In the Practice Room & On the Stage
Your humanity is your instrument.
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 bass. 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.
Plus music theory, ear training, improvisation, production, and performance skills — woven into every lesson, never bolted on.
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.
Flexible lesson options for every student.
Meet Simon, try an instrument, see if it's a fit. No commitment, no pressure.
One-on-one instruction tailored to your goals. In-person in Oakland or online. 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.
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 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. In the meantime, check out the free resources page for practice tools you can use right away.
Lessons are built around your goals — whether you're picking up your first instrument or leveling up for performance. Every student gets a customized curriculum and real musical results.
Lessons from $120 · Bundles available · Cost shouldn't be a barrier — reach out