# Piano and Music Lessons for Kids in Sacramento > Music schools and teachers across the Sacramento area that teach children, town by town, with the youngest age each takes, private or group lessons, posted prices and recitals. For piano lessons in Sacramento, most music schools take children from about 5 for private lessons, and several start 3- and 4-year-olds in group or Suzuki classes. At the schools here that post prices, a weekly 30-minute private lesson costs $155 to $170 a month, and a weekly hour $280 to $330. Below are 26 schools and teachers from Midtown and Natomas to Roseville, Elk Grove, Folsom, Davis and El Dorado Hills, with violin, guitar, voice and drum lessons too. By Summerground, updated October 13, 2026. ## At a glance - Little ones can start early: Harmony Road classes begin at 18 months, Music Together at birth, and Suzuki violin and piano teachers here take 3-year-olds. - A weekly 30-minute private lesson costs $155 to $170 a month where prices are posted; Gallagher Violins charges $60 a week with a group class included. - The Sacramento Youth Symphony’s Overture program teaches violin, viola and cello after school for free, instruments included. - Several schools here take charter school funds, each on its own terms, so ask before the first lesson. - Most offer a free or discounted first lesson. Use it to see whether the teacher suits your child. ## 26 music schools and teachers for kids in the Sacramento area By town: Sacramento itself and Natomas first, then Roseville, Elk Grove, Folsom, Davis, Rocklin and El Dorado Hills, and last two programs with several locations. Prices are as posted in October 2026; confirm them, and the youngest age, when you call. ### Piano, violin and voice lessons in Sacramento Midtown, East Sacramento, Arden and nearby, plus two teachers who come to you or teach online. #### 1. Sacramento Institute for Music & the Arts Midtown · 2130 L St, Sacramento, CA 95816 A nonprofit that teaches violin at the historic Pease Conservatory of Music in Midtown. Ms. Olivia teaches the youngest students, from age 3, and will take new students again in November 2026, on Sundays; Ms. Cheyenne takes violin students of all ages and levels, online or in person. High school seniors work as student teachers and practice helpers for beginners, at $30 to $45 a session. - Cost: Student teachers $30–$45 a session - Ages: 3 and up - Nonprofit - Violin from age 3 - Online or in person - Student practice helpers - Website: https://www.sacima.org/privatelessons.html - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/midtown-sacramento/sacramento-institute-for-music-and-the-arts.md #### 2. Gallagher Violins East Sacramento Mrs. Kathleen teaches violin and viola by the Suzuki method to students ages 3 to 18 in East Sacramento, near East Portal Park. Every student takes a weekly private lesson and a required 30-minute group class on Wednesdays; private-only enrollment isn’t offered. Tuition runs from $60 a week for a 30-minute lesson (Pre-Twinkle and Book 1) to $85 for 60 minutes, plus an annual registration fee. Students play a spring solo recital, group performances and violin caroling. - Cost: $60 a week for a 30-minute lesson plus group class - Ages: 3–18 - Suzuki violin and viola - Weekly group class included - Spring solo recital - South Sutter Charter vendor - Website: https://www.gallagherviolins.com/violin-viola-lessons-group-classes-sacramento - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/east-sacramento/gallagher-violins.md #### 3. Sheremet Music Academy Arden Private lessons in piano, guitar, violin, cello and voice for kids, teens and adults at an Arden-area studio, starting with a free 30-minute lesson in person. Small-group piano classes for ages 4 to 14 follow a 13-week semester with concert pianist Farzaneh Yaghmaei and end in a low-pressure performance. Students also play in recitals, studio classes and community events. Open houses for the group classes are posted on its site. - Ages: 4 and up - Group piano, ages 4–14 - Free 30-minute first lesson - Voice lessons too - Recitals and studio classes - Website: https://www.sheremetmusicacademy.com/music-lessons-for-kids-sacramento - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/arden-arcade/sheremet-music-academy.md #### 4. Heart Beats Music School Folsom Blvd, Sacramento · 9521 Folsom Blvd, Ste M, Sacramento, CA 95827 Heart Beats teaches Harmony Road group classes, where a grown-up takes part in every class: Toddler