Business Details
22 Years
experience
Your Musical Journey Starts Here in San Diego
Since 2004, Paper Moon Music has been dedicated to nurturing musical talent in San Diego through personalized instruction and a supportive learning environment. Our team of university-trained instructors brings decades of performing experience to every lesson, offering expertise in guitar, piano, ukulele, violin, bass, banjo, voice, and music theory. We prioritize individualized learning plans tailored to each student's goals, whether they're mastering classical techniques, exploring improvisation, or preparing for performances. Our commitment to quality education is reflected in our biannual recitals, online learning platform, and flexible scheduling that accommodates students of all ages and skill levels. With two convenient locations in Point Loma and Bay Park, we provide state-of-the-art facilities featuring professional-grade equipment and practice spaces. Our month-to-month structure ensures students only continue when they see tangible progress, while our free workshops and masterclasses foster continuous growth. By combining technical instruction with creative exploration, we help students develop both musical proficiency and lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Services
Guitar Lessons
Piano Lessons
Ukulele Lessons
Violin Lessons
Voice Training
Online Music Lessons
Music Theory
Recitals
Workshops
Practice Rooms
Served areas
- San Diego, Point Loma, Loma Portal, Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, Mission Hills, Hillcrest, Pacific Beach, Bay Park, La Jolla, Clairemont, Mission Valley, Downtown, Coronado
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized instruction from university-trained musicians with professional performance experience
- Our flexible scheduling accommodates students of all ages with morning, evening, and weekend options
- We provide access to an exclusive online learning platform with supplemental resources and video lessons
- Our free biannual recitals help students build performance confidence in a supportive environment
- We guarantee month-to-month lessons with no long-term commitments required
Payment methods
- Cash, Debit cards, Credit cards, Mobile payments
What people say
Excellent instruction
Great environment
Patient teachers
Notable progress
Fun learning experience
Services
Guitar Lessons
Our guitar lessons cater to all skill levels, from beginners learning basic chords to advanced players mastering complex techniques. Instructors focus on personalized curriculum development covering rock, jazz, classical, and flamenco styles. Students gain technical proficiency while developing musical creativity through song-based learning and improvisation exercises.
Online Music Lessons
High-quality remote lessons maintain the same personalized approach as in-person sessions using professional audio-visual equipment. Students access our online learning platform for supplemental resources while maintaining flexible scheduling options across different time zones.
Music Recitals
Biannual recitals provide structured performance opportunities that build confidence and stage presence. These events feature diverse musical styles and instruments, creating a supportive environment for students to demonstrate their progress to family and peers.
Music Theory
Integrated theory lessons develop reading skills, chord construction knowledge, and improvisation techniques. Our approach connects theoretical concepts directly to practical application through students' chosen instruments and musical interests.
Workshops
Specialized workshops cover genre-specific techniques, ensemble playing, and performance preparation. Led by experienced instructors or guest artists, these sessions offer concentrated skill development in focused areas like sight-reading or advanced fingerpicking patterns.
People
Joe Amato
Guitar Instructor
Professional guitarist with 20+ years teaching experience, specializing in classical and flamenco styles. Holds music performance degree and has developed customized curricula for students of all ages.
Nathan Ware
Guitar Instructor
Experienced educator known for patient, adaptive teaching methods. Expertise spans multiple genres including rock, jazz, and classical guitar with focus on technical development and musical expression.
Scot Taber
Guitar Instructor
Classically trained guitarist with master's degree in music performance. Specializes in technique correction and advanced soloing while maintaining accessible teaching approach for all skill levels.
Alex Meyers
Guitar Instructor
Graduate of prestigious music program with expertise in pedagogy and performance. Creates structured lesson plans that balance technical exercises with students' personal musical interests.
Dillon
Guitar Instructor
Specializes in contemporary styles with focus on practical application of techniques. Develops personalized practice routines that emphasize both skill development and musical enjoyment.
Questions
What instruments do you teach?
We offer lessons for guitar, piano, ukulele, violin, bass, banjo, voice, and music theory with specialized instructors for each instrument.
Do you offer online lessons?
Yes, we provide high-quality online music lessons with the same experienced instructors available for in-person sessions.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
We host biannual recitals and regular workshops where students can showcase their progress in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
What age groups do you accommodate?
We teach students of all ages from young children to adults, with flexible scheduling options for different lifestyles.
Do you require long-term commitments?
No, our month-to-month program allows students to continue only when they're satisfied with their progress and experience.
What makes your instructors unique?
Our teachers are university-trained professionals with extensive performance experience who create personalized lesson plans for each student's goals.
