Top 10 Guitar Instructors near Upper West Side, NY
These are the top 10 pros for your job.
Reviews for Upper West Side guitar instructors on Thumbtack
From Roddy G.
R.A.M. MUSIC (Manhattan 68th + West End Av.)
As an adult beginner, Robert made the daunting task of learning the guitar extremely comfortable and reassuring. The lessons so far have been both challenging and rewarding. I would recommend anyone thinking of picking up the guitar to use Robert’s services!
From Rebecca S.
Tamar Eisenman
Tamar is an attentive and skilled teacher who really helped me pick up some basic guitar skills. I was worried that I would feel in the lessons, as this was the very first time that I played guitar, but Tamar was able to make me feel comfortable and confident. I highly recommend her as a teacher! She is also easy to communicate with when it comes to scheduling lessons.
From Alex L.
Jeremy Hilliard
Jeremy was my daughter’s guitar teacher during the last two years of high school. He is a great teacher with deep music theory knowledge. Jeremy is great in tailoring his lessons to meet the students’ styles and interests. There has been times where he actually learned songs that my daughter liked and created arrangements just to teach her. As a result, she has developed a passion in guitar playing that will likely lasts her lifetime. She rarely goes anywhere without her guitar now. I would highly recommend Jeremy as a guitar teacher whatever your style or level. If you don’t like playing guitar after having lessons with him, the instrument is probably not meant for you!
From Thumbtack Customer
Take Note - NYC Music Lessons
My daughter had a terrific guitar lesson with Diana who was very patient with great attention to the fundamentals and we look forward to working with her again.
From Bianca T.
Patient, Private, & Professional Guitar Lessons
I can't say enough great things about Chris! From the very first lesson, he made learning the guitar feel fun, engaging, and totally approachable.
He's a passionate and knowledgeable guitar teacher who truly cares about their students' progress. Highly recommend!
From Thumbtack Customer
Prospect Music Studio
This was my first guitar lesson, first instrument lesson from high school really and I was nervous, wasn't sure what to expect but Stelios made me feel very comfortable, his talent is inspiring, he was great with my 4 year old and I can't wait for my next lesson!
From Shin C.
Advantage Guitar Lessons
Ryan is an amazing teacher! Super professional via Zoom with all the camera angles and lesson plan materials ready. He has an excellent student portal and sends detailed lesson notes after class. Looking forward to becoming an awesome guitar player 🎸
From Thumbtack Customer
Guitar Lessons
I had the crazy idea to get a guitar and take lessons - with no musical background whatsoever. Aodhan has been an amazing instructor, patient and with a great vibe! Would definitely recommend!
From Thumbtack Customer
Patient, Private, & Professional Guitar Lessons
Chris is hands down the best guitar teacher I have ever had (I have had six guitar teachers since I started playing 30 years ago). He has taken me further in two months than other instructors did in two years. In every lesson, Chris is constantly assessing where I am in my guitar journey, and plotting a course to get me to the next level. He listens to my every questions and gives succinct answers. His lessons leave me feeling inspired to practice and to just enjoy playing again. For anyone stuck in a pentatonic rut, or just needing inspiration, run, don't walk, to get a few lessons with Chris!
From Kalia L.
Worship Guitar Lessons
Fernando is the best guitar teacher I’ve ever had and I’ve been through a few. He makes his own music sheets for the songs you want to learn and it’s very professional. He’s nonjudgmental and keeps the lessons fun. I highly recommend Fernando for a guitar teacher. Thank you! 😊
From Paul J.
Tim Johnson Guitar Studio & Live Jazz
Tim is a a great guitar teacher! I’m a true beginner and am already seeing improvement after several lessons. He’s methodical, patient, and takes the time to understand my goals. The lessons themselves are incredibly helpful, and he provides follow-up notes to help me stay on track in between lessons. Overall, it’s been a great experience!
From Cayla S.
Brandon Hawkins Guitar Lessons
I’ve been working with Brandon for about 7 months now and have already progressed far beyond what I ever expected. I came in with some really basic experience with guitar and Brandon easily catered lessons to my experience level and has not only advanced my guitar skills, but also my knowledge of music. He is super talented, knowledgeable and makes learning the guitar really fun! 10/10, can’t recommend enough!