Tunes for 18 months to 3, Music in Me for 3½ to 4½, Harmony Road for 4½ to 6½, Young Musician for 6½ to 8 and Keyboard Prep for 8 to 11. Older kids can take private lessons in piano, voice, violin, guitar or bass. Book a free trial lesson or watch a class first. - Ages: 18 months and up - Harmony Road group classes - A parent joins every group class - Private piano, voice, violin, guitar - Free trial or class visit - Website: https://www.heartbeatsmusicschool.com/ - Phone: 916-818-3882 #### 5. Sacramento Youth Symphony: Overture Strings Sacramento Overture is the Sacramento Youth Symphony’s free after-school string program, inspired by Venezuela’s El Sistema. Children learn violin, viola or cello by playing in an orchestra, 1½ hours four times a week, with no experience needed and instruments lent at no charge. It runs at Father Keith B. Kenny School and Pacific Elementary in Sacramento City Unified, and parents sign an agreement to support practice at home. Call to ask who can join. - Cost: Free; instruments lent - Ages: Best started in grades 3–5 - Free, instruments lent - Violin, viola or cello - Four afternoons a week - No experience needed - Website: https://www.sacramentoyouthsymphony.org/overture - Phone: 916-731-5777 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/sacramento/sacramento-youth-symphony-rehearsal.md #### 6. Hennessey On Drums Sacramento Private one-on-one drum lessons for beginners through experienced players, ages 8 to adult, in person in Sacramento or online. Lessons cover drum set playing, snare drum rudiments, timing and coordination, tuning your drums, double bass drum technique and different styles. The teacher’s page also talks parents through how to tell whether a child is making progress. Lessons start at $30. - Cost: From $30 a lesson - Ages: 8 and up - Drums only - Ages 8 and up - In person or online - From $30 a lesson - Website: https://hennesseyon.com/hennessey-on-drums/ - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/sacramento/hennessey-on-drums.md #### 7. Thomas Truhitte Studio of Voice Sacramento area Thomas Truhitte, an opera tenor who has sung Wagner roles in Europe and North America, teaches voice lessons and vocal coaching for all ages, from a first note to advanced study, in classical, musical theater, pop and more. He also teaches drums. Lessons are in person around Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, Elk Grove, Rocklin, Carmichael, Citrus Heights and Rancho Cordova, or online, and new students get a free trial. - Voice and drum lessons - Classical, musical theater, pop - In person or online - Free trial lesson - Website: https://thomastruhitte.com/ - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/east-sacramento/thomas-truhitte-studio-of-voice.md ### Piano lessons in Natomas #### 8. Natomas Music Square Natomas · 2210 Del Paso Rd, Ste F, Sacramento, CA 95834 A music and art school in Natomas with private lessons in piano, voice, drums, guitar and violin. Mini Piano Lab is a group piano class for ages 5 and 6 that teaches the basics and music theory through games, puzzles and songs, at $130 a month; Mini Drum Lab is a small-group rhythm class for the same ages. There’s a free demo class each month, and two recitals and two art shows a year. Make-up classes aren’t guaranteed. - Cost: Mini Piano Lab $130 a month - Ages: 5 and up - Group piano for ages 5–6 - Free monthly demo class - Two recitals a year - Kids art classes too - Website: https://www.natomasmusicsquare.com/kids-piano-lessons - Phone: 916-419-9511 #### 9. Natomas School of Music Natomas · 4440 Duckhorn Dr #400, Sacramento, CA 95834 Part of the Ensemble Schools group, this Natomas school teaches piano, guitar, ukulele and drums from age 5, and voice, violin, viola, cello, woodwinds and brass from age 7, at its studio or online. Students play in relaxed showcases for family, friends and other students. Prices aren’t posted; ask through its contact form. - Ages: 5 and up (7 for strings, voice and band instruments) - Piano and guitar from 5 - Voice, strings, band from 7 - Studio or online - Student showcases - Website: https://www.ensembleschools.com/natomas/ - Phone: 916-575-7603 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/natomas/natomas-school-of-music.md ### Piano and guitar lessons in Roseville #### 10. Music Institute of Roseville Roseville · 931 Washington Blvd #109, Roseville, CA 95678 Private lessons for all ages in piano, guitar, bass, ukulele, violin, cello, mandolin, drums, saxophone, trumpet, flute