Palaka Music and Arts Studio

Our music isn’t gone… it just looks different 🎶 🎹

Dear PALAKA Music Community,

I’m writing to share that after much thought and care, PALAKA Music and Arts will be closing as of January 2026.

This decision was not made lightly. Due to personal, health and family reasons, it has become unsustainable for me to continue working full-time at the health department, raise two children under 5, continue my own medical treatments (3x/week infusions at the hospital), and run the business despite best efforts.

We have had over 300 families come through our doors at our various locations in Eastmont Hills, the Laurel, and Rockridge on College and Claremont, and have over 450 families on our listserve. While we may reopen one day, it is not certain or clear when (or in what form) that might be, so we are closing this chapter.

It has truly been a privilege to support your / your children’s growth and to build this community together over the past 3 years.

Instrument Sales
We will be selling our instruments and welcome any reasonable offers:
· Yamaha Digital Pianos: Yamaha P-Series P-95/115/125
· Casio Digital Pianos: Casio Privia PX-130/150/160
· Ukuleles: Kala Waterman, Kala Ukadelic Bamboo Top, Soprano Ukulele Hard Cases
· Deskbells & Stands

First come, first served - please reach out if you’d like to purchase instruments (or know of someone or a school that would might be interested).

Our Last Month
During our last month in the space (January), we plan to have a couple last one-time events, including a Friday movie night or a Saturday singalong (KPop Demon Hunters and/or Wicked) - if you’re interested, hit reply and we’ll coordinate!

Questions about the Transition

If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected] or 510-214-2664. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this transition and will respond as soon as we can.

Thank you for being part of our story - it has truly meant so much to build community, inspire creativity, and cultivate connection with you all.

With much gratitude,

Heidi, David, Zeke, and Mikha
Founders, PALAKA Music and Arts

Ever wanted to sing musical theater with people who love it as much as you do?
This community choir is all about joy, expression, and finding your voice, no auditions, no pressure, just great music and supportive people. Come sing, laugh, and grow with us this spring.

Save your spot at palakamusic.com/calendar, we’d love to sing with you! 🎶

A fun first step into music starts here! ✨
Our Kids’ Pre-Flute & Pre-Clarinet classes are designed to introduce young musicians to wind instruments in a playful, supportive, and confidence-building way. 🎷🎼

Led by a jazz musician teacher, students learn proper technique, rhythm, and musical foundations while having fun.
🗓 Spring 2026
📍 Rockridge, Oakland
🔗 Register at www.palakamusic.com/calendar

Give your child a fun, creative after-school experience where they can learn piano, build confidence, and make music with friends.

Our Level 1 & Level 2 Piano Classes are designed for young musicians in a supportive, engaging environment with small group instruction and experienced teachers.

📍 Palaka Music & Arts | Rockridge
🗓️ Multiple weekday time options available

DON'T MISS the Buddy Discount!
Enroll with a friend and you BOTH get $50 off tuition.
Use code MUSICFRIENDS50 at checkout.

Spots are limited, don’t wait!
Register now at palakamusic.com/calendar

K-pop Demon Hunters voice actor and co-writer EJAE (Rumi) sings early version of GOLDEN lyrics from with co-writer @sonnen_blick playing piano at @deadline Sound & Screen at Royce Hall, UCLA in LA. This version was too long and some lines were redundant of on-screen animation #kpopdemomhunters

There are times when — especially as a woman of color small business owner — it doesn’t feel worth it to put in all the effort.

When I feel disrespected, when I feel taken advantage of, when I am misunderstood, when it feels like an uphill climb. This world wasn’t made for us brown folks and immigrants. And especially the world of business

…and then there are times when I receive reminders — like these cards — of the calling to open up to community, to make the invitations, to offer generously the gifts (and the spaces) we have been stewarded.

Reminders to remember that the people who appreciate what we offer… those are my people. And it’s not up to me to please or serve everyone 🤷🏻‍♀️

Ending today by sending loving kindness into the world: May you be happy. May you be safe. May you be healthy and well. May you be loved and at peace. 🙏🏽