We believe every child deserves access to quality music education. One-on-one instruction, passionate instructors, and a mission rooted in the belief that music changes lives.
Research consistently shows that music study improves academic performance, emotional well-being, and lifelong confidence.
Students who receive music instruction show measurable improvements in reading comprehension, math performance, and standardized test scores. Music trains the brain in ways that transfer directly to the classroom.
Learning an instrument builds patience, discipline, and resilience. Our students develop the ability to set goals, work through challenges, and celebrate achievement — skills that serve them for life.
Music gives every child a unique voice. Whether they become professional musicians or lifelong listeners, the creative outlet that music provides enriches every stage of human development.
Browse our roster of dedicated teachers and book a timeslot that works for you or your child.
Practice guides, music theory fundamentals, career paths, and inspiration for students of every level.
Have a question? Want to bring Everybody Gets Music to your school? We'd love to hear from you.
Everybody Gets Music is a California non-profit dedicated to placing qualified, passionate music instructors in schools that need them most. We partner with schools, families, and community organizations to make one-on-one music instruction accessible to all.
Everybody Gets Music was founded on a simple but radical idea: no child's access to music education should depend on their zip code or their family's income. We started with a handful of volunteers teaching after-school guitar and piano in Long Beach classrooms. Today, we work with partner schools and private instructors across Southern California, serving hundreds of students each year.
We believe that music is not a luxury or an elective — it is fundamental to a well-rounded education. When budget cuts eliminate art and music from schools, we show up. We train teachers, coordinate schedules, fundraise, and advocate because we know what music does for kids: it changes them.
Every student who walks into one of our programs gets the same thing: a patient instructor, an instrument in their hands, and the understanding that they are capable of something beautiful.
These principles guide every decision we make, from the instructors we partner with to the schools we serve.
We work closely with three established music schools to staff and support our programs.
Founded in 2003, Peninsula School is the youngest of our partners yet brings some of the most dedicated staff — educators who teach, organize events, and actively promote music access alongside our team.
With over 20 years of teaching history and a staff of 32 instructors covering 25 instruments, Long Beach School of Music is the cornerstone of our program — providing structure, training, and community reach.
Dr. Fitchett holds a Master's in Music Education from UCLA and studied under world-class instructor Jean-Baptiste. His highly recommended program brings academic rigor and deep musicianship to our students.
Select any instructor to view available timeslots and book your first lesson. All lessons are one-on-one and tailored to your level.
A cornerstone of the Peninsula School of Music in Long Beach, Frank brings decades of performance and teaching experience across genres from classical to contemporary. His students have gone on to careers in music worldwide.
Dr. Okonkwo trained at the Berklee College of Music and holds a doctorate in Music Education. Her patient, structured approach has made her one of our most popular instructors for beginners of all ages.
Marcus has toured with three nationally recognized bands and brings that real-world energy into every lesson. He specializes in teaching rhythm, groove, and technique to students from ages 7 through adult.
Trained in classical technique and versed in folk and world music traditions, Leila adapts her teaching style to each student's interests. She has a gift for working with younger children and early beginners.
A jazz and classical crossover musician, James teaches trumpet, trombone, and euphonium. He's known for making music theory fun and accessible through improvisation exercises and real jazz repertoire.
Priya has performed with regional opera companies and touring musical theater productions. She teaches breath control, ear training, and performance confidence in a supportive, encouraging environment.
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Tools, inspiration, and guidance for students, parents, and educators. Music education goes far beyond the lesson — here's everything you need between sessions.
Consistency beats intensity. Even 15 focused minutes each day will outpace a single two-hour session on the weekend. This guide walks you through how to structure your practice time, set weekly goals, and track your progress so you can actually hear yourself improving.
Understanding why music works the way it does unlocks everything. Start with reading notation, understanding scales and intervals, and recognizing chord structures. These building blocks apply to every instrument and every genre.
Great musicians are first great listeners. Learn how to listen analytically — identifying rhythm, melody, harmony, and texture — by studying recordings from artists like Andrew Bird, Trombone Shorty, and Travis Barker.
Write and produce music for film, TV, and games. Composers like Hans Zimmer — whose work spans The Dark Knight, Inception, and the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy — built careers by combining classical training with a willingness to experiment across genres and technology.
From concert halls to touring bands, live performance is one of the most rewarding ways to share your musicianship. Members of groups like the New York Philharmonic travel the world doing what they love. Building stage experience early — even in school recitals — is the foundation.
Share what you know. Teaching music is deeply fulfilling and a sustainable career — in schools, private studios, community programs, or with organizations like Everybody Gets Music. Every great teacher was once a student who paid it forward.
If you're drawn to the mechanics of how instruments produce sound, careers in acoustic engineering and instrument design blend science, craftsmanship, and deep musical knowledge. Luthiers, piano technicians, and audio engineers are in demand worldwide.
You don't need to be a musician to support your child's musical journey. Consistent encouragement, a dedicated practice space, and attending performances makes an enormous difference. Small routines — asking what they learned, listening while they play — go a long way.
Dozens of peer-reviewed studies link regular music instruction to higher reading scores, stronger math performance, improved attention span, and greater social-emotional skills. We've compiled key research summaries to share with school administrators and district leaders.
Our one-on-one format means instructors focus entirely on each student's needs, pace, and musical interests. No one falls through the cracks.
Whether you're a parent, a school administrator, a musician interested in teaching, or just a believer in what we do — we want to hear from you.
We typically respond within one business day. No question is too small.