I recently had the pleasure of immersing myself in the enchanting world of Xueyao’s best musician, and I can confidently declare it a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience. This artist’s ability to weave intricate melodies and evoke deep emotions through their music is nothing short of extraordinary.
From the very first notes, it became evident that Xueyao’s best musician possesses an innate gift for storytelling through sound. Each composition is a carefully crafted narrative that takes listeners on a sonic journey through a myriad of emotions and landscapes. Whether it’s the hauntingly ethereal tones that evoke a sense of longing or the upbeat rhythms that ignite a surge of joy, this musician’s versatility is truly remarkable.
His extraordinary talent and teaching skills has given me the guidance I need in my violin journey. Best musician indeed, seek no further.
Xueyao has made me into the next violin virtuoso.
What more can you say? He really is the best musician
Unreachable
Disappointed with the music. Don’t go!!
2. San Mateo Piano
Address: 1200 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94402 , San Mateo , California , United States
Honest review from a local Silicon Valley family with two children who play piano. We purchased a new Kawaii upright piano from San Mateo Piano. We got a great piano for a fantastic price and both our kids are thrilled with the piano! We could not be happier in how Bozkurt and Louse and entire team took care of us from explaining the piano options, then handling our purchase, and setting up delivery of the piano to our home. WOW, what a team! If you are seeking a new piano, either upright or grand, we recommend buying from them. On price, you just cannot beat San Mateo Piano because they are a direct factory outlet so nobody beats their pricing. Initially, some customers may be hesitant about ordering a Kawaii when you don’t get to play your specific piano until its unboxed at your home upon delivery. Our experience is that process was great because you do get to play and choose your model piano in the showroom, and San Mateo team ensures you are delivered a great piano. Another tip we have is for the families who have pre-conceived notion that Yamaha is the best. We initially had same mistaken idea, but our two pianist children tried both Yamaha vs. Kawaii uprights and they strongly preferred the Kawaii sound, and so did my wife and I.
Nice employee
We bought our Kawai piano here two years ago. I am so glad we got it. We literally bought the piano over the phone. We had no knowledge in pianos, but hearing my kids play it sounds so beautiful and very high quality. Thanks to the owner’s recommendation. They were extremely nice. Prices are very reasonable. I am so glad we bought our piano here. Very good customer service
Has pianos and lessons.
We waited for half an hour outside the door even we have made an appointment. There were some other customers inside. No one came to open the door for us, even we rang the doorbell and knocked the door. We gave up at the end. I wonder what is the point to make appointments if no one is willing to serve you.
Limited selection of piano and the staff was not rushing customer out even with appointment.
Not a happy place. After visiting another store, these guys were not as bad as I first thought.
3. Guitar Center
Address: 53 W Hillsdale Blvd Suite A, San Mateo, CA 94403 , San Mateo , California , United States
A fascinating place that offers music lessons and is open to enthusiasts trying out guitars, amps, keyboards, and other gear to their satisfaction. The staff is very cooperative and friendly.
Mario toured me around and helped me get the guitars off the racks as I tried many guitars. Other staff helpful with gear setup and instrument knowledge. Overall friendly and inviting staff, good selection, knowledgeable staff.
dude I dont even need to say anything
The staff is super nice, and they have a big selection of products. Love this place so much!
My 4 year old son and I love going here because they encourage him to find his inner musician. I have also bought my favorite uke and guitar from here.
Cool staff, big store but inventory was all over the place.