Videos
Reviews (23)
Jamari Robinson
Dec 21, 2020
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This review is for my experience at Paper Moon Music, from April 2020 - July 2020, specifically for ukulele lessons. I want to say that Paper Moon is professional, organized, down to earth place. The vibe is both welcoming to newcomers and the initially anxious, but it also has a very intimate, personal vibe. The instructors are absorbed with their craft and with their students, in a very good way, and the admin staff are kind and genuine.
I had the luck of working with Joe A for several virtual ukulele sessions and he was awesome. Not only did he let me drive the lessons with what my music goals were, but he was also a genuine person who seemed to enjoy teaching. Highly recommend checking this place out, buying a month of lessons, and just jamming out. What are you waiting for?
I had the luck of working with Joe A for several virtual ukulele sessions and he was awesome. Not only did he let me drive the lessons with what my music goals were, but he was also a genuine person who seemed to enjoy teaching. Highly recommend checking this place out, buying a month of lessons, and just jamming out. What are you waiting for?
Ann Holmes
Feb 03, 2019
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For me it's a great location. I have been taking piano lessons since 9/25/18 and love it!! Good teacher and a great place!!!
Annie Berard Archbold
Jul 07, 2018
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My son takes guitar lessons at Paper Moon and loves it. We are very happy with his progress and happy with his instructor Alex.
Terry Antl
Jun 13, 2017
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Alex Meyers at Paper Moon Music has been my teacher for almost two years now. He is the greatest, patient and so knowledgeable, and has helped me grow as a musician.
Howard Moss
May 29, 2017
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I take guitar lessons from Nate Ware at Paper Moon. Our focus is pretty broad ranging from bossa nova to jazz to heavy metal. Nate is an excellent musician, and a super teacher. The environment at Paper Moon is inspiring. I strongly recommend them.
Tori Taryn
May 15, 2017
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I've taken ukulele and guitar lessons with Alex and piano lessons with Izabella. Both experiences have been amazing! These instructors are friendly, professional, and encouraging. I would definitely recommend Paper Moon Music to anyone looking to learn a new instrument or build on skills they already have.
David Berridge
Dec 24, 2016
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Nate Ware is truly a guitar master. He is a patient and encouraging teacher, fun to work with, and inspirational. The students in the other studios seem to be having just as good a time with their instructors as I do. Nate and Paper Moon Music get top recommendations from me!
Cory Briggs
Nov 22, 2016
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I have been taking lessons on classical guitar for over two years. Scot is an excellent instructor and musician. He is very patient and accommodating in tailoring lessons to my skills and schedule. I have enjoyed my time learning and look forward to continuing to do so.
Yin Yuan
Nov 09, 2016
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I came to Paper Moon with specific expectations in mind, but what I got have been way beyond my expectations. Dillon teaches me not just particular songs (although he does it very well), but opens up an exciting world of music with so many things I don't know, and so much to explore: different genres and styles, music theory, improvisation. This would be impossible for someone who doesn't have solid and expansive expertise himself. Technique-wise, the songs are usually what I thought would be impossible for me to play, but somehow things come along. The learning seems to be driven by fun, not by what seems "possible", which is what I believe learning processes should be.
Allison Mason Mellon
Mar 24, 2015
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I'm a big fan of Paper Moon. Scot had been a great instructor, with the right amount of patience and inspiration. I've seen a vast improvement in my technique, and am learning a variety of styles I'm interested in. Scot has amazing skills and I'm happy to learn from such an expert.
Florencio Osoteo
Apr 24, 2014
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My first day of guitar lesson ever was yesterday at Paper Moon Music. I am totally, completely without any knowledge how to play the guitar, besides being old (almost 70 years old). But, after being with Scot for 30 minutes, I am very much encouraged and confident that I'll be able to play the guitar someday soon. Scot's expertise is readily apparent and he is generous about imparting his guitar knowledge and abilities. I'll recommend him and his studio to anyone anytime. By the way, my next lesson is next week and weeks and months to come. I love it.
Brady Johnson
Mar 20, 2014
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Talented, patient instructors who really know their stuff. They don't teach straight out of books like a lot of instructors. I came in with significant prior music experience and the instructor (I take lessons from Joe) set up custom lessons based on the style and technique that I wanted to learn. These guys are great!
Elizebeth LaFontaine
May 14, 2013
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I have not had a lesson at Paper Moon Music either, but my son has had two banjo lessons with Joe Amato. I stuck around for the first lesson, much to my 12 year old son's horror, and felt Joe to be a great instructor for Nick. Nick has never had a musical lesson, and Joe was very patient, positive and encouraging. You really can't say no to giving Paper Moon Music a shot, they only charge 15 dollars for an introductory lesson.
