Ear-Based Worship & Modern Music Lessons for Kids 7-16 in Elk Grove
So your child can play real songs they love - with confidence - by ear, not just by memorizing notes.
Hear it. Love it. Play it.
Hear it. Love it. Play it.
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From the very first lesson, students learn to play real, recognizable songs—not just scales, drills, or disconnected exercises. Technique and theory are taught in context, using music that actually sounds like music. This helps students understand why skills matter, builds confidence quickly, and keeps them engaged because they can hear real progress right away. Exercises still exist, but they serve the song—not the other way around.
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Practice shouldn’t feel like a daily battle. Our approach is designed to make practice rewarding, creative, and achievable, so students want to sit down and play. By focusing on ear-based learning, patterns, and familiar sounds, students experience success faster and feel ownership over their progress. When practice is enjoyable and meaningful, consistency follows—and that’s where real growth happens.
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We focus on practical musicianship that translates beyond the lesson room. Students learn how to play with others, adapt on the fly, listen, follow structure, and perform with confidence. Whether they’re preparing for a recital, playing in a youth worship band, or simply making music with friends and family, they develop real-world skills that last far beyond a single performance or school year.
Trusted by local families, in- person in Elk Grove and Greater Sacramento Area and live online
20+ years teaching • Church and school performance ready • A clear, step-by-step path • Students performing within months • Hundreds of lessons taught •
20+ years teaching • Church and school performance ready • A clear, step-by-step path • Students performing within months • Hundreds of lessons taught •
Built by busy parents raising musical kids.
Great fit if your child…
Loves modern music/ worship and wants to actually play it
Gets bored with slow method books
Wants to lay confidently around others
Not the best fit if you want…
Purely classical, exam-only training
“Just follow the book” teaching
A one-size-fits-all lesson plan
Most lessons teach kids to read music. We teach them to make music.
Traditional lessons
Start with drills and worksheets
Progress depends on reading speed
Kids memorize songs, then forget them
Practice feels like homework
Sound Before Sight
Start with real songs and patterns
Kids learn how music works by ear
They can play songs in multiple keys
Practice feels rewarding (and fun)
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Your child learns the “home base” of a key, simple chords, rhythm, and melody - fast.
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They expand into more keys, richer chords, and smoother transitions (the “sounds like the song” stage).
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They develop their own style: improvising, playing with others, and performing with confidence.
The SBS Stages of Development
Your child always knows that to do next
Want to know what stage your child is in?
What Parents Say
★★★★★ on Google (9 reviews)
Programs
Serving Elk Grove and the Greater Sacramento Area (in-person and live online)
Individual lessons - $180/month
Personalized weekly lesson tailored to your child’s goals, skill level and learning style.
Group classes - $120/month
A fun environment to apply skills, build confidence, and learn alongside other students.
Combined lessons + classes - $240/month
Bet of both: personal coaching + group momentum + more real-life playing
What’s included every month:
A clear weekly plan (so practice isn’t a fight)
Song-based learning (modern, worship, and student favorites)
Confidence coaching (playing in front of others, not just “in your room”)
Support between lessons ( simple guidance, not overwhelming)
Weekly instruction or structured alternative experience (performances, workshops, challenges)
Access to all group events and special weeks
Community updates, photos, and videos
A year-round progress plan
If your child isn’t more excited about music after 30 days, we’ll adjust the plan or refund that month.
We intentionally replace some weekly lessons with performance weeks, workshops, and challenges — because real musicians learn by doing, not just meeting.
What Your Child Experiences Throughout the Year
🎵 Performance Weeks to build confidence
🎯 Practice Challenges that keep motivation high
🎥 Recording Weeks to celebrate progress
🎹 Jam Sessions & Workshops with other students
👨👩👧 “Teach My Mom” Week to deepen mastery
🎼 An annual SBS Recital
A connected community — not isolated lessons.
Families stay informed and encouraged through our private online community, where we share photos, videos, announcements, and student wins throughout the year.
Quick Answers
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Most students start around age 7, but we advise based on readiness.
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Yes - most students start with little to no experience.
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We have clear make-up/ missed lesson policies to keep things fair and consistent.
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Both. In-person in Elk Grove and live online for families who prefer it.
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Yes- ear skills first, then reading becomes easier and more meaningful.
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.
Meet Josiah (Founder)
I grew up learning music the slow way - memorizing notes and feeling stuck. I built Sound Before Sight to give kids a better experience: real music, real confidence, and a clear path that actually sticks.
Kind teaching. Clear structure. Real progress.
“I was born with music inside me - it was a necessity for me, like food or water.”
— Ray Charles