Discover

Musical Instrument Museum

Backbeat Music Academy has hundreds of instruments from around the world, curated for students to actually use.

Why? Because it generates questions, and and inquiring mind learns faster. It gives our teachers the ability to explore the new instruments, compare and contrast playing styles, physical mechanics, and sound production as the students learn everything faster.

Plus, they’re fun.

Come check it out in person!

COMING SOON:

Information about individual instruments

While we’re not teaching, we are hard at work on this section, and will have a an explainer about each instrument in our collection. There are hundreds, so it’ll take us time to take photos of each and write up websites of each. In the meantime, here is a very incomplete list of instruments at Backbeat Music Academy (as I’m writing this, home sick, listing from memory):

Gunibri
Guembri
Balalaika
Kemenche
Saron
Sither
Bonang
Sitar
Ehru (x2)
Yehu
Tro
Acoustic Bass Guitar
Electric Double Bass
Electric Cello
Various cellos (1/4 size to 4/4 size)
Various Violins (1/16 size to 4/4 size)
Electric violin (x2)
5 string banjo
4 string, antique, Czech made banjo
Banjolele
Banjo with wood head
Mandolin (x2)
Phin (electric)
Pipa – painted with flowers
Pipa – with ox bone frets
10 string electric slide guitar
Double-neck 12 string + 6 string electric guitar, made at Backbeat summer camp
Dotara (Bangladeshi, 4 string with carved peacock headstock)
Ektara (small)
Ektara (large: 3′ long)
Gopichand
Berimbau (x3)
Harp Guitar
Oud (x3)
Singing Bowls (x5 from 3″-6″)
various tintal, ching, zils and other finger cymbals
rebab
hurdy gurdy (x2)

shamisen x2
flutes, tin whistles, recorders, slide whistles (several dozen)
harmonicas x20
kazoo
hulusi x5
Aztec death whistles (x2)
ukuleles: 20+, from soprano to bass, acoustic to electric
acoustic guitars: 25+, including 1/4, 3/4 and 4/4 sizes, classical, nylon acoustic, steel string acoustic
electric guitars: 50+, including 1/2, 3/4, 4/4, strat, tele, LP, semi and fully hollowbody, all major types.
electric basses: 20+, 3/4 and 4/4 sizes, various types and styles including hollowbody, violin bass, headless, more
theramin
xylophone (x3)
marimba (x2)
toy piano
Acoustic pianos (x4: grand, upright grand, console etc)
various analog synthesizers (minimoog, Arturias, etc)
various keyboards (Nord, Yamaha, Roland, Studiologic, Casio)
Hammond organ with Leslie

Gongs + cymbals

30″ Chinese style gong (inside)
30″ Cambodian style gong (outside)
16″ Wind Gong
14″ Chinese style gong
12″ Thai style gong
10″ antique English dinner gong, carved with Indian designs
12″ antique hi hat, American
24″ ride cymbal (T-Cymbals)
16″ crash cymbal prototype, Paiste
assorted other cymbals
pitched bell sets (x2)

Horns

various trumpets,
antique 1880s era C trumpet (Czech made)
Pocket trumpets
Coronet
Trombones
Pocket trombone
Tenor horn
Hunting horns
Bull horn
Yak horn
Water buffalo horn
Kudu horn
Ram’s horn (shofar)
Various antique car horns (not musical horns, but still reed instruments)
Digeridoo (x3)

Zithers

Hammered dulcimer (x2)
Bandura
Guzheng
Gayageung
various lap harps+plucked psalteries
Bowed psaltery

Harps+Lyres

Celtic harp
Celtic-style lyre
Endongo (x2)
Kora
Krar (x2)
David’s lyre
Tube zither (Madagascar)

Drums

tablas
congas
drumsets (x13)
cajon
doumbeks (x4)
skor daey
talking drums x6
djembe x 6
various floor drums x10
dal
pandiero
bohdran
antique marching snares (x2)
modern snare drums (x10)
tambor allegre
bak (x3, large and small)
mrdingham
Chinese temple drums
Antique tom, made in the US by Leedy, featuring Chinese dragons painted on
dozens more
hundreds of various percussion instruments including shakers, shekeres, agogo bells, etc

How Not To Break The Instruments

Accidents happen, but we’d like to avoid them!

Basic rules:

Start with one relaxed, no-pressure lesson.

lesson

What an Intro Session Might Look Like:

You’ll walk into a space that’s colorful, welcoming, and filled with possibilities — not pressure.

Your teacher will meet you where you are — beginner, returner, or total wildcard.

Every lesson is built around your curiosity, your life, and your goals.

It’s not about getting it “right” — it’s about getting into it.

From there, your session might look like:

Learning chords to a favorite song
Breaking down a riff you always wanted to play
Exploring rhythm on three different instruments just for fun
Jamming together (yes, even as a beginner!)
Asking “why does this work?” — and actually getting answers

Come see what this feels like in real life.

testimonials

What Families Are Saying

Kind words from families who’ve seen how exploration builds understanding.

This team is phenomenal! They understood our requirements, communicated effectively, and delivered a fantastic product. The user interface is intuitive, and performance has been excellent. However, we did experience a minor delay in delivery, but their team kept us informed throughout. Overall, highly recommended!

Their creativity and professionalism exceeded our expectations. The branding strategy they developed gave our business a new identity. The only downside was the pricing, which was a bit higher than competitors, but the quality made it worth it.

The best service I’ve received in a long time! The team was incredibly responsive, and their expertise was evident in the final product. There was a small miscommunication initially, but they quickly resolved it. I would definitely work with them again.

