OUR INSTRUMENTS
Group and individual lessons for children and adults
As a passionate Music School, we take great pride in every course we teach. We have a highly interactive and engaging teaching style that has made us an extremely popular Music School. Scroll below to look at all courses.
PIANO LESSONS
Piano is one of the most popular instruments for beginning students. Even very young children can make a great sound by simply pressing down a key and the system of black and white notes makes understanding music easy. Our piano teachers work in a variety of styles from classical to popular music. Whether you want to learn Beethoven and Bach or popular songs from your favorite artist our teachers can help you or your child become a real pianist. You do not need to have a full sized piano in your home to take lessons. A simple touch-sensitive electric keyboard is fine to get started.
GUITAR LESSONS
Guitar is a great instrument for any age. There are guitars in sizes to fit even the youngest student that are portable, inexpensive, and sounds great solo or with a band.  Our guitar teachers teach rock, blues, county, folk, and classical guitar styles on electric or acoustic guitars.  Our goal is to match the student with the perfect teacher for their learning style, taste, and personality. Students are encouraged to bring CDs or their smartphones to their lessons to learn their favorite tunes. Beginners learn basic chords and simple songs.  We emphasize sight-reading and theory but make sure that each lesson is both challenging and fun.
DRUM LESSONS
The study of drums is a great introduction to the world of music.  The emphasis on rhythm is a perfect gateway to future musical exploration especially for students who are physical and kinetic by nature. At OMS we are equipped with snares, tom-toms, basses, cymbals, and assorted percussion gear.  Even beginners learn to keep a beat on the drum kit like a drummer in a rock band.  Students learn rudiments, stick control, drum notation, and listening skills. To get started all you need  a practice pad or snare drum
VOICE LESSONS
If you have always wanted to be a better rock, pop, country, jazz, gospel or Musical Theater singer, then we have the right voice teacher for you. Our voice teachers focus primarily on popular music often using tried-and-true classical techniques to build the voice.  In addition, many guitar and piano players wish to develop their voices to expand their musicianship and allow them to sing and play at the same time. Voice students spend time each week doing vocalization exercises to improve their range, breath control, projection, vibrato, tone production, enunciation, and more.
VIOLIN LESSONS
Violin and other string instruments are an essential part of the programs at OMS. Students as young as 4 may take lessons using the Suzuki Method when it is appropriate. Violins are available in a variety of sizes to suit any age student.  Classical technique is the foundation of string studies however more advanced student can choose from a variety of styles including, jazz, pop, county, and Irish fiddle tune.
FLUTE LESSONS
Flute is one of our specialties here at OMS. Whether you are just starting or continuing to learn this versatile and beautiful instrument - we will have the right match for you! Among our flute students, we have winners of the international competitions and stars of the youth orchestras. We nurture and challenge. Playing a wind instrument strengthens the respiratory system and improves health overall. Every lesson will include sight-reading, ear training, and theory.
SAXOPHONE LESSONS
Another popular choice for kids and adults. While primarily considered a jazz instrument, the saxophone definitely found its way into the musical education mainstream. Not only you will learn how to read music, but the basics of improvisation will also be introduced to you from the very beginning. Your family better be ready to see how quickly you master those blues scales and have their socks knocked off with the beautiful timeless tunes.
RECORDER LESSONS
Too young, but want to learn music? The recorder is one of the best choices. Inexpensive, easy to play, and carry - your little one will be able to play a tune after the very first class. Great starting instrument not only of all the wind family instruments but for the piano as well. Kids learn notation, counting, breathing, and phrasing, all while playing the easiest instrument in the world. Music basics are taught through games and activities and the recorder makes a perfect companion!
UKULELE LESSONS
Our ukulele instructors teach folk, country, reggae, and rock-n-roll styles — and classical too. Beginners work on chords, simple songs and melodies, sight-reading, and theory. Each lesson will challenge you with a new technique or music theory and ends with something fun – such as your favorite riff or song. We employ a variety of ukulele method books based on student needs and preferences and encourage students to bring smartphones or CDs to their lessons to learn their favorite tunes. Another excellent choice for the young musicians due to the size and ease of operation!
BRASS LESSONS
Trumpet, trombone, tuba, baritone - you name it! We will help you nail those auditions and get the high chairs, whether it's for your school band or a local youth orchestra. Our instructor will methodically improve your technique, while also addressing all the musical challenges of your pieces. With the guidance of a private teacher, you will reach your full potential and beat the competition!
XYLOPHONE/MARIMBA LESSONS
The xylophone is a beautiful mullet percussion instrument and we offer a rare opportunity to learn it with us at OMS. Don't be intimidated by the size, younger children will start with a smaller version - the Glokenshpiel, which will allow them to start making truly magical music on this unique instrument. Xylophone and Marimba players are in very high demand by high schools and colleges and playing these rare instruments creates additional advantages for a young musician's career.
CLARINET LESSONS
The beautiful tone of the clarinet makes it a popular choice for the middle and high school kids, that want to join the band. But the solo repertoire is extensive for the clarinet as well. Whether you need coaching for your school band pieces, explore the classical realm, or dive into folk and jass music - we are here for you! OMS is the largest wind school and the Bay Area and our reputation with wind instruments is unmatched!
GROUP LESSONS
Nothing can be more fun than making music together with friends. Studies also support that idea. Kids that play in groups tend to stick to music lessons longer, build strong social skills and also show higher academic results.  At OMS we offer many opportunities for every child of any age and instrument to join or even form their own group to play with. 80% of our students are involved in various groups, that meet once a week and play music of different genres. From Rock Band to Flute Choir - we believe that learning an instrument is the first step, but applying it to making real music with your friends is our ultimate goal.
THEORY/MUSIC HISTORY CLASSES
You can't be a great musician if you don't understand what you're playing. Teachers of OMS not only understand music theory - they love it! That reflects on their students too. The theory is taught as an online class for different levels - Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced, and AP Course (validated to fit high school requirements), Harmonization, and Composition.
Music History class is taught by the OMS founder, Gala Yaroshevsky, and is a great chance to learn from one of the most influential music educators in the Bay Area.
