Testimonials
First, I want to say that the Napa School of Music has absolutely changed my son’s life. For the past 10 years, he has struggled with anxiety and serious mental health issues that eventually led to him being unable to function in a normal school setting. He was also not able to do any extracurricular activities without a parent present due to his unpredictable behavior. This combination led to my son being very isolated and lonely. I put him in many different activities hoping to find something that would stick but nothing seemed to be a fit. After noticing my son drumming on everything in sight one summer, I decided to sign him up for drum lessons at the Napa School of Music. The first lesson went so well that I was able to leave him alone with his instructor the second week. This was a first and I cried tears of happiness and relief on the way home after dropping him off. Well, that was just the beginning and 6 months later my son did his first recital in front of a crowd of people. This was something I never thought he would be able to do. Soon after that, the school convinced my son to sign up for the Garage Band program so he could play with other kids and continue to develop his skills. I was told that he was a talented musician! What a joy to hear for the parent of a kid that has struggled so much in his young life. Since then my son has developed close friendships with his bandmates and played in close to a dozen shows for hundreds of people. There have been rocky times when his anxiety has kicked in and led to him getting upset, but the staff at the school are so understanding and have been able to talk him through any episodes that have come up. His bandmates are supportive as well so he doesn’t worry about being judged. I want to let parents know that the staff at the Napa School of Music go out of their way to support kids that might need a little extra care or attention. The confidence my son has gained through this process is invaluable and he is like a different kid today. He doesn’t complain about being lonely and feels a tremendous sense of accomplishment. I am forever thankful for those at the school who have shown him so much love and support.
~ Anonymous
My name is Juliana Politoski and I am 9 years old. I have been taking guitar lessons with Sean Allen for two years. Napa School of Music and my teacher make me very happy. It is a positive, welcoming place and everybody is very nice. I like learning and working with Sean and enjoy performing in the recitals/ I love being a part of Napa School of Music because everyone shares the same passion for music.
~ Juliana Politoski, Napa
My daughter, having never played the violin before, enrolled in a week long summer violin camp at Napa School of Music five and a half years ago. She learned quite a bit and enjoyed the program so much we signed her up for weekly violin lessons with Mr. Terry at NSM. She is now a senior at Justin-Siena, where she plays violin in the band. She continues with her weekly violin lessons as well as having added weekly piano lessons with Ms. Brittany at NSM. The gentle, encouraging, personalized instruction provided by her talented instructors at NSM has allowed her love of music to flourish and her musical abilities to shine. She has progressed from playing simple lesson book songs to confidently performing complex classical pieces in the NSM Spring and Winter Recitals. My daughter will be heading off to college in the fall and while she will major in science, she definitely plans to continue with music in an extracurricular capacity as it provides her with great enjoyment and relaxation. Thank you NSM!
~ Mary Hyde
This is a true story.
I was returning from a Bio-Feedback session feeling very calm and reflective–which was the task at hand since they had given me a triple bypass a week earlier.
I wondered what it would take to make me happy and I realized I would never be happy until I learned how to play the guitar.
I looked out the window on South Coombs Street and saw the sign for “The Napa School of Music”.
I pulled into the parking lot and signed up for guitar lessons.
That was 10 years ago.
Bio-Feedback is a thing of past but my guitar lessons continue to this day.
And yes, I am happy. Thank you to everyone involved.
~ Benjamin Falk, Napa
My granddaughter Riley has taken ukulele lessons at Napa School of music since 2013. She has a wonderful teacher Sean , he is always positive. One of my favorite times of year is the recitals , not only do they give the kids self-confidence, focus on getting their song right, speaking and playing in front of the audience., it show how good the teachers are as they bring out the best in each student and the smile they receive after the student finishes is priceless. This is a wonderful place that makes the students parents and siblings life better just imagine if every child in the world had an opportunity like this what a better place the world would be. Many, many thanks Napa School of Music, keep up the good work.
~ Kris Brodie, Napa
I have been a member of the Napa School of music for over 10 years now, having started by taking guitar lessons instructo r Sean Allen in October 2008. I played guitar in my teens and early adulthood, but then, you know, life happened. Marriage, kids, small business owner, and then onto law school in my forties. So when things calmed down, I decided to do something for myself. I bought a guitar and signed up with the School.
