Specializing in:

Guitar Lessons ~ Bass Lessons ~ Voice Lessons ~ Piano Lessons ~ Early Childhood Music ~ Violin Lessons

FAQ

What do you learn in your lessons?

That question is often asked by prospective students.

Our teachers make it a priority to get to know you on a personal level and make sure we understand your personal goals and needs. We do not treat every student the same in terms of what and how we teach. A seven year old having their first guitar lesson will have very different needs than a 65 year old student picking up the guitar again after having had some music instruction as a child or than a complete beginner or a professional seeking a deeper understanding of musical theory, composition or improvisation.

The main reason to have 851 Music Studio as your music lesson provider is that we are sensitive to the fact that every student is an individual.

If you enroll here for lessons, we will work with you to make a plan that will fit your needs and musical preferences.

At your very first lesson your teacher will ask you what is your favorite type of music and set goals to help you accomplish your musical and aspirations or your child’s.

How much do lessons cost?

The cost of lessons varies with respect to your individual level of commitment. The average cost for the usual hour appointments weekly is only $140.00 per month. It should be said the value of the lessons is determined by you. You will get out of your lessons what you put in.

How much should I practice?

Our most dedicated students practice many hours daily. Your answer to this question is dependent on your goals. Renowned guitarist Robben Ford was told by a teacher to “just pick up your guitar for 15 minutes every day and you’ll do fine.” Practicing every day is the key along with having an instructor who positively encourages you.

What can I hope to accomplish through musical training?

Playing music is a very challenging and gratifying activity. It’s intriguing to know that one is participating in the oldest art. One who seriously involves themselves in musical practice may expect a little more fun in life to say the least. At most, a higher level of consciousness. Who knows where that might lead? Ultimately you can be certain of it being a positive force in your life.

While many find joy in the solitary practice of music alone or with friends, many go on to perform publicly. Students prepare for college or conservatory and a number have even gone on to find careers in various musical fields. Our instructor training program offers interested advanced students another avenue for experience and opportunity.

Where is the studio?

Please see our directions page.

How do I sign up for online instruction?

Call us directly to apply: 707 747 0851. It’s that simple so long as there is time available. Remember the first lesson is always free so we can see if this modality of instruction will really work for you.

How do I pay online?

If your teacher accepts online payment, on their web page you will find a secure payment button. Just click their name in the Staff link at the top of this page.

Do jams, classes, performances etc. cost more?

No, most additional group playing opportunities offered have no additional cost. There are occasional classes for which there is a small fee such as certain summer classes and classes open to the public.

What kind of recording is available?

We’re set up mainly for individual singer songwriters but we can effectively record bands for demo and online purposes. Those who are seeking full production and engineering of their recordings are referred to top recording studios here in the Bay Area like: http://www.studiodrecording.com/ and http://www.prairiesun.com/

What’s a good instrument should I buy?

The relationship between a player and his or her instrument is quite intimate. The instrument you pick affects your ability to play and your motivation. We have a keen interest in helping our students find superior instruments at the best price.Check out our personal shopping page.

What if I need to cancel a lesson?

Both teacher and student must keep a commitment to scheduled appointments. If something unforeseeable happens, we’ll always try to work with the situation on an individual basis.

Can I take only group classes and not private lessons?

No. We emphasize private instruction. It’s the best fastest way to learn. The regular group instruction we offer is an added benefit for you at no additional charge. In combination, private with group classes adds tremendous value to your learning experience.

How do I go about having a song transcribed?

Bands and individuals seeking accurate notation of specific songs should contact J Shelby for details and pricing. Charts will be accurate and detailed in standard notation and or TAB for guitarists.

What’s the curriculum?

The emphasis is on musical creativity. The California State Department of Education describes levels of proficiency and goals to be accomplished by certain ages and grade levels. We introduce musical skills in order as recommended by the publications from the The National Association for Music Education. Students learn various musical skills, theory and learn to read music in a way that is fun and exciting. Sometimes students seek a particular goal, song or skill, so along with general musicianship lessons focus on your individual needs and interests. That’s the beauty of private one on one instruction.

851 Personalized shopping

We have a keen interest in making sure students have the best instruments possible at an excellent price. To that end we have formed relationships with many local and national manufacturers and dealers and craftsman who are committed to selling fine instruments whether you’re seeking an entry level instrument or a fine high end hand-made boutique instrument or accessory.

Finding a suitable instrument that will serve your pleasure and musical development can be very challenging. As teachers, we don't profit from the sale of instruments, we just share our love of the musical arts and we're here to help you with good advice you can trust.

We also offer what we call the 851 buyers club. Simply put, occasionally students make group purchases thereby insuring the best products at the lowest cost.

