2026-08-22T04:15:27.299Z

Based on husbands feedback and experience:I don't have social media accounts or spend my time posting reviews, but after this awful experience crushed the child artist in me and turned what should have been a great day into a major disappointment, I felt compelled to share my experience, so others don't go through the same frustration.I was excited to find a place that offered piano rehearsal rooms and booked a two-hour session, but the experience was frustrating from the moment I arrived. Staff seemed unprepared for my reservation. The facilitator initially stated that I had only booked one hour, which I had to correct by informing him that my reservation was for two hours. He then explained that, because the room originally assigned to me was occupied, I would have to switch rooms halfway through my session. As any musician can appreciate, being forced to interrupt a practice session disrupts focus, momentum, and workflow. Although I was unhappy about the arrangement, I accepted it because I had already paid in advance and traveled a considerable distance to be there.The first piano was dusty and noticeably out of tune, despite the staff member assuring me it was only "a bit" out of tune. Once I started playing, it quickly became apparent that it was far more than just "a bit." After an hour, I was abruptly moved to another room by an instructor who was not particularly courteous and seemed completely uninterested in helping me transition or locate the gentleman who had originally been assisting me. Eventually, the staff member returned from the back rooms and placed me in the second room. As he cleaned the piano and played a few notes, he admitted, "This one should be better than the first one." I agreed that it sounded more in tune and mentioned that the first piano needed attention, but he simply smiled and left the room. Hoping the experience would finally improve, I began playing the second piano. Unfortunately, I quickly realized that its keys felt flimsy, and when using the damper pedal, some notes became unresponsive. The second piano was disappointing as well, leaving me to wonder how a business that calls itself a "Music Academy" can operate with instruments that are so poorly maintained. How are they teaching kids or adults using such poorly maintained pianos?It was upsetting to go through this experience and what should have been an enjoyable session turn into such a letdown. The poor condition of its instruments and lack of professionalism were both surprising and disappointing. While I cannot speak about the quality of their music instruction, I strongly discourage anyone from booking their rehearsal rooms, especially if they expect properly maintained pianos and professional customer experience. To make matters worse, I later contacted the main office to express my concerns and request at least some partial credit for the wasted trip and inconvenience. I was told that a manager would review the matter and call me back, but that has yet to happen, and I'm not holding my breath it will. The entire experience left me frustrated, and feeling completely ignored. To borrow a phrase often used in reviews like this: "If it were possible, I would give this business ZERO stars."

2026-08-22T03:53:44.724Z

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Altadena Academy of Music - Pasadena Campus is a wonderful place for music education! The instructors are knowledgeable, supportive, and passionate about helping students develop their musical talents. The campus provides a welcoming and positive learning environment. Highly recommended for anyone looking for quality music lessons!

2026-08-06T22:39:43.187Z

My son has high functioning autism and his first piano teacher was really intense and impatient with him. It really made him hate piano.Then we tried this place and found Sam. He is very patient and a great fit for my son. He’s been taking lessons here for about 4 years now and has grown so much and really loves music.

2026-07-22T02:46:13.759Z

My cello teacher, Valerie Keith, is amazing! She knows exactly what I need as a beginning cello student. She is so encouraging. When I get down on myself about what I can't do, she reminds me of how much better I am since I began 5 months ago. We laugh a lot during the lesson. It is great that I can do online lessons right now when it's so hot.👍👍

2026-07-17T03:55:58.370Z

My 8 year old daughter is having a great experience at Altadena Academy of Music - the location on Walnut. My daughter is a very active energetic type, and Ms. Valerie is great with her, getting her to focus while also keeping lessons fun. This is a good fit for first time learners, and those who want more of a fun and relaxed experience.

2026-07-16T01:38:10.622Z

I've been taking singingwaaons here for a little over 2 years and I've really had the loveliest experience learning and growing as an adult performer. My vocal teacher, Sam, along with the rest of the staff are as kind and helpful with me as they are with other students. Plus, there's a large parking lot :).

2026-07-16T00:23:39.227Z

Our two kids have loved going to Altadena Academy of Music and Arts for the last 3+ years! They have loved all their teachers and have continued to love learning their instruments!! As a parent, I appreciate their flexibility in scheduling when other activities or vacations have overlapped with lessons. I have also appreciated that their teachers have continued to develop my kids intrinsic motivation to improve in their musical abilities rather than me having to “push” my kids to want to come to lessons. We love Altadena Academy of Music and Arts!