I purchased 2 things from this store online my orders were cancelled 2 different times very bad management
So I visited this Guitar Center with the inention of trading up my instrument. Prior to me arriving here I called another guitar Center to value my trade in and it was not much. I figured if I purchased the instrument I wanted that the value of the one I wanted to trade in would at least cover the tax, so to me it was worth it. So when the gentleman asked me if I needed assistance at the San Mateo guitar center, I told him what my intention was and right away he was very discouraging. He told me since the item that I wanted was already on sale, I would not get any more discounts off it. I already knew that. And then he told me that the item I was trying to trade in would not be worth much at all. I already knew this coming into this situation, I figured at least it would be a win for me because I got rid of the instrument, and I wouldn’t have to go through the hassle of trying to sell it. This sales person didn’t give me any options and I felt brushed off. I too am in sales and I felt that he did not want to assist. Maybe in his eyes, his intentions may be coming from a good place, but my perception as a customer was not positive. I would have appreciated a more welcoming approach with a much kinder delivery with an explanation of my options. Instead he was assumptive and told me that since the item I wanted was already on sale, I was not going to get any more discounts off of it. Again, I already knew that, but I did not want to explain to him because I already knew that I did not want to do business with him or this particular store. I will never come back to this particular location, I would rather go to Emeryville where I bought this particular instrument a few years ago because they were much friendlier, or I would even endure going into the city to visit that location.
The premise is poorly kept. Cigarette butts are all over.
4. Thefortress HQ Music
Address: 111 N Railroad Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401 , San Mateo , California , United States
Just called for basic information and was given very helpful tips. Very friendly, and although I didn’t use their services, I will consider using them in the future.
5. Scherzo Music School
Address: 10 Madison Ave, San Mateo, CA 94402 , San Mateo , California , United States
Last week, I bought a 1/2 size violin from Ken Su Violin, recommended by our teacher. Ken Su violin let us try three different violins for a week. The service was very good and the sound of the violin is good as well comparing to other well-known brand. You also have an option to trade-in for upgrading your future violin. If you are looking for a professional workshop for good violins, I recommend Ken Su violin.
Very easy instrument + gear purchase, and I was allowed to try the different cellos offered as well as a big variety of bows. Great process.
Always a pleasure. Easy to work with whenever we need a repair or a new size and my daughter gets great sound from her cello.
My student was pressured into buying a violin without the option to try it (she is advanced enough to make her own decisions and would have brought it to me for approval). Ken su’s assistant played them for her and let her only hold it before saying that this was a good instrument. She came home and did not like the tone and found it to be lower quality than her previous instrument so I accompanied them for a return. Ken su’s assistant lied to me and told me that she had played on it and that the mom seemed happy when she left the previous day and tried to deny them a return. I was asked what took them so long (they bought it before closing the previous day, and it was an hour after opening on the following day when we were all in). The return eventually got sorted out, but Ken demanded that my student’s mom admit that she was wrong, which she only did so he wasn’t more aggressive.
I have a lot of students rent instruments from Ken Su, but this experience makes me unable to continue suggesting this as a viable option. I don’t want my students to be denied the option to play on their upgraded instruments nor do I want employees pressuring them to buy instruments.
Ken later apologized to me in a private message, saying if he knew it was one of my students then he would have pulled out the “good instruments.” Seriously?! Everyone should receive the same quality shopping experience.
Furthermore, I tried posting this several times on yelp and encouraged my student to do the same, but our review was taken down each time. Why can’t we speak openly about what happened?
We went in for purchasing bigger size violin, the employee, didn’t let my daughter tried on any of the violins, insisted that we trust him for picking the violin and pressured us to purchase. We didn’t realize the violin is a poor quality one until my daughter played it at home.
Went back to Ken Su for return the next day, the employee insisted that my daughter did play the violin before(how is holding the violin for sizing considered playing?). Ken Su then acted hostile in front of my kids and our violin teacher who accompanied us, BLAMED me for not trying the violin.
My kids had been renting and then purchasing his violins & viola for the past 5 years. I thought we could trust him that all his instruments are of good quality.
We will not be going back.
8. Shigeru Kawai Pianos
Address: 1200 S El Camino Real B, San Mateo, CA 94402 , San Mateo , California , United States
Great piano store, very helpful and great service.
After all the shopping we purchased a Kawai piano from this store. The staff is above average and sets them apart from other stores. We were assisted by Louise, she was really professional throughout the process.
I heard this store from my kids’ piano teacher. The owner is super nice!! He helped us when we were in financial difficulty and finally my daughter had a piano! The staffs are professional and friendly. Delivery is very good and on time.
