PB&J MUSIC

MUSIC LESSONS IN PHX, AZ

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OUR PHILOSOPHY

Music is a sacred thing, and here at PB&J we've learned many of our most important life lessons through our relationship with music. Every musician needs a community, and we strive to provide that community for our students. Whether you need help learning to play a barre chord, or you want to write the genre-bending concept album that defines our time, we have the experience to help.

MEET PAULA AND JACOB

Paula Tesoriero

Co-Founder and Instructor

  • Began teaching private lessons in 2012
  • Graduated summa cum laude from NAU with a degree in Applied Human Behavior​
  • Teaches piano, songwriting, and music theory at Paradise Valley Community College
  • Served as the bandleader of the Paper Hats and Paula T & Company
  • Featured performer at the Musical Instrument Museum, in the Phoenix Rock Lottery, and in the KJZZ Tiny Desert concert series
  • Member of, and toured internationally with the Phoenix Children's Chorus. Won the Conductor's Award and was selected to participate in the Honors Youth Choir. 

Jacob Tesoriero

Co-Founder and Instructor

  • Began teaching private lessons in 2016
  • Graduated summa cum laude from ASU with a degree in Secondary Education
  • Taught high school music for 7 years at Sequoia Pathway and Metropolitan Arts Institute
  • Played in dozens of Phoenix bands, including Pariah Pete and the Mercuries, Raquel Denis, the Openscore Ensemble, and Paula T & Company
  • Performed at major festivals, including Viva Phoenix and Zona Fest
  • Teaches guitar and music theory at Paradise Valley Community College

WHAT WE TEACH

Guitar Lessons

The guitar is one of the most popular instruments of the last century. Find your voice in the vast tradition with us! Whether you're looking to strum a few chords or become a virtuoso, we have the knowledge you need. 

Piano Lessons

We'll teach you everything we know about the piano and we'll tailor it to your specific learning style, whether you benefit from a more academic or avant-garde approach. 

Bass Lessons

Fingers, picks, slaps and pops! There's a lot of different ways to play the bass and we can help guide you through each one with clarity and creativity.

Voice Lessons

Learning to sing is about as vulnerable as anything you can ever do in life, and we'll be with you every step of the way to help navigate the technical and the emotional.

Drum Lessons

Drumming is a whole body experience, and it takes time to get all four of your limbs working together! We will give you all the tools you need to master the drums and connect with your inner groove. 

Music Production Lessons

A computer is an instrument! We teach production using Ableton Live. You can learn to sample like Madlib or record professional sounding songs in your own home.

Songwriting Lessons

Teaching songwriting is a delicate craft, but here at PB&J we've spent years developing the perfect balance of structure and freedom to help each student feel like they have the support to pursue their unique path. 

Composition Lessons

Arrangement, orchestration, and creative philosophy are at the heart of our composition lessons. These lessons are perfect for beginning songwriters who want to make their music stand out with unique instrumentation or experienced musicians who are looking to expand their knowledge and ability.

PRICING

30 minute lesson

We charge $45 for a half-hour lesson. Students pay for 4 lessons at the beginning of each month and have a weekly time-slot. Ask about multi-student and long term payment discounts. 
Schedule

60 minute lesson

We charge $80 for an hour lesson. Students pay for 4 lessons at the beginning of each month and have a weekly time-slot. Ask about multi-student and long term payment discounts. 
Schedule

TESTIMONIALS

Jacob is an incredibly talented, inspiring, supportive, and patient person. He is a wonderful teacher and mentor, always willing and able to proivde support and guidance. He has a delightful understanding and appreciation for music as a whole and is a fantastic person to know.
Tri Kurth
Former Student
Taking [Paula's] Group Piano class has been one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had at the community college. [Her] teaching style is both supportive and inspiring, and [she] creates such a positive and encouraging environment for learning. Even as a beginner, I never felt overwhelmed—[she] breaks things down in a way that makes everything feel achievable and fun.

[Her] passion for music and teaching really shows, and it’s contagious. I’ve learned so much thanks to [Paula's] guidance, and I truly appreciate the time and care [she] put into each class.

Two thumbs up from me—I’d absolutely recommend [Paula's] class to anyone interested in learning piano!
Hiro Takahashi
Student at PVCC
Paula is an amazing person and teacher! I’ve loved being her student this past school year. I was a complete beginner to piano when I started in the fall, and Paula has helped me grow so much.

From her kind words of encouragement to the playing techniques she provides for me, Paula has not only guided me with grace as I learn the instrument, but also helped my confidence along the way.

She also gives time to each of her students to work with them one-on-one. Because of this, she is able to cater her teaching to my specific needs in those moments, and it has allowed us to form a bond. Paula is kind, talented, attentive, and gracious. I recommend her as a teacher to anyone seeking to learn!
Noelle Krugman
Student at PVCC

STAFF AND STUDENT MUSIC

Along with our testimonials and philosophy, we'd love for you to check out the music Paula and Jacob have made, as well as the songs their students have produced over the years.

STAFF

Paula T & Company - Songs to Sigh or Cry To

All songs written and performed by Paula Tesoriero. 

Raquel Denis - Matrilineal

Jacob Tesoriero plays bass on this album (credited as Jacob Unterreiner)

Pariah Pete - Terminal A

Jacob Tesoriero plays guitar and sings on this album and was heavily involved in the writing and production (credited as Jacob Unterreiner)

STUDENT

Belgium Tree - Structure Play

Jacob taught Dace Santa Cruz and Keanu Klepfer at Metro-Arts.

Savannah Acero - Luna's Quest

Jacob taught Savannah at Metro Arts.

Tri K - Dissonance

Jacob taught Tri at Metro Arts.