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Locations  >  United States  >  California  >  San Francisco 220 >  Lessons
San Francisco
Guitar Center
San Francisco
1645 Van Ness Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94109-3608
(415) 409-0350
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Lesson Hours
Monday 11:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 11:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 11:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 11:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 11:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 10:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 11:00am - 7:00pm
Store Services
  • Lessons
    Lessons
    From guitar and bass to drums, DJ, piano and more, our expert instructors can get you playing. We work to understand your passions and tailor one-on-one lessons to your schedule, goals and skill level.
  • Repairs
    Repairs
    From routine care and setups to custom mods and aesthetic upgrades, our skilled Guitar Repairs technicians can help you get the absolute most out of your gear—taking it from well-loved or factory-new to made just for you.
  • Rentals
    Rentals
    Need gear for a gig or tour? Guitar Center offers affordable rentals on a full range of equipment. Head to our Rentals department to grab quality speakers, DJ equipment, lighting, backline gear and more
  • GC Pro
    GC Pro
    Guitar Center Professional is a network of account managers and engineers with direct access to top manufacturers. From personal studios to concert venues, we design and install custom audiovisual systems sure to exceed your expectations.
  • Platinum Room
    Platinum Room
    Our Platinum Collection features the greatest selection of the finest guitars, basses and amps. Come in-store to fully experience the superior craftsmanship and tone of these top-of-the-line and custom shop models.
  • Vintage
    Vintage
    From rare finds to coveted classics, you never know what you’ll find in our vintage collection. Find that perfect instrument that was made decades ago and summon all the tone and vibe from that special moment in time.
  • Destination Drum Shop
    Destination Drum Shop
    Destination Drum Shop locations are staffed with drum specialists and have more professional kits, cymbals, snares, hardware and other drum essentials in stock—all on display and ready to play.
  • Pedal Station
    Pedal Station
    Whether you’re looking for that missing sound in your arsenal or building out an entire signal chain, this fully interactive station is a pedal paradise where you can mix and match iconic stomps from legendary brands with the most modern effects from boutique builders.
Store Services
  • GC Pro
    GC Pro
    Guitar Center Professional is a network of account managers and engineers with direct access to top manufacturers. From personal studios to concert venues, we design and install custom audiovisual systems sure to exceed your expectations.
  • Platinum Room
    Platinum Room
    Our Platinum Collection features the greatest selection of the finest guitars, basses and amps. Come in-store to fully experience the superior craftsmanship and tone of these top-of-the-line and custom shop models.
  • Vintage
    Vintage
    From rare finds to coveted classics, you never know what you’ll find in our vintage collection. Find that perfect instrument that was made decades ago and summon all the tone and vibe from that special moment in time.
  • Destination Drum Shop
    Destination Drum Shop
    Destination Drum Shop locations are staffed with drum specialists and have more professional kits, cymbals, snares, hardware and other drum essentials in stock—all on display and ready to play.
  • Pedal Station
    Pedal Station
    Whether you’re looking for that missing sound in your arsenal or building out an entire signal chain, this fully interactive station is a pedal paradise where you can mix and match iconic stomps from legendary brands with the most modern effects from boutique builders.
Store Specialties
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Music Lessons in San Francisco at Guitar Center

Locations  >  United States  >  California  >  San Francisco 220 >  Lessons

Located on Van Ness Avenue and a stone’s throw from the Mission District, Civic Center, and SoMa, Guitar Center San Francisco offers music lessons that mirror the city’s creative pulse. Whether you’re a new musician finding your voice or a performer preparing for the next big stage, our instructors are ready to help you shine.

Start Your Music Journey Today!

We provide private lessons in guitar, piano, vocals, drums, bass, and violin. At our San Francisco music program, classes blend real-world experience with a supportive and artistic approach.

Learn from Local San Francisco Musicians

Our instructors are Bay Area musicians who’ve played in legendary venues, worked in top studios, and contributed to the city’s vibrant arts scene. They bring local expertise and diverse styles to every lesson.

