<p>are there clubs or something like that where I can learn (for free, or cheaply) to play an instrument (thinking of piano or guitar)? I looked at the decals and didn't really see any (learning to play the Camponille would be awesome, but that seminar requires experience :( )</p>
<p>I don't know of any organizations that teach people for free/cheaply. One thing you could do is ask a friend or respond to those flyers posted by music teachers.</p>
<p>PM me if you want to learn clarinet, saxophone, piano, violin, or viola.</p>
<p>You think I'm kidding. Please, I need some cash and I'm a good teacher.</p>
<p>I need to pick up my violin, but first I need to get it looked at professionally. It's been sitting for years.</p>
<p>Do you know of a good violin shop, tastyb33f, other than Ifshin?</p>
<p>If you're only limited to the East Bay, then Ifshin is the place to go - I haven't found any other satisfactory places in the East Bay.</p>
<p>But if your range is a little bigger, there's Kamimoto Strings in downtown San Jose. However, my favorite place to go is Scott Cao Violins in Campbell (just south of Santa Clara and southwest of San Jose). Out of the three, I'd rank Cao the best, Kamimoto second, and Ifshin last, ranking based on a combination of friendliness of staff, knowledge of staff, prices, variety of selection, and quality of selection.</p>
<p>I could get there if I rented a car. Would it be worth it for a general instrument tune-up (and I mean more than the strings)? Like I said, my violin has been sitting for years. I replaced the bridge in 2005, haven't done much with it since other than move it with me. </p>
<p>I will note, for the OP, that tastyb33f's offer is probably worth taking up -- from experience, it's hard to find a group that's willing to teach without you being at a particularly high level to begin with (think performance groups looking for a +1). Craigslist offers some options, but there is no "free" or truly cheap option.</p>