Melodies For Life Reviews
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Josie S, Alameda CA, 5.0 star rating, 7/6/2018 - My son studied guitar with Myles for a year and a half before going to college. His guitar playing improved immensely. Myles is a great teacher, and taught my son a lot of technique and theory. Plus Myles is a genuinely nice person! He even brought in another guitar player friend to jam and show some blues rock playing techniques as well. I heartily recommend Melodies for Life and Myles for music students of all levels and ages!
Walter B, Oakland CA, 5.0 star rating, 6/23/2018 - I take bass lessons from Myles at Melodies For Life. I am super thrilled with him a teacher! He is very patient and has a true gift for teaching music, or anything. My playing has gotten a lot better because he helps me define my goals and achieve them. Its also an added benefit that he can play all the instruments in the band and has them all set up in the studio. Sometimes he hops on the drums, piano, guitar, and the bass of course. I highly recommend Myles and the school!
Dmitry P, Alameda CA, 5.0 star rating, 6/5/2018 - Our daughter was enrolled in acoustic guitar lessons at Melodies for Life. Myles was her teacher. He was not just a inspirational, patient and engaging coach for guitar, but cared what was going on with her life, her San Francisco girls chorus and middle school. He started with the basics but seemed like in a short time she was doing chords and playing songs. He came to her chorus performance and she was thrilled that he taught her the pop songs that interested her. He even came to one of my gigs in Alameda. We still stay in touch! Very thankful and both we and our daughter loved the whole experience. Super grateful!
Daniel B, Alameda CA, 5.0 star rating, 6/14/2018 - Our son has been taking piano lessons for over 2 years with Myles. He is a patient and supportive teacher who really cares about the student's passion for music. Myles goes out of the way to find out what type of music his students like to help encourage a desire to learn music and not just notes. Piano, singing, guitar, drums, and recording services Melodies for Life has a variety of services to help musicians grow no matter how old.
D J, Alameda CA, 5.0 star rating, 7/5/2018 - Both of my sons took music lessons from Myles for several years. Us parents, wanted both of them to take piano. Myles wisely coached us into letting them explore the available instruments. Our youngest chose piano and oldest chose drums. Myles is a very talented musician and is incredible with children. He patiently guides them. My sons looked forward to their music lessons. He takes a genuine interest in his students. He even showed up to support each of them in local sports games. Truly above and beyond.
Jelly M, Alameda CA, 5.0 star rating, 6/10/2018 - My six-year-old daughter took piano lessons with Myles for several months. She progressed quite well and really enjoyed coming to lessons and interacting with Myles. The only reason we stopped was because we had to focus on something else for a while, but when it's time to restart lessons, I fully intend to bring my daughter back to him. Myles is warm, patient, and genuinely caring, both as a teacher and as a human being in general. I highly recommend him.
Amy C, Alameda CA, 5.0 star rating, 6/11/2018 - Myles is wonderful. He tailored guitar lessons by helping our son play sons he liked and wanted to learn. He is supportive and patient.
Allie V, Alameda CA, 5.0 star rating, 6/18/2018 - When looking for a voice teacher in Alameda, a friend of mine recommended Myles to me. She was taking drum lessons at the time, and I couldn't be happier to hear that he also offered voice lessons! Myles is an incredibly kind teacher, and really takes times and effort to get to know his students. Myles and Alicia spent time with me setting goals and working on various audition pieces, and pushed me to sing songs that I didn't know my voice could handle. We worked on technique, style, and emotion which allowed me to prepare for auditions and upcoming performances. One of the things that I like most about Myles is that he is constantly supporting his students, both in and outside of lessons. He even came to come see me perform in a show! I highly recommended Melodies for Life for anyone who is looking to improve or learn a musical skill, whether you are a seasoned singer or learning an instrument for the first time.
Mariah J, San Francisco CA, 5.0 star rating, 6/30/2018 - Taking piano lessons with Myles was a great experience, he is patient and kind. Always in good spirits and just a joy to having worked with! Thank you Myles for everything you do!
Jonathan E, Alameda CA, 5.0 star rating, 6/18/2018 - I have been taking guitar lessons for about 2 years, initially with Myles and then with Mike Solan. Both are excellent guitar teachers -- great players in their own right, but also excellent at teaching practical skills and theory, motivating students, and making it fun. If you're looking for great guitar (or drums, piano, or voice) teachers in Alameda, you've come to the right place!
Christine J, Alameda CA, 5.0 star rating, 6/15/2018 - My daughter took guitar from Myles for a year. He taught at her pace, her level of interest. Myles is a teacher who encourages and supports his students. Sometimes, he'd even come to see her acting performances at school. Such a kind and talented man he is!
Anita O, Oakland CA, 5.0 star rating, 1/23/2018 - Myles is awesome! I struggled with my confidence and he encouraged me. Through his patience and kindness I was able to become a better singer. I wanted to sing and work on my voice and I definitely got the help I needed.
