Formerly known as Gray School of Music, Preston Harmony School of Music has been part of the Dallas music scene for over 27 years. They cater to child and adult learners who wish to find their rhythm via all types of instruments.

To start, you should sign up for their free 30–minute trial lesson—a low-pressure way to test the waters before committing.

Next, choose from their wide range of 30-, 45-, or 60-minute lessons: guitar, ukulele, violin, viola, voice, and piano. Every lesson is private and one-on-one and held at their studio, but virtual options are also available.

And before enrollment, check out which discounts you qualify for. Families can get multiple enrollment or sibling promos, full payments are discounted, and you can even earn credits by referring a friend.

The entire process seems easy and hassle-free—just watch out for them not being as responsive as you’d like.

My top choice for lessons for my kids

“What a fun place! Every time I am at the studio, it makes me very happy to hear all of the children learning and making music. It reminds me of when I was taking lessons a long time ago. This is my top choice for lessons for my kids.” — Kevin Breeding, Google Review

Provides exemplary music education

“The Gray School of Music provides exemplary music education for my child in a fun family atmosphere. My daughter has been taking voice and piano lessons from Marissa Messina for almost 2 years. They just adore each other and love to work together… and it shows. The growth and development of her talent has been extraordinary to watch. I highly recommend this school and this instructor in particular.” — Jinger Rosa-Booth, Google Review

Park Cities School of Music was founded by Eva Brandys. She’s pretty credentialed since she holds a Master’s degree in Music Education and Piano Pedagogy from SMU.

Not all schools accept really young learners, so we appreciate her school’s Creative Learning Programs that welcome kids as young as 2.

Students can choose between private and group classes at the school or in-home. They also offer daily, weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly lessons, so you can set up a schedule that works for you—just be aware that their scheduling system could be a tad chaotic.

In addition to the usual piano and guitar, they teach a total of 15 different instruments, which include cello, harp, and French horn. 

What’s cool is that they offer music lessons tailored for students with special needs, making sure that music is accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Makes learning fun and engaging

“We’ve been taking guitar lessons with Mr. Dylan, and he is an incredible teacher. He’s a genuinely wonderful guy who makes learning fun and engaging. Great office team, I’ve reached out, they’ve been super friendly and helpful, always making sure everything runs smoothly and that we have the support we need. The lady recommended that we try a trial class, with no pressure to commit. Highly recommend checking them out. We tried guitar, but we will surely register our second son when he’s old enough to start.” — Ellen Brian, Google Review

Truly noticed an improvement

“We found Park Cities School of Music during our quarantine time this past Spring. I was so happy to find something musical for my daughter to participate in while we were stuck at home. Miss Sophie is so patient with my daughter and works around our schedule so well! She is so patient and kind, and I have truly noticed an improvement in my daughter’s singing and ability to hear pitch! Thank you so much! We love it here and are excited to continue with this distance learning! This is an opportunity we can’t find much of in our small town!” — Tamika Schoppe, Google Review

Dallas Music Academy is owned by Juan Carlos Gayoso, who brings over 10 years of experience in the music industry. 

In his school, students can pick from any instrument they can think of—saxophone, keyboard, flute, etc. For those who want to go beyond instruments, there are also lessons in composition, songwriting, music technology, and assessment.

While most schools focus on kids and adults, they go a step further by welcoming elderly students. Even better, they offer special discounts for seniors.

If you’re not sure whether the school is a fit, take advantage of their free trial lesson. It’s open to all ages and gives you a chance to meet the teachers.

A drawback is their steeper tuition fees compared to other schools—the price you have to pay for top-tier schooling.