Perfect for students seeking:

  • Flexible guitar, piano, or singing lessons
  • Trusted music teachers in San Francisco
  • Lessons for kids, teens, or adults at any skill level
  • A creative environment that fuels artistic growth
Find An Instructor
Instructors at Guitar Center San Francisco
Javier Berrios
Distance: mi
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Guitar Center San Francisco 1645 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA
Hello! I have always said. "music is the best hobby," and teaching music has always been a great passion of mine. I graduated with a Bachelor's of Music with a concentration in Music Business from Florida Atlantic University and have been playing guitar for about fifteen years. While living in Florida I was a in a successful local rock band and was even blessed with the opportunity to play at the main stage at the Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival. After playing in a band I decided to move to San Francisco , California and pursue teaching music education. Currently, I teach both acoustic and electric guitar, bass, piano and keyboards, and beginner drums. I also have experience in teaching ukulele, banjo, and mandolin. There is no age limit nor skill level to learning how to play an instrument.
Nathan Moody
Distance: mi
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Guitar Center San Francisco 1645 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA
Nathan X Moody “ Moody” born in Bay Area California is cancer survivor, lover of the arts, multi-instrumentalist performer and musician. Born in the 90’s and plays genres true to his upbringing of Funk, Soul, Rock n Roll, Pop, Soul, Jazz, Blues and everything in between. He loves the Groove and putting people in the Mood. A Musician who’s played across the Country from the charming street corners of San Francisco, Festival Stages, Historical French Quarter of New Orleans, to the intimate settings of a candlelit bar he does it all. Take your time and experience the sounds of Moody. I have been teaching since 2012 independently. My teaching philosophy is if you practice for yourself and not others it'll never get old. I enjoy seeing a student having clarity and understanding of the music they love.
Taylor Peterson
Distance: mi
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Guitar Center San Francisco 1645 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA
Taylor has been teaching for over a decade. He is a long time touring & studio musician who specializes in rock, metal & indie genres. He started playing violin in the 2nd grade and continued playing in orchestras through college and fell in love with guitar, voice, & production along the way. Taylor currently does solo music work as Pluses. Some accomplishments include playing in award winning orchestras, a residency at the Viper Room and session recording work with Def Jam, Interscope, & Capitol Records as well as playing internationally. He teaches all skill levels from absolute beginners to advanced level players. Taylor puts special emphasis on technique, music theory, and useable technique with a particular passion for shred, finger-style, & classical playing. My teaching philosophy is that learning the essential skills allows for the freedom to explore your imagination. I believe in learning from mistakes to create success.
Edward Burke
Distance: mi
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Guitar Center San Francisco 1645 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA
Carla Clifton
Distance: mi
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Guitar Center San Francisco 1645 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA
Tomasz Sikora
Distance: mi
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Guitar Center San Francisco 1645 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA
Born and raised in Warsaw, Poland, Tomek cut his teeth performing and recording with experimental, post-rock and improv artists in the 1990s. After moving to the U.S. in 2000, he joined several bands while continuing to gig in Warsaw and Berlin and studying music. Tomek has played venues ranging from Oakland’s grungy Night Light to the prestigious Littlefield Concert Hall at Mills College with artists such as Majaal (trip-hop), prog-pop quintet Anml Prty, singer-songwriter Cinnamon Lips, vocal/guitar improv duo Mantra Plonsey, and world music/groove with Voodoo Cabaret while collaborating with electronic artist/composer Bartosz Weber, spoken-word/avant-garde project Śmierć i łzy, Warsaw Improvisers Orchestra, the jazz-rock improv trio No To Do. His current gig is with Stinkfoot Orchestra a 14-piece group performing the complex, challenging music of Frank Zappa, with Napoleon Murphy Brock, and other Zappa alumni. He specializes in theory, harmony, chords, sound design, improvisation, rhythm, rock guitar styles, blues, prog, jazz, phrasing, learning songs especially the difficult parts, picking technique and legato.
Elliott Martens
Distance: mi
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Guitar Center San Francisco 1645 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA
Elliott Martens has been captivated by drums for as long as they can remember. They are enrolled as a student for the New School Jazz Department in New York, on scholarship. They have participated in, and won scholarships and awards at multiple jazz festivals. Their key specialty is their stark creativity and dynamic groove that is constantly evolving throughout a song. Elliott has lots of experience playing swing, funk, and has a unique background in Afro Cuban drumming. Elliott's vast drumming vocabulary forms one cohesive, ever changing sound, that is packed with musical information worth learning. Elliott also has a strong chop vocabulary, integrating roots from gospel type drumming, to Cuban type drumming, to many others into a unique style put on full display during every solo.