Via B, San Francisco CA, 5.0 star rating, 4/3/2018 - I've been taking voice lessons at Melodies for Life for almost 2 years now and I'm still loving it. I first started taking lessons with Myles and he is absolutely wonderful. While I had some experience in singing and performing, it had been a couple of years since I sang in front of people and so I was very shy and timid. Myles worked with me to get my confidence up and fine-tune my technique. After a few months, I switched over to taking classes with Alicia Garcia. She is so knowledgeable and such a joy to work with. She pushes me to take on songs that I once thought I could never sing and she also encourages me to perform more regularly. With Alicia and Myles' support, I am now performing more often and a much stronger singer. My weekly lessons are my happy place and I always look forward to my class.
Sammi L, Alameda CA, 5.0 star rating, 7/24/2017 - My brother took lessons with Myles for about a year until he decided his work was taking up all his time. In that year, I saw my brother become increasing confident with his guitar, as a beginner student. My brother, who has a learning disability, can be timid with new people, but Myles worked very well with him. When we first met Myles and interacted with him, it felt as though we had known him forever. Myles' presence exudes the sense of comfort, calm and definitely cool. It's very clear he is talented in his craft and enjoys it. I check with my brother every so often to see if he wants to restart lesson, because I hope he does. Myles is very accommodating and provides materials for practices at home. He has a nice space with various instruments set up throughout. His rate is reasonable. We miss you, Myles and thank you. Yen & Lee
Jonah S, Oakland CA, 5.0 star rating, 11/10/2017 - Myles is wonderful. I came to him looking to learn to sing with no experience and no idea if I could do it. He patiently has taken me through the process of finding my voice, and finding the fun in singing. It's been so enjoyable to learn a new skill and to see real improvement. I look forward to my singing lessons every week because Myles is such a great teacher. And, the price is totally reasonable.
Malou C, Alameda CA, 5.0 star rating, 8/12/2017 - My little cousins ages 7 and 10 have been taking weekly drum lessons with Myles and they loved every second of it. He is an exceptionally talented music teacher. He is very patient and warm, and makes every lesson a fun and enjoyable experience. His teaching style is custom-designed to wherever the student is at musically. He knows how to keep the boys interested while being focused on fundamentals of music lessons. What I love about Myles is his ability to make the kids feel "successful" even when they struggle with timing or rhythm at times. I cannot speak highly enough of Myles. He is the man if you or your kids need music lessons (drums, bass, piano, keyboard and voice lessons).
Chris D, Alameda CA, 5.0 star rating, 5/30/2017 - Myles is the absolute best. He's a patient and encouraging teacher and, simply, a great guy. He tailored voice lessons to my very specific needs but managed to also maintain a much-needed focus on the basics. He did a great job in helping me develop confidence in developing my project. I can't recommend him enough.
Stephanie C, Alameda CA, 5.0 star rating, 7/28/2016 - Myles Darnell is a one-man band with a gentle soul who is encouraging of his students, and very knowledgeable of music. He can teach piano, drums, guitar, bass, and vocals! I took guitar lessons with him, and found his prices to be very reasonable, if not better than the average going rate. He is patient, engaging with the lessons, teaches proper technique on how to hold the instrument and position oneself, and encourages without being overly forceful. I find him to be versatile and have seen his style adapt to a variety of situations...from working with children, teens, and adults...whether you're a first time music student or someone with experience who needs to brush up or learn a new instrument. I highly recommend him.
Tito V, Alameda CA, 5.0 star rating, 8/30/2016 - I highly recommend Melodies for Life to all New or even experienced musicians that want to step up to the next level. Myles is one of the most patient music instructors out there. He has a way of finding away to break down music, rhythm, timing, so you can understand it. He taught me my love for music and drums. I’ve had the opportunity myself to play with him in a band at my church for years. He is one of the best and I’ve been lucky enough to have him as my teacher and friend over the years. My skills have been sharpened on the drums because of him.
Elizabeth W, Alameda CA, 5.0 star rating, 11/17/2015 - Myles has been an amazing coach and teacher! When I first came in, I really wanted to sing and develop my range but I just couldn't get over the fear of my own voice; rather the fear of someone *else* hearing my singing voice. It took over a month of gentle pushing and reassurance before I finally started getting over it. He never became impatient and he never gave up on me, though I feared that he might because I was being so stubborn and resistant. Now I feel much more comfortable singing in front of others and can even laugh it off when I can't quite hit a note that I'm trying to sing. The shame I previously felt around singing is almost entirely gone and I owe that to Myles. He has a knack for making you feel totally at ease and makes every lesson a lot of fun. I had to pause lessons temporarily but I can't wait to pick up where I left off!
