Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Trusted Music School in San Mateo for All Ages
Founded in 2000, Scherzo Music School has been dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality music education to students of all ages and skill levels in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our structured lessons are tailored to individual needs through diverse teaching methods and a team of highly qualified instructors with backgrounds from prestigious music institutions. We emphasize a well-rounded curriculum that includes music theory, proper technique, and artistry, while offering performance opportunities, standardized exam preparation, and competition participation to help students achieve measurable progress.Our commitment to innovation extends to online lessons, instrument rentals, and community outreach programs, ensuring music education remains engaging and adaptable to modern lifestyles. As an equal employer and active member of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and supportive environment for both students and staff.
Services
Piano Lessons
Instrument Rentals
Online Lessons
Voice Instruction
Music Theory Workshops
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized lessons with instructors from prestigious music institutions.
- Our curriculum includes performance opportunities and standardized exam preparation.
- We provide instrument rentals with flexible upgrade and purchase options.
- Online lessons ensure continuity for students worldwide.
- Our teachers hold degrees from institutions like Peabody and San Francisco Conservatory.
Associations and certifications
- National Association of Music Merchants
Services
Piano Lessons
Our piano lessons combine rhythmic development, ear training, and reading skills with personalized approaches based on students' cognitive and dextral development. We prepare students for recitals, peer performances, and standardized exams like ABRSM while fostering a supportive team environment of qualified professionals.
Instrument Rentals
We offer rentals for violins, cellos, flutes, clarinets, saxophones, violas, and harps with flexible terms. Our program includes deposit options, size adjustments as students grow, and rent-to-purchase pathways. Non-students require minimum 3-month commitments with variable pricing based on instrument type.
Online Lessons
Our online platform delivers live and recorded lessons for students worldwide, maintaining the same structured curriculum as in-person sessions. This option includes access to teacher notes, event calendars, and progress tracking tools across devices, ensuring continuity for remote learners.
Voice Instruction
Voice training focuses on proper technique, music literacy, and vocal range development. Our instructors work with students to explore preferred music styles while building confidence and performance skills through regular practice performances and biannual concerts.
Music Theory Workshops
These workshops enhance students' understanding of music's structural elements, preparing them for AP Music Theory exams and ABRSM assessments. Topics include composition fundamentals, jazz improvisation, and analytical skills to strengthen overall musicianship and performance quality.
People
Aurelio Torres
Founder & Piano Teacher
Aurelio Torres founded Scherzo in 2000 after teaching at Yamaha Music School and earning degrees from UC Berkeley. He holds certifications from Yamaha's pedagogy program and has proctored international music exams, bringing over 25 years of experience to his role as school director.
Melissa Walls
Voice & Piano Teacher
Melissa Walls holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from California State University Stanislaus. With experience teaching 94 students across multiple institutions, she specializes in vocal technique development and has performed with the Modesto Symphony Orchestra since 2011.
Leon Xiao
Piano Teacher
Leon Xiao is a San Francisco Conservatory of Music student with performance experience at Asia International Piano Grand Prix. He tailors lessons to individual goals while maintaining a patient, engaging approach for students of varying skill levels.
Jessica Folson
Violin Viola Piano Teacher
Jessica Folson earned her master's from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. As a substitute violinist with multiple Bay Area symphonies and chamber ensembles, she brings professional performance expertise to her teaching methodology.
Marcus Phillips
Oboe Clarinet Saxophone Teacher
Marcus Phillips holds a Master of Music from San Francisco Conservatory. A professional freelance oboist, he has taught through the San Francisco Symphony's youth outreach program and performed with over 10 Bay Area orchestras since 2015.
Questions
What instruments can I learn at Scherzo Music School?
We offer instruction in piano, violin, voice, flute, cello, viola, oboe, saxophone, clarinet, harp, and music theory with specialized teachers for each instrument.
Do you provide instruments for beginners?
Yes, we offer rental programs for violins, cellos, flutes, clarinets, saxophones, violas, and harps with flexible upgrade and purchase options available.
Are online lessons available?
Yes, we provide structured online lessons with the same curriculum as in-person sessions, including access to digital resources and progress tracking tools.
What performance opportunities exist for students?
Students can participate in recitals, peer performances, standardized exams (ABRSM/CAPMT), and internal/external competitions to track progress and showcase their skills.
How are teachers selected for music instruction?
All instructors come from accredited music institutions and undergo rigorous evaluation of their teaching methodology, performance experience, and pedagogical approach before joining our faculty.
What early childhood music programs do you offer?
We provide Music/Piano Discovery classes for ages 3-5.5 and Spanish-language Musica Maravillosa programs starting at age 3 through specialized group lesson formats.