and more. Weekly lessons cost $155 a month for 30 minutes, $212 for 45 and $280 for 60, and new students get their first four lessons at 35% off. Students in private lessons can play in a spring and a winter recital, with snacks and a photo booth. Small group lessons and charter school vouchers are also options. - Cost: $155 a month for 30 minutes weekly - First 4 lessons 35% off - Spring and winter recitals - Small group lessons - Charter vouchers - Website: https://musicinstitute.com/lessons/ - Phone: 916-773-7099 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/roseville/music-institute-of-roseville.md #### 11. Music Lab Roseville Roseville · 7211 Galilee Rd, Ste 100, Roseville, CA 95678 Music Lab, across the street from the Roseville DMV, takes students from age 5 for drums, guitar, bass, piano, voice, violin, ukulele, saxophone, clarinet, flute and trumpet. Private lessons are $170 a month for 30 minutes weekly or $330 for an hour; weekly group lessons start at $135 a month, plus a $40 enrollment fee per family. The first lesson is a free trial. Little Lab is a parent-and-child class for ages 3 to 6. Music Lab also has schools in Folsom (below) and East Sacramento. - Cost: $170 a month for 30 minutes weekly - Ages: 5 and up; parent-and-child class 3–6 - Free trial lesson - Group lessons from $135 a month - Parent-and-child class, ages 3–6 - Charter vouchers by arrangement - Website: https://roseville.musiclab.co/ - Phone: 916-209-0131 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/roseville/music-lab-roseville.md #### 12. One Eleven Music Studio Downtown Roseville · 127 & 129 Church St, Roseville, CA 95678 A downtown Roseville studio teaching guitar, drums, piano, voice and percussion to all ages and levels, in person or online, from classical to pop. Weekly 30-minute one-on-one lessons are $160 a month, and hour-long lessons are available. Book a free intro lesson to meet a teacher first. One Eleven is also a recording studio that records, mixes and masters music. - Cost: $160 a month for 30 minutes weekly - Free intro lesson - In person or online - Guitar, drums, piano, voice - Recording studio on site - Website: https://www.oneelevenmusicstudio.com/ - Phone: 916-773-7111 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/roseville/one-eleven-music-studio.md ### Piano lessons in Elk Grove #### 13. NewSongs Music School Elk Grove (Laguna and Grant Line) · 3159 Dwight Rd #100, Elk Grove, CA 95758 NewSongs has two Elk Grove campuses, on Dwight Rd in Laguna and at 10481 Grant Line Rd, plus one in Citrus Heights and one on 30th St in East Sacramento (Martucci Music’s site now leads here). It teaches piano, guitar, voice, violin, viola, cello, bass, drums and ukulele from age 3, in small groups or private lessons; 3- to 7-year-olds can start in Music, Instrument or Piano Explorers groups. Violin, from age 4, mixes the Suzuki method with sight-reading. Students perform regularly. - Ages: 3 and up - Four campuses - Piano groups from age 3 - Group or private lessons - Regular student performances - Website: https://www.newsongsmusic.com/music-lessons/piano-lessons - Phone: 916-280-0329 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/midtown-sacramento/newsongs-music-school-sacramento.md #### 14. Valerie Alfonso Music Studio Elk Grove (Laguna) Valerie Alfonso teaches in-person piano lessons for ages 6 through adult on Tuesdays and Thursdays, for families in Elk Grove, Laguna and south Sacramento. Online lessons are a backup for illness or sports conflicts, up to six months a year. To start, call to set up an interview, where you’ll learn about her teaching style and talk through your child’s goals. - Ages: 6 and up - Piano, ages 6 and up - Tuesdays and Thursdays - Starts with an interview - Website: http://alfonsostudio.com/index.html - Phone: 916-478-1974 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/elk-grove/valerie-alfonso-music-studio.md #### 15. Music Land School of Music Elk Grove (Laguna) · 6624 Laguna Blvd, Ste 106, Elk Grove, CA 95758 A Bay Area music school, with campuses from Fremont to Temple City, that lists an Elk Grove campus on Laguna Blvd. It teaches private lessons in piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, drums and voice, a Little Pianist group class for ages 4 to 6 and a Youth Rock Band for ages 7 to 18. The Elk Grove phone line is for open house sign-ups, so ask which classes run there. - Ages: 4 and up - Little Pianist group, ages 