Special Events

Send us an email with "851 special" in the subject and we'll gladly add you to our mailing list so you'll be among the first to know about our future special events. ~ Like the ones below.

December 4th student performances

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A Concert and Conversation with Raymond Victor

Great Concert with Raymond Victor!
Saturday July 18, 2009

Raymond Victor started playing piano at the age of five and hasn't stopped since. He worked as a studio musician in Los Angeles for ten years. Raymond Victor recorded with Sly Stone, Steve Wonder, Bobby Womac and Larry Graham, and has performed with Bobby "Blue" Bland, Big Momma Thorton, Elvin Bishop, Kathi MacDonald, Steve Freund, Red Archibald and the Internationals and Luther Tucker. On his own he has opened for Canned Heat, Lou Rawls, Garth Brooks, Buddy Guy and Edgar Winter. With 6 CD's to his credit, the latest released in 2005, and hit single "Spirit of the Blues" that was picked up by a syndicated blues show with the listenership of 6 million, he is also winner of the "Song Writer of the Year" two years running at the Memphis Just Plain Folks competition. Raymond Victor is a highly respected and well loved member of the Vallejo community, both musically and as a community leader, and always draws a crowd.

Thanks to all who came, please leave any feedback you may have on the guest book.

Enjoy these videos!

 

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On Saturday Feb 7th, 2010 we we're blown away by the fantastic playing of guitarist Volker Strifler and bassist Don Bassey.
The concert and the many great questions asked by students made for an amazing event.

Thank you to all who came and participated, please leave any feedback you may have on the guest book.

 

Study online with a live teacher

Got video chat? Enjoy quality instruction.
Live and personal, not videos; a live teacher to interact with in real time who has the teaching ability to get you to a proficiency level in playing and understanding so you can more effectively TEACH YOURSELF! Get questions answered without any guess work at your convenience over the internet.

• Flexible scheduling
• Customized lessons that speak directly to your interests
• Zero pressure
• Fun!

We guarantee you will have a powerful and effective learning experience. The lessons are one on one and focused to your personal needs and goals and will dramatically improve your playing.

As always the first lesson’s free!

At one time...

The only music people heard was that which they made themselves. It was their own. It wasn’t bought or sold. And it was normal for everyone to sing and dance and play...

Dedicated teachers.

At 851 Music Studio we have a brilliant and talented staff of devoted full time teachers who’ve spent their lives honing and refining their craft. All our teachers are degreed and/or working professionals. The traditions of music taught are endowed with personal knowledge and many years of experience. We use the most innovative teaching methods in a beautiful environment for learning. It’s a unique spacious facility featuring iMac computers and an array of pop musical instruments. We meet or surpass the State of California’s educational standards.

According to the state’s web site, entertainment is one of the largest economic sectors in California. Yet, how often do we hear about another school district is cutting their art or music program? Were here to support our community's interest in music education and performance. Our affiliation to Red Dragonfly Productions provides a means for aspiring performers to have access to the business side of music in a unique way. 851 Music Studio hosts free concerts and clinics for students as well as jams and other group playing opportunities.

All music instruction is not the same.

The musical journey takes many paths. Some may aspire to professional performance while others simply seek the joy of creating and having music in their lives. What ever the style, young or old, novice or returning, 851 is a place where people of all ages and skill levels are welcome.

The new learning paradigm is aggressive, pro-active learning. For students to be really successful they have to love the subject, feel successful, and have all the tools and information.

Unleash your potential!

Once you grasp musical basics you freely explore and your natural musical creativity drives your lessons. The emphasis is on accelerated learning and getting students playing and having fun.

Personalized instruction is available for Piano, Guitar, Voice, Violin, Bass, Saxophone, Drums, Banjo, Mandolin and Harp. We feature a vast resource of local and nationally renowned musician’s who teach virtually all instruments including the rare and unusual. We also feature a huge and growing library of written and multimedia instructional literature and music for students to explore.

As a student in our multimedia center you’ll use state of the art computers to add unlimited possibilities through technology to support your musical training. You'll learn and use music software to round out you're general knowledge, train your ear, and create your own projects in composition and recording and, through live playing, apply your learned skills with music you create.

Lessons are conveniently scheduled from 9am till 9pm daily. You may participate at your own level of interest and commitment.

We always arrange a complimentary first appointment

This is our way of providing you an opportunity to come down and see our facility first hand. You might even see some students doing activities you’ll be involved in yourself. Most importantly, you’ll have the opportunity meet with an instructor and evaluate all the possibilities for your own instruction.

We are dedicated to developing each and every student to his or her maximum potential.

Our commitment is to help you improve your musicianship whatever level of performance you intend to achieve.

We invite you to explore the next step in your musical dream.