Paul Sebastian Rodriguez Carrero
Distance: mi
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Guitar Center San Francisco 1645 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA
From Venezuela, he started learning the guitar at the age 10 & has been immersed in diverse, eclectic musical studies for 20 years. Self-taught with focus in theory, ear training, composition, improvisation, technology, recording & production, he stands out as a teacher. He loves teaching. He has experience teaching private & group lessons at academies which made him comfortable with all ages & levels. His teaching is goal-oriented & student-focused.
Sean Leahy
Distance: mi
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Guitar Center San Francisco 1645 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA
Originally from Boston, Massachusetts. Berklee College of music graduate Sean Leahy has been an esteemed notable figurehead in the San Francisco Bay area music scene for nearly 30 years. With dozens of records, national and international tours under his belt. He has also been focusing on music education since 2007. He is perfect for beginners. Primarily versed in stringed instrument techniques, music theory, songwriting, and ear training. He has a passion for sharing the gift of music. He is a very versatile teacher with decades of experience, all ages and levels.
Antoinette Helderman
Distance: mi
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Guitar Center San Francisco 1645 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA
Toni's musical roots trace back to studying Classical piano in The Netherlands. As her love for Rock, Pop, and R&B grew, she switched to guitar. After relocating to San Francisco, she discovered her true passion for the electric bass guitar which she is a specialist in. Toni is a respected figure in the Bay Area music scene playing and performing with many R&B and Rock bands. She also enjoys writing and recording in original projects. Teaching the bass guitar builds the foundation of every song with both melody and groove; an important principle Tonie wants to instill in her students. She specializes in teaching bass & piano to beginning/intermediate students also great with beginning guitar.
Zach Hash
Distance: mi
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Guitar Center San Francisco 1645 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA
I play and teach a variety of instruments including drums, piano, percussion, guitar, ukulele and bass. Although my first instrument was piano, I have been playing drums for almost as long, about 36 years, and teaching drums actively for over 20 years. I'm known as a jazz drummer but I love all styles including jazz, rock, funk, Brazilian and Reggae. Playing and teaching is definitely my passion and I have taught all ages from 3 to 80 and all levels from beginner to advanced. It's the passion I feel for this music that I feel and express through teaching. I hope to spread the excitement and joy of music through this instruction to others.
Desiree Donaville
Distance: mi
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Guitar Center San Francisco 1645 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA
Are you ready to unleash your creativity, find your groove within your dj mixes, and command your audience using professional dj equipment and software? Imagine the crowd responding in sync to every detailed selection that you make. I’m here to guide you through this exciting journey. My name is Desirée Donaville. I have produced and released original genre-defying techno and experimental tracks and EPs under the artist name Sairé on labels Loose Conditions, Regression Records, Vexed Sphere, Kohë, and Black Techno Matters. Curated and contributed to experimental music compilations, supporting cross-genre innovation and emerging electronic artists. Developed a unique sonic identity blending analog gear, and field recordings to push the boundaries of techno aesthetics. My background is extensive in various musical genres and music trends. I have performed at popular electronic music venues and festivals in California, captivating audiences with high-energy electronic music sets. I enjoy creating a consistent musical experience by using a strong sense of timing to seamlessly blend tracks, while maintaining genre-appropriate pacing and atmosphere. Utilizing industry standard tools such as Rekordbox, Ableton Live, and Serato for set preparation, remixing, track production, and sample creation. Knowledgeable of top dj performance gear such as Pioneer DJM-750MK2, Pioneer CDJ-3000, XDJ-700, CDJ-900NXS, Xone:92, and Xone:96. I believe music is extremely fundamental to life. It is a powerful tool to help bring us all together, bringing a greater sense of community, and improving our wellbeing. Music does not have borders. It is a confidence building creative outlet that any person can tap into at any point in their life. Tell me what your goals and interests are and let’s have the best time learning together!
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Beginner Music Classes for Adults, Kids & Teens

Whether you’re searching for piano lessons for your child, guitar classes as an adult passion project, or voice lessons for performance goals, we’ve got programs that fit your schedule. Evening and weekend availability keeps music accessible for busy San Francisco lives.

