Music lessons in English in Bogotá

Summary in English

The rest of this article is in Spanish because most people who find it are looking for information in that language, such as families with children in bilingual schools who want to know what we offer. If your Spanish is basic, the summary above covers the essentials.

Teachers who teach in English

Each teacher's profile lists the languages they teach in. These two are listed with Spanish and English, with online and in-home lessons in Bogotá:

Sergio: acoustic guitar and tiple

Sergio introduces himself as a teacher with fun facts and even more unusual examples. Acoustic guitar is the most common starting point for adults and teens; the tiple is Colombia's quintessential instrument, a great way to connect with the country's music if you live here. If you're deciding between guitar and piano, see piano or guitar: which should you choose as your first instrument?.

Mateo: double bass and music theory

Mateo is a double bassist and theory teacher. According to his introduction, his specialty is explaining harmony with absurd examples and reminding you that mistakes can sound musical too. He's the choice for anyone who plays or wants to play double bass, and for anyone who wants to understand the theory behind any instrument in English: reading music, scales, and chords. What is a half step in music? gives you an example of how these concepts are explained.

What if you want piano, singing or violin?

It's the most common question from people searching for “piano lessons near me” in Bogotá, and today the answer is this: our piano, singing and violin teachers teach in Spanish. We won't tell you otherwise, so you don't waste your time.

You have three reasonable options:

• Start with lessons in Spanish. For a beginner, this works better than you might think (we explain below).
• Choose an instrument that does have a teacher in English. If what you want is music in general and not necessarily piano, guitar, tiple or double bass are real options.
• Study theory in English with Mateo and take piano lessons with a piano teacher in Spanish. That way, you can make sure you understand the concepts in your own language.

If teacher availability changes, you'll see it in the teacher directory, where each profile lists the languages they teach in.

Lessons in Spanish can work for a beginner

Music has a shared language: sheet music, notes, rhythm, and the teacher's demonstrations are the same in any language. Much of an instrument lesson doesn't rely on words: the teacher plays, you imitate; the teacher points something out, you adjust.

• Very similar vocabulary. Piano, violin, guitar, note, scale, rhythm, tempo, chord, melody, harmony, forte, and piano are very similar in English and Spanish.
• Repeated instructions. Just a few words, always the same: “softer,” “again,” “slower.” You learn them in two or three lessons.
• Good language practice. If you're learning Spanish, talking about something concrete and enjoyable with a patient adult helps more than textbook vocabulary.
• Visual support. Your teacher can demonstrate on the instrument, write on the sheet music, or share their screen during an online lesson.

Now, the limit: if you need someone to explain abstract concepts in English (harmony, a difficult technique), or if the student is a child who doesn't speak Spanish yet, it's best to choose one of the two teachers above. And if the teacher teaches in Spanish, mention your level of Spanish before the first lesson so they can take it into account.

How to arrange lessons in English or bilingual lessons

When you write to us on WhatsApp, tell us three things: the instrument you want, the student's age, and how much Spanish they speak. That helps us connect you with the right person. Then, in your first conversation with the teacher, it's worth agreeing on:

1. Which language the lesson will be in: all English, all Spanish, or a mix. Many students start in English and gradually add words in Spanish.
2. How to handle vocabulary. Some teachers make a list of terms in both languages (for example, “bar” and “compás,” “sharp” and “sostenido,” “flat” and “bemol”).
3. What kind of music you want to play: international repertoire, Colombian music, school songs, or songs you listen to at home.
4. The format: at home in Bogotá and the surrounding area, depending on each teacher's availability, or online.

If you’ve never had in-home lessons, what to expect from in-home music lessons explains the space you need, punctuality, and your family’s role.

At home in Bogotá or by video call

Both teachers teach in both formats. The difference lies in your circumstances, not in the quality:

If your family spends half the year in Bogotá and the other half in another country, online lessons let you keep the same teacher. Find details about this format in online music lessons.

How a teacher supports you through this process

Every Gissi teacher is evaluated on musicianship, teaching skills, and personal qualities before their first lesson. For a student switching languages, schools, or countries, that third part matters: someone patient who doesn't make you feel bad for not finding a word.

• Your teacher adjusts the pace of the lesson to your Spanish level and music experience.
• They can combine both languages: instructions in English, musical vocabulary in Spanish, or the other way around.
• They choose repertoire you enjoy and can use where you live, such as songs for school or Colombian music if you'd like to explore it.
• They share updates on practice at home so the adult supporting the child knows what to repeat.

For help choosing the right teacher, see how to choose a music teacher. When you're ready, use the button on this page to write to us on WhatsApp and tell us which instrument interests you.

Frequently asked questions