Private Lessons
There is nothing like working one on one with a great teacher. Studying with one of our expert teachers is the best way to accelerate your skills on your instrument. One-on-one coaching allows you to get a personalized plan for improvement, focus on your strengths and weaknesses, all of which leads to an accelerated pace of learning. All teachers are full-time professional musicians, experts on their instrument, and have many years of experience.
Private Teacher Bios
Banjo • Bass
Clarinet • Composition
Drums • Flute • Guitar
Horn • Mandolin
Music Theory • Piano
Saxophone • Trumpet
Ukulele
Need help finding a teacher? Contact Us
Our teachers have studied music at -
Yale University
Berklee School of Music
University of Georgia
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
St. Mary’s College
University of Miami
California State East Bay
San Diego State
Long Beach State
Our teachers have taught music classes at -
Berklee School of Music
San Francisco Conservatory of Music Prep Program
Community School of Music and Arts, Finn Center
California State University East Bay
Solano Community College
San Ramon Valley Unified Music Staff Development
Laney College Summer Music
University of The Pacific Summer Camp
Diablo Wind Symphony
Oakland Symphony Music Outreach
Columbia College Jazz Festival
Our teachers have performed with -
National Touring Broadway Shows-
Jersey Boys, Wicked, Book of Mormon, Beautiful, South Pacific, The Producers, Dream Girls, Kinky Boots, Cats, South Pacific, Young Frankenstein, Anything Goes, Mary Poppins, Singin’ in the Rain, Peter Pan
San Francisco Symphony
Huey Lewis and The News
Seth MacFarlane
Johnny Mathis
Temptations
Tim McGraw
Idina Menzel
Kristen Chenowith
Kenny Loggins
Smash Mouth
Diana Krall
Billy Preston
Michael Feinstein
Debby Boone
Randy Newman
Bobby Caldwell
Frank D’ Ambrosio
Bonnie Raitt
Boz Scaggs
Debbie Gibson
Stu Hamm
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
Beach Blanket Babylon
Sacramento Music Circus
Oakland Symphony
Santa Rosa Symphony
Marin Symphony
Broadway By The Bay
Monterey Jazz Festival
Montreaux Jazz Festival
San Jose Jazz Festival
Sacramento Jazz Festival
San Francisco Jazz Festival
Private Lessons FAQ
What are the benefits of having private lessons?
Working one on one with a teacher is integral to progressing quickly on your instrument. A great teacher can show you step by step how to improve, how to practice, how to overcome adversity, and how to build confidence. No matter what level you are at, whether you are a beginner, part time hobby player or practicing several hours a day, private lessons can help you get to the next level. If you are having trouble keeping up in band or orchestra, need help for that big solo at school, auditioning for All-State groups, college; working one on one with a professional will set you up for success.
How much do lessons cost?
Depending on the teacher, the cost will be between $40 - $65 a half hour.
How do lessons work?
All teachers are independent contractors and not employees of OAM. They handle their own scheduling, studio policies, curriculum, and payments are made directly to them. They will also let you know the best way to connect for lessons whether that’s Zoom-Facetime-Skype etc, what materials you’ll need, and anything that may be a requirement for their studio.
Can I have a trial lesson?
Many teachers are willing to do a trial lesson. Please ask the teacher about their trial lesson policy. Instead of doing one trial lesson, we highly recommend taking a trial month of lessons. The teacher and student can get to know each other, build a rapport, set goals, focus on areas needed for improvement etc. As a parent - do you see improvement over the month? Do they enjoy lessons? Are they motivated to practice? Are they enjoying music more than before they started lessons? It’s hard to do all of that in just one lesson.
Are online lessons as effective as in-person lessons?
We’ve all had that one teacher that made a difference in our lives. Someone who helped change our way of thinking or a way of making music just with one comment. That can happen in person and online. Yes, there are some differences, but a great teacher is a great teacher. If you have a good computer/mic it can feel like you are in the same room. All you need are some basic computer skills, good equipment, a good internet connection, and it will be a very positive and rewarding experience.