jose, CA

Find music lessons in San Jose, CA

Find music lessons in San Jose, CA

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

Find music lessons in San Jose, 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 Jose, CA

Students agree: these San Jose music lessons are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Chromatic Music Academy

Chromatic Music Academy

5.0(4)
2+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
Nicole H. says, "Chromatic Music Academy stands as the epitome of excellence in the Bay Area. It comes highly recommended to all families seeking top-notch music education. A truly prestigious institution." Read more
The Piano Studio Of Dr. Ali

The Piano Studio Of Dr. Ali

5.0Exceptional(25)
5 hires on Lessons
22+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
Winnie J. says, "Dr. Ali is absolutely amazing! Getting ready for the RCM Associate Diploma was super stressful, but she really went the extra mile to make it a fantastic and efficient prep. I genuinely look forward to every session with her." Read more
Mrs. Lin's Music Studio

Mrs. Lin's Music Studio

4.6Awesome(5)
Offers online services
11 hires on Lessons
21+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
Shen S. says, "I have been studying with Mrs. Lin for more than 2 years. I learned a lot along the way, so highly recommend." Read more
AHMAD Guitar Lessons

AHMAD Guitar Lessons

5.0Exceptional(155)
Offers online services
4 hires on Lessons
30+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
Brad F. says, "Ahmad is an easy going teacher who kicks my butt at the same time. He's a stickler for the foundational elements, which is exactly what I need to take my guitar playing to the next level. He is truly interested in seeing me improve. I'm a songwriter and I need to up my game to be able to hang with co-writers who are more advanced musically, and I also have the goal to play out at writers rounds and open mics and I need to get a little more proficient for that. We're playing acoustic. We've done both Skype and in-person lessons. Highly recommended. Good location." Read more
Chris Lee Guitar Instruction

Chris Lee Guitar Instruction

5.0(1)
Offers online services
24+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
Elias R. says, "I’ve been a student of Chris’s for going on 2 years! When I first started off with Chris I had very little understanding of lead guitar and a lot of rhythm guitar. Now I have a much better grasp on the concepts of lead and rhythm guitar. Over the last 2 years I’ve been able to learn loads of songs from my favorite guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour, and John Mayer. Not only has he taught me how to play their material, he has also taught me the techniques they use and how to apply them to my own style of playing. Without a doubt Chris knows his material and can play literally everything. He’s given me plenty of tools to become a successful guitarist and he’s taught me that in order to become a good guitarist you have to be willing to put in the work! Chris has also been very flexible over the last few years with my work and school schedule which has really helped me fit my passion for guitar into my normal busy life. You won’t regret having him as a teacher. The lessons are awesome especially if you ask a lot of questions and present him with the type of music you want to learn! " Read more
Jim's Drum Lessons

Jim's Drum Lessons

5.0(1)
2 hires on Lessons
13+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
Kunal S. says, "Jim is a highly energetic person and loves teaching. He is one of the rare breed who teaches not for the sake of money, but for the genuine love of music. He's been my teacher for more than 3 years and I see him on a weekly basis. I've had more than 130 drumming lessons and there hasn't been a single lesson where I felt he was bored or tired or uninterested (I probably have missed 13-15 lessons in 3 years). This only speaks how much dedicated he is and how much his students mean to him! I also have to mention about his fees. When I was looking for a drum teacher, I approached atleast 5-6 different people and the lowest fees I got were $60 per hour per lesson. Jim charges $25 which is nothing in comparison to the others. There have been lessons where we went almost 1.5 hours but he never ever asked for a dollar about $25. Lastly, his feed have been the same for all these years (unlike others who increase yearly). I can go on forever to appreciate his great teacher! I am very lucky to have found him and only wish the best for him. His teaching is neither monotonous nor repetitive. Anybody who has an aspiration to become a drummer, Jim is the man! I will end the review by saying he is even a better human than being such an awesome teacher which makes him one of the best out there!" Read more
Neil Kelly Guitar