Most professional music school in the Metroplex

“Dallas Music Academy is by far the most professional school of music in the Metroplex – for children and adults alike, no matter what age. They offer classes in many instruments as well as voice lessons. The teachers are professional and caring, and the venue is welcoming and conducive to learning music. The staff goes out of their way to accommodate the needs of the students – be it taking lessons in person, online, or scheduling make-up hours for missed lessons. I personally had to reschedule many hours due to necessary travels, and the school management always proved to be most helpful in considering my needs. I have been with the Dallas Music Academy for many years and recommend the school wholeheartedly to any student wishing to pursue music as a hobby or professionally. A big THANK YOU to the teaching staff as well as management for helping me on my musical journey!” — Mai Pham Heidrich, Google Review

I’m now confidently singing in front of crowds

“Phenomenal place to learn. I’m no stranger to music, having been playing for most of my life, but I never considered myself a singer and was self-conscious about my voice. After a year of lessons with Eduardo, I’m now confidently singing in front of crowds. His lessons are always so practical, and he’s equipped me with good habits and good tips to keep my voice resonant, warm, and on pitch. Their location is perfect, just outside of downtown Dallas, and parking is always easy. The lessons are affordable, and they cater to both younger students and adults. Management is very friendly and keeps the place running smoothly. Highly recommend this place for music lessons.” — Dave Simley, Google Review

Lake Highlands School of Music has grown into a real hub for young musicians since its founding in 2017 by Zach Galindo. 

It’s actually one of the largest music schools in the area, with over 300 students. Due to its popularity, keep in mind that scheduling can sometimes feel a bit competitive.

They cover traditional classical training, but students can also dive into jazz, rock, hip-hop, rhythm and blues, funk, and country. And lessons are available in piano, guitar, voice, drums, violin, and ukulele, so there’s something for everyone.

We like that they also teach music production. Students can learn how to record and produce their own tracks, write their own music, and collaborate virtually.

And when it’s time to showcase your talent, they have a Performance Program. Here, students are placed in bands, and they rehearse, record, write songs, and perform live.

Her voice has grown leaps and bounds

“My daughter has been taking vocal lessons at LHSM for a year. She absolutely loves it, and her voice has grown leaps and bounds. Haley is a top-notch vocal teacher who relates well to her students and pushes them to grow! Zach, who owns the school, is very present and also supports his students outside of LHSM. I recommend LHSM, which has a child interested in learning, growing more, and having fun in music!” — Jessica Gannon, Google Review

Best music school ever

“Best music school ever 🙂 Amazing place to learn for kids and adults of all skill levels. I got the monthly membership and was able to take multiple different classes (Vocal, Guitar, Music Production) from the most wonderful staff, including Julia, Neil, Spencer, and Maggie. All my teachers were incredible musicians and also people in general. They taught me invaluable skills at a great pace, and they were also super personable and supportive mentors to me.” — Stephen Yang, Google Review

For over two decades, School of Rock has transformed hundreds of thousands of students into confident, skilled musicians. They teach all the essentials such as guitar, bass guitar, drums, keyboard, and piano, plus singing.

As for their teaching method, it’s pretty unique—they combine one-on-one instruction with group rehearsals and live performances. This means students not only learn how to play their instrument but also how to work as part of the band. 

For symphonic or orchestral music lovers, they offer a SongFirst approach, where you’ll learn technique and music from traditional classical songs.

Rock 101 is available, too, perfect for younger rock lovers and beginners. Here, students meet weekly for group rehearsals where they practice simplified versions of old-school rock songs.

Not surprisingly, these premium offerings are quite pricey, so be forewarned.

Saw our son grow tremendously in his musical abilities

“We LOVE so much about School of Rock!!! First, the teachers are full of inspiration, encouragement, and talent!!! They all share a genuine love and interest for the kids and their success at SOR and beyond!!! The curriculum is great, the kids are persistently and consistently exposed to a wide variety of music appreciation and performance opportunities, providing the perfect combination of inspiration and motivation for personal growth and educational skills that reach far beyond the stage!!! We have seen our son grow tremendously in his musical abilities and love of music, but he has also achieved and received greater confidence, collaboration skills, friendships, motivation, and discipline in all areas of his life because of the education he has gained through SOR’s performance-based training!!! Thanks so much, Dallas SOR, we are eternally grateful for your program!!!” — Tatum Baty, Google Review

Really like that they get kids on stage from the start

“Very friendly folks. Very accepting of all kids. Talented and positive musicians, teaching kids to love music. Really like that they get kids on stage from the start. Gets them over the fear right away. Nothing bad to say. Think they’re great!” — Winter Taylor, Google Review