Learn music with us.
At Craft Music, we strive to unleash your creativity, instill confidence and build community around music.
My family (adult and children) have been taking lessons from James and Ryan at Craft Music. Both teachers are engaging, kind and thoughtful. They balance music theory as well as pushing our own creativity in the process. The company is organized and the lesson planning is really tailored to each of our needs. I could not recommend more highly.
— Amy Yanow
James Craft is a friendly, patient and excellent piano teacher. He brings out the best in his pupils, and makes them relax and perform their best. I highly recommend Mr. Craft.
— Anita Reinton Utgård
As a violinist myself I highly recommend Craft music. Ana has been my daughter’s teacher since she started and has instilled in her a love for the violin. She makes learning fun and engaging and caters to the students’ individual interests and strengths while ensuring they continue to learn. I highly recommend Craft music to any parent who wants their child to have a great music learning experience.
— Aurisha Smoralski
Both our kids have been with Craft studios for about a year, taking piano with Irene. We feel lucky to have access to such a great teacher and musician. we went through several piano teachers before this and now are here to stay!
— Bill Monro
Anna has been a wonderful violin teacher for our child! She is patient, flexible and motivating. We started lessons with her over Zoom and have transitioned into in-person lessons. Even over Zoom, she was able to reach our 5 y/o how to play. Craft Music hosts lovely, intimate recitals a few times a year. If you're considering starting violin, we highly recommend Anna and Craft Music!
— Bree Tichy
We are so crazy about James, and Craft Music! Both of my sons study with different teachers from this company, piano and guitar, respectively. Not only are they both improving quickly and dramatically, but they actually enjoy their lessons! More than that, it inspires them to play during the week between their lessons! James and Evan have both been coming to our house for a while now, and they are always incredibly accommodating with our busy schedules.
James and Craft Music inspire kids and adults alike to explore their musical life. they are professionals, who are incredibly creative and patient, effectively working with any level of musician. They bring small groups together when they can for informal recitals to share music, and to connect the community. It's absolutely lovely, and we are thrilled to have found this company! We have several friends who also work with Craft Music, and every single one of them is beyond pleased. When does that ever happen? Highly recommend!
— Corie Rogers
Craft Music is not your average music lesson experience. Here is why: the teachers are, first and foremost, wonderful humans. Beginning with its founder, James, with whom I myself have studied composition for several years and who now teaches my five-year old piano, the entire operation is special. James is the child of teachers. He is supremely well-educated in the arts and humanities.
He brings to his love of music, a deep love of literature and philosophy, all an extension of his curiosity as to what drives the human spirit to flourish. So when he guides a student through ear training, formal pieces or improvisation, he does so from an underlying position of, "how can I help this unique individual blossom through the experience of learning to create music?" He has served in the Peace Corps and traveled the world as the lead singer and composer of a band (look up La Strada on iTunes, they are great). He is what I perceive as a post-modern saint -- socially conscious, generous, and so humble. What he does with and for the people he teaches is a beautiful thing. I also know and have worked with Anna and Ryan. I don't know them as well as I know James, but they are also exceptional musicians and as kind as can be. If you are an intelligent, lovely person looking for a way to introduce your child to playing music and learning an instrument, look no further.
— David Schulner
We love James and the team at Craft music. They provide the perfect balance of learning and meeting the kids where they are and where they want to be- a far cry from old school piano teaching! They kids are always lit up and proud about what they are doing and we love the chance for them to be with real musicians who have real passion for playing AND for teaching.
— Doulaworks
James is a truly remarkable teacher: he sees what's unique about our son and has masterfully nurtured his talent using a creative and intuitive approach. He gives him the tools and the techniques but, instead of rote repetition, encourages improvisation, free expression and the latitude to find his personal connection to the music. Our son looks forward to every lesson and has blossomed under James' instruction.
— Eric Wasserman
Can't say enough about this boutique studio. Craft Music and its teachers have transformed our entire family's appreciation and enjoyment of music.
My 7 yr old daughter started piano lessons about a year and a half ago with a gifted teacher, James. He customized lessons to appeal to her creative interests (art, composing, etc) while seamlessly teaching ... child-oriented fundamentals and technique.
As an example he had her compose to a piece of her own art. As soon as she internalized the notion that music is a form of self-expression she began to flourish as a musical child. She practices with enthusiasm, without prodding and is excited for each lesson.
The enthusiasm has spilled over to our entire family. My older daughter began music with James, my 7 yr old started guitar lessons with Ryan, I've taken up guitar and my partner has been playing non-stop on his electric and acoustic guitars. I'm actually thinking about picking up violin again too! As per the Sound of Music quote, Craft Music has "brought music back into our lives".
I love that the musicians that teach are professional, performing artists that are at the top of their field. James composes for film, has been a recording artist and also collaborates with many other professionals. Ryan is an amazing guitarist with concert-level performances. He's also quite versatile - is an audio engineer, sings and composes.
We've also been introduced to a community of families who share the same goals for our children - musical education that has a strong technical foundation while appealing to the child's intrinsic interests and curiosity. The results have been a unique form of expression and enthusiasm. My childhood musical experience was quite different and I'm experiencing this new approach thru my lessons and vicariously through my children.
James has also been working with my older daughter (14 yrs old). She's non-verbal and non-ambulatory but extremely bright. James worked with her special-ed teacher to develop a music-specific communication framework. My daughter has now composed 7 stunning classical pieces. We had no idea she was gifted in this way. James has helped give voice to the unspoken thoughts and feelings that have been stored in her soul for the past 14 years. And because James can arrange compositions and has recording skills, we now have professional recordings of her music.
