Individual Instruction
Private instruction is at the heart of the Academy. The rates for private lessons are as follows:
30 minutes: $44
45 minutes: $66
60 minutes: $88
Age Requirements
We want every student that enrolls in lessons to succeed. As such, please note that there are age requirements to enroll in private lessons. We usually require violin students to be at least 4-5 years old; piano students to be 5-6 years old; guitar and voice students to be 7-8 years old. All students are different, though. A free assessment may be asked for if your child is at the border of these age requirements.
MTAC
Select piano teachers at the Academy are members of Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC). Students studying under them are eligible to participate in all MTAC events and programs, including the Certificate of Merit program, Concerto Competition, Bach Festival, and the Romantic & Impressionist Festival. If you are interested please let us know when enrolling and we will pair your child with a participating MTAC Santa Monica Bay or MTAC-WLA teacher.
30 minutes: $44
45 minutes: $66
60 minutes: $88
Age Requirements
We want every student that enrolls in lessons to succeed. As such, please note that there are age requirements to enroll in private lessons. We usually require violin students to be at least 4-5 years old; piano students to be 5-6 years old; guitar and voice students to be 7-8 years old. All students are different, though. A free assessment may be asked for if your child is at the border of these age requirements.
MTAC
Select piano teachers at the Academy are members of Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC). Students studying under them are eligible to participate in all MTAC events and programs, including the Certificate of Merit program, Concerto Competition, Bach Festival, and the Romantic & Impressionist Festival. If you are interested please let us know when enrolling and we will pair your child with a participating MTAC Santa Monica Bay or MTAC-WLA teacher.
Why choose the Santa Monica Academy of Music?
We Focus on Teaching
We do not sell instruments or music. All we do is provide music instruction. This allows us to provide the most dedicated learning environment possible.
Experienced Instructors
All of our instructors are university/conservatory trained, many with advanced degrees in music. All of our instructors have had years of teaching experience before becoming part of the Santa Monica Academy of Music team. Most importantly, our instructors are passionate about teaching and strive to relate to each individuals learning style. You want a great guitar teacher? A great piano teacher? A great voice teacher? We have them.
Flexible Curriculum
We know that musical skills can be taught through many styles of music. As such, students are able to choose from classical, rock, pop, blues, musical theatre, etc., while still learning fundamental and essential skills.
Choice of More Than One Teacher
For many of the instruments we have more than one teacher to choose from to best meet your or your child's personality and learning style.
We Teach All Ages - Beginners to Advanced
Our students range in age from 5 to 75 years old. Many students learn to play music to enrich their lives, while others have gone on to study music in college and professionally.
Ability to Schedule Concurrent Lessons for Two or More Family Members
We know how busy life is and by scheduling two or more lessons at the same time for different family members you avoid extra waiting and driving.
Flexible Enrollment & Payment Plans
Commitment to private lessons is on a month-by-month basis. No long contracts that lock you in. Payments are monthly and can be made by cash, check, credit card. You can pay in person, over the phone, or sign-up for auto pay.
Recital Opportunities
Every student has the opportunity to perform in our semi-annual recitals. These optional recitals provide students with performance experience, musical confidence, and pride.
High-Quality Pianos in Each Room
We have four high-quality Yamaha upright pianos, a baby grand piano , and a Yamaha C7 7'6" concert grand piano. This piano was once owned by Ernest Gold, film composer of the film Exodus, which won a Grammy for best musical score in 1960. (We believe this score was composed on this piano.)
Friendly, Helpful Office Staff
We know you are often juggling music lessons around other activities. Our friendly staff gives you personalized attention for all your scheduling needs.
We Are Part of the Santa Monica Community
We are celebrating our 16th year serving the Santa Monica community. We know and work with many of the SMMUSD music teachers, augmenting in-school music instruction with private lessons, preparing students for school ensemble auditions, and Stairway to the Stars preparation. With pride, we have helped many students participate in Santa Monica and West LA school music ensembles, from the elementary through high school levels.