4–6 - Youth Rock Band, ages 7–18 - Woodwinds as well as strings - Open house sign-ups - Website: https://www.musiclandschool.com/ - Phone: 510-929-8150 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/elk-grove/music-land-school-of-music.md ### Music lessons in Folsom #### 16. Music Lab Folsom Folsom · 194 Blue Ravine Rd #110, Folsom, CA 95630 Music Lab’s Folsom school, with an annex at 330 Plaza Dr, teaches students from age 5. Weekly private lessons are $170 a month for 30 minutes, $245 for 45 and $330 for an hour; group lessons run $135 to $245, and Jam Lab bands add an hour-long weekly rehearsal for $100 a month. A $45 enrollment fee applies once per family, prices assume card autopay, and the school closes four weeks a year. Mini Musicians is a group class for ages 3 to 5, capped at six children, with the first session free. - Cost: $170 a month for 30 minutes weekly - Ages: 5 and up; Mini Musicians 3–5 - Free trial lesson - Jam Lab bands, $100 a month - Mini Musicians, ages 3–5 - Recitals - Website: https://folsom.musiclab.co/ - Phone: 916-292-5606 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/folsom/music-lab-folsom.md #### 17. Pacific Institute of Music Folsom · 540 Plaza Dr, Suite 130, Folsom, CA 95630 Founded in Folsom in 2009, PIOM teaches piano and violin through private lessons and group programs, including Harmony Road classes for young children and a Young Artist program. Students perform in PIOM concerts, Sunday enrichment lecture-recitals and its Pacific ChamberFest, and can take Certificate of Merit (CM) theory tests there; some have played concertos at Music Fest Perugia in Italy. Book a trial lesson to be matched with a teacher. - Piano and violin - Harmony Road group classes - Concerts and ChamberFest - Trial lesson - Website: https://www.piom.org/ - Phone: 916-985-8882 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/folsom/pacific-institute-of-music.md #### 18. Jackson Voice Studio Old Town Folsom A voice studio in Old Town Folsom, also teaching online, with three coaches and more than 24 years of coaching. Its young singers program has lessons for kids and tweens 8 to 12, built around their attention span, and for teens 13 to 17 who want to audition, compete or sing in school musicals. The studio says a child of 8 or older who really wants to sing is usually ready, and it starts with a free discovery lesson to check the fit. - Ages: 8 and up - Ages 8–12 and 13–17 - Musical theater and auditions - Free discovery lesson - In person or online - Website: https://jacksonvoice.com/young-singers.html - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/folsom/jackson-voice-studio.md ### Music lessons in Davis #### 19. Florie Brown, Suzuki violin Davis Florie Brown is a Certified Suzuki Teacher (through Book 4) who has taught violin and fiddle in Davis since 1998. She is taking new private students aged 4 and up and works with families in Davis and across the region, from Natomas and Elk Grove to Folsom, Woodland and Vacaville. She began violin herself in 1965 with one of California’s early Suzuki teachers. - Ages: 4 and up - Certified Suzuki teacher - Violin and fiddle - Ages 4 and up - Teaching in Davis since 1998 - Website: https://www.floriebrown.com/ - Phone: 530-219-2725 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/davis/florie-b.md #### 20. Rock Band University Davis A family-run rock school in Davis since 2009 that matches musicians ages 10 to 18 into bands by ability. Bands meet for a 90-minute lesson each week ($170 a month), play songs they like and give concerts about every other month at Davis and Woodland venues. Owner Mike Clements also teaches one-on-one guitar and bass lessons to all ages; text 530-908-6637 to ask about times. Summer band camps run too. - Cost: Bands $170 a month - Ages: 10–18 for bands - Bands matched by ability - Concerts about every other month - Private guitar and bass - Summer band camp - Website: https://rockbanduniversity.com/ - Phone: 530-746-1957 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/davis/rock-band-university.md #### 21. Davis Youth Choir Davis Run by Davis Sings (formerly the Davis Community Chorale), the youth choir groups singers by grade: Hummingbirds for kindergarten to 2nd grade, Larks for 3rd to 5th and Bel Canto for 7th grade through high school. Choirs rehearse weekly in fall and spring semesters on the school calendar. Tuition was $100 a semester for Hummingbirds and $250 for Larks, with sliding-scale help