Stockton kids can start private music lessons at age 5, in piano, guitar, bass, drums, violin and voice, and join an audition-based youth choir from 3rd grade. Most private teachers here do not post prices, so ask when you call. The Stockton Youth Chorale does list its fees, starting at $155 a semester.
Private lessons
- Stockton School of Music teaches one-on-one lessons for ages 5 and up in piano, voice, violin, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar and drums, in pop, jazz, rock and classical styles. Acoustic guitar lessons run Mondays through Wednesdays 2:00 to 9:00 pm, Fridays 2:00 to 7:00 pm and Saturdays 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Check with the school for pricing.
- Cassia's Piano Music Studio: private piano for all ages in a home studio, in person or online, with flexible makeup lessons and several performance opportunities during the year.
- Arabesque Conservatory of Music: drum lessons for ages 5 and up, from first-time players to kids with some experience.
Youth choirs
The Stockton Youth Chorale, run by Stockton Chorale, rehearses in the choir room at Central United Methodist Church. Every group joins by a short audition.
- Treblemakers: grades 3 to 5, singing one- and two-part music, Mondays and Thursdays 4:00 to 5:30 pm, $205 a semester or $390 a season. The 5-minute audition checks basic pitch matching.
- Concert Choir: grades 6 to 8 with unchanged voices, singing two- and three-part music, same days, times and price.
- Valley Youth A Cappella: grades 9 to 12, three- and four-part a cappella, Wednesdays 4:00 to 6:00 pm, $155 a semester or $290 a season. Singers need to match pitch, sight read and hold a harmony part, shown in a two-phase audition.
Musical theater
Stockton Civic Theatre's summer Junior Stage camp works toward a full production of Willy Wonka Jr., with acting, singing and dancing. Its Junior Crew camp builds the sets, props and costumes.
Questions to ask a teacher
- Is there a trial lesson? Most studios here do not list one, so ask.
- What happens when you miss a week? Cassia's lists flexible makeup lessons.
- Are there recitals? Cassia's lists performance opportunities through the year.
- Online or in person? Cassia's offers both.
More options are on the Stockton music page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can kids start music lessons in Stockton?
Age 5 at Stockton School of Music and Arabesque Conservatory of Music. Cassia's Piano Music Studio takes students of all ages. Youth choir starts in 3rd grade with the Stockton Youth Chorale Treblemakers.
How much does youth choir cost in Stockton?
Stockton Youth Chorale's Treblemakers and Concert Choir are $205 a semester or $390 a season. Valley Youth A Cappella for high schoolers is $155 a semester or $290 a season.
Where can kids take guitar lessons in Stockton?
Stockton School of Music teaches acoustic, electric and bass guitar one-on-one for ages 5 and up. Check with the school for pricing.
Are there online piano lessons in Stockton?
Yes. Cassia's Piano Music Studio offers private piano lessons online or in person.