Santa Monica Academy of Music

Santa Monica Academy of Music offers private music lessons in violin, piano, guitar, and voice, along with Music in the Schools Programs, Bergmann Project lessons, Academy Chorus, and Academy Singers. Private music lessons are priced at $44 to $88 per class, and lesson ages are usually 4 to 5 years for violin, 5 to 6 years for piano, and 7 to 8 years for guitar and voice. Bergmann Project lessons are semi-private lessons for students in 4th through 12th grades and are fully funded by the Peggy Bergmann Arts Endowment Fund.

Programs

• Private music lessons — Violin students are usually at least 4-5 years old; piano students 5-6 years old; guitar and voice students 7-8 years old · $44–$88 per class
• Music in the Schools Programs — Partners with selected elementary schools to implement music programs aligned with California Performing Arts Content Standards and featuring the Orff-Schulwerk process.
• Bergmann Project lessons — Students ranging from 4th through 12th grades · Semi-private lessons for qualified students, wholly funded by the Peggy Bergmann Arts Endowment Fund.
• Academy Chorus
• Academy Singers

At a glance

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Price range: $44–$88 per class
• Facility hours: Office hours are Monday through Friday 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 - 1:00 pm. Closed on Sundays.

About the provider

Since 1997, Santa Monica Academy of Music has served the Santa Monica and greater Los Angeles communities. It offers a personalized environment and a thorough and diverse music education, with an emphasis on building fundamental skills that will last a lifetime. The instructors are conservatory and university trained, and select piano teachers are members of the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC).

Private instruction is month-by-month. No long contracts. Payments are monthly and can be made by cash, check, credit card, in person, over the phone, or by auto pay. Every student has the opportunity to perform in semi-annual recitals. Concurrent lessons can be scheduled for two or more family members. Free assessment may be asked for if a child is at the border of age requirements.

What families say

“The teachers at the Santa Monica Academy of Music are some of the best teachers ever! They teach you how to play music wonderfully. All of the teachers are really patient--if you make a mistake, or if you have trouble somewhere in the music-- they will work with you so you can understand it better.” — Nicole, piano student, age 12

“I appreciate the balance Ms. Jessi Spike (piano,flute, choir) brings to the musical education of young children. She emphasizes fundamental musicianship, theory, and practice without losing sight of joyful inspiration and creativity.” — Gerald, father of Justine, age 11

Last updated October 31, 2026.