Business Details
Expert Music Lessons in Berkeley, CA
Mansfield Music has been dedicated to fostering musical excellence through personalized instruction since its founding. With over 35 years of professional experience, our founder Ernie Mansfield combines classical training with expertise in jazz, rock, and pop to create tailored learning experiences for students of all ages. We specialize in private lessons for piano, guitar, flute, saxophone, and clarinet, emphasizing creativity, technical proficiency, and a passion for music. Our structured curriculum utilizes recognized teaching materials while allowing flexibility to accommodate individual learning styles and musical interests.Located near North Berkeley BART, we provide a professional teaching environment that prioritizes focused, one-on-one instruction to maximize student progress. Our commitment to quality education is reflected in decades of satisfied students and their families who credit our approach for sustained musical growth and enjoyment.
Services
Piano Lessons
Guitar Lessons
Flute Instruction
Saxophone Lessons
Clarinet Instruction
Music Theory
Composition Coaching
Singer/Songwriter Services
Online Music Lessons
Student Recitals
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of professional music instruction experience.
- Our private lessons ensure personalized, one-on-one teaching focus.
- We teach diverse styles from classical to contemporary pop/rock.
- Our professional environment eliminates distractions during lesson time.
- We use recognized teaching materials for consistent musical progress.
What people say
Patient and caring instructor
Makes learning fun
Encourages creative expression
Flexible teaching approach
Experienced professional musician
Services
Piano Lessons
Private piano instruction caters to all skill levels from beginners to advanced students. Our curriculum combines classical training with contemporary styles like jazz and pop. Lessons emphasize proper technique, music theory, and performance skills while maintaining an enjoyable learning environment that keeps students motivated.
Guitar Lessons
Comprehensive guitar instruction covers acoustic, electric, and classical styles. Students learn proper finger positioning, chord transitions, and music notation while exploring genres from rock to classical. Our approach balances technical development with playing enjoyable repertoire to maintain student engagement.
Flute Instruction
Specialized flute instruction focuses on breath control, finger technique, and tone production. Students explore classical repertoire alongside jazz and contemporary styles. The curriculum includes ensemble playing opportunities and preparation for recitals in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
Music Theory
Music theory instruction integrates with instrumental lessons to develop reading skills and musical understanding. Topics include scales, chord progressions, and composition basics. Advanced students prepare for AP Music Theory exams while learning practical applications for songwriting and improvisation.
Online Lessons
Live online music lessons maintain the same personalized approach as in-person sessions. Using professional audio/video technology, instructors provide real-time feedback and guidance. This flexible option maintains curriculum continuity while accommodating remote learning preferences.
People
Ernie Mansfield
Owner and Founder
Ernie Mansfield is a classically trained musician with 35+ years of professional experience teaching and performing. He studied at Interlochen Arts Academy and Oberlin Conservatory, specializing in multiple instruments and diverse musical styles. His teaching philosophy emphasizes personalized instruction and musical creativity.
Questions
What instruments do you teach?
We offer instruction in piano, guitar, flute, saxophone, and clarinet, with additional focus on music theory and composition.
Do you teach both children and adults?
Yes, we provide lessons for all ages starting from age 4, with customized approaches for different learning needs and experience levels.
Are online lessons available?
Yes, we offer live online lessons using professional technology that maintains the same quality of instruction as in-person sessions.
What teaching methods do you use?
We combine established method books with personalized instruction, emphasizing technical proficiency, creativity, and musical expression tailored to each student's interests.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Yes, we host biannual recitals where students can perform in a supportive environment, with options to play solo or duets with the instructor.
Reviews (4)
B. E.
Aug 01, 2020
Report
I have been taking piano lessons with Ernie for a few years now and I'd highly recommend him as a teacher, especially if you are beginning to learn an instrument in adulthood as I have. He's very knowledgable, insightful, and most importantly, a very supportive and friendly instructor. He's also full of stories from a life lived in music and has a helpful anecdote for every occasion. Ernie is always reliable and punctual about lesson dates and times but always understanding if I need to reschedule, given the proper notice in accordance with his posted policies. I look forward to continuing my lessons with Ernie and I'm grateful for his instruction.
Lauren Richmond
Dec 24, 2017
Report
Ernie Mansfield is a Wonderful Instructor. My child took alto sax lessons starting in 5th grade, moved to Tenor sax and now just auditioned and got into Berkeley High Jazz band. My child is way ahead of his peers in sight reading music mainly attributed to Ernie's Methodical teaching Style and patience. I highly recommend Ernie for Sax lessons.
Josh Frankel
Feb 19, 2016
Report
Our son started with Mr. Mansfield when he was 3 and has grown into an enthusiastic, confident pianist. Mr. Mansfield was patient and flexible, allowing the lessons to go at a pace and in a direction that best suited our son's interest.
Elliott P.
May 28, 2015
Report
I've been taking guitar lessons with Ernie for about two years and could not be more happy with what I've learned from him and the progress that I've made. I've been playing the guitar for about six years in all. Ernie is far more knowledgable, patient, and organized than any of the other instructors that I've had. He is a great teacher and a genuinely nice person. As a career musician, he has a lot of experience to draw on and interesting stories to tell. His schedule is very convenient for adult students with day jobs. If you're thinking about taking music lessons, you should take them from him.
