851 Music Studio

Although it’s very common to find guitar instructors who are very good guitar players. it is rare to find one who is not only a great musician but a great instructor as well…
At 851 Music Studio, J Shelby fills that bill. My son (now 13) and I have been J’s students for two years and our experience could not be better… J is very well versed in guitar technique and music theory.
He is also a gifted teacher who knows how to plan a student’s music education and development. He has found ways to keep the lessons and supporting practice fresh and challenging.
He continually finds unique ways to motivate us and grow our love and appreciation of music… to become music makers, not just music consumers.

After taking six years of lessons from J, I still can’t think of a bad thing to say about 851 Music Studio.
J is knowledgeable and experienced. He is a talented musician and a lifelong student, not someone who casually plays guitar and decided to teach a few lessons. He has taught for many years, and he knows what works and what doesn’t. It is nice to learn from someone who truly knows what he’s talking about. And with such a wide spectrum of knowledge and experience, J is able to teach many different styles, so students can learn what they want to learn.
J is not only knowledgeable, but he delivers that knowledge well. J is great at providing examples and metaphors that make even difficult topics easy to relate to. With a friendly personality and a quirky sense of humor, J makes learning music fun and interesting.
J loves what he does. He loves music, and he loves teaching. When I’m in my weekly lesson, I get the impression that I’m not the only one who wants to be there. And obviously, learning is much better when you’re taught by someone who actually wants to teach you. J’s passion for music is contagious and truly inspires self-​motivation.
Though I have only taken lessons from J, I can say that my experiences with the other teachers at 851 have been great as well. They are warm and welcoming, and they frequently greet me by name when I walk in.
851 Music Studio is also constantly improving. 851 has added several computers, and now doubles as a multimedia center where students can learn and record.
If you can’t tell… I’m a pretty big fan.

My son can’t say enough about what a wonderful teacher J. Shelby is. J. has been teaching Dave guitar since he was 5, almost 8 years ago! We have followed J. from location to location in Benicia, but we were really impressed by the professional studio that he has now on Grant Street!
J. goes out of his way to help his students stay motivated and really find out what they want to learn. Dave has gone from acoustic, to electric and now classical acoustic guitar with J. J. has helped him with his band, having sessions with Dave and his friends to help them improve their performance. J. is not just a teacher, he is a friend to my son, someone he really respects, but feels comfortable talking to. Dave is often motivated by J.‘s obvious passion for his music and the pleasure he takes in playing guitar.
Benicia is blessed to have such a wonderful teacher in our town. Thanks for everything J.

I think 851 Music Studio is fantastic. J Shelby is very knowledgeable and has transformed my playing ability. I literally knew nothing about reading music and within 8 months I am able read and play the guitar. J is a wonderful teacher and coach as I am learning. His prices are reasonable and he really cares for you personally. Highly recommended for anyone from a beginner to and advanced player.

851 Music Studio is a great place to start or continue your music lessons. I began violin lessons here with Aina Davis in 2008. I had no previous violin experience but already knew how to read music because I played the clarinet in school and took a couple years of piano lessons when i was younger. Aina was such a great teacher that I progressed fast. Aina is a very talented violinist with many years experience in the US and in Europe. She expects a lot from her students and believes a lot in them. Unlike piano lessons i had when i was younger, Aina kept me motivated, making me want to learn more. Her lessons were 140/​month, which is pretty decent for 30 min. lessons one day a week. She also has recitals at least twice a year.