Business Details
Expert Music Lessons in Sunnyvale, CA
At 5 Star School for Music, we have dedicated ourselves to transforming musical aspirations into reality through personalized instruction and innovative teaching methodologies. With over three decades of experience, our founder Mark Wilson developed the proprietary 5-Star Method, a comprehensive system combining written materials and play-along audio resources refined through 30 years of teaching and recording expertise. Our professional studios in Sunnyvale provide an ideal environment for students to explore guitar, bass, drums, piano, ukulele, and the Chapman Stick through modular, self-paced programs tailored to individual learning needs. We emphasize the therapeutic benefits of music while maintaining rigorous standards in technical proficiency and creative expression.Our team of accomplished instructors brings extensive performance and pedagogical experience, with alumni achieving success in music education, recording engineering, and professional performance. We maintain strict hygiene protocols and offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate learners of all ages, from children as young as four to senior students. Our curriculum integrates private instruction with collaborative workshops, fostering both technical mastery and ensemble experience. Recognized by Guitar World Magazine for our instructional materials, we continue to set industry standards in music education while maintaining accessible pricing structures for our courses.
Services
Guitar Lessons
Bass Guitar Lessons
Drum Lessons
Piano Lessons
Ukulele Lessons
Chapman Stick Instruction
Highlights and features
- Our instructors have over 30 years of combined teaching experience with published instructional materials
- We offer professional soundproof studios with full instrument PA systems
- Our modular curriculum allows complete customization of learning paths
- We provide both private instruction and collaborative workshop experiences
- Our 5-Star Method combines 30 years of refined teaching materials with play-along audio resources
What people say
Best guitar teaching
Accelerated learning progress
Patient instructors
Fun learning environment
Professional development
Services
Private Guitar Lessons
Our private guitar lessons use the proprietary 5-Star Method developed over 30 years of teaching experience. Students receive personalized instruction in various styles including blues, rock, and classical. The program includes play-along audio resources and written materials in both tablature and standard notation.
Drum Instruction
Professional drum instruction covering multiple genres with access to fully equipped drum kits. Lessons incorporate both technical exercises and practical application through play-along tracks. Students develop rhythm, coordination, and performance skills in our soundproof studios.
Music Workshops
Collaborative music workshops allow students to practice ensemble playing and performance techniques. These sessions focus on developing stage presence, band dynamics, and live performance skills through guided jam sessions and group projects with other musicians.
Chapman Stick Instruction
Specialized instruction on the 10-string Chapman Stick instrument using tapping techniques. Students learn to play both bass and melody lines simultaneously through a unique piano-style finger-tapping approach that creates full-band sound effects.
Music Theory Courses
Integrated music theory instruction covering scales, chord progressions, and improvisation techniques. The curriculum combines practical application with theoretical understanding through our modular course materials and play-along audio resources.
People
Mark Wilson
Founder/Instructor
With over 30 years teaching experience, Mark developed the 5-Star Method and authored 20 instructional books. His students have won awards and pursued music careers, including positions with Live Nation Productions.
Josh Gonzalez-Beban
Music Instructor
Teaching for over a decade, Josh specializes in pop, blues, and rock styles. A former student of Mark Wilson, he emphasizes personalized learning and incorporates students' favorite songs into lessons.
Kevin Rollis
Music Instructor
With 25+ years experience, Kevin brings professional band expertise and live performance coaching. He teaches guitar, bass, and ukulele while emphasizing stage presence and musical versatility.
Cole Davidson
Music Instructor
Teaching for six years after 12 years as a student, Cole specializes in classic rock and blues. He focuses on instrument exploration and student growth through personalized instruction methods.
Questions
What music styles do you teach?
We teach pop, blues, classic rock, folk, classical, funk, reggae, jazz, and country styles across all instruments.
Do you offer trial lessons?
Yes, we offer single trial lessons at $70/hour or $40/half-hour with no commitment to continue.
What instruments are available?
We offer guitar, bass guitar, drums, piano, ukulele, and Chapman Stick instruction with professional equipment.
Are group lessons available?
We provide private one-on-one lessons and collaborative music workshops for ensemble experience.
What age groups do you accept?
We teach students aged 4 through senior citizens with age-appropriate teaching methods and materials.
Do you sell instruments?
We focus on instruction only but can recommend local music stores for instrument purchases.
Reviews (6)
Adam Danielski
Sep 12, 2021
Report
One of the best places to learn music and how to play an instrument. The teachers are patient and teach at the students pace.
Ian Davidson
Jun 25, 2021
Report
Took lessons with Mark for a couple years. Mark is always open and willing able to readjust the direction our lessons. I also was able to get great feedback on my form/technique.
Ken Kranefuss
Jun 18, 2021
Report
Ive known the 5 Star School of Music Team for almost 20 yrs. They have the best group of instructors (Mark, Karen, Kevin and Cole) and make learning to play guitar, Uk, Bass, Drums and Percussion as well as singing fun/enjoyable. I highly recommend this team to anyone wanting to learn these instruments!
Cristian Bayer
Apr 17, 2021
Report
I've been going to the 5 Star School for Music for 2 years now and studying under Kevin. I can't say enough good things about my experience. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly. As a 40 something adult learning guitar after not playing since I was a teenager I was nervous if I would be able to learn an instrument. Kevin has been very patient and encouraging. Every lesson is fun and I feel I'm constantly improving.
They have their own curriculum which I found so much better than the boring old book I was forced to use as a teen. Kevin also is a fantastic musician in his own right and knows how to play almost anything I can think of to ask to learn. If you're interested in learning an instrument and have fun while doing it this is the place to go.
They have their own curriculum which I found so much better than the boring old book I was forced to use as a teen. Kevin also is a fantastic musician in his own right and knows how to play almost anything I can think of to ask to learn. If you're interested in learning an instrument and have fun while doing it this is the place to go.
Scott Davidson
Apr 07, 2021
Report
I've jammed with musicians at 5 Star School for Music many times as part of their weekend workshops and individually with Mark working on my keyboard and general musicality. Always a great experience. Since COVID-19 hit, I decided to pick up Bass guitar and have now seen the other side learning an instrument from scratch and again a great experience. Super positive and fun place to learn to play music for life!
Mukund Ramaratnam
Feb 05, 2021
Report
Mark and the team at 5 Star Music are superb teachers for students at various levels of proficiency! I've been taking guitar lessons for several years, they have been great partners in my quest!
