Play the
music you
love
The Original School of Rock & Roll since 1971
San Francisco’s Home for Music Lessons and Classes
All ages, all skill levels. From rock, jazz, blues, folk, and pop to DJ and electronic music. Blue Bear School of Music has something for everyone!
Little Bear Programs
Toddlers Music - 4 months to 5 years
Fort Mason, Mission Bay, Parks and Other Venues Throughout San Francisco
Music for Kids & Teens
School-age Bands and Private Lessons
Fort Mason, Mission Bay, Online
Adult Music Programs
All Levels, Most Instruments Classes, Bands, Lessons
Fort Mason, Mission Bay, SoMa, Online
Rock 'n' Roll Chorus
Forming now and starting Jan. 2025 at Fort Mason
Blue Bear Holiday Party
Dec. 8 at Music City SF
Band Showcases
Adults: Dec. 9-11 @ Music City SF
Teens: Dec. 14-15 @ Music City SF
students historically
teaching musicians currently employed
we’re the original school of rock 'n' roll!
students per quarter
piano lessons taken by Tracy Chapman
known Blue Bear marriages
Making Music Changes Lives
This is the heart of Blue Bear's nonprofit mission. We're proud to partner with some of San Francisco's most respected organizations: schools, shelters, and community centers, where we bring the transformative power of playing music to underserved populations for FREE.
Our commitment to social equity through teaching popular music (rock, blues, urban, world) and making it accessible to a greater number of youth in our community has been part of the Blue Bear culture for over 50 years. In just the last year, we have proudly served over 500 children and young adults through our Outreach Programs. We’ve seen our students gain confidence, find joy, and create greater community through their classes.
Blue Bear also offers sliding scale tuition and scholarships to assist students from families with financial need.
Your donation to Blue Bear supports all of these programs and more!
It is an investment in a vibrant, established, and legacy nonprofit organization that improves lives.
Reviews
“Thank you so much for being so professional, patient and passionate about music and mentoring our kids.”
“A good friend of mine told me about Blue Bear and the incredible work they;ve been doing. I jumped at the chance to celebrate their 50th anniversary by jamming some Bowie with their teen all-star band. They’ve been teaching kids to rock since 1971! I love Blue Bear…the original school of rock!!!”
“I cannot tell you how helpful it has been to help my kid grow not only as a musician, but as a person.”
“Blue Bear is great all around. I've been doing band workshops there for years, and there is always more to learn.”
“I thought you’d like to know, last Wednesday Hamilton Families Charity had a volunteer and partner appreciation event and they chose our program to acknowledge! . . . They are very grateful for the program, so we are doing some real good work there!”
Our teachers have many years of experience in the music industry and can provide instruction across a wide variety of instruments and skill levels.
TeachersGot questions? Check out our FAQs to learn more about how classes are run, tuition, policies, and more.
FAQNot sure where to get started? Our Program Director can help guide you. Schedule a phone call now!
Program Director