based on household income; registration was closed when we checked in October 2026. - Cost: From $100 a semester; help with tuition - Ages: Kindergarten to 12th grade - Kindergarten to 12th grade - Weekly rehearsals - Sliding-scale tuition help - Website: https://davissings.org/davis-youth-choir - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/davis/davis-youth-choir.md ### Music lessons in Rocklin #### 22. Spotlight Studios Rocklin and Roseville · 6015 Pacific St, Rocklin, CA 95677 Spotlight teaches music in Rocklin (Pacific St) and Roseville (Sierra College Blvd): guitar, bass, piano, ukulele, drums, voice, violin, cello, saxophone and clarinet. Private lessons are $160 a month for 30 minutes or $290 for an hour, and two students can share a 30-minute lesson for $220. A Music Foundations class for preschoolers is $80 a month. Students 12 and up can join bands, and there are spring and holiday recitals. Lessons go month to month with no start-up fee, after a free first consultation. - Cost: $160 a month for 30 minutes weekly - Free first consultation - Month to month, no start-up fee - Bands for ages 12 and up - Spring and holiday recitals - Website: https://www.spotlightstudios916.com/music-lessons - Phone: 916-472-9274 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/roseville/spotlight-studios-roseville.md ### Piano and violin lessons near El Dorado Hills #### 23. Suzuki Piano Academy El Dorado Hills · 4818 Golden Foothill Pkwy, Suite 1, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 Suzuki Piano Academy teaches piano by the Suzuki method, where children learn by listening and play before they read, starting as young as 3, with parents taking part. Its main studio is in El Dorado Hills, and it also lists addresses in Folsom, Fair Oaks, Roseville and West Sacramento, plus online lessons. It offers private lessons, group classes and an early childhood program for children not yet ready for formal lessons, with group and solo performances. - Ages: 3 and up - Suzuki piano from age 3 - Private and group lessons - Early childhood program - Several locations and online - Website: https://www.ilovesuzukipiano.com/ - Phone: 916-390-8148 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/roseville/suzuki-piano-academy-roseville.md #### 24. Rachel Eldridge Violin Shingle Springs · 4050 Durock Rd #18, Shingle Springs, CA 95682 Rachel Eldridge, a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas, has taught violin in the Sacramento area since 2012 and gives private lessons for all ages in Shingle Springs, east of El Dorado Hills, or online. She mostly teaches the Suzuki method along with music theory, and students play in solo and group performances. Her posted 2024 tuition was $125 a month (or $540 an 18-week semester) for 30 minutes and $180 a month for 45, with a discount for siblings. - Cost: $125 a month for 30 minutes (2024 tuition chart) - Suzuki method - Solo and group performances - Sibling discount - Vendor for charter programs - Website: https://racheleldridgeviolin.com/ - Phone: 530-391-6848 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/cameron-park/rachel-eldridge-violin.md ### Music programs with several Sacramento-area locations #### 25. School of Rock Carmichael, Roseville, Orangevale and Elk Grove · 6350 Fair Oaks Blvd, Carmichael, CA 95608 School of Rock teaches guitar, bass, drums, keyboard and piano, and singing through bands. In Rock 101, for beginners 8 to 13, kids have a weekly private lesson and a weekly band rehearsal of simplified classic rock songs, building to live shows. Its area schools are in Carmichael (6350 Fair Oaks Blvd), Roseville (228 Vernon St), Orangevale (9480 Madison Ave, called School of Rock Folsom) and Elk Grove (9045 Elk Grove Blvd). Prices aren’t posted. - Ages: 8–13 for Rock 101 - Weekly lesson plus band rehearsal - Guitar, bass, drums, keys, voice - Four area schools - Live shows - Website: https://www.schoolofrock.com/locations/sacramento - Phone: 916-907-7625 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/carmichael/school-of-rock-carmichael.md #### 26. Capital City Music Together Sacramento, Folsom and Roseville The area’s licensed Music Together program runs family music classes in Sacramento, Folsom and Roseville for children from birth to 5 and the grown-ups who love them, a gentle start before formal lessons. You can schedule a demo class first. Sessions start several times a year; check its class schedule for this season’s dates, places and