Santa Teresa Academy of Music and Dance

We have known Santa Teresa Academy of Music and Dance Directors Craig Lynch and Shirley Veloro (Craig’s wife), for approximately four years now. During this time period, two of our sons have received piano instruction from Craig and violin instruction from Miss Cristy. It has been an absolutely wonderful experience for our boys and both of them have learned an immense amount about not only their respective instruments, but also about the responsibility that comes with taking music lessons. They have also learned about key aspects of music appreciation and performance. Craig, Shirley and their wonderful staff are all VERY compassionate in their interactions with their students and families. In our case, we expressed that performance skills were less important to us as a family, as our one son has extreme anxiety issues and doesn’t enjoy performance in front of large crowds. We simply wanted a gentle and compassionate violin teacher who could help nurture a love of the instrument within him, rather than have him dread practicing or playing the violin. We are amazed every time he picks up his violin to play. It is such an accomplishment for a child like him and it has enhanced his self-​esteem. As for our piano playing son, he started working with Craig in his mid-​teens. Even though his lessons had to stop due to preparation for college this past year, he still returns to play the piano on his own. Craig did such a wonderful job working with him and teaching him not only how to sight read, but also how to dissect a piece of music and put it all back together. We find our son going to the piano now, as a source of enjoyment and relaxation. In our mind, that is absolute success when it comes to the question as to whether or not it was worth the financial investment and time commitment to giving our sons music lessons. We have seen Santa Teresa Academy of Music and Dance grow from it’s very beginnings and now it truly is a hub of creative arts!!! Dancers, and musicians of all ages gather in this studio to creatively express themselves and it is such a positive vibe that Shirley and Craig have created. THANK YOU for the love of music that you have instilled within our children and also for the wonderful standard of music instruction that you provide to the San Jose community!!!

My wife and I paid for private lessons to prepare for our first dance. My cousin who is taking singing and piano lessons referred us. They had a promotional sign stating that with any referral, you and your friend would each get a $ 25 31 baskin robins gift card and a chance to win Taylor Swift concert tickets. Shirley who works at the front desk said that only my cousin who referred us would get the gift card. That was 6 months ago and she still hasn’t gotten it.
Now to review the scheduling… our instructor completely didn’t show up for our fourth lesson because she forgot… They rescheduled our fourth lesson and 30 minutes before they called us and said our instructor was sick and they would send a replacement. My wife was in shock! Does this new instructor even know the dance routine we’ve been practicing?! Absolutely unprofessional and would not recommend!

When I first started at Santa Teresa Academy of Music and Dance, I was dismayed at their complete and total lack of knowledge of musical theatre, as I was primarily going there to strengthen my voice for audition purposes. However, my initial teacher seemed willing to learn from me, and we got along well. Other than telling me that I would feel «retarded» with some of the faces I would have to make to get the right vowel sounds (something that was addressed immediately by management when I told them), we got down to business fast. Of the four teachers that I worked with at this school, she was the only one who could actually sight read, and not very well at that. Half the time, I would be singing to a karaōke track, which didn’t help me prepare for auditions at all. I also had to take a great deal of time off due to a vacation and then a subsequent hospitalization. I understood that I was going to be charged during this time, as it was in the handbook I was given when I started. I finally gave my 30 days notice so that they would stop charging me and had 2 lessons before that time ran out due to an impending audition. One teacher helped me choose the songs for my audition and was enthusiastic and helped build confidence. The other tore me apart for 45 minutes, pointing out habits I’ve been trying to break and the fact that they couldn’t be broken in one lesson. As I was leaving, she made one last pitch to get me to stay. I should mention that their costs are at least twice what I am reading from private voice teachers (which makes sense, they have more overhead, but it’s totally not worth it).

Mary & I had a special 5-​session prep for our first dance. Everyone at Santa Teresa Academy of Music and Dance (S.T.A.M.D.) was warm, inviting, friendly, and fun. Shirley greeted us at the desk, and was very helpful in scheduling our lessons. Our teacher was Liz. Liz is a bundle of happy, dancing, energy, and we enjoyed our sessions with her. She was very open to our ideas, and we really had a great time getting our performance ready for prime time! One great feature is that they email notes from each class to remind you what to work on. Also, they will post videos of the essential steps when you are taking classes. Very helpful. The facility is new, as is the business, and I think they are going to do just fine. We have since started Salsa lessons with Chuck, and you haven’t lived until you have experience a group class with Chuck. Great teacher, great personality. Thanks again S.T.A.M.D., thanks to you our first dance was incredible. Video to follow later!