In that lesson, which I thought was so cool, Joe tried to connect with Nick. He asked why he wanted to play the banjo, what type of music he liked to listen too. I was so impressed when Nick came home so enthusiastic and showed me he could strum along to "Tell it to Me" by Old Crow Medicine Show. Great Place! Give it a go.
In that lesson, which I thought was so cool, Joe tried to connect with Nick. He asked why he wanted to play the banjo, what type of music he liked to listen too. I was so impressed when Nick came home so enthusiastic and showed me he could strum along to "Tell it to Me" by Old Crow Medicine Show. Great Place! Give it a go.
Bonnie Friedman
May 05, 2012
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I have never had lessons at Paper Moon Music, but I've met the owner, and have been very impressed by his friendliness and his professionalism. He is also a FABULOUS musician. I've recommended this studio to friends and they both went there for lessons and loved it.
Glenn McClintic
My son and I have been studying with Nate for several years. We've both learned a lot and really enjoy the journey. Nate is an amazing instructor that always finds ways to make learning fun. He can add a little music theory to even a simple solo which adds a lot to every lesson. He can take some difficult scale or chord theory and make it musical so it makes more sense. Paper Moon rocks.
Elizebeth LaFontaine
I have not had a lesson at Paper Moon Music either, but my son has had two banjo lessons with Joe Amato. I stuck around for the first lesson, much to my 12 year old son's horror, and felt Joe to be a great instructor for Nick. Nick has never had a musical lesson, and Joe was very patient, positive and encouraging. You really can't say no to giving Paper Moon Music a shot, they only charge 15 dollars for an introductory lesson.
In that lesson, which I thought was so cool, Joe tried to connect with Nick. He asked why he wanted to play the banjo, what type of music he liked to listen too. I was so impressed when Nick came home so enthusiastic and showed me he could strum along to "Tell it to Me" by Old Crow Medicine Show. Great Place! Give it a go.
In that lesson, which I thought was so cool, Joe tried to connect with Nick. He asked why he wanted to play the banjo, what type of music he liked to listen too. I was so impressed when Nick came home so enthusiastic and showed me he could strum along to "Tell it to Me" by Old Crow Medicine Show. Great Place! Give it a go.
Tori Kuzman
I've taken ukulele and guitar lessons with Alex and piano lessons with Izabella. Both experiences have been amazing! These instructors are friendly, professional, and encouraging. I would definitely recommend Paper Moon Music to anyone looking to learn a new instrument or build on skills they already have.
David Berridge
Nate Ware is truly a guitar master. He is a patient and encouraging teacher, fun to work with, and inspirational. The students in the other studios seem to be having just as good a time with their instructors as I do. Nate and Paper Moon Music get top recommendations from me!
Scott H.
i've been taking lessons with Joe for over two years, and it has helped me improve tremendously. I still have so much to learn, and there's still so much i can do better; however, i can play some tunes now in a manner that is (almost) nice to listen to. When i started with Joe, i was really awful; now i'm merely bad. Definitely recommend the studio- they are all great players, and they all bring a lot of knowledge and enthusiasm to the studio and to their students. Rates are quite reasonable as well.....
Angela J.
My daughter is taking lessons with Joe and it has been an amazing experience so far and I doubt it will ever be anything less than amazing. Joe is so patient and teaches her in a way she understands. From what Ive seen just hanging out during her lessons, it seems that every instructor in there is extremely talented and knowledgeable. Studio is cozy and clean and you feel welcomed and comfortable right away. So glad we found this place...I can't imagine us anywhere else.
Chris Lovingood
Dillon is an excellent guitar teacher who has shown me the proper techniques of classical guitar playing and other finger style music. He is very patient and works with your own pace or level. At each lesson, he gradually introduces you new methods and adds new songs to learn. You will never get bored.
Jim Graham
Paper Moon Music is a really fantastic music studio. I began music lessons for the first time in my life when I was 70. Im sure Scot thought, Oh no, another old duffer! When I walked in the door I had three goals: to learn to play the guitar, to read music and to learn music theory. Scot is teaching me to play the guitar (My wife can actually recognize some of the pieces Im playing) and he has never once inferred that I was too old or not capable of learning! The pace that he sets is challenging but always with in my ability to comprehend. If you are interested in furthering your knowledge and abilities in music, Paper Moon Music is the place to go!
Lisa Weisblatt Feren
So glad to have found Paper Moon! We switched from a large "fancy" music school to Paper Moon. It may not be as fancy, but the instruction is amazing - and it feels cozy and intimate! In a few guitar lessons, my son has learned so much and is so motivated again. Joe really "gets" him and is teaching him theory and basics while allowing him to play classic rock too!!!!