My consultation with Aimee was amazing. She was easy to talk to, knowledgeable of different music genres, styles and theory to help best select a music teacher for me, and had me leaving the consultation more excited for lessons than when I had originally entered!
I can not say enough good things about this place. I have two autistic kids and one with cochlear implants, and the teachers all work with them with them right where they are! My oldest had a lot of intrinsic talent with piano but not a ton of interest originally. Thanks to Jimi, he is really loving piano now and even sharing it with other people and making connections through music. I love it!!
The initial meeting was fun and made me happy about my choice of Starland.
Lesson quality was good taken on their own, but didn’t see the kinds of overall service, communication or results that merit the high prices and complicated cancellation policy.
2. Melodies For Life – Music and Coaching Services Alameda
Address: 1516 Grand St #201, Alameda, CA 94501 , Alameda , California , United States
I always wanted to learn the drums and Myles made it happen. Every time I felt discouraged for being too old to learn or frustrated for not being musically inclined, Myles encouraged me by giving me lots of perspective and good advice. Myles is kind, genuinely interested in your learning journey, and is so musically gifted. I strongly recommend Myles and Melodies For Life.
I can confidently say that Melodies For Life has made nothing short of a major impact on my life. Darnell is a wonderful human being with a huge heart and a drive to make sure people live a better life. I worked with him for almost a year at the beginning stages of the business and it was a significant opportunity for me to learn, grow and experience the vision that he sees with the company. Being that i had no work experience at the time, he took me under his wing to help run the business. I have since launched a company and helped grow another to become an industry leader due to the principles he instilled in me.
As far as the musical training, he walks his students through the basics and increases the difficulty of the learning stages at a very appropriate rate. All of which is custom tailored to the needs and potential of the student on a personal basis.
I highly recommend Melodies For Life to anyone who is interested in learning an instrument or looking to further enhance their musical capabilities. You will not regret your decision in any way, shape, or form.
They have good teachers, very friendly and professional. My kid like learning music at
melodies for life!!!
5 stars from 44 people?? This is the kind of rating that makes me seriously doubt the validity of Yelp….
I literally contacted this place 5 times via email and phone to try and set up lessons for my teen who is wanting to restart guitar lessons. It took on average 3-7 days to get each response, which led to…nothing.
Each time the person who wrote back (several days after I wrote) mentioned setting up an intake, to which I responded. “Great- here are the general times we are available.” Days go by with no reply. I email back- he suggests an intake- I tell him our availability- days go by with no reply. I email back, (you see where this is going, repeat 4x.)
I had high hopes- the website is so clear about what is required of the students and payment. Maybe they can take a note from themselves and get organized.
3. Beaker’s Records
Address: 918 Central Ave Unit A, Alameda, CA 94501 , Alameda , California , United States
Stumbled upon this gem of a record shop yesterday. They’ve got a ton of sweet deals in the plentiful bargain bins and Gordon, the owner, was super nice and helpful. Go check it out for yourself 🙂
Recently opened, a good variety of genres, depth of inventory that will grow with time
Well priced and super friendly owner
Will definitely be back
Excellent little spot for used vinyl, CD and cassette tapes. The owner has a good eye and so there are lots of interesting rarities, some $1 and $3 bargains and a free bin out front. Well worth the visit!
4. Alameda School of Music
Address: 1307 High St, Alameda, CA 94501 , Alameda , California , United States
Great class. Berry Soloman and other instructors are excellent in their crafts and genuinely enjoy teaching others who endeavour learning a number of musical instruments. I highly recommend them.
5. Infinite Studios
Address: 3132 Marina Dr, Alameda, CA 94501 , Alameda , California , United States
Called this place 3 times to book studios time and left 3 msgs never received a call back. I will never book studio time here . I found skyline studios and was treated professionally by the resident studio tech and made a successful recording the same way I did in the 1980s and that record went to #1 in 9 countries!
6. Rocket Reuse
Address: 1355 Park St, Alameda, CA 94501 , Alameda , California , United States
Such a lovely store. Been in off and on for almost 10 years and I hope for 10 years more. Records in great shape, awesome books. But more than anything the clothes and clip on earrings (I don’t have holes). Wonderful service and fun store to browse for hours. You can tell they’re a neighborhood staple because of the folks who stop in to say hi and chat.