To say the School has changed my life would be true in so many ways. In addition to learning how to play guitar again, I also took up the piano and have even ventured into singing with the School’s Garage Bands. Garage Band, the genius concept of the School’s founder, Ralf Lindner. if you’ve ever wanted to play in a band, look no further. As a result of the many garage bands I’ve been in over the years, three of them turned out to be serious bands that kept playing after the performances. I’ve made so many new friends, all really good people. My now best friend was our singer in my first garage band, Mutiny, and I’ve played with her and husband since then on many occasions.
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I could go on, but I think you’re getting the picture. The School has been a huge influence in my life, and the current owner, Rolf Lindner, has added to the School’s cache by introducing the concept of an acoustic garage band. Skill level with your instrument or voice is really irrelevant, so don’t let that hold you back. All of the instructors at the School are professional musicians, and they all have a love of music and teaching. Sign up today; you’ll be glad you did.
~ Jeff Hammond, Napa
Did you, perhaps, retire recently and have begun to wonder what to do with that now extra time you have? Well, my advice is put down that crossword puzzle, get off that excercise bike or out of the gym and sign up for lessons at the Napa School of Music! The instructors have just the right combination of expectation, encouragement, support and technical knowledge to make the experience a joy. Whether you want to get really good, really fast and are prepared to commit an hour or two per day to improvement or, like me, 20 minutes per day feels about right, your instructor will respect your wishes. You won’t regret it.
~ Bob Edwards, Napa
Everyone at The Napa School of Music, thanks for everything! This is just an awesome program (Summer Rock Camp) that has taught Andrew some very valuable lessons and disciplines while having a blast, not to mention how much he has improved on the guitar!! He very much enjoyed the week of the summer camp program and is hoping that you continue similar programs throughout the coming years. He will most definitely be interested in joining again next summer. He did say that the one week that we signed up for was just not enough! We can’t begin to tell you just how much meaning and positive influences this has had on Andrew and his family. He has made allot of friends at NSM and has also gained a great respect for all of his teachers and peers. We look forward to seeing you all and supporting everyone on the 4th of July concert. Thanks again for all of the great experiences, and we look forward to all of the future endeavors!
~ Jeff Kaether, Napa
Jack and Zoe have gotten a ton out of the Garage Band experience and Zoe is excited for her upcoming event. It has been a long time since we have had the GoGo’s “We Got The Beat” blaring through the house (I am guessing that I was in Junior High) and we are looking forward to the performance. As a musically challenged father/husband it has been incredible to watch the transition that has taken place in Kristy, Jack and Zoe over the last year or so. Though no surprise to you all, the confidence that comes with being able to learn to play an instrument and then perform on stage, is remarkable regardless of the age of the student. Your program and teachers have brought our family some great moments recently and are teaching skills that will bring enjoyment for a lifetime. Thank you.
~ John Reynolds, Napa
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Sven Olson didn’t want to move to Napa and leave behind the fabulous middle school music program of Kastner Intermediate School (marching band, jazz band, concert band–really good ones, too). But no matter, we had to move, and it made things worse that the music program in this area is abysmal, even at his middle school. Sven picks up on things pretty quickly, and tends to be bored with what we’ve found here labeled “advanced” for his age level. However, he has quietly looked forward to his Garage Band 101 sessions. For me as his mom, paramount was Sven’s demeanor at the concert on Saturday night…He actually seemed to be enjoying himself on stage. Afterward when I asked how it was, he SMILED, and kept smiling! He didn’t grunt his teen-ish, “It was alright.” He said it was really fun, and almost seemed giddy. Late the next day, when I picked him up from his dad’s, he was still glowing and went into great detail about all that had gone on. I simply can’t say enough about your program. Life is good again with Sven, and we have you to thank for it. Thank you, thank you, thank you! If I can do anything (non-instructional) to help other kids experience this, please use me! You’re the best.
~ Kimberly Olson, Napa
​​As a parent, I know that music offers children the opportunity to grow through structured learning, teamwork and results wrapped in a fun, familiar context. After all what child doesn’t like to sing and make noise from a very young age! And the owners, teaching staff and curriculum at Napa School of Music employ a supportive approach that fosters confidence and success. As an admitted amateur musician, I have seen and experienced all the above at Napa School of Music, and commend Ralf Lindner and all the great educators in class for creating this jewel of a school in the Napa Valley. If you, or someone you know wants to discover new or expanded musical horizons, this is the place to do it!
