Mansfield Music

Business Details

Private Music Lessons for All Ages in Berkeley, CA

Mansfield Music has been dedicated to fostering musical excellence through personalized instruction for over three decades. Founded by Ernie Mansfield, a classically trained musician with extensive professional experience in classical, jazz, rock, and pop genres, the academy offers tailored music lessons for students of all ages. Our approach emphasizes individualized learning, combining established method books with creative exploration to develop technical proficiency and artistic expression. With expertise in piano, guitar, flute, saxophone, clarinet, and music theory, we provide half-hour or one-hour private lessons designed to accommodate each student's unique learning pace and musical interests.

Our commitment to a professional teaching environment ensures focused, distraction-free sessions that maximize progress. Recognized for our supportive teaching philosophy, we encourage participation in voluntary recitals to build confidence and discipline while maintaining a low-stress, enjoyable learning atmosphere. The academy's founder has received industry recognition through platinum album achievements and grants from prestigious arts organizations, reinforcing our dedication to musical education.

Services

Piano Lessons Guitar Instruction Flute Lessons Saxophone Instruction Clarinet Lessons Music Theory Composition Coaching Singer Songwriter Services Online Music Lessons Pre-Piano Classes

Highlights and features

We offer personalized music instruction tailored to individual learning styles
Our founder has 35+ years of professional experience across multiple music genres
We teach a comprehensive range of instruments including piano, guitar, and woodwinds
We provide both in-person and online lesson options for flexibility
Our students benefit from structured recital opportunities to build performance confidence

What people say

Patient and caring instructor Makes learning fun and exciting Encourages creativity and composition Flexible scheduling options Excellent with children and adults

Website

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Services

Piano Lessons

Private piano instruction for all skill levels from age 4 through adult. Our curriculum combines classical training with popular music styles to develop technical proficiency and musical expression. Lessons focus on reading music, proper technique, and performance skills while maintaining an enjoyable learning environment that adapts to each student's interests and pace.

Guitar Instruction

Comprehensive guitar lessons covering acoustic, electric, and classical styles. Students learn proper technique, music notation, and theory fundamentals while exploring their preferred musical genres. Our approach balances structured learning with creative exploration to maintain student engagement and develop well-rounded musicianship for beginners through intermediate players.

Flute Lessons

Specialized flute instruction emphasizing proper breath control, finger technique, and tone production. Lessons incorporate classical repertoire while allowing flexibility for students interested in jazz or contemporary styles. Our experienced instructors create a supportive environment that builds confidence and technical skill for both children and adult learners.

Music Theory

Foundational music theory instruction integrated with practical instrument training. Students learn note reading, rhythm patterns, and musical structure through engaging exercises that reinforce their instrumental practice. This knowledge enhances overall musicianship and supports students preparing for AP Music Theory exams or advanced musical studies.

Online Music Lessons

Live remote music instruction using professional audio/video technology for piano, guitar, and woodwind instruments. Our virtual lessons maintain the same personalized approach as in-person sessions, with customized lesson plans and progress tracking. This flexible option allows students to continue their musical education from any location with internet access.

People

Ernie Mansfield

Owner and Lead Instructor

Ernie Mansfield is a classically trained musician with over 35 years of professional experience in jazz, rock, and pop genres. He founded Mansfield Music after studying at Interlochen Arts Academy and Oberlin Conservatory. His teaching philosophy emphasizes personalized instruction and musical creativity.

Questions

What instruments do you teach?

We offer instruction in piano, guitar, flute, saxophone, clarinet, and music theory. Our experienced instructors specialize in adapting lessons to each student's interests and skill level.

Do you teach both children and adults?

Yes, we provide lessons for students of all ages starting from age 4. Our teaching approach is customized to suit different learning styles and experience levels for both children and adult learners.

Are online lessons available?

Yes, we offer online music lessons using professional audio/video technology for piano, guitar, and woodwind instruments while maintaining the same personalized instruction as in-person sessions.

What teaching methods do you use?

We combine established method books with personalized instruction, focusing on technical fundamentals while allowing flexibility for students' musical interests. Lessons emphasize proper technique, music reading, and creative expression.

Do you offer recital opportunities?

Yes, we host voluntary student recitals twice yearly that provide performance experience in a supportive environment. These events help build confidence and discipline while celebrating students' musical progress.

Reviews (5)

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B. E.

Aug 01, 2020 Report

I have been taking piano lessons with Ernie for a few years now and I'd highly recommend him as a teacher, especially if you are beginning to learn an instrument in adulthood as I have. He's very knowledgable, insightful, and most importantly, a very supportive and friendly instructor. He's also full of stories from a life lived in music and has a helpful anecdote for every occasion. Ernie is always reliable and punctual about lesson dates and times but always understanding if I need to reschedule, given the proper notice in accordance with his posted policies. I look forward to continuing my lessons with Ernie and I'm grateful for his instruction.

Lauren Richmond

Dec 24, 2017 Report

Ernie Mansfield is a Wonderful Instructor. My child took alto sax lessons starting in 5th grade, moved to Tenor sax and now just auditioned and got into Berkeley High Jazz band. My child is way ahead of his peers in sight reading music mainly attributed to Ernie's Methodical teaching Style and patience. I highly recommend Ernie for Sax lessons.

Josh Frankel

Feb 19, 2016 Report

Our son started with Mr. Mansfield when he was 3 and has grown into an enthusiastic, confident pianist. Mr. Mansfield was patient and flexible, allowing the lessons to go at a pace and in a direction that best suited our son's interest.

Elliott P.

May 28, 2015 Report

I've been taking guitar lessons with Ernie for about two years and could not be more happy with what I've learned from him and the progress that I've made. I've been playing the guitar for about six years in all. Ernie is far more knowledgable, patient, and organized than any of the other instructors that I've had. He is a great teacher and a genuinely nice person. As a career musician, he has a lot of experience to draw on and interesting stories to tell. His schedule is very convenient for adult students with day jobs. If you're thinking about taking music lessons, you should take them from him.

Saraho

Mar 07, 2015 Report

We had our older son with Ernie Mansfield for a couple of years learning piano. We had such a positive experience that we now have our younger son with Ernie. Both boys have had only positive reports on their experience learning piano with Ernie. He makes it engaging and centers his lessons on what the kids want to learn. The recitals are really nicely done and the kids find it to be fun and accessible.

The result is a learning environment that is fun and challenging, where it's ok to make mistakes, as Ernie is very supportive and right there with the kids every step of the way. He also knows when to gently step back and let the kids "take it away." I highly recommend Ernie and think he is a consummate music teacher that your kids will learn a-lot from and enjoy.