If you're interested in lessons for children or adults, Craft Music is without question the place to be. They serve budding musicians as well as people who want to improve their craft.
— Julie DesJardins
had SUCH a great experience with Craft Music. James connected me with Mindy Chu who met with me weekly to help me prepare to sing at a wedding. She was super flexible with timing, and came right to my house! She was so fun to work with, and my friends told me they saw a noticeable difference in my skills. Highly recommended and THANKS MINDY!!
— Katharina Bockli
It took me a long time to find Craft Music and we went through several other methods and techniques before we had the tremendous good fortune to land here. Both James and Anna are the real deal, trained at amazing Music schools and have a genuine commitment to supporting and bringing out the best in all their students (who we have met and heard"virtually") in the wonderful concerts they put on at the the height of the pandemic.
My daughter has studied singing with Emily and it is the one lesson in her week that she genuinely loves, and is learning from a true professional. There is also a sort of "CRAFT Music Magic" as all the teachers seem very charismatic and engaged in their own musical careers as well as gifted teachers. A rare combination. I could not recommend more highly!
— Lucinda Faraldo
It was in 2015 that we met James and there was an instant connection. Our son has blossomed under James caring and loving attention. We are tremendously happy and blessed to have James in our lives. Apart from the fact that he is a stupendous teacher and mentor to our son, he's overall a fantastic and intellectual individual that will add character to your life.
Dev is on his way to mastering the art of playing the piano - thanks to the guidance and constant devotion provided by James towards ensuring that each and every child within his fold gets an opportunity to explore their musical potential . We recommend James with our eyes closed and wish him all the success that his initiative deserves. His vision is just beyond music, James wants to build an institution that will add value to the community and budding youngsters who require these philosophies to succeed in life.
— Mayur Sanghvi
Wonderful experience with Craft Music, piano teacher Jonah has given a bespoke teaching plan adapted to my interests with a deft hand! Highly recommended.
— Michael C.
I began violin lessons with Anna at Craft Music a few months ago, and my experience has been great. She is very patient and always encouraging. I'd never played an instrument or learned to read music, so there is a lot to digest, but she always finds clever ways of getting me to understand the basics: the proper amount of pressure to apply to the strings, the right posture, or how to get the most out of practice. And when she demonstrates something on her violin, you really feel the beauty of the instrument and realize what a worthwhile decision it was to pick up the violin in the first place.
— Michael Shapiro
James is an awesome teacher! A very thorough and thoughtful instructor, he introduced me to concepts in composition, deepened my understanding of Bach, and helped me smooth out my choppy Chopin.
— Mike Schachter
James is perhaps the best music teacher we've ever had. He is patient, kind, engaged and engaging, and creates lessons that not only play to the students' strengths but also their interests. My son can't wait for his lessons every week, and LOVES the recitals James builds with other students.
He literally owns our neighborhood: we got to James as a referral and keep referring him on to all our neighbors. Can't say anything better than that!
— Rony Rosenbaum
My daughter has been taking piano lessons at Craft Music for just over a year now. It has been such a pleasant experience. James is very patient and makes each lesson lots of fun. My daughter looks forward to her lesson each week and has made so much progress in a short amount of time. She has learned to play piano and has a great appreciation for music all while having a good time. I can not say enough good things about Craft Music.
— Roxanne Trent
Highly recommend Craft Music. My daughter has been taking piano lessons for just over a year and she enjoys every minute of it! James Craft is a patient teacher who makes each lesson fun!
— Ryan Trent
My son and I feel very lucky to have found James! He is incredibly patient cheerful, and encouraging. I feel that my son not only enjoys his lessons but feels James cares about the music he wants to play. He has progressed a lot since he started in the fall. Earlier, he had a teacher who took a more classical approach - which was to give him a dull series of technical drills.
This is fine if your child wants to be a classical pianist, but most kids just want to play what they like. He never seemed to progress and I knew this could potentially kill his interest. James instinctively understands how to approach a child, nurture his interest and make the lessons fun and pleasant. Even when my son hasn't practiced enough, he knows how to motivate him to get over a hump in a non-critical, non-judgemental way - amazing!!! If you have a child who loves music and just wants to play - I highly recommend James!
— S Ting
James is a consummate professional with a passion for both music AND teaching. Our son loves his lessons with James and looks forward to them every week. My wife and I love eavesdropping on the lessons and enjoying the music they make together! I highly recommend Craft Music.
— Scott Andrina
James Craft is an excellent teacher! Patient, engaging, and kind. Our daughter was so lucky to have him as a teacher!
— Susan Wilkens
We love our daughters piano lessons because our daughter loves them. It’s an incredible gift for life. She loves music and learning unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. My parents has to force me to practice; our daughter practices on her own varied times during the day: to relieve stress, for pure enjoyment, to study a new song, to write a new song... best pia... no lessons ever!!!
— Wendy Hunter Magdlen
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Focus on Creativity
We see music as a means of self-expression. creativity and confidence. We offer instrument, voice, audio production and songwriting lessons for all skill levels from expert teachers.
Whether you are just starting to learn music, or at a highly experienced, even professional level, we offer online & in-home lessons. Join our thriving online or in-home communities!
Our dedicated instructors are trained and working professionals who teach guitar, piano, drum, violin, singing (and more) with the best possible instruction for students.
Learn to play your favorite song; find your inner rock star!

