In kindergarten, Michael Nunez learned how to play the accordion. It was a popular instrument at the time, so his parents started him in group lessons.
By the time he was in junior high, Michael was also playing drums, piano, and guitar. When his friends took interest in the instruments, he lent them a hand as they learned.
“From that point on, it evolved from just helping my friends to now it’s a full-time business,” the music teacher said.
Lessons for the whole family
Michael and Christine Nunez offer a range of lessons in singing and music. Sign up for in-home lessons in San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, and Orcutt or at the studio in Arroyo Grande by visiting michaelsmusicacademy.com. Call (805) 473-8419 for more information.
Some 35 years later, he and his wife, Christine, run Michael’s Music Academy out of their home studio in Arroyo Grande. They just hit 21 years and are busier than ever.
While Michael teaches at the Arroyo Grande studio, four other musicians instruct at students’ homes in Orcutt, Santa Maria, and San Luis Obispo. With the longest waiting list they’ve ever had, the business is looking to hire another teacher to expand its services in the Santa Maria area. Between 60 and 70 students take lessons from Michael’s Music Academy right now, Christine estimated.
When the couple moved to the Central Coast, they noticed a need for music lessons in the area. A lack of public school funding has left campuses without music education lately, and Christine said they fill the extracurricular gap with private sessions.
Students can take lessons from Michael in guitar, piano, percussion, mandolin, ukelele, songwriting, and singing. He thought he’d be bored if he only taught one.
How many instruments does Michael know how to play?
“Well, how many are there?” he said with a laugh. “I’m just kidding.”
Christine said her husband’s talent and the expertise of the four other teachers set their academy apart from other music schools in the area. Students can learn saxophone, flute, clarinet, harp, and the accordion, too.
“We’ve got teachers who can go into a family’s home, teach one kid flute, the other kid violin, and the other kid piano,” Christine said. “It’s amazing. I don’t know anybody else in this county or Santa Barbara County who offers that.”
Michael’s wealth of knowledge gives students flexibility in their lessons. He may start someone out on the piano, and as they learn more about music, they may choose to pick up a guitar or drumsticks.
To help students express themselves through music, Michael customizes lesson plans, teaching students what they want to learn—whether it’s pop music, Broadway hits, religious songs, or heavy metal. He believes the joy found in singing and playing instruments is a gift from God.
“I really want to connect with my students,” he said. “I really want to have a loving bond, a heart-to-heart relationship, with each of my students. It makes a world of difference.”
There aren’t any age restrictions at Michael’s Music Academy either. He’s taught children as young as 3 and 4 as well as adults in their 80s.
“All ages. All levels, from beginning to advanced,” Christine said. “We’ve lately had several students who are newly retired. … It’s very rewarding to see them come in and work so hard. They’re doing so well and making progress.”
On the other side of the spectrum, many families hire Michael’s Music Academy for their children. Michael is patient and gentle with young musicians, careful not to rush them. Parents often sit in the living room at the Arroyo Grande studio to watch the lessons.
Michael credits his success to Christine because without her, he said he wouldn’t be able to follow his passion. In addition to running the administrative side of Michael’s Music Academy, Christine has her own physical therapy practice. She finds it rewarding to watch her husband flourish in a career he loves.
Even before they moved to Arroyo Grande, Michael was a self-employed music teacher. He’s also performed with bands for as long as he can remember.
“I just love music,” Michael said. “I love teaching it, performing it, and sharing it.”
Staff Writer Madison White played the violin for eight years, only stopping to fit the high school newspaper class into her schedule. Send notes to mwhite@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in February 12 – February 19, 2026.
Thank you Madison for writing such a wonderful article about us!