Take Sessions vs Red Pelican Music
Both offer private music lessons in Los Angeles with hand-picked teachers. Here's how they compare so you can choose the right fit for your goals.
Take Sessions
Premium studio-based lessons with world-class musicians. Equipment provided, session recordings included, personalized matching within 24 hours.
- $100–$120 per 60-min session
- 8 instruments with deep specialization
- Pro studio + equipment included
- 18 LA neighborhoods + online
- No contracts, sessions never expire
- 50% off your first lesson
Red Pelican Music
Flexible private lessons in-home, at studio, or online. Owner-managed pairing with a wide instrument selection and discounted intro lessons.
- $98.75–$112.50 per 60-min session
- 20+ instruments offered
- In-home, studio, and online formats
- Greater Los Angeles + online
- Discounted intro lesson ($40–$80)
How Take Sessions Works
Getting started is simple — and your first lesson is 50% off.
Tell Us Your Goals
Fill out our quick form with your instrument, experience level, and schedule preferences.
Get Matched in 24 Hours
We pair you with a vetted musician who fits your style, goals, and availability.
Start Your First Lesson
Book your intro session at 50% off — in our pro studio or online from anywhere.
Side-by-Side Comparison
A detailed look at how both music lesson services stack up across the features that matter most.
| Feature | Take Sessions | Red Pelican Music |
|---|---|---|
| 60-Min Lesson Price | $100/session (10-pack) or $120 single | $98.75/session (4-pack) or $112.50 in-home |
| Package Size | 10-session bundles — never expire | 4-lesson auto-renewing packages |
| Registration Fee | None | None |
| Intro Lesson | 50% off your first lesson | Discounted first lesson ($40–$80) |
| Lesson Formats | In-person (studio) + Online | In-home + Studio + Online |
| Instruments | 8 (Piano, Guitar, Voice, Drums, Violin, Bass, DJ, Music Production) | 20+ (includes Ukulele, Saxophone, Banjo, Cello, Mandolin, Trumpet, Woodwinds, and more) |
| Service Area | 18 LA neighborhoods + online nationwide | Greater Los Angeles + online |
| Teacher Vetting | Music degree or equivalent + 2 years teaching experience required | Hand-picked, world-class instructors |
| Contracts | None — cancel anytime | Auto-renewing packages (refund unused lessons) |
| Equipment Provided | Yes — guitars, keyboards, drums at studio | Not specified |
| Session Recordings | Included with every lesson | Not specified |
| Studio Space | Pro-grade acoustically treated rooms included | Studio option available |
| Matching Process | Personalized match within 24 hours | Owner-managed student-teacher pairing |
| Cancellation Policy | 24-hour notice, no penalty | Refund on unused lessons |
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose Take Sessions if you want:
- A full studio experience — professional equipment, acoustically treated rooms, and session recordings all included in one price
- Transparent teacher credentials — every musician has a verified music degree or equivalent plus 2+ years teaching experience
- Zero commitment risk — 10-session bundles never expire, no auto-renewal, no contracts
- Neighborhood-specific matching — 18 LA neighborhoods with musicians who know your area
- A risk-free start — 50% off your first lesson, no contracts, cancel anytime
Choose Red Pelican Music if you want:
- In-home lessons — a teacher comes to your house, which Take Sessions doesn't currently offer
- Less common instruments — ukulele, saxophone, banjo, cello, mandolin, trumpet, and more
- A low-cost trial — discounted first lesson starting at $40 for 30 minutes
- Smaller package commitment — 4-lesson packages vs. 10-session bundles
- Shorter lesson durations — 30-minute and 45-minute options at lower price points
What Our Students Say
"We signed up both our kids — one for piano and one for drums. Both musicians are fantastic and the no-contract flexibility gives us peace of mind. Highly recommend!"
Mark H.
"Elena is a wonderful violin musician. Her classical training and patient approach helped my daughter prepare for her youth orchestra audition — she got in! We couldn't be happier."
Jennifer L.
"Marcus is the real deal. Having a musician who's actually worked in the industry makes such a difference. My guitar playing has improved more in 3 months than in 2 years of self-teaching."
Ryan K.
"David is an amazing drum instructor. He breaks down complex patterns into manageable pieces and always keeps lessons fun. My 12-year-old son looks forward to every session."
Tom S.
"I was nervous about singing lessons as an adult beginner, but Aria made me feel completely comfortable from day one. My range and confidence have grown so much!"
Lisa M.
"Sarah is an incredible piano musician! My daughter went from struggling with basic scales to playing Chopin in under a year. Her patience and expertise are unmatched."
Michelle T.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Take Sessions more expensive than Red Pelican Music?
- For 60-minute lessons, the per-session rates are comparable. Red Pelican's 4-lesson online/studio package works out to $98.75 per lesson, while Take Sessions' 10-session bundle is $100 per session. However, Take Sessions includes professional studio space, equipment, and session recordings in that price — extras that aren't specified in Red Pelican's studio or online packages. Red Pelican's in-home lessons are $112.50 per session.
- Does Red Pelican Music offer more instruments than Take Sessions?
- Yes. Red Pelican offers 20+ instruments including ukulele, saxophone, banjo, cello, mandolin, trumpet, and woodwinds in addition to the standard instruments both services share. Take Sessions focuses on 8 core instruments (piano, guitar, voice, drums, violin, bass, DJ, and music production) and specializes deeply in each. If you need a less common instrument like banjo or trumpet, Red Pelican may be the better choice.
- Which service is better for beginners?
- Both services welcome beginners of all ages starting at age 4. Take Sessions emphasizes a personalized matching process that pairs you with a musician based on your goals, learning style, and schedule — and guarantees a match within 24 hours. Plus, Take Sessions offers 50% off your first lesson so you can try it risk-free. Red Pelican uses owner-managed pairing and offers a discounted introductory lesson ($40–$80 depending on duration).
- Can I do in-home lessons with Take Sessions?
- Take Sessions currently offers lessons at their professional studio locations throughout Los Angeles and online. Red Pelican offers in-home lessons as an additional format, though at a higher price point ($112.50/session for 60 minutes). If in-home lessons are a priority, Red Pelican provides that option.
- What are the main differences between Take Sessions and Red Pelican Music?
- The main differences are in lesson experience and specialization. Take Sessions provides a full studio experience with professional equipment, acoustically treated rooms, and session recordings included in every lesson. Take Sessions also publishes specific teacher vetting criteria (music degree + 2 years minimum experience). Red Pelican offers more flexibility with three lesson format options (in-home, studio, online), a wider instrument selection (20+), and smaller 4-lesson packages for lower upfront commitment.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Teacher?
Tell us your goals and we'll match you with a world-class musician within 24 hours. Your first lesson is 50% off — no commitment required.
50% Off Your First Lesson