prices. - Ages: Birth to 5 - Ages 0–5 with a grown-up - Demo classes - Three towns - Website: https://www.capitalcitymusictogether.com/ - Phone: 916-990-3222 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/land-park/capital-city-music-together-sierra-2.md ## What age can kids start piano, violin, guitar or voice lessons? Schools here start children at very different ages, and the instrument matters. Programs with a parent in the room take the youngest; private lessons usually start around 5 or 6. Here’s the youngest age for each kind of lesson at the schools in this guide: *Youngest ages posted by the schools in this guide, October 2026* | Lessons | Youngest age here | Where | | --- | --- | --- | | Music classes with a parent | Birth | Capital City Music Together; Harmony Road at Heart Beats from 18 months | | Piano in a group or by Suzuki | 3 | NewSongs, Suzuki Piano Academy; Sheremet’s groups from 4 | | Private piano | 5–6 | Music Lab and Natomas School of Music from 5; Valerie Alfonso from 6 | | Suzuki violin | 3 | Gallagher Violins, SacIMA; Florie Brown from 4 | | Guitar and ukulele | 5 | Natomas School of Music, Music Lab | | Drums | 5 | Natomas Music Square’s Mini Drum Lab (5–6); Hennessey On Drums from 8 | | Voice | Kindergarten in a choir; 7–8 privately | Davis Youth Choir; Natomas School of Music from 7; Jackson Voice Studio from 8 | | Bands | 8 | School of Rock’s Rock 101 (8–13); Rock Band University (10–18) | A school’s youngest age isn’t a reason to start then. Most teachers look for a child who wants to play, can focus through a short lesson and has a grown-up to help with practice at home. For what to expect instrument by instrument, and the national picture on ages and costs, see our guide to [music lessons for kids](https://summerground.com/guides/music-lessons-for-kids). ## How much are music lessons in Sacramento? Most schools here charge a monthly fee for one lesson a week, and the same rate whatever the instrument. These are the prices posted in October 2026: *Monthly tuition for one private lesson a week, as posted in October 2026 (Gallagher Violins per week, group class included)* | School | 30 minutes | 45 minutes | 60 minutes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Music Institute of Roseville | $155 | $212 | $280 | | One Eleven Music Studio, Roseville | $160 | Not posted | Not posted | | Spotlight Studios, Rocklin and Roseville | $160 | Not posted | $290 | | Music Lab Folsom | $170 | $245 | $330 | | Music Lab Roseville | $170 | Not posted | $330 | | Gallagher Violins, East Sacramento | $60 a week | $70 a week | $85 a week | - **Group classes cost less.** Music Lab’s weekly group lessons start at $135 a month, and Natomas Music Square’s Mini Piano Lab for 5- and 6-year-olds is $130. - **Ask about fees.** Music Lab charges a one-time enrollment fee per family ($40 in Roseville, $45 in Folsom), and Gallagher Violins an annual registration fee by book level. - **Try before you commit.** Music Lab, One Eleven, Sheremet, Jackson Voice Studio and Thomas Truhitte offer a free first lesson, and Music Institute of Roseville takes 35% off the first four. - **Free and low-cost options.** The Sacramento Youth Symphony’s Overture program is free, with an instrument lent, and Davis Youth Choir has sliding-scale tuition help. - **Charter school funds.** Music Lab, Music Institute of Roseville, Gallagher Violins (an approved South Sutter Charter vendor) and Rachel Eldridge all mention charter programs. Each sets its own terms, so ask first. ## How to choose a music teacher in the Sacramento area Start with what your child wants to play and how they like to learn. A shy 6-year-old may do best one-on-one; a social 10-year-old may stick with it longer in a band or group class. Then visit, take the trial lesson, and ask: - [ ] Do you teach many children my child’s age? What does a lesson look like for them? - [ ] Can I sit in on lessons, or come to a recital first? - [ ] How much practice do you expect each day, and how should I help? - [ ] What’s your written policy on missed lessons and make-ups? (Natomas Music Square doesn’t guarantee make-ups; Music Lab needs 24 hours’ notice to cancel a lesson.) - [ ] Are there recitals, festivals or exams such as Certificate of Merit? - [ ] For Suzuki teachers: are you a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas, and what training have you done? Some teachers here prepare students for Certificate of Merit, the Music Teachers’ Association of California’s