At the The Music School of Universal City, classes are offered for people of all skill levels and ages to learn a new instrument or singing techniques.

Art Villarreal started the school in 2006 with the goal of creating a business where he can share his knowledge of instruments and music.

“I have had students as young as 7, but I usually start them around 8,” he said. “It really depends on the instrument they want to learn, but we accept all ages and skill levels. I have had students that served in World War II.”

About the owner

Villarreal said he has been involved with music his entire life since members of his family each had an instrument they enjoyed playing. For Villarreal, the instrument of choice was the guitar, which has played regularly since 1978.

Prior to starting The Music School of Universal City, Villarreal did contract work for music lessons in a store located at the Forum at Olympia Parkway.

With the clientele building up, Villarreal took the opportunity to begin his own business and worked with other instructors to build the school.

“We found an exodus here and set everything up,” he said. “We literally built the walls ourselves and did all of the build-out and painting while all the students were coming in. So, we were here pretty late at night and early in the morning to get everything together.”

What to expect

Classes at the school vary depending on the instrument that students want to learn. The school has three teachers who focus on vocals, piano/orchestra instruments and guitar.

Each class is typically scheduled for 30-60 minutes and focuses on the foundations of playing each instrument, with technique and form being priorities for beginning lessons.

For parents interested in signing kids up for lessons, Villarreal recommends starting with the piano to learn the different scales and how to read sheet music. However, students are welcome to learn any instrument that appeals to them.

“There is no real criteria to what you should start out playing,” he said. “Whatever appeals to you, whether it is visually or whatever, should be what you start with. You’re not going to know until you play it. Some students go through several instruments.”

Classes are scheduled by appointment only and are usually scheduled on a weekly basis. Biweekly lessons are also available.

At the end of the day, Villarreal said the goal of the school is to be a fun and informed way to help people learn a new instrument.

“We are passionate about what we do, and we really enjoy it,” he said. “I often think that if I were to hit the lottery, I would still come in here and do this. Working with students is the fun part.”

www.ucmschool.com