Best Music School

Since its 2002 move to the spacious S.H. Kress building on Addison
Street, this music school, performance space, and cultural center has
been the heart of the revived Downtown Berkeley Arts District. Whether
you’re tone-deaf and curious, or already a working musician, the
Jazzschool provides courses for students of all ages and levels in
disciplines like theory, history, composition, literature, and
performance in a wide variety of instruments. And as a nonprofit
committed to nurturing community and contributing to Bay Area cultural
life, they offer frequent performance opportunities for students and
pros alike. Better yet, the school provides scholarships to 15 percent
of its students, making precious private music lessons accessible to
kids from low-income families. With the faculty roster naming some of
the Bay Area’s most accomplished musicians and an advisory board graced
by the legendary Dave Brubeck, the Jazzschool provides a rare
opportunity for beginning students to learn from masters.