Robert L, Alameda CA, 5.0 star rating, 5/5/2016 - Myles Darnell is an excellent teacher. He can work with kids of all ages and adults too. He has a great attitude and always has a smile on his face. It is clear that he loves what he does and it shows in how well he works with people. I highly recommend him.
Esra P, Alameda CA, 5.0 star rating, 12/30/2014 - I have worked with Myles since 2004 and been grateful for his musical & teaching abilities. I've taught guitar and piano playing in the past, but now I recommend Myles because he really have a good lesson structure and teaching method. I've also played music with him for a while now, have a very good musicianship. He's pretty knowledgeable as a musician. He knows how to relate one instrument to another; very experienced in playing in a band. And he's a very patient and relational teacher.
Theresa C, San Francisco CA, 5.0 star rating, 6/29/2014 - Myles is the salt of the earth. Enormous passion to share and encourage growth. He has vast knowledge in classic tech and hi tech music and engineering. Drums, bass, keys, guitar, singing and song writing etc. His teaching style is as comfortable as a snuggie. I've never known a man to have as much patience and soothing energy as he. Myles has a rare teaching foresight to identify any students ability to grow and expand at their own pace and gravitating in the direction that is purely and truly their musical "sound" the signature of every musician. Myles has diligently and passionately shared his gift for all of the 15 years I've known him. I've gone off to have my own reputable and successful music career in San Francisco connecting with all walks of musicians over the planet. I learned how to from Myles. Melodies for life is so much more than music lessons, It's learning to discover what you are truly capable of. Separating ego from creation and finding that inner voice that looks at life through a new pair of eyes. This is about opening doors. This is about speaking in a new dialect. Myles is your kind and generous guide. Thank you my beloved brother in music. Impact is a very small word for your contribution.
Vilma Z, Hayward CA, 5.0 star rating, 11/18/2015 - My daughter looooves her teacher Myles! Not only is he experienced in a variety of instruments, he's also a talented teacher who has a gift of connecting with kids. He's genuinely patient and so encouraging to children and he understands their learning capacity. Cost of lessons are reasonable and they allow you to rent out equipment to practice at home with for a fair cost as well. We live 13 miles from the location- and their are plenty of other music businesses closer to home- but my daughter insists on being taught by her favorite teacher, Myles Darnell. Oh- and the man can saaaaang his heart out...beautiful voice!
Brian B, Alameda CA, 5.0 star rating, 4/21/2015 - Myles has been a great guitar teacher for my school-age daughter... not only an extremely talented musician, Myles is also a patient and thorough teacher, and a great all-around guy. My daughter always looks forward to her lessons.
Alicia G, Oakland CA, 5.0 star rating, 6/28/2014 - I have worked with Darnell Myles on several occasions. I have found him to be 100% reliable and professional. He always shows up prepared. He has been on time and given 100% effort. If you are looking for a trustworthy caring professional, look no further. He is an excellent teacher who cares about people. His business operates professionally and he is extremely talented.
Hans W, Alameda CA, 5.0 star rating, 4/15/2015 - My son went to Melodies for Life to learn to play the drums. He quickly felt comfortable with Myles, who has a very gentle & nurturing manner and is a great teacher. According to my son Myles makes it easy and fun to learn with him. Here are my son's words own about him: "he is always very positive and he is very good at knowing your skill level and how to make you develop at a good pace" I highly recommend Melodies for Life.
Mercedes B, Alameda CA, 5.0 star rating, 5/3/2014 - Melodies for Life is awesome!!! I started doing guitar lessons with Myles Darnell; he is such an amazing guitar player, he knows a lot about guitar that makes him a great teacher. A few months after guitar lessons I started doing vocal lessons. My voice before lessons was lacking projection, range and I couldn't really sustain a note for very long. After lessons all of those things improved. It was good, also I had the confidence because of the training to sing on stage which was good!
Leti O, Alameda CA, 5.0 star rating, 6/19/2014 - I grew up taking piano lessons at a young age, learned how to read music, and loved it! After my family hit hard times I couldn't take piano lessons anymore and the lack of practice had me forgetting how to read music. Some years later Myles started teaching me chords and the basics of piano playing which was awesome because my love for the piano runs deep and he pulled that passion out of me when I started playing again. I would recommend Melodies for Life to anyone who is interested in learning an instrument and anyone who already has a history of a specific instrument who just wants to deepen their knowledge. Thank you Myles for all your patience with me throughout the years!!! You are appreciated!! :)
Vanessa B, Alameda CA, 5.0 star rating, 8/29/2013 - My son and daughter have taken lessons from Melodies for Life and I can't say enough about what a wonderful experience it has been! Myles is a patient and intuitive instructor. He definitely goes the extra mile and genuinely takes an interest in his student's musical endeavors. It is a place to grow and to be inspired!!
