iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%75+47.6Reliability 28%66+18.6Replies to reviews 8%100+8.2Experts Score= 75Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.75SCORE
BGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#122 of 151 music lessonsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 19%
4.8★★★★★65 Google reviews · 24 photos
91%five-star reviews
4.80★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
6.9%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Reviewers highlight convenient scheduling, patient instruction, and a comfortable facility equipped with grand pianos and a waiting area. Students study piano, violin, drums, and voice, with parents noting steady progress, recitals, and effective communication from staff. However, low-star reviews criticize the pricing as excessive relative to the perceived value of the lessons.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 65 reviews (91% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 65 Google reviews (62 with written comments, 2 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 98% of reviews.
Most recent review: June 16, 2026.
Service: Music Lesson serving Pomona, California.
Data from Google, last updated November 1, 2026.
Score profile vs other music lessons
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and replies to reviews; weakest: reliability.
Applause Music AcademyMusic Lessons median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Applause Music Academy: 75/100 on this factor. Category median: 92.B
75
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Applause Music Academy: 66/100 on this factor. Category median: 93.B
66
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
–
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 91.–
–
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Applause Music Academy: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Applause Music Academy: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 47.A
100
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
65 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars5991%
4 stars35%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star35%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 62 written reviews
99%praise
Praise7799%
Complaints11%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude3545%
Would recommend1924%
Quality & results912%
Communication79%
Honesty & trust45%
Speed & response34%
Price & value11%
What customers talk about
We read 62 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“If you're looking for a patient, knowledgeable, and encouraging piano instructor, we highly recommend Gabriel and Applause Music Academy.”
“We are thankful and would recommend them to anyone.”
“We’ve had a wonderful experience with Applause Music Academy, especially with our son's piano instructor, Gabriel.”
“Joshua explains the lessons to me in a way that is easy to understand.”
“They not only have the ability to make learning the piano an interesting journey but also to instill a genuine love for music within their students.”
“Everytime I text her with anything, she replies quickly and kindly.”
People customers mention
Tig10 reviews
Raphaela9 reviews
Gabriel7 reviews
Abi4 reviews
Victoria4 reviews
Jonah3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
CChris1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 months ago★★★★★
We’ve had a wonderful experience with Applause Music Academy, especially with our son's piano instructor, Gabriel.
Gabriel is an excellent teacher who has a natural ability to make piano lessons engaging and easy to understand. He breaks concepts down in a way that helps my son learn with confidence and actually…
LLydia1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★
My son started drum lessons with Mr. Jonah in February and he’s been having such a blast. Not only does he now always listen for what type of drums is playing in any song he hears, he’s starting to understand rhythm and beat. Our favorite thing about Mr. Jonah is his ability to keep lessons fun while still keeping…
CClare1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★
Ms. Raphaela is the best teacher!!! She is patient, knowledgeable, and talented! She has helped me become a better violinist and I’m so grateful for her support!
MMarisa3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★
We are absolutely blessed to have my daughters piano teacher Ms Raphaela; not only is she kind and patient, but she cares very deeply and I appreciate how she helps us as parents to help our daughter do her best in piano and school beyond. Thank you so much all that you do?
EEmilia2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★
I have been taking private 30 minute vocal lessons at the Glendora location. My instructor, Joshua, is absolutely the best. There is marked improvement in my singing voice. Joshua explains the lessons to me in a way that is easy to understand. He is very patient and kind. Thank you for being such a great instructor.…
Llana4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★
My son has been a guitar student at Applause Music Academy he loves it . Mr . Jonah is very knowledgeable and patient and very kind . Highly recommended.
We’ve had a wonderful experience with Applause Music Academy, especially with our son's piano instructor, Gabriel.
Gabriel is an excellent teacher who has a natural ability to make piano lessons engaging and easy to understand. He breaks concepts down in a way that helps my son learn with confidence and actually enjoy the process. We've seen steady improvement in both his skills and enthusiasm for playing the piano.
If you're looking for a patient, knowledgeable, and encouraging piano instructor, we highly recommend Gabriel and Applause Music Academy. We're grateful for the positive impact he's had on our son's musical journey!
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We're delighted to hear that Gabriel has made such a positive impact on your son's musical journey. We appreciate your trust in Applause Music Academy and look forward to supporting his continued growth and love for music.
S
Susanna HLocal Guide · 35 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Susanna has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I am so grateful that we have Applause Music Academy in our neighborhood. It's conveniently located in Route 66 with sufficient parking spots. The facility is equipped with nice grand pianos, big bright rooms, kids coloring books and canyons and neat restrooms. The lobby and the hallway are cozy with a kids table for the kids to read and color when they are waiting. It offers highly qualified art and musical instructors, free masterclasses with teachers, international, national and state exam preparation, numerous performance opportunities and professional picture day for the kids.
I talked to Dr. Tig, the owner of the academy over the phone in the summer of 2023 before enrolling my son in their lessons. Dr. Tig was so patient and knowledgeable that she was able to answer all my questions to my satisfaction over the phone. Dr. Tig and all the teachers are very professional and talented musicians. My son was given one free trial lesson with the teacher Mr. Gabriel T we chose and started in September 2023 officially. He loves both the music academy and his weekly piano lessons with Mr. Gabriel. My son had learned to play over ten songs on his piano from YouTube before he had his first teacher so he did not play with correct finger position. My Gabriel started to correct my son's wrong finger positions since my son started with him. In addition to Dr. Tig and Mr. Gabriel, there are several other award-winning and talented musicians in the music academy including Ms. Abi, Ms. Magdaline, Dr Jystyna, Ms. Victoria, Ms. Raphaela, Mr. Gribrias and Mr. Noah and they cover all kinds of musical instruments.
