Q: I live too far from Los Angeles and there are no local teachers in my area. Any suggestions?
In addition to the studio lessons, we offer online lessons through our sister school LAGA Online, both in recorded format and live via webcam. Find out more about our live webcam lessons and online on-demand lessons.
Q: Do you have special programs available for advanced/high intensity learning for short periods of time?
Brief descriptions of the content of our guitar courses are available here. Since these lessons are private, they can be customized to your exact specifications, goals, and background. A short, focused period of study over the summer would be a great way to get an intensive exposure to all of the topics. If you have a fairly regular schedule, we recommend one of our regular weekly lesson programs, Schedule A, B or C. If your stay will be brief but focused, we would, therefore, recommend either our 6-Pack or our 12-Pack programs, in which you may take six or twelve hours, respectively, of private lessons over the span of two or three months. Flexible scheduling is available for these elite programs. Please see our prices and policies page for details.
Q: What will happen in my first meeting?
When you arrive for your first lesson, your instructor will conduct a brief, in-person assessment of your playing skills, as well as an in-depth interview about your goals. He will then design a lesson plan and practice schedule that will help you achieve maximum results.
Following that brief, 30-minute free assessment, he will begin your first lesson, This intense private lesson will focus on these areas that you wish to address in your studies. This lesson can range from one to three hours, depending upon your background, schedule, and goals.
Q: Where can I find quality jazz / rock / blues / improvisation lessons?
We do have an excellent program in contemporary jazz, blues, rock, and more. Our private live webcam lessons, taught on Skype, would be an excellent fit for your needs. We can customize these lessons to help you achieve your exact goals. You can learn more about our webcam guitar lessons.
While you are on our website, please take a look at our faculty page. We have just added Mark Goldenberg to our faculty as a guest instructor. Mark is an expert in the styles that you are interested in. He has had many years of experience playing with world-renowned jazz, blues, and rock artists. To see his credentials, please take a look at his biography.
When you have finished looking over the information, the next step is for you to fill our our pre-registration form, also available on the left-hand sidebar of our website. After seeing your musical background, goals, and available times, we can provide you an instructor and program that will suit your specifications.
Q: Will I need a classical / nylon string guitar, or can I use my steel string / acoustic guitar to begin?
In the first couple of lessons you may be able to work on basic left and right hand techniques on a steel string guitar. Eventually, however, you will need to move up to a true classical or Flamenco guitar. We have a few other suggestions on our webpage for first-time guitar students.
Q: Do I have to bring my own guitar, or is there a guitar at the studio I can use?
Although we have student guitars available at the studios (please check availability with the instructor), it is always better if the student brings their own guitar to their lesson, since skills taught in the studio will be best remembered if one uses the same instrument for both lessons and practice. If you do not have a guitar, we have some suggestions posted on our first meeting page, where you can learn more about how to prepare for your first meeting.
Q: Will age make a difference? Does one have to be below a certain age to start learning the guitar?
No, absolutely not. Thankfully, unless your goals include auditioning for music schools or entering classical guitar competitions, you can start learning to play the guitar at any age. At Los Angeles Guitar Academy, we emphasize the importance of a thorough warm-up routine before practice sessions, and the importance of having a balanced posture and a natural and efficient technique throughout our curriculum. Guitarists of any age should heed the following advice: Always listen to your body. Pain and/or strain is NOT normal, and is usually the best indicator that it is time for you to take a break. When you return, look into your technique. Make sure you are playing with correct technique. Finally, learn to play the guitar in gradual steps. Enjoy every note in every piece you are working on, and you will not be disappointed in your progress. You are in good hands.