Welcome to Kalamazoo Music School!
As a highly-acclaimed award-winning music school, Kalamazoo Music School educates students with the skills and experience they need to excel in the industry! Apply to enroll today and start building the musical future of your dreams.
AGES WE TEACH
4 - 18 and Adult Students
LEVELS WE TEACH
Beginners - Advanced Levels
GENRES WE TEACH
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock-n-Roll, Metal, and more!
PRIVATE LESSONS IN
piano, guitar, voice, songwriting, drums, bass, ukulele, trumpet, trombone, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, flute, saxophone, and others!
GROUP ENSEMBLES
School-year ensemble-based performance classes
VOCAL ENSEMBLES
Vocal ensembles and choirs taught by our amazing faculty and featuring industry leader guest lecturers
SPECIALTY PROGRAMS
MUSIC FOR SPECIAL NEEDS: Sensory Sunday’s Program.
EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC: Explore our award-winning AAM Program, specifically designed for children ages 2.5 through 6 years old. We are the only local music school that offers an engaging and interactive music program in a private setting for our youngest learners!
SO, WHY CHOOSE KALAMAZOO MUSIC SCHOOL?
✔ Convenient scheduling options to fit your busy lifestyle - mornings, evenings, and weekends!
✔ Affordable pricing and monthly payments with month-to-month lessons.
✔ Over 5 performance opportunities at the best local venues!
✔ A supportive and encouraging learning environment with a world-class faculty.
crafting a deeper learning experience
Become a Performing Artist
For students looking for an enhancement to their private lesson experience, our Performing Artists program deeply nurtures your child and builds them up with everything a holistic education in the arts has to offer: confidence, character, creativity.
These qualities are absolutely your child’s birthright! We know how to develop their innate gifts and unlock joy through the power of music. Your child’s abilities, self-awareness, and connection to others will grow exponentially through our comprehensive program that progresses from Pre-K through 12th Grade.
This one-of-a-kind program is the unparalleled opportunity for your child to thrive and be enriched by the essential building blocks of the performing arts. Watch them blossom into skilled and courageous performers of beautiful artistic expression!
We're combining the essential elements of the musical performing arts into one outstanding educational experience by:
ensuring that your child's individual instruction is coupled with group playing experiences throughout their learning journey;
intentionally teaching your child the art of performance and making space for them to practice achieving it in front of an audience;
nurturing your child's innate potential to create art by helping them internalize the creative process through repetition;
building your child's emotional and intellectual "toolkit" so they are free to thrive and truly enjoy creating music.
Private Guitar Lessons in Kalamazoo
Learn pop, rock, blues, jazz, country, classical and more styles on either electric or acoustic guitar with our faculty.
“My daughter has been attending Kalamazoo Music School for 2 years and she could not love it more.
Our experience began in person with lessons on the piano, but as time went on the faculty noticed my daughter’s passion for learning the guitar. They helped guide us into the decision of switching to the guitar and my daughter was so happy she did. ”
Private Piano Lessons in Kalamazoo
Whether you aspire to play Bach, Herbie Hancock, or Coldplay, our dedicated piano faculty will help you become the pianist you want to be.
“My son has been attending KMS for about a year and a half now and has learned so much! He is learning piano and both his past teacher and current (Josiah) have been a great fit. Whenever things seem a little easy for him, they’re always giving suggestions on other things to work on beyond the current lesson and if a week is tough, there’s more time to focus on it without feeling rushed! ”
Private Voice Lessons in Kalamazoo
Each voice teacher brings their own unique experiences and teaching expertise to your lessons to completely tailor them to your interests. Singers study any and all genres: Classical, Opera, Musical Theatre, Broadway, Pop, Folk, Rock, and Jazz - or, they can specialize in one.
“Our son showed interest in vocal lessons and we are SO glad we found Kalamazoo Music School!! They have helped him find “his voice” both literally and figuratively as a person, bringing confidence to his everyday life. He LOVES his lessons. We, as parents, love the level of professionalism combined with a family focused atmosphere. They excel at communication which is KEY to success in all relationships both business and personal. Five stars all around!!!”
Private Drum Lessons in Kalamazoo
Our passionate and versatile drum instructors will give you the tools you need to be a great drummer using our professional Yamaha drum kit.
“I’ve been so happy with the people and the environment KMS provides. My 5 year old loves coming into the studio and seeing his teacher Mr. Ryan and getting greeted by Mr. Benje.
Everyone is so personable, kind, accommodating and patient! We’ve been so pleased with their teaching style too! Highly recommend!”