Popular classes include:

  • Piano lessons and piano teachers in San Francisco for all levels
  • Guitar lessons for new and advanced players
  • Voice lessons for any style of music
  • Drum and bass guitar lessons for rhythm lovers
  • Violin lessons for classical and modern music
  • Programs for students of any age or background

Private Music Lessons Available

Inside Guitar Center San Francisco, our lesson studios are equipped with pro-level gear in an inspiring space. Lessons are customized to your music goals and creative path.

Guitar Lessons

San Francisco guitar teachers guide you through chords, solos, and styles from rock to indie. Learn technique, music theory, and tips for writing your own riffs. Bass guitar lessons are also available.

Piano Lessons

Our bay area piano instructors cover reading music, technique, and favorite songs in genres from classical to pop. Lessons suit kids, adults, and returning players alike.

Singing & Vocal Lessons

Work with San Francisco vocal coaches to build tone, range, and performance confidence. Lessons fit styles from pop and jazz to musical theatre.

Drum Lessons

Local drummers teach rhythm, coordination, and styles like rock, funk, and Latin beats. Lessons focus on technique and playing along to music you love.

Violin Lessons

Local violin teachers help students build good technique, clear tone, and expressive playing, whether you’re learning classical pieces or modern tunes.

Start Your Music Journey Today!

Frequently Asked Questions
Each instructor customizes lessons to ensure you are learning what you like and having fun. Your instructor will start you slowly, introducing new concepts each week, plus give you exercises or easy songs to play to keep you learning at home.
Learning an instrument is an enriching and rewarding experience that creates lifelong benefits, including increased self-esteem and the boosting of memory. Additionally, benefits for school-age individuals can include improved coordination, the expanding of social skills, and higher scores in math, reading and language.
30-minute lessons allow young or beginner students to learn the basics of the instrument and start playing songs. 60-minute lessons are ideal for more advanced students looking to progress faster and focus on the finer points of technique.
This varies by age and the type of goals the student has set out to achieve. However, most new students usually spend 15–30 min. practicing daily, while advanced students can practice for an hour or more each day in between lessons.
Our flexible curriculum allows students of all skill levels to experience growth. We help create a foundational understanding of music theory through the style of music you want to play. Our instructors will work to understand your goals and passions, and make sure you are on the path to learning what you want at your own speed.
Our Lessons staff will work with you to determine your current skill level, stylistic interest and ambitions. We'll then help you choose an instructor who best suits your style and goals. If at any point, you'd like to change instructors, let us know. Our weekly monitoring of progress and wide-ranging curriculum means you can switch to any of our qualified instructors, or another instrument, without missing a beat.

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      From routine care and setups to custom mods and aesthetic upgrades, our skilled Guitar Repairs technicians can help you get the absolute most out of your gear—taking it from well-loved or factory-new to made just for you.
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      Need gear for a gig or tour? Guitar Center offers affordable rentals on a full range of equipment. Head to our Rentals department to grab quality speakers, DJ equipment, lighting, backline gear and more
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      Our Platinum Collection features the greatest selection of the finest guitars, basses and amps. Come in-store to fully experience the superior craftsmanship and tone of these top-of-the-line and custom shop models.
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  • SAN MATEO San Mateo
    18.9 mi
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  • CONCORD Concord
    23.6 mi
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    • Repairs
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      From routine care and setups to custom mods and aesthetic upgrades, our skilled Guitar Repairs technicians can help you get the absolute most out of your gear—taking it from well-loved or factory-new to made just for you.
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    • Platinum Room
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    31.7 mi
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      From routine care and setups to custom mods and aesthetic upgrades, our skilled Guitar Repairs technicians can help you get the absolute most out of your gear—taking it from well-loved or factory-new to made just for you.
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    • Close Modal