Music Lessons for All Ages

Flute, Sax, Clarinet, Piano, Guitar, Theory

The best time to start music lessons is 20 years ago—and the next best time is NOW! I offer music lessons for children and adults. I have 35+ years of professional experience.

I design a custom approach for each student. What makes me different from other teachers is that I have extensive experience in many diverse fields of music—classical, jazz, rock, pop, etc.—as a result of a professional music career working with performers and publishers in every style imaginable.

Read some recommendations about Ernie, or “5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Music Lessons.”

We feel that private instruction is the best method for learning an instrument. The teacher can focus 100% on each student. This also means that each student can have a custom approach. “One size does not fit all.” We encourage creativity and composition/improvisation as well. That being said, we do use established method books as the basis of our teaching. These days there are many method books available in many different musical styles; classical, jazz, rock, etc. Knowing which ones to select is important. We offer half-hour or one-hour lessons. Most children take half-hour lessons. Here are some general descriptions of what is offered.

Pre-Piano Lessons
Lessons for young children, beginning at age 4 yr. and above, using elementary methods and workbooks featuring recognition of notes, letters, and numbers.

Piano Lessons
Children and adults, all ages. Beginning through advanced levels. Classical, jazz, rock, and pop.

Guitar Lessons
Beginning through intermediate levels. Acoustic, electric, and classical guitar.  Focus is on notation, theory, and technique. Classical, jazz, rock, and pop (but not heavy metal).

Flute, Saxophone , Clarinet Lessons
Beginning through advanced. Classical, jazz, rock, and advanced techniques.

Singer/Songwriter Services
Working with singers and songwriters preparing music for auditions, demos, and recordings. Arranging, coaching, and recording production.

Theory and Composition
Beginning through advanced. AP Music theory tutoring.
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For more information about the Academy, email us, or call (510) 524-2055.
Conveniently located near North Berkeley BART.

Join Priscilla of Live Oak Studio in a conversation with Ernie Mansfield about what brought him to
his passion of teaching music to people of all ages: