The guitar is a fun instrument for almost any age! At the Academy, you can learn a variety of styles on both electric and acoustic guitars, and also classical on (preferably) a nylon-string instrument. Beginners can work on playing melodies, sight-reading, theory or just playing the chords to your favorite songs so you can sing along. Our lessons will help you discover new techniques and help you have fun playing the music you love. We have a variety of guitar method books, or you might be learning chords and styles that your teacher writes down on paper – talk to your teacher about what you want to learn. They want to help you on your musical journey! If you wish, feel free to bring a device or a CD to your lesson to help you learn your favorite songs.
Why should we study the guitar at the Academy?
Our teachers are warm and friendly, and they get to know each student and parent. We work with each student to develop a lesson plan that fits the student’s unique needs and favorite type of music. If you want to play in a band or just play and sing on your front porch, we’ll get to know what you want to accomplish musically and help you achieve your goals.
What styles of music do you teach?
We teach just about everything – blues, rock, pop, contemporary worship, country, classical, you name it.
What ages do you teach?
We’ve had guitar students as young as 5, but holding a big ol’ guitar is sometimes difficult for smaller kiddos. Younger students might be better off starting with a ukulele – the instruments are smaller, there are only four strings, the strings are nylon (easier on fingertips), and what you learn on a uke will translate to a guitar quite easily.
Do I need to know how to read music?
Absolutely not. Although we can help you learn to read music for guitar, you don’t need to know ANYTHING to start.
Do I need a guitar to learn the instrument?
Well, you will need something to play at home. If you don’t have one, we can help you choose one that will work for you. If you do have access to one, bring it in with you! We can help you determine if it’s right for you.
Are there recitals?
We don’t have the sort of recitals where you have to play Bach partitas from memory for stern-faced judges. We DO have fun student showcases in summer and winter; you can play music you like for your friends and family. Our showcases are not in some corner of the store but in a nice venue with sound, lighting, and video recording – you can be on YouTube if you want to! This is a great opportunity for your family from far away to see your progress. And, unlike some, we don’t charge a fee to perform.
" I want to let you know how much M___ loves her voice lessons. Her teacher is absolutely PHENOMENAL! !! She looks forward to her lessons and is so excited about the music she is working on. Every week she tells me how thankful she is to have a teacher who really gets her. Many thanks..."
"You'll find that it's very relaxed, easy, non-threatening and you'll have a good time. I've experienced another place or two, and they don't come close to comparing." Joe, who takes private guitar lessons.
"I have really enjoyed learning piano at the Academy. My teachers there have been patient with me, and I do feel that I have learned something new each time I finish a lesson. It has been a great experience and I look forward to learning more."
"I think I was looking for this, and I think I was looking for it for a long time. Instead of listening to music, now I can make some music."
"I really enjoy playing. This has been quite an accomplishment for me. I never had any music before and now I can play."
"I thought, 'I don't know if I'll ever be able to play these.' But after the first lesson and the second lesson and the third lesson, I thought, 'I think I like this!' I saw the ad in the paper and decided to come down here. It's the best decision I ever made."
"Thank you, thank you, thank you for the new keyboard! It is AWESOME. However, I may never get anything done because it is so much fun to play. I found the perfect combination of piano and strings with the duet setting and I played it for my husband. It's one of his favorite songs and it made him cry..."
"If you want to do it, don't be afraid – just do it. And have fun with it. When I sit down and play the piano, I forget everything else."
"I highly recommend learning to play. No, you are NOT too old to learn! You will find it very enjoyable and therapeutic."