Pricing
Simple, posted pricing
No registration fees, no contracts, month-to-month — and your first trial lesson is free. What you see here is what it costs.
Weekly one-on-one lessons
- Perfect for younger students
- One-on-one, any instrument
- Practice plan every week
- The sweet spot for most students
- Technique + repertoire each week
- Band-program eligible
- Serious students & adults
- Deep-dive sessions
- Recording-project ready
Rates are per lesson, billed monthly. No registration fee and no contract — month-to-month, cancel any time.
Programs & studio
Form a band, learn 3–5 songs, play a real venue. Email us to hear about the next camp.
About the band program →Lessons at your homeGus DeTar and Alex Detar teach at your home by request, subject to availability. The rate depends on travel, so we quote it per family.
Ask about in-home lessons →Studio recordingTracking, mixing, and production in our working studio — engineering included.
About the studio →The first lesson is free
Thirty minutes, any instrument, no commitment. If it clicks, pick a weekly time and you're in — if it doesn't, it cost you nothing to find out.
Pricing questions, answered
Is the first lesson really free?
Yes. Your first lesson is a free thirty-minute one-on-one lesson with a teacher. There is no commitment and no registration fee — you only pay if you decide to carry on.
How much are music lessons at Detar?
Weekly lessons are $70 for 30 minutes, $100 for 45 minutes, and $130 for 60 minutes. Pricing is posted and the same for every instrument.
Are there registration or enrollment fees?
No. There are no registration fees, enrollment fees, or annual fees at Detar Music Studios. You pay for lessons and nothing else.
How much does studio recording time cost?
Recording, mixing, mastering, production and film scoring run $120 per hour with a one-hour minimum, in the same room where the records get made.
Where is Detar Music Studios located?
Detar Music Studios is at 146 Powers Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. Lessons are taught in the same rooms as the recording studio.
What are Detar Music Studios' hours?
The studio is open 9am to 9pm every day. Lessons are scheduled by appointment — call (805) 280-5439 or book a free trial lesson online and we'll find a time that fits.
Do you offer online music lessons?
Yes. 3 of our teachers work with students remotely over video — the same one-on-one lesson from wherever you are. It suits a move, a busy season, or a summer away.
What instruments do you teach?
We teach piano, guitar, bass, drums, voice, plus songwriting, recording and film scoring. We also run a band program that puts students into working bands.
Do students perform? Are there recitals?
Yes. Recitals run twice a year at a local venue, for individual students and bands alike — the Winter Recital in December and the Spring Recital in May. Band-program students also play their own show at a Santa Barbara venue.
Do you teach lessons at my home?
Gus DeTar and Alex Detar can teach at your home by request, subject to availability. Because it depends on travel, the rate is quoted by distance rather than posted — get in touch with your location and we'll come back with a price.
How old does my child need to be to start lessons?
We teach all ages and levels, from first-timers to advanced players. Tell us the student's age when you book and we'll match them to the right teacher.
No fine print.
Just come play.
Month-to-month, posted rates, and a free first lesson to make sure it's a fit.
Book a free trial lesson146 Powers Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 · (805) 280-5439