Neil Kelly Guitar

5.0Exceptional(8)
Offers online services
15 hires on Lessons
23+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
Robert J. says, "Neil is extremely knowledgeable and has a way of teaching that really puts it together. Great experience so far and look forward to learning more." Read more
Nora Ayzman

Nora Ayzman

5.0(4)
Offers online services
3 hires on Lessons
Serves San Jose, CA
Yukiko K. says, "Nora is very patient and knowledgeable. I enjoyed our online lesson and hope to switch to face to face lessons once pandemic is over. " Read more
Amazing Accordion

Amazing Accordion

5.0Exceptional(9)
Offers online services
3 hires on Lessons
Serves San Jose, 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
San Jose School Of Music

San Jose School Of Music

New on Lessons
8 hires on Lessons
21+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
One of San Jose's largest music school with hundreds of students attending every week. Four time winner of the "Best Music Class" category from the readers of Bay Area Parent magazine. Students drive from as far away as Gilroy and from up the Peninsula to take lessons here. We offer lessons for ages 4 to adult. When you are searching for a music school, please consider the benefits of becoming an San Jose School Of Music student and find out why we are San Jose’s number one choice for music lessons. 11 benefits of becoming an Academy student: 1. We are the only school in the Willow Glen area of San Jose that offers all of these popular i...

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 Jose music classes

Recent success stories from people in the San Jose area.
Kevin A.
The distinguished faculty's dedication is unmatched. At Chromatic, they meticulously prepare all their students for prestigious exams, performances, masterclasses, and recordings. leaving no stone unturned to ensure their success.
Chromatic Music Academy
Agatha D.
Our kids absolutely love Dr. Ali and the way she teaches. Her creativity lights up every part of her lessons. Dr. Ali uses really smart ideas to make music learning a life-long passion for her students. She also organizes studio sessions, masterclasses, and performances for all of her students. We feel lucky to be part of Dr. Ali's successful studio.
The Piano Studio of Dr. Ali
Christia Tamse M.
Ms. Lin is very knowledgeable and my daughter has learned to play and improve quickly. Ms. Lin is kind and patient as well as flexible with her time. My daughter feels confident more and more after every practice. Thank you Ms. Lin!
Mrs. Lin's Music Studio
Mark K.
Ahmad zeroed in on the areas I wanted to improve and gave me very helpful tips on technique - as well as exercises that were beneficial and fun to play. He gave me some recommended listening too. He's easy-going, patient, and has the education and experience to know what he's talking about!
AHMAD Guitar Lessons
Sara S.
Great lesson!
Neil Kelly guitar
Kimmi H.
I feel incredibly blessed to have had Nora's musical influence through out my life. Nora is deeply committed to instilling a deep understanding of music through historical context, music theory as well as the expression of music through her students' connection with music. From Nora's experiences growing up in Russia, her understanding of European history and her natural curiosity for historical culture, her life experiences culminates in the practice room to bring meaning to the music that were written in times of Bach, Beethoven, Schummann, Prokofiev, to the comtemporary. I remember it to be a colorful depiction of what life was like back then, the social revolutionary movements and it's effects on music. She is then able to translate that into the musical notes on the page from form and structure to music progressions to chromatic development to style of playing and articulations. But the most important lesson I learn from her is how to express emotions through music as this is what connects us to the sounds that is being created. Although I have won awards from competitions during Nora teachings, I cannot tell you where those certificates lie but what stays with me in the last 20 years is the love of music, the trained ears for appreciating classical music, the spirit of beauty in the world by valuing music and last but not least the ability to express myself in a deeply satisfying way without using words.
Nora Ayzman
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
Vishakha S.
I have been taking piano lessons with Maureen at ride music studio since almost a year.Maureen follows simplymusic technique to teach piano.I have learnt lot of songs with her so far and still learning more.Maureen is very patient when it comes to teaching and she always has a plan in mind about what all things to teach within 45 minutes class.She also arranges lot of events like playing at senior living homes, jam sessions, etc which I feel is really exciting.I would definitely recommend ride music studio if you want to enjoy playing piano and not just follow the coursework.
Ride Music Studio
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.