Singing Wood Marimba Center - Soquel, California

Gwen Berliner

Playing marimba at Singing Wood is so much fun! I’ve been playing for 15 years and it’s been such a joyful and enriching experience. I had no musical experience before starting to play yet I was able to jump in right away, playing music that is so rich and exciting. Laura fosters an environment where people are patient and kind with each other so it’s fine to make mistakes. I often feel like I’m in heaven when I’m playing!

On top of playing this wonderful music I’ve also enjoyed being part of a larger marimba community. Laura is an amazing organizer and as students we get chances to play at at least three events: a picnic, a Halloween performance and a showcase. I enjoy so many aspects of these events, sharing the joy of the music with others, dancing to other groups as they play and sharing food and conversation.

I also appreciate that the music is shared with us from from Zimbabwean musicians and that Laura promotes supporting these musicians in culturally appropriate ways.

I’m so grateful that I found Singing Wood!

Betty Weiss

I have been playing marimba at Singing Wood since 2003 or so and never plan to give it up! Laura is a caring and patient instructor and she knows how to teach to each person’s level. The songs are interesting and varied and the group dynamic in each class and the band really work well.

Toni Corrigan

I’ve been making joyous music with Singing Wood Marimba for almost twelve years and I’m happy for the opportunity to tell others about my experience.

I came to Singing Wood because my husband and I were walking by the studio one night when a class was in session, we paused to listen and I told him, “I’ve gotta do that!”. And one might say, the rest is history.

I’ve been in as many as five weekly classes because getting enough just doesn’t seem to be an option. I love this community! My classmates are collaborative, kind to a fault, and generous.

Laura Mallon, the instructor and founder of Singing Wood, has made this possible. She is amazingly talented and a superb teacher. Her main strength is her ability to allow anyone to enjoy playing with an ensemble no matter the level of skill or experience. She meets each student where they are and puts them on a part that works for that student. This is not an easy feat and I’ve never seen her fail to meet the needs of a struggling student.

If you’ve ever wanted to play music with others, this is the perfect opportunity to have that experience. I can’t recommend it enough.

Ketury Stein

Playing music with others at Singing Wood is one of the funnest, most engaging, most satisfying things I've ever done. The music is wonderful, the rhythm is fantastic, and it's for all levels from beginners on up. Laura is a great musician and an excellent teacher.

Ross Levoy

Playing marimba has been one of my favorite things I've ever done.
I've been taking lessons at Singing Wood for over 10 years and love every minute of it.
And playing marimba music with a group is just thrilling, every time. It's a big, happy sound.
I don't read music but you don't have to to learn and the gratification is almost (but not quite) immediate.
Big fan of Singing Wood, here!

Michelle Barth

I came to this class having never played an instrument. Laura is an excellent teacher who has the patience and expertise to teach students at all levels of musical knowledge. I enjoy making such happy music with others. It really is fun!!

Mara Margolis

Laura is a talented percussionist and we are blessed in Santa Cruz to be able to play the happy sound of Zimbabwean marimba. I had dreamt of being able to play ensemble music, having had no musical training, and at 65 years old I was able to do it!!

PAULA ZUAZUA

I have been playing with classmates at Singingwood for close to 12 years and wouldn’t know what to do without it! Singingwood has enhanced the quality of my life and it is so much fun to play marimba with other wonderful people and a fantastic teacher! I highly recommend adding it to your life!