exam program: the Sacramento Piano Conservatory says its [MTAC teachers include CM training](https://sacpiano.com/), and Pacific Institute of Music offers CM theory tests. For more teachers, the Suzuki Association of the Americas’ [teacher locator](https://suzukiassociation.org/parents/find-a-suzuki-teacher/) lists Suzuki teachers taking students near you, and MTNA’s [Find a Teacher](https://www.mtna.org/cgi/page.cgi/Find-a-Teacher.html) directory lists independent teachers, some nationally certified (NCTM after their name). ## Questions parents ask ### How much are piano lessons in Sacramento? At the Sacramento-area schools that post prices, a weekly 30-minute private lesson costs $155 to $170 a month (Music Institute of Roseville $155, One Eleven and Spotlight Studios $160, Music Lab $170), and a weekly hour costs $280 to $330. Group classes cost less: Natomas Music Square’s Mini Piano Lab is $130 a month. Independent teachers set their own rates, so ask, and take a free trial lesson where it’s offered. ### What age can my child start piano lessons in Sacramento? In a group or Suzuki class, as young as 3: NewSongs Music School in Elk Grove and Suzuki Piano Academy in El Dorado Hills both take 3-year-olds, and Heart Beats’ Harmony Road classes start toddlers at 18 months with a parent. Private piano lessons usually start at 5 or 6. Music Lab and Natomas School of Music take students from 5, and Valerie Alfonso in Elk Grove from 6. ### Where can kids take violin lessons in Sacramento? For Suzuki violin: Gallagher Violins in East Sacramento (ages 3 to 18, with a weekly group class), the nonprofit Sacramento Institute for Music & the Arts in Midtown (from 3), Florie Brown in Davis (from 4) and Rachel Eldridge in Shingle Springs. General music schools teach violin too, including NewSongs, Heart Beats, Natomas Music Square and Music Lab. The Sacramento Youth Symphony’s free Overture program teaches strings at two Sacramento City Unified schools. ### Are there free music lessons for kids in Sacramento? A few. The Sacramento Youth Symphony’s Overture Strings is a free after-school program at Father Keith B. Kenny School and Pacific Elementary, with violins, violas and cellos lent at no charge. Your child’s school may offer band, orchestra or choir. Several schools in this guide give a free first lesson, and Davis Youth Choir has sliding-scale tuition help. ### Can I use charter school funds for music lessons? Often, yes. Music Lab, Music Institute of Roseville, Gallagher Violins and Rachel Eldridge all say they work with charter programs, and Gallagher is an approved vendor for IEM Inc. South Sutter Charter School. Each has its own terms: Music Lab asks charter families to contact it before paying with vouchers. Check with your charter about approved vendors before you enroll. ### Where can kids take voice lessons in Sacramento? Sheremet Music Academy in Arden, Natomas Music Square, NewSongs and Heart Beats all teach voice, and Natomas School of Music takes singers from 7. Jackson Voice Studio in Old Town Folsom has lessons for kids 8 to 12 and for teens, and Thomas Truhitte, an opera tenor, teaches all ages around the area or online. For younger children, a choir such as Davis Youth Choir, from kindergarten, is a good first step. ## How we made this list We searched the web (Exa) for music schools and teachers for kids across the Sacramento area, then read each one’s own pages in October 2026 for ages, programs, prices and addresses. We left out directories, schools whose sites didn’t show they teach children, and sites we couldn’t confirm were current; for teachers who work from home we give the town, not the street. Prices are as posted and change, so confirm them when you call. - [Find a Suzuki Teacher (Suzuki Association of the Americas)](https://suzukiassociation.org/parents/find-a-suzuki-teacher/) - [Find a Teacher (Music Teachers National Association)](https://www.mtna.org/cgi/page.cgi/Find-a-Teacher.html) - [Choosing a Music Teacher (Music Teachers National Association)](https://www.mtna.org/Choosing_a_Music_Teacher.html) - [Overture Strings (Sacramento Youth Symphony)](https://www.sacramentoyouthsymphony.org/overture) More guides: https://summerground.com/guides/music-lessons-for-kids.md, https://summerground.com/guides/mommy-and-me-classes.md, https://summerground.com/guides/youth-sports-sign-ups-sacramento.md, https://summerground.com/guides/martial-arts-for-kids.md. All of them: https://summerground.com/guides.md.