Additional Music Lesson Programs
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Our ukulele program is a welcoming and fun way for students to step into the world of music. The ukulele’s smaller size and approachable style make it an excellent choice for younger learners and adults alike. In lessons, students learn to strum, play chords, and perform songs they love, while gradually building a foundation for more advanced musical study if they choose. Many families in Portage, Oshtemo, and the greater Kalamazoo area enjoy ukulele as a way to experience music that feels joyful and stress-free. Whether you are brand new to music or adding ukulele as a second instrument, our teachers create an engaging and supportive atmosphere that encourages creativity and confidence.
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Our flute lessons are designed to help each student develop a strong foundation in tone, breath support, and technique while also learning to play with expression and artistry. Beginners can expect to focus on the basics of holding the instrument, producing a clear sound, and reading music, while more advanced players receive guidance on expanding range, improving tone quality, and tackling more challenging pieces. Students from Portage, Battle Creek, and surrounding communities join our program to prepare for school bands, auditions, or personal enjoyment. Lessons are paced to fit each student’s needs, and teachers provide encouragement at every step to make sure progress feels rewarding.
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Clarinet lessons at Kalamazoo Music School give students the opportunity to explore one of the most versatile instruments in the woodwind family. Our teachers focus on proper embouchure, breath control, and fingering technique, while also helping students discover the expressive possibilities of the clarinet. Younger beginners learn to read music, play scales, and build their first repertoire of songs, while intermediate and advanced players work on expanding their range and preparing for ensembles or solo performances. Families from Portage and nearby areas choose clarinet lessons with us because they know our instructors provide not only expert guidance, but also encouragement that keeps practice engaging and progress steady.
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The trumpet is an instrument that requires both discipline and creativity, and our teachers help students master both. Trumpet lessons at Kalamazoo Music School introduce students to breath support, posture, and correct playing position, all while building range and clarity of sound. As students improve, they explore new techniques, different styles of music, and performance opportunities. Players from Portage, Richland, and Comstock often join our program to strengthen their skills for school band or to pursue a personal interest in brass music. Each student receives individualized instruction that meets them at their current level and helps them grow in confidence as musicians.
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Trombone students at our school learn much more than slide positions. We teach the fundamentals of tone production, breath control, rhythm, and ensemble playing, while also encouraging creativity and personal expression. Lessons are tailored to fit the student’s age and goals, whether they are just starting in middle school band or preparing for auditions in high school and beyond. Many families from Portage, Parchment, and surrounding communities appreciate the supportive approach our teachers bring to each lesson. By combining technical instruction with a focus on musical enjoyment, students build skills that carry over into both performance and personal confidence.
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Oboe lessons at Kalamazoo Music School are ideal for students who want to explore one of the most beautiful and expressive instruments in the orchestra. Lessons cover everything from developing a steady tone and accurate pitch to handling reed care and building advanced playing skills. Beginners learn step by step how to assemble and play the instrument, while more advanced students receive coaching on phrasing, articulation, and performance preparation. Students from Portage and surrounding towns join our oboe program to gain specialized instruction that is not always available elsewhere. Our teachers are patient, encouraging, and dedicated to helping each student succeed at their own pace.
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Our bassoon lessons give students the chance to work closely with teachers who understand the unique challenges and rewards of this deep-sounding woodwind instrument. Instruction includes learning proper embouchure, breath management, fingerings, and reed handling, along with strategies for making a clear and even tone. Whether a student is picking up bassoon for the first time or preparing for ensemble work, we create an environment where steady progress feels achievable. Families from Kalamazoo, Portage, and surrounding communities appreciate that our teachers provide both technical expertise and encouragement, ensuring that lessons remain motivating and enjoyable.
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Our early childhood music classes (Animal Adventures) are designed to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of music. Young children are naturally drawn to rhythm, movement, and song, and our program builds on that interest through playful activities, instrument exploration, and group interaction. Parents from Portage, Oshtemo, and Battle Creek love bringing their children to these classes because they see how music supports both social and cognitive development in a positive, creative setting. Each class is structured to engage young learners at their developmental level, while also leaving space for imagination, joy, and discovery.
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For students who love to sing the songs they hear on the radio, our Pop Voice Ensemble offers a collaborative and exciting group experience. Singers work together on harmonies, stage presence, and performance skills, while also building individual vocal technique. The ensemble is open to students from Kalamazoo, Portage, and surrounding areas who want to connect with others who share their passion for popular music. Through regular rehearsals and performances, participants grow more confident in their voices and gain the experience of singing as part of a supportive team.
Learn More About Pop Voice Ensemble at Kalamazoo Music School
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Our performing artists and jazz ensembles provide students with the opportunity to make music in a group setting that values creativity, collaboration, and performance. Students work on ensemble playing, improvisation, and musical expression while preparing for real performance opportunities in the community. These ensembles attract students from Kalamazoo, Portage, and nearby towns who want to take their musical skills beyond the private lesson studio and into a group environment. In addition to learning technical skills, students develop teamwork, listening, and leadership abilities that carry over into every part of their musical and personal growth.