Santa Monica Academy of Music456

My daughter has been taking piano lessons at Santa Monica Academy of Music for 7 years. She is now 14 years old. We have considered the Academy an extension of her schooling and can't imagine life without them!! The flexibility of schedule of lessons is very generous... so helpful with kid's AND working parents' needs. Amy is not only an excellent teacher for my daughter, she has given her a place to express herself and relax. The fact that my daughter plays the piano well, extends her music theory and application BEYOND the piano and displays her creativity with PRIDE has made the Santa Monica Academy of Music an important part of her life.

I am a professional musician who has had several children attend Santa Monica Academy of Music. It is the best music school for both children and adults on the Westside. My kids took guitar, piano, and flute and not only loved going to their lessons, but were inspired by the enthusiasm of their teachers to keep up a good practice routine. They also got to participate in the Academy's recitals (all students have this opportunity), which is an important element to improving both musicianship and confidence. At the Santa Monica Academy of Music all styles are covered - from classical to jazz to rock, so my kids were able to explore a variety of music. I have gotten to know the owners of the school while my children have been taking lessons. They are a husband and wife team - Buzz and Jesse Gravelle, who are extremely knowledgeable about music pedagogy. Both hold music degrees from UCLA, and Buzz, who has a PhD, is also on the music faculty of Cal Poly Pomona. In addition to directing the activities of the Academy and teaching, they also run music programs at a number of elementary schools in Los Angeles, and offers classes for toddlers and parents at the Academy. The atmosphere at Santa Monica Academy of Music is relaxed, and every person who works there, from the receptionist to the teachers, is extremely warm and friendly - a reflection of the spirit of Buzz and Jesse, who love music, love teaching and love kids. Overall, I give the Santa Monica Academy my highest recommendation. It is truly a wonderful place.

My two children have been taking piano lessons at Santa Monica Academy of Music for one and two years, respectively, and we have found the experience to be top notch in every respect. The instruction is fantastic - just the right balance of staying in the child's comfort zone and still remaining challenging enough to move the student to the next level at the appropriate time. These teachers work hard to approach each child individually, taking their temperaments and interests into consideration when designing their musical training. They are professionals and they get it...and it shows. We have been so impressed with the school's recital program which gives even the most junior-level student the opportunity to get used to performing (an important part of musicality) in a very low-key and supportive environment. I interviewed several piano teachers before looking into Santa Monica Academy of Music and there was simply no comparison. We have recommended the school to several family friends and they have been just as happy as we are with their experiences there. In response to the other reviewer who didn't like the carpet (???), we've found the environment at the school to be warm and down to earth yet very professional. We would recommend Santa Monica Academy of Music to anyone looking for real music lessons from real professionals.

I have been taking my two children ages 8 and 11 to the Santa Monica Academy of Music for Private Piano Lessons for over a year now. All I can say is that this was the best decision I have made for my family in a long time. Our instructor, as well as the owners and staff are bright, enthusiastic and friendly. They are extremely flexible with our ever-changing schedules. Both my children adore their instructor and are always upbeat about going to their lessons. My children are very different learners - and Amy our instructor, has managed to adapt her lessons to accomodate the unique attributes of both. I love this place and feel priviledged to be a part of S.M. Academy of Music family!

My children and I have been going to the Santa Monica Academy of Music for over five years. My kids have become very good musicians, and their love and understanding of music has really grown through their lessons. I have taken guitar, piano and voice lessons there and rank the instruction as of the highest quality. The teachers are really great and friendly, and you can learn all styles of music. I play classical and jazz, and my children play rock-and-roll. We all love it!!!

Too bad this place has such a bad managment -the receptionist changes almost every month . Some of teachers are great, but don't get enough appreciation from the direction. The place is very noisy and has nothing beautiful -wood floors would really be a plus as opposed to the ugly carpet. You would expect more from an Academy of Music in that location. Maybe there is not enough competion around(if only the Colburn school could have a little Suzuki school over here!)