In this past three years my son has been making tremendous progress in playing the piano. He enjoys his piano lesson with Mr. Gabriel T so much that he always says the piano session is too short and that he wants it to be 45 or 60 minutes. Ever since my son started his piano lessons here, he practices a lot more at home than before. He has attended four piano recitals (2 Halloween Monster shows, 2023 Winter and 2024 Spring recitals) in the past one year and a couple of free master lessons.
The music academy holds three recitals annually including the Halloween Monster Show, Winter recital and Spring recital. It provides several free master piano lessons for the kids to learn from a master teacher. Dr. Dig, the president of the academy Jerry are dedicated to the promotion of the music education in San Gabriel Valley. Not only Dr Tig and Jerry but also the whole staff including all the music teachers and the office manager Christina sacrifice a lot of their time in order to hold the recitals and master lessons for the students.
There are several music schools/ academies in the San Gabriel Valley. I recommend Dr. Tig and the Applause Music Academy to all the parents whose kids are interested in learning musical instruments. If your kids or yourselves are interested in learning music instruments, look no further and you won't regret it. Based on our experience, this is the best one you can find.
-Updated May 20 2026 My kid has been with Applause Music Academy for over three years and eight months now and we are very happy with the academy, Mr. Gabriel and all the administrators including Christina, Ashley and Khalia. Recently my son started with Mr. Tony and continues his music journey with Applause Music Academy. Mr. Tony studied music performance and psychology in college. He teaches piano, violin, and viola to kids of all levels and learning levels. My son first met Mr. Tony in a master lesson last year and he likes both the way Mr. Tony plays and teaches. My friend who was a high school teacher with a master's degree in psychology recommended my son to learn from Mr. Tony since my son has some emotional issues now. He said a teacher with a background in psychology would be helpful for my son. My son has been having several sessions with Mr. Tony now and he loves it so far. I could see that Mr. Tony is passionate about music and teaching music to his students. He is good at inspiring his students and enjoys teaching.
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you for your thoughtful and glowing review! We’re delighted to hear about your son’s progress and his enjoyment of lessons with Mr. Gabriel T. It’s rewarding to know our programs, facilities, and events have made a positive impact on his musical journey.
Your kind words about our team’s dedication are appreciated. We’re grateful for your trust and your recommendation to other families.
We look forward to continuing to support your son’s growth in music!
L
Lydia Mulligan1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Lydia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My son started drum lessons with Mr. Jonah in February and he’s been having such a blast. Not only does he now always listen for what type of drums is playing in any song he hears, he’s starting to understand rhythm and beat. Our favorite thing about Mr. Jonah is his ability to keep lessons fun while still keeping my son on track as he tends to want to just go crazy on drums.
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thank you for the thoughtful review! We’re so happy to hear your son has been enjoying lessons with Mr. Jonah and developing a deeper appreciation for rhythm and music. We love hearing that lessons are both fun and productive!
C
Clare Watts1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Clare has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Ms. Raphaela is the best teacher!!! She is patient, knowledgeable, and talented! She has helped me become a better violinist and I’m so grateful for her support!
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thank you for your feedback.
M
Marisa Marquez3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Marisa has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We are absolutely blessed to have my daughters piano teacher Ms Raphaela; not only is she kind and patient, but she cares very deeply and I appreciate how she helps us as parents to help our daughter do her best in piano and school beyond. Thank you so much all that you do?
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thank you so much for the kind words! We’re so happy your daughter has had such a great experience with Ms. Raphaela. We truly appreciate your support!
E
Emilia Armas2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Emilia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I have been taking private 30 minute vocal lessons at the Glendora location. My instructor, Joshua, is absolutely the best. There is marked improvement in my singing voice. Joshua explains the lessons to me in a way that is easy to understand. He is very patient and kind. Thank you for being such a great instructor. Oh yes, and the rest of the staff has always been very friendly and courteous. Thank you Applause Academy.
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thank you Emilia for your feedback! We're glad to hear about your positive experience with Mr. Joshua and the rest of our staff. Thank you for your support and trust in us.
L
lana chouaa4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews lana has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My son has been a guitar student at Applause Music Academy he loves it . Mr . Jonah is very knowledgeable and patient and very kind . Highly recommended.
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thank you, Lana, for sharing your son's positive experience with Mr. Jonah at our academy. We’re glad he enjoys learning guitar and finds the lessons rewarding! Thank you for your feedback.
H
helen wang2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews helen has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We have been here for 2 years. Ms. Raphaela and Mr. Andrew are exceptional piano instructors who create a warm and encouraging learning environment. They are patient, professional, and truly passionate about teaching music.
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thank you, Helen, for sharing your wonderful experience with Ms. Raphaela and Mr. Andrew. We're delighted to have supported your daughter's musical journey over the past two years.
A
Anjelica Gorman1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Anjelica has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We see Mr. Jonah, and we are beyond pleased with his piano lessons. His patience, creativity, and joy he has working with my daughter is impressive. We will continue to refer our family and friends to Mr. Jonah.
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thank you, Anjelica, for your feedback. Glad to know Mr. Jonah is making a positive impact and appreciate you recommending him to others. We value your feedback and support.
F
F cashtroLocal Guide · 114 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews F has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Applause Music Academy is very lucky to have a music expert and extremely Talented musician teaching btw me and my family have seen here compose a live orchestra and we are lucky and blessed to say my daughter is being taught to play Violin by Mrs.Raphaela La Maestra
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thank you for your kind words and support. We’re glad to hear your daughter is enjoying her violin lessons with Raphaela La Maestra and that your experience with Applause Music Academy has been positive. We appreciate your feedback and are grateful to be part of your family’s musical journey.