They have great ideas and a hardworking team, but execution took longer than promised. While the final product met expectations, the delays affected our timeline. If you need fast turnaround, plan accordingly.

Amazing service! They paid attention to every detail and delivered ahead of schedule. The only issue was a minor bug in the software, but they fixed it quickly. I appreciate their dedication!

Their design work was stunning! We received many compliments from clients. However, their response time to emails could be improved. Despite this, I would still recommend them for high-quality work.

Flawless execution from start to finish! Their innovative approach helped us stand out in a competitive market. They even provided post-launch support, which was a great bonus.

The team is talented, and their product was good, but communication could be better. I had to follow up multiple times to get updates. If they improve responsiveness, they’d be perfect.

Absolutely amazing experience! They exceeded expectations in every way. The project was complex, but they handled it like pros. I would love to collaborate again in the future!

Great quality and attention to detail. Their designs elevated my brand. I just wish they had a more flexible payment plan for small businesses.

They are skilled professionals, and the service was decent. However, their pricing structure is confusing, and we had some unexpected charges. Be sure to clarify all costs upfront.

Outstanding service and dedication! They worked with us until we were completely satisfied. Truly a team that goes the extra mile.

Very professional and skilled team. The only issue was that we had to request a couple of revisions, but they handled them well. The final result was worth the wait!

One of the best teams I’ve worked with! They delivered an exceptional website for us. Their after-sales support is also commendable.

Musical Instrument Museum

Music Lessons  for Adults

It’s never too late to learn.

A judgment-free first step for adults ready to start.

Simple, stress free pricing

Simple, Easy Pricing, No Surprises

Tuition is charged per calendar month, so if you have lessons on Mondays and there are 5 Mondays, you get an extra lesson instead of an extra bill.

Private Lessons

30 min / week:

174/month

45 min / week:

244/month

60 min / week:

339/month

Includes

Group Classes

Rock Bands or Try Everything Classes:

135/month

for weekly 1-hour class

Extras

Start with a free intro and we’ll help you pick the right option.

faq’s

You Might Be …   Wondering

Am I too old to start learning an instrument?

Not even close. Our adult students range from their 20s to their 70s — and they all prove the same thing: it’s never too late to try something new, have fun, and surprise yourself. Learning as an adult can actually be faster, more meaningful, and more enjoyable.

What if I don’t have time to practice?

You’re busy. We get it. That’s why we build flexible lessons that still move you forward, even if life gets in the way. Practice isn’t a requirement — it’s a bonus. We’ll help you make the most of whatever time you’ve got.

What if I feel nervous or self-conscious?

Totally normal. Most adults walk in a little unsure. But within a few minutes, that melts away. Our teachers are supportive, nonjudgmental, and honestly just really good at making you feel like you belong.

Is this going to be really formal? I don’t want it to feel like school.

It won’t. No stiff recitals, no dry method books. Lessons at Backbeat feel more like jamming with a smart, supportive friend who happens to know their stuff. We’re serious about music, but we keep it relaxed and fun.

I’m starting from scratch. Will I feel behind?

Not at all. Most of our adult students are beginners. We’ll start exactly where you are — no theory tests, no judgment. Just curiosity, progress, and support from day one.

Do I have to pick one instrument and stick with it?

Nope. Try multiple instruments, switch things up, or blend them into one lesson. If you want to explore guitar and drums and piano — we’ll make it happen.

I used to play, but it’s been years. Can I still pick it back up?

Yes! And chances are, it’ll come back quicker than you expect. We’ll help you rebuild your skills with less pressure and more play — and you might even enjoy it more this time around.

What if I try it and it’s just… not for me?

That’s totally okay. Your first lesson is free, and our “Right Fit Guarantee” means you can try a full month risk-free. If it doesn’t click, we’ll part as friends, zero awkwardness.

Still have questions?

We’ll answer everything face-to-face and see if it’s a fit for your child.

Guarantee

Our “Right Fit or It’s On Us” Guarantee

We get it — trying something new as an adult can feel… intimidating.

You’re busy. Maybe unsure. Maybe wondering if it’s “too late.”
That’s why we offer a no-risk way to give it a go.

If after your first 4 weeks of lessons, you’re not feeling it — no spark, no click, no vibe — we’ll give you a full refund.

No awkward conversations. No guilt. No pressure.
Because music should feel like possibility — not a gamble. 
And if it’s not the right fit, we’ll part as friends with nothing but respect (and maybe a high five for trying).

t have to be perfect. You just have to be curious. We’ll meet you where you’re at, and help you take the next step.

If it’s not a fit, you get a refund. No awkwardness.

Backbeat Music Academy

Musical Instrument Museum

COMING SOON:

Information about individual instruments

How Not To Break The Instruments

Basic rules:

503.290.5090

contact@backbeatmusicacademy.com

What an Intro Session Might Look Like:

From there, your session might look like:

What Families Are Saying

Musical Instrument Museum

Music Lessons  for Adults

Simple, Easy Pricing, No Surprises

Private Lessons

Group Classes

You Might Be …   Wondering

Still have questions?

Our “Right Fit or It’s On Us” Guarantee

Musical Instrument Museum

COMING SOON:

Information about individual instruments

How Not To Break The Instruments

Basic rules:

503.290.5090

contact@backbeatmusicacademy.com

What an Intro Session Might Look Like:

From there, your session might look like:

What Families Are Saying

Musical Instrument Museum

Music Lessons for Adults

Simple, Easy Pricing, No Surprises

Private Lessons

Group Classes

You Might Be … Wondering

Still have questions?

Our “Right Fit or It’s On Us” Guarantee

Music Lessons  for Adults

You Might Be …   Wondering