This place was San Mateo piano and has pianos and lessons.
9. Heriz Music & Art
Address: 210 California Dr, Burlingame, CA 94010 , San Mateo , California , United States
Friendly neighborhood shop offering instrument sales and rental. Good service.
Staff was very helpful and knowledgeable!
Friendly staff and ecclectic assortment of instruments! I am a collector of world instruments and love shops like this which offer a wider variety than your standard wall of boring guitars and one ukulele. Glad they’re here!
Nice instrument. Closed when sing reads open.
Cozy place, new and used instruments, variety of sheet music, they also suggested cello lessons.
Fraudulent. I rented an instrument for my daughter’s school year then returned it. They continued to charge my card so I called them and they said they would stop charging and refund me. They didn’t and continued to charge me. Then 3 months later ($350 extra in EXTRA rental fees) and I call them and they say they don’t have the instrument! They want me to pay for it! Absolutely insane. Don’t EVER use them.
Musical instruments shop with a few sound proofed rooms in the back for lessons. They carry unknown brands and charge a premium for rental, even for elementary students.
I came in to sell my 2013 gibson. Right when i walked into the store i was greeted by a lady who worked there who immediately said “sorry, not interested”. She didn’t even take a look at the guitar. I’m a little annoyed that the front of their store says “buy-sell-rentals” but it doesnt seem like they buy anything. Drove all the way here for nothing…
10. School of Rock
Address: 711 S B St, San Mateo, CA 94401 , San Mateo , California , United States
My son LOVES Jimmy and the drum kit instructions and music recommendations he receives from Jimmy. My son has not been this enthusiastic about drumming in a few years — it is wonderful to see!
My son takes lessons and went to the ACDC camp here. Great experience. They keep it fun and engaging. The kids get to meet new friends and form a strong bond within a short period of time.
Geoff is a solid instructor! My son looks forward to lessons. Highly recommend
11. Vinyl Solution Records
Address: 151 W 25th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403 , San Mateo , California , United States
A great place to buy any type of music, music for everyone! ☺
Great place for current and obscure record releases. Also some rare finds for music memorabilia. Well worth the trip.
Has tons of music for those into records, cds and tapes. Would be back there to look for more music.
Clean and friendly
Great record store! The staff are extremely helpful and friendly. No gatekeeping at all and will make great recommendations. Only wish they had more albums in stock.
I mainly look for albums that I’ve listened to on repeat, but I wasn’t able to find much on my visit. I was able to find Jimmy Eat World and Brand New which was extremely surprising! I’d love to see more emo music in person as opposed to buying online.
Since 1995 they have been overcharging for used and fake stuff, and paying fractions of cents on the dollar for anything anyone brings in. Pretentious hipsters n hippies only.
Beware. All around up tight. If you have Vinyl to buy or sell try Amoeba or go online. The owner has a nasty attitude. Sad to say, but his attitude makes record shopping uncomfortable. I recommend that the shop close up or resell to someone who cares.
I was stalked by the cashier and owner while purchasing albums. It’s unfortunate that it’s more comfortable to shop online for items. Rather than be profiled by bigoted elderly white men. I’ll stick to Ameoba, Needle in the groove, and Amazon.
12. Pianissimo
Address: 1200 S El Camino Real Suite 2, San Mateo, CA 94402 , San Mateo , California , United States
I called about bringing in my son’s Yamaha MX88 which appeared dead. Gary was so helpful and suggested before we do that to check the power supply. Bingo!!! that was it!! Thank you Gary! You were so kind and knowledgable. I highly recommend these guys. 10 Stars **********
Peter was great to work with. He let me try out a hard to find guitar. I highly recommend B Street.
I was looking for a hard to find digital piano that was out of stock everywhere. B street sold it to me without any markup even though this is high demand product. Really couldn’t be happier with being connected to the musical instrument that I was looking for.
tiny tiny shop. sad to see they downsized and the people renting musical instruments etc. has declined over the years.