~ Rob Celsi, Napa
All three of our children have been involved with Napa School of Music, and we have had positive experiences. The teachers have matched our children’s personalities, and been an inspiration in keeping our children working hard with their music. From voice, to violin and saxophone/flute, our experiences have been just what our kids needed. The owner Ralf Lindner have supported our kids and our crazy schedules, always going above and beyond what is necessary to help our kids grow with their music and making the learning fun. The recitals are a blast!
~ Michelle Hoffman, Napa
Ralf Lindner run this fantastic music school, and have assembled an impressive staff of instructors – all talented, dedicated professionals who love what they do. The Garage Band 101 program rocks! Kids get a chance to learn to play with others over a 12-week period, then take the stage as a rock band. My teen daughter participated in GB101 as a vocalist, and has taken electric guitar, piano & voice lessons, all with amazing teachers. Spring and winter recitals give all students a chance to perform. Whether your child is interested in classical, jazz or rock, they will enjoy learning in this cool environment. Great for grown-ups, too…I am learning to play mandolin and having a great time!
~ Mandy Page, Napa
Both our children take lessons at Napa School of Music. We have been with the school for over a year and a half and have found the quality of lessons to be very high. Additionally, they have accommodated us so we are not at the school for more days or trips than needed. With two kids taking lessons in three different instruments. Guitar, voice, and violin. Our son also participates in the Garage Band 101 program. This is the reason we came to this school. Our son knew how to play but wanted to play with other kids in a band environment. He just loves Garage Band. What he has learned from this experience will last him a lifetime.
~ Kay Pollard, Napa
We have been with Napa School of Music for several years now and can’t say enough great things about the school. We enjoy their high level of integrity and professionalism. They do everything they can to be of service. Also they have added greatly to the community with their Garage Band programs. This has been a self-esteem building experience for my daughter who participates in Garage Band 101 on a continual bases. My husband and I have participated in the Garage Band 101 for Adults and we had the time of our lives. We plan on doing it again soon. I highly recommend Napa School of Music.
~ Mandy McAvoy, Napa
My husband and I were thrilled Napa School of Music came along. Our daughter loves to sing, while our son loves to play the drums. They wanted lessons but not in classical/orchestral music. Napa School of Music gave them the chance to express their skills in Rock, Jazz and R&B. (School offers a wide array of musical styles.) Their instructors are wonderful and talented! They also take the time to listen to the style of music they want to learn and help them achieve their goal. The Napa School of Music also has Garage Band 101 – a 12-week program where young musicians practice/rehearse music with others in a band. The students then perform a concert for their family and friends. Our daughter was just 10 yrs. old when she first signed up for Garage Band. She was very nervous and not too sure of herself. That’s not the case today – she absolutely enjoys it! Overall, music has given our children self-confidence. It has also given them self-discipline at home and in school, especially in their schoolwork. If you’re considering music lessons for your child, consider Napa School of Music. You won’t find another music school in Napa with a warm, helpful staff and instructors.
~ Shamira Heffernan, Napa
Our kids have moved up in performance confidence since they have joined Garage Band 101. The private lessons they take, give purpose to their lessons as they focus on their band songs. They feel that fulfilling personal satisfaction as well as the social connection of what music is all about! Napa loves Napa School of Music!
~ Debbie Darrin, Napa
Sign your kid up for Garage Band–you’ll actually LOVE the “recitals”! Your kid will be a rock star! The bands sound incredible and it’s obvious they’re having a blast! Ralf Lindner have hired some super music teachers that my boys really like a lot, who are great musicians and role models. Music education is important for children’s development, and Napa School of Music makes it really easy to participate. This is a great business that I am very happy to support. The owners are always on site and very, very like-able people.
~ Stephanie Gauthier, Napa
How grateful I am to have contacted Napa School of Music as I began to study saxophone. After my initial conversation with the school I knew it was going to be a wonderful experience, and so it is. Napa School of Music is run by professional musicians who are dedicated to the education of their students. In addition to the individual lessons, the recitals and Garage Band 101 are accelerating learning and affording an opportunity to meet other musicians along the way. Thank you Ralf Lindner and the staff at Napa School of Music.
~ Len Dumas, Vallejo
My 3 children have taken up to 4 music lessons over the past 2 years at NSM and it’s been a great experience! We love the community atmosphere, the accommodating teachers (they always ask your children what music they like to listen to and therefore play), the professionalism of the staff and the cool Garage Band 101! We’ve taken lessons elsewhere but after NSM, we wouldn’t go anywhere else.