ModernTone Studios is a state of the art recording and teaching facility in Lafayette, CA. It is a truly unique musical hub that caters to recording artists, bands, aspiring musicians and music students of all levels. Run by record producers and performing musicians who specialize in a wide variety of styles and genres, ModernTone aims to provide professional instruction, guidance, and support that empower people to realize and fulfill their potential and achieve their musical dreams.
As a recording studio, ModernTone serves local bands, singers, songwriters, instrumentalists, and musical groups in the Bay Area. We provide professional recording, mixing and mastering services as well as pre-production, instrumentation, arrangement and transcription. In addition, ModernTone produces audiobooks for local authors and records narration and voice-overs for film and television.
As a music school, ModernTone provides a nurturing learning environment for students of all ages and playing levels. We teach guitar, bass, drums, piano, voice, songwriting and music production using handpicked high-quality equipment that is made in the USA. We are all active musicians who perform regularly on stages all over the Bay Area. Passing down our knowledge and experience is a labor of love, and it shows in the way we teach. Whether you are a child or an adult, a casual player or an aspiring pro, we would love to help take your music to the next level.
Meet The Owner
Jacob Light
Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer with 25 years experience. Founder, owner, musical director of ModernTone
Instructors
All of us here at ModernTone are professional musicians who have been teaching for years and have helped hundreds of students realize their full musical potential. Click on an instructor to learn more about them.
Jan Fidelis
Guitarist, band leader, and educator with a Masters degree in music composition and a passion for shredding
Chris Martsolf
Drummer, pianist, and music producer with a Music degree from UCSC and a passion for multiple genres
Diana Alvarez
Vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and educator with a PhD and a love for teaching soulful music of all styles
Adam Hughes
Composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist with a passion for everything music
Daniel Nervo
Master guitarist and educator who plays with top bands in the Bay Area and loves teaching all levels
Jessica Winn
Vocalist, pianist, and educator with 20+ years of music experience and a master's from SF Conservatory
Paige Patrick
Vocalist, educator, and vocal coach with a passion for great singing and a master's in vocal performance
Briget Boyle
Vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and music educator who loves teaching, performing, and recording
Jan Fidelis
Guitarist, band leader, and educator with a Masters degree in music composition and a passion for shredding
Chris Martsolf
Drummer, pianist, and music producer with a Music degree from UCSC and a passion for multiple genres
Diana Alvarez
Vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and educator with a PhD and a love for teaching soulful music of all styles
Adam Hughes
Composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist with a passion for everything music
Daniel Nervo
Master guitarist and educator who plays with top bands in the Bay Area and loves teaching all levels
Jessica Winn
Vocalist, pianist, and educator with 20+ years of music experience and a master's from SF Conservatory
Paige Patrick
Vocalist, educator, and vocal coach with a passion for great singing and a master's in vocal performance
Briget Boyle
Vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and music educator who loves teaching, performing, and recording
Reviews
We are the highest rated music studio in the Bay Area and maintain a 5-star rating on Yelp, Facebook, Google and Thumbtack. Check out what our students have to say about their experience at ModernTone.

Dylan C.
July 30, 2024 via YelpI had an idea for an album and ModernTone helped me get it done. I learned a ton and had a great time doing it. My record is now out on all streaming... Read more
Jared James
April 19, 2024 via GoogleAmazing experience. This is my second time working with Jacob Light and Modern Tone studios - it surpassed my expectations yet again. Briget Boyle did a great job with scheduling and ensuring for a smooth experience, both expectations in day to day production as well as... Read more
Nick D.
March 30, 2024 via YelpTL;DR: Book your recording session here, now! Stop looking. Recording our band's album at ModernTone was a fantastic experience. Jacob is exactly the... Read more
brittany b.
March 27, 2024 via YelpModernTone studios is everything I have looked for in a studio. I've had the chance to work with several of the amazing people that work there, and I have... Read more
Michael Abrams
March 14, 2024 via GoogleI've recorded songs in LA, Nashville, and now SF, and can honestly say that the experience at ModernTone is unlike any other. As soon as you walk in the door, you're warmly greeted by a number of staff, all of whom are very well accomplished musicians in their own right. The... Read more
Christopher Bean
March 13, 2024 via GoogleModernTone Studios is an amazing hub for musicians! Jacob Light and his team have worked meticulously to create a positive environment where people of all skill levels can learn, record, and chat all things music. I'm continually amazed at how supportive everyone at ModernTone... Read more
Katherine Sedler
March 5, 2024 via GoogleJacob has been a phenomenal producer to work with. His studio space is clearly a product of his passion. Professionally he pushes our band to be our best, offers insightful suggestions, values our feedback, and collaborates with enthusiasm and respect. I appreciate his... Read more
Jackie Sergie
June 2, 2023 via GoogleI have been working with Modern Tone Studio and Briget Boyle (vocal & song writing coach), for over a year now and we just wrapped on my first EP. As an adult returning to music after many years away and very intense training as a child, the experience was amazing and I'm... Read more
Dan Miller
May 1, 2023 via GoogleJacob is a total pro. The studio is clean, beautifully designed, and extremely comfortable to work in. Jacob has plenty of gear and a clear idea of how to get the best out of people. The prices are incredibly reasonable and the final product is completely professional. Can’t... Read more
Let's Talk
Drop us a line and let us know what you are thinking. We typically respond in minutes, but it can take up to 24 hours when things are super busy.