2026-07-15T23:07:44.083Z

We have been studying at Altadena Academy of Music for about six months. My daughter’s form and playing have improved exponentially. The studio is absolutely lovely, very well priced, the staff is fantastic and their online system is very user-friendly! Very happy to have found a Studio that works so well for us!

2026-07-15T00:08:49.721Z

My granddaughters started kpop dance lessons last week. They both love it.

2026-07-15T00:07:43.789Z

We love the Kpop dance here so much! The teacher Maui is so kind, sweet and motivating for the dancers. I’m so glad we found it.

2026-02-18T03:04:19.238Z

I have been taking bass guitar lessons with Alex for over a month now and he is an absolutely fantastic teacher. As an adult learner, I was scared to jump into music, but he has made the lessons free form enough to feel low stress and structured enough to feel like I’m actually progressing. I would absolutely recommend!

2025-11-16T18:11:55.100Z

My son has been taking piano lessons at Altadena Academy for a while. He really enjoys it. And his progression has been consistent. Sam is an awesome teacher. Patient and Supportive.

2025-11-08T01:47:00.010Z

2025-09-29T15:32:26.632Z

The business model is not good. While their teachers are fun and great, the business is run like a scam. They stole 300 dollars from my card that was on file after all of our lessons had been completed and they refused to give it back. They are a scam of a business do not trust them ever. There are plenty of freelance piano teachers in the area, hell even contact their teachers directly but the Altadena Academy of Music is willing to steal from their customer base. BEWARE.

2025-05-22T03:50:06.057Z

Really happy with our experience at Altadena academy of music. We’ve had Sam as a teacher for about 3 years and our goal was to have our son (who is high functioning autistic) to enjoy creating his own music and have fun. Sam has been so flexible and inspiring and we’re really happy with our time here.

2025-03-17T21:40:46.550Z

My ten year old has been with the school for the past 4 years. She started with piano and absolutely loves her music teacher, Drew. Her instructor is very good in creating stress free environment; so, getting her to practice and come to lessons has been struggle free. A year ago, my daughter decided to pick up violin as well. I thought we would give it a year. Well, she is into her second year and very much dedicated to it. This too is thanks to her excellent teacher, Ms. Valerie. They have such a nice relationship and Ms. Valerie is fostering greater appreciation and understanding of music.Altadena Academy of Music has been good home base for us. They worked tirelessly after the fires to maintain continuity for kids despite how deeply affected the school was. It was really good to be able to maintain some sense of normalcy amid the chaotic period.

2025-03-14T14:43:10.072Z

My daughter has had a wonderful experience taking cello lessons with Valerie for about a year. Valerie keeps my daughter engaged by letting her choose music from her favorite artist.

2025-03-13T19:00:19.227Z

My kid has been taking violin lessons for about a year now at Altadena Academy of Music. Valerie is a kind and patient teacher, and she knows how to make the violin accessible to a child who often feels shy. We're glad they've found a new location close to Altadena since their old location became inaccessible during the Eaton fire.

2025-03-13T03:16:27.245Z

My son has been taking violin lessons with Ms. Valerie for 7 years. He was able to join a high school orchestra as a 6th grader with her guidance. We love Altadena Music Academy. (Now in Pasadena!)

2025-02-25T16:50:09.969Z

One of the greatest Academy of music I ever saw in my life! Regina is just Amazing! She is so talented and patient to her students. Great Business owner too. Thank You!!!

2025-02-25T00:41:49.365Z

Super excited to hear that they are relocating instead of shutting down given how heavily they were affected by the fires! So glad my son can continue his drum lessons!

2025-02-24T17:52:54.301Z

A great place to learn music! Been taking piano lessons here and the staff are so accommodating and easy to talk to.

2025-02-24T04:25:59.661Z

I have been taking guitar lessons here for quite some time and the teachers and staff are superb.

2025-02-24T02:59:20.006Z

I have been coming here for over a year now and was very sad to hear that the first location closed down. I hope this great business can recover.

2025-02-24T02:40:20.949Z

I took guitar lessons here and it was a fantastic experience. The instructors were very friendly and knowledgeable.The environment was welcoming, and I always felt encouraged to improve at my own pace. I highly recommend this place.

2025-02-24T02:24:29.639Z

Can affirm the staff know what they're doing. Would recommend

2025-02-24T02:21:03.489Z

The staff here is incredibly welcoming, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere. If you're considering lessons, I highly recommend Drew!

2025-02-24T01:58:09.013Z

The teachers at this school are very knowledgeable and friendly.

2025-02-24T01:54:43.890Z

I have been taking lessons with Drew for 3 years and it's great.

2025-02-24T01:53:36.777Z

Great music school with a welcoming environment.