In the Practice Room & On the Stage
Your humanity is your instrument.
Guitar · Bass · Drums · Keys · Voice · Violin · Ensembles · All Ages
Every student learns to play, listen, and create. Lessons are tailored to your goals, whether that's jamming with friends or performing on stage.
Acoustic and electric. Chords, scales, fingerpicking, riffs, soloing. From first strum to full shred.
Electric and upright. Grooves, walking lines, slap, fingerstyle. The foundation of every great band.
Kit drumming, hand percussion, groove, fills, reading. Build a rock-solid pocket.
Piano and keyboard. Reading, chord voicings, comping, improvisation. Play in any style.
Classical and modern technique. Breath control, range, tone, phrasing. Sing with confidence in any genre.
Classical foundation and modern styles. Bowing, intonation, vibrato, reading. From Suzuki to improvisation.
Scales, harmony, song form, analysis. Understand WHY music works, not just how to play it.
Intervals, chord quality, rhythm dictation. Train the most important instrument you have.
Learn to solo, trade fours, comp, and create on the spot. The language of jazz and funk.
Recording, DAWs, mixing basics, beat-making. Bring your ideas to life in the studio.
Stage presence, setlist planning, sound checks, playing with others. Get ready for the gig.
This is where it all comes together. Students form a real band, learn real songs, and perform live. Funk, jazz, rock, soul — the groove is the teacher.
Ensemble members develop skills you can't get from private lessons alone: listening, communication, dynamics, and the unmistakable feeling of locking in with other musicians.
"Music is a language. I teach you to speak it."
Simon Keyser-Petty is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and music educator based in Oakland, CA. He graduated from the California Jazz Conservatory in Berkeley, where he now runs the funk program. He apprenticed under Otis McDonald and brings a philosophy rooted in groove, improvisation, and creative expression.
Simon runs his own production firm, Studio S, with his wife Simone. His teaching style is hands-on, adaptive, and deeply musical. Whether a student is picking up an instrument for the first time or preparing for a conservatory audition, Simon builds a path that's challenging, fun, and always musical.
Currently leading the funk program at CJC and teaching private students across the Bay Area. Simon actively performs, records, and produces in the Oakland music scene.
Flexible lesson options for every student. Your first trial lesson is always free.
Meet Simon, try an instrument, see if it's a fit. No commitment, no pressure.
One-on-one instruction tailored to your goals. Weekly lessons recommended.
Weekly group rehearsals, live performances, and studio recording sessions.
Everything you need to know before getting started.
I teach students of all ages, from kids as young as 6 to adults. Lessons are adapted to each student's age, experience level, and learning style. It's never too early or too late to start playing music.
I teach guitar (acoustic and electric), bass, drums, keys/piano, and music production. Students in the ensemble program can play any instrument. Music theory, ear training, and improvisation are part of every lesson.
Lessons take place in Oakland, CA. Contact me for the specific studio location and to discuss scheduling. Some online lesson options may be available depending on the instrument and student level.
Fill out the contact form below or email me directly. I'll get back to you within 24 hours to schedule a free trial lesson. From there, we'll find a regular weekly time that works for your family.
Absolutely. About a third of my students are adults — beginners picking up their first instrument, returning players getting back into it, and experienced musicians looking to level up. Music has no age limit.
Not for the trial lesson — instruments are available at the studio. For ongoing lessons, having an instrument at home to practice on is important. I'm happy to help you find the right instrument for your budget.
Fill out the form and I'll reach out within 24 hours to set up your free trial lesson.
I'll get back to you within 24 hours to schedule your free trial lesson. In the meantime, feel free to check out the Parent Portal.
Questions? Prefer to reach out directly? Here's how to find me.