They always have new stock and decent prices. I love a good local and used book store.
It’s almost like a time machine. They have VHS tapes, record’s books and DVDs. Also retro clothes
You can try on in their changing rooms.
There is a bin full of discounts.
It’s one of my favorite stores when I am in the neighbourhood
Copl little store on alameda island. Have a lot of books for kids. Great place for teachers to pick up early leveled readers for a decent price. They have an area for graphic novels and comic books. Lots of old records and some vintage clothing.
Great place to sell and find retro stuffs.
“We’re so overstocked right now I wouldn’t be willing to negotiate ” was my reply to a counter-offer. And the individual spoke with a forced smile. I had another box of just as rare & collectable stuff sitting on the doorstep .
After their offer I asked to see exactly what I was selling . Upon bringing the box downstairs I then asked if I could restack it so as to see the bottom. With an air of indifference & a literal raised wave of the hand I was met with ” You can just take it” , speaking while looking away.
I mean , I’m clean shaven , clean clothes , logical and within reason with my person and I’m responded to as if I come off as desperate or if I had just walked out of the back door of the nearest antique shop with this box.
Needless to say, I’m sitting here looking through my 68′ & 69′ Softball Illustrated , Beastie Boys “Hello Nasty” cd , two original Beetles 45’s and a stamped No. 1 Motown 45 that was cut out of a magazine or something made of cardboard with 3 songs on it , #1 Sugar Daddy, #2 Going back to Indiana, and #3 Who’s loving you .
I often thank buyers for not buying what they’re obviously interested in from me , this time being one of them , & certainly not going to return.
Lousy service
7. Cadenza Studio of Music and Arts
Address: 1209 Lincoln Ave, Alameda, CA 94501 , Alameda , California , United States
My son has been taking guitar lessons with Wayne for the past 10 years since he was in elementary school, and loves to play and sing his genre of music. Wayne inspires him to do his best and is flexible with my son’s choice of music. Especially during the pandemic, he looks forward to his weekly guitar lessons whether on Zoom or live. Music adds a bit of spice in his life. Playing guitar is a joy for him and he wants to practice, not forced to practice. Wayne makes his lessons fun and entertaining.
Wayne is an awesome, well-rounded, patient, and even-tempered instructor. I’ve been taking ukulele lessons with him and he guides you slowly and encourages you so you can really learn techniques. I continued learning via zoom and am just starting to slowly adapt to meeting in person for lessons.
The studio is spacious and easy to get to with plenty of parking. I recommend his classes for young and older/adult learners alike. Pricing is decent- he offers lessons for multiple instruments. Time commitment is about 30 mins practice/day.
Each session is a great chance to rock out and enjoy the tutelage of one of the best musicians in the Bay Area!!!
12. Brady Guitars
Address: 2326 Alameda Ave, Alameda, CA 94501 , Alameda , California , United States
13. Thin Man Music
Address: 1506 Webster St, Alameda, CA 94501 , Alameda , California , United States
I have purchased two guitars and three ukuleles from Thin Man in addition to some string repairs, bought sheet music and my husband took lessons. All experiences were great with awesome customer service in a genuine manner. A string instrument shop for players and lovers of string music. So happy to have them in Alameda! They take trades as well which is totally cool and sell used equipment. Will keep going and will return again and again.
AMAZING! Everyone must go here. I brought my banjo in, and Ryland (spelling?) fixed it in a second. He was a dream, and i’m going to do whatever i can to support these guys. You should too!
I love this place. Funky, fun, informal. Stop in, pick up an instrument and play for a while. No one bugs you. New owner, Rylan, is a sweetheart of a guy. He’s really good at instrument repair. And he tries to give you the best deals he can. They could use a bit more staff: it’s kinda old school here, which I like, but may have to wait for them to get to your phone call or wait on you if they’re swamped. Honestly though, this is a biz musicians should feel really good about supporting.
14. A diamond is forever
Address: 2979 Johnson Ave, Alameda, CA 94501 , Alameda , California , United States