Friendly and they know their stuff.
14. Teacher Leon Piano Lessons
Address: 516 S Fremont St, San Mateo, CA 94402 , San Mateo , California , United States
My son (11 years) took piano class for a month in Burlingame Rec Center, and the teacher there was great to introduce Piano to Nolan. But when I signed him up for the 2nd month, it was not the same teacher, and it didn’t go well (as my son said, the 1st teacher was way better). Then we signed him up with another piano teacher from another organization. Didn’t work out.
So as parents, we spent quite some time and efforts to find “THE” piano teacher for our son. Then we found Leon in San Mateo. Our son took a trail lesson for free with Leon, and he told me and his Mom that he wanted this teacher.
It’s been almost a year now, and we are all so happy to have Leon guiding our son’s journey in piano! Leon is a talented artist and talented teacher! He is student-oriented rather than book-oriented, which is so important for beginners. I have introduced Leon to my friend, and her daughter enjoys the classes with Leon as well. I would recommend Leon to any parents looking for piano teachers for their kids (and Leon teaches other instruments as well)!
If you or your kid, or the kid in you, wants to have fun learning to play the piano then Leon is your guy. Versatile, flexible, fair and an accomplished musician in many genres. I am an “older adult” learner and I’ve watched Leon work with young (like four) people as well.
My daughter, 5, started with Leon a few months ago. He’s been great with her. Patient, and keeps her interested, yet firm without being intimidating. He also will customize her sheet music and email me her homework. He’s definitely more fun and interesting than the teacher I had as a kid and I’m considering taking some lessons from him in the future as well. Would recommend!
15. Working Title Recording Studios
Address: 863 Woodside Way, San Mateo, CA 94401 , San Mateo , California , United States
If you’re into playing bass, this is where you want to shop. Steve is extremely accommodating, and I spent two and a half hours there trying different basses with different bows. Steve’s approach is solid. He provides information, and then leaves you alone so that you can hear the bass that you’re playing… Finding and purchasing the right bass or bow can be a time-consuming experience. Steve’s approach makes it much easier, and I will definitely shop there again!
Looking for an upright bass? This is the best place to go in the Bay Area. No one has the selection and stock that Steve does. He’s knowledgeable, easy to talk to and just a generally cool guy. The prices are fair, he has new and used instruments that span the price ranges and there simply isn’t this kind of opportunity to A/B instruments and really get a feel for options unless you go down to LA bass works. Just go here and feel confident in your purchase.
Plus roger is a sweet little dog.
Has a large selection of fine guitars and bass
I put my guitar on consignment with Steve about 2 years ago. He lent it out for long spans of time without my permission and eventually sold it without informing me. Then he said he needed the money for his own bills, so he couldn’t pay me. He’s obviously got problems that should keep anyone from trusting him. I’m taking him to small claims court over it.
17. A Music Connection
Address: 816 E 4th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401 , San Mateo , California , United States
I don’t live in CA nor did I stop at Golden Gate to buy a piano, but I would heartily recommend this place. Read on if you want to know the whole story.
I came from PA to San Mateo to play for my brother’s wedding. We made a long road trip of it and got to CA about a week before the wedding. Having been away from my piano for some time, I was looking around for someone who would let me play their piano for a few days to warm back up, before I had to perform. I walked into the store and met Paul who was a warm and inviting spirit, happy to give me some keys to practice on. While I can’t comment on doing actual business with the store, I can say that I sensed a benevolence about Paul that would lead me to consider purchasing from him. So, if you are looking for an instrument, I think it is worth your while to at least check them out.
This is the worst business I have ever seen. I bought a used piano from Paul Genzink on 2/5/17, he is so shyster, the piano he sold to me is a piece of garbage and he told me it is a very good piano. He is a big liar and cheater. He is totally not honest, reliable and responsibility. Already reported to BBB. Want to know more, go to BBB.
20. Harp San Francisco
Address: 439 Fairfax Ave, San Mateo, CA 94402 , San Mateo , California , United States
