Suggestions for drums & guitar classes for 6-year old
Looking for suggestions for drums classes/instructors in Berkeley, and preferably offering guitar lessons as well. Most recommendations on BPN seem quite old. Thanks in advance.
[Moderator Note] Music teachers with current openings can be found in the Tutor/Teacher Listing on the BPN website. These are local teachers and tutors who support BPN by purchasing a subscription.
Aug 28, 2018
Parent Replies
We LOVED Jon’s School of Music. My son started in the general music class when he was 4. He was exposed to several instruments and learned basic music skills. At 5 he joined one of Jon’s “rock bands” - where the kids make up the songs and learn how to play together on a variety of instruments. My son was particularly drawn to the drums and electric guitar. Jon is quirky and fun, and really gets how to engage kids in developing a passion for and skills to explore music.
Yes! I have the perfect recommendation—Jon’s School of Music, which is located at Totland in Berkeley. My son is in the “rock band” class, where kids have the opportunity to play keyboard, drums, guitar, and sing. They even write songs, which is super fun and sweet. Check it out—I think he offers a free trial class.
www.jsom.com
Hi! I would recommend Jon's School of Music. Jon is wonderful with kids, and truly enjoys teaching them and watching them progress. My kids have been taking classes with him for a few years, and have learned more about the love and art of making music than I can encapsulate in one small review. He teaches in the building over in Totland Park, and offers classes for all ages as well as private lessons. Mine play the piano, drums, and one has now begun the guitar. You should check him out!
Jon at Jon's school of music is fantastic. He's great with kids and teaches them musical concepts and instruments. The kids have a great time in his class and learn a ton. My son did his rock band class and wrote his own songs and learned how to play them with the band on keyboards, drums and other instruments. Jon also does private lessons. www.jsom.com
Jon's School of Music in Totland park building is a great place. My son started with Jon as a 4-year old in the rock band drums and keyboard class (uses other instruments too). Jon had him playing some very good original compositions on piano at 4-5 (and some of the other kids songs were great too). Jon started with his own songs (we got he CD to use at home) that allow the children to learn their way around the keyboard notes. Probably around age 7 my son wanted a break, but Jon assured us that my son had gained enough knowledge and skills that he could continue in the future "no problem" whenever he was ready. Sure enough about a year later he was ready to go back and learn some songs he had heard on the radio. My son is about to turn 11 and has been taking private lessons in the Totland building ever since. His drumming has picked up lots recently. Jon's a multi-instrumentalist so recently my son expressed the desire to play bass......no problem. Jon packs anything my kid wants to learn into his lesson. I love watching it (we sometimes video the lesson to practice at home), particularly when Jon is standing on the other side of the keyboard so he shows the next riff on the keys....and my son then gives it a go.....and Jon corrects or demonstrates again....and this repeats until the song is learned. Effective technique. It brings tears to my eyes to see my son anchoring a rendition of a recent Imagine Dragons hit on piano with a few of his peers belting out the lyrics to their favorite song on their own. Jon knows the path for kids to enjoy making music and expressing themselves with music. In my mind that's priceless. So yes.....sign up for guitar......and drums......and a dash of keyboard knowledge couldn't hurt.