At Blue Bear, we believe music nourishes, inspires and connects us; we are dedicated to providing opportunities for everyone to learn and play music.
Founded in San Francisco in 1971, Blue Bear School of Music has trained over 20,000 students in voice, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, bass, drums, horns, songwriting, bands and ensembles. Blue Bear currently has more than 1,700 members enrolled in small group classes and private or semi-private lessons with programming focused on Americana, Rock, Jazz, and Roots. Blue Bear also offers nu
merous music programs for disadvantaged youth throughout the year, in collaboration with community partners such as GLIDE and the Bayview YMCA. Originally founded as "Blue Bear Waltzes School of Genuine Music" in the summer of 1971 by a rock band called Wolfgang & Strauss, Blue Bear was initially run by a co-operative of teachers and students. In 1978, operations moved from the original storefront on Ocean Avenue to Fort Mason Center in San Francisco's Marina District. Blue Bear's current Board of Trustees include co-founder and Board President Steve Savage, and well-known singer/songwriter Bonnie Hayes. Some of Blue Bear's notable sponsors include Blackalicious, Charles Brown, Cake, Don Was, Tracy Chapman, Les Claypool, The Doobie Brothers, Green Day, John Lee Ho**er, Metallica, Rancid, Carlos Santana and The Donnas. At Blue Bear, we believe that playing music changes lives!
06/11/2026
THIS SUNDAY! is back for another season (their 89th!), and weβre once again honored to be a part of the festivities! Please join us in the KidZone with your curious littles where & (creators/instructors of Blue Bearβs DJ program) will be offering DJ performances and hands-on coaching to the kids!
In related news, one-time Blue Bear DJ instructor who won the opening DJ contest and will be performing on the main stage before and between Marinero and Peter Cat Recording Co! Congrats Ali! See yβall there!!! π³ππ»
06/08/2026
We have some great teacher & staff performances coming up in June ranging from Blues, Country, Rock to adult Electronica! Come join our community and meet some new friends while discovering new music ππ»
Make-Out Room
06/04/2026
Our instructor Uncle Ray has some fun summer events coming up soon! Check him out πΈππ»
05/21/2026
Take a free trial in the first weekend class this Sun @ 2pm at our Mission Bay campus! If weekends donβt work for you, we also have a couple spots in Teacher Jiβs popular mixed age afternoon classes, at 3pm and 4pm on Mondays, also at MB!
Blue Bear All Star Band Shows in May! πΈπ₯πΉπ₯π€
π Sun 5/10 at the Neck of the Woods, 1pm, free
π Sat 5/16 at the Hotel Utah, 2pm, free
π Sun 5/17 at the Gilman, 1:30pm, free
05/08/2026
We have some great teacher & staff performances coming up in May ranging from English Country Dance, Electro Funk, children songs, to adult Electronica! Come join our community and meet some new friends while discovering new music ππ»
05/07/2026
Weβre back this year for Plaza Pulse 4:30-6:30pm this Thurs! βοΈ weβll be playing music for you every 1st & 3rd Thurs of the month by the pop up on the main plaza! Different alumni, students and BB teachers are in rotation so keep an ear out for our line ups coming soon!
openair music djshowcase
04/22/2026
This Sat! Our instructor will be performing with the legendary for a night of deep disco cuts along side & π§
π 101 6th st. SF
ποΈπ - in their bio
04/22/2026
Our BB alumni DJs are performing this Friday! Enjoy vegan bites & delicious cocktails or mocktails served in this cozy HiFi listening lounge as well π§
π 370 grove st. SF
π 4/24/26 9pm-1:30am
ποΈ free
04/21/2026
Are you a car-and-shower singer? Or someone who has always wanted to sing but is too shy to try? Not even sure if you can sing? Blue Bearβs βSinging for People Who Canβt Singβ is for you! For those with previous singing experience or lessons, get back in shape and work on your technique with Marianne Valentine π€ classes start this Thurs! π in bio