Friendly Community
Online or in-home recitals, teacher salons, and collaboration sessions are an important part of our ecosystem at Craft Music. With our unique approach to musical education, we offer live performances, so you can showcase your new skills and enjoy doing it!

Professional Music Teachers
We pride ourselves on providing private music lessons with experienced music teachers who are highly trained musicians from renowned music institutions such as Colburn School, Yale, USC, UCLA, Berklee College and more. Not only are our music teachers skilled in teaching music, but they are also actively involved in the classical and popular music industries in Los Angeles, and beyond.
Our teachers' studios are located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, and Portland, Oregon. We teach everywhere from Glendale to Beverly Hills, West Los Angeles to Los Feliz. Join our community in Los Angeles and lets play music!

Craft Music Philosophy
At Craft Music we approach music as both an expressive language and a creative outlet. We know music is a profound, and technical art form. We want you to be intrinsically motivated to learn and play, and we know that music has a transformative effect; We are here to be a catalyst for your musical and personal growth!

Music Lessons For All Ages
We provide top-quality music lessons in Los Angeles for adults and children. Our music teachers specialize in a wide range of instruments, including Piano, Voice, Violin, Cello, Drums, Guitar, Bass, Banjo, Ukulele, Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Theory, and more.

Personalized Music Lessons
Our experienced music teachers offer personalized instruction to students of all levels - from beginners seeking to build a strong foundation in music theory and technique, to advanced students looking to develop their skills in areas such as improvisation, composition, and performance.
Sign up for our music lessons today and take your playing to the next level!

About Our Teachers
Craft Music teachers encompass a range of specialties, including classical and jazz virtuosos, professional songwriters, composers, and onstage touring performers. All have experience in teaching, both in person and online, and each holds a university degree related to their specific instrument and craft.