From Nisha P.
Michael Laster
Michael gave me an introductory lesson to guitar. He was patient and brought handouts for me as part of his lesson plan. Together, we discussed how I could achieve my goals and play the songs that I want to learn. I’m confident that I can learn how to play under his guidance and direction. Thanks Michael!
From Rachel D.
Patient, Private, & Professional Guitar Lessons
Chris is definitely a pro! Lessons are really fun and inspiring! great to learn music in a very vivid way! I've been playing guitar on and off for a few years but it's my first time learning how chords and melody work together and even try to write songs! I am even more passionate about guitar/music than when I started☺️☺️
From Claudia Z.
Drew Wesely
Drew was so amazing. My dad has been through so much and this was the perfect activity for him. Drew was so accommodating and patient and kind and helped my dad keep cultivating his love for guitar with a perfect amount of fun and challenge. Truly wonderful lesson. Can’t wait for more.
From Thumbtack Customer
Josh Taylor Guitar Lessons
I had attempted to learn the guitar via YouTube for about 6 months and continued to struggle. Decided to give Josh a shot and have been thoroughly impressed. He is a young, down-to-earth normal guy with tons knowledge and enthusiasm. He actually listens to what I want to learn and structures his lessons and materials around this. He always comes well prepared and teaching comes natural to him. Overall extremely happy with Josh as a guitar coach (contrary to all the others I've tried!)
From Thumbtack Customer
Josh Taylor Guitar Lessons
I have always wanted to learn to play the guitar, so I decided to try to give it a go on my own last year. Watching youtube's, buying iphone apps but found myself not really gaining any momentum. My boyfriend bought me lessons for Christmas with Josh and I am so happy he did. Josh is incredibly thorough, insightful and taking classes with him has been a blast. He breaks it down and really helps you understand the fundamentals of playing the guitar. I'm several lessons in and I already feel like I'm miles ahead from when I started. I HIGHLY recommend Josh, he's a wonderful teacher and learning from him has been so seamless!
- ALANA
From Thumbtack Customer
The Creative Within
Aman is a truly wonderful teacher. I took lessons from other teachers for six years before taking a break from guitar during college. I didn't even realize how many things I never learned how to do correctly and how it was limiting my ability to make music until I went to Aman. He is incredibly knowledgable about music and guitar and it helps him to explain and teach well. He is always coming up with exercises to help me with my weaknesses and gives great advice on how to practice inbetween lessons. Having had experiences with three other teachers before finding Aman, I can say that he is one of the rare teachers who has the ability to help you become a real musician. That's not to say that lessons are always really serious, he's incredibly fun to work with and the hour and a half always seems to fly by. In short, I cannot recommend Aman highly enough!
From Ann P.
Guitar for kids
We are so happy to have discovered Nancy through Thumbtack! Our 15yo daughter who has been playing guitar since age 8 hit it off with Nancy right away. Transitioning from one teacher to another was potentially tricky- but over the weeks we could see that Nancy’s upbeat, methodical approach to learning music was really having a tremendous effect on my daughter’s guitar playing. We requested an emphasis in classical guitar , which Nancy is able to deliver, but she mixes it up with popular music , which my daughter appreciates. There is a definite improvement in my daughter’s skills! Not only does she pick up the guitar and practice longer, but she is also enjoying the whole process of creating a beautiful sound more. Nancy has an impressive training background and full musical career here in NYC - yet she manages to make herself available for home lessons which is super convenient for us. Could not be happier!
From Suzanne S.
Take Note - NYC Music Lessons
After a discussion about what my 7 year old granddaughter wanted to learn, Take Note chose a teacher for her that was a perfect match! She's charming, asute, musically accomplished and makes the lessons appealing and fun. My granddaughter loves her and is learning quickly and eager to do her weekly guitar homework. We highly recommend Take Note!
From Brad M.
Guitar by Anthony
I started lessons with Anthony in December. Throughout my life I have had 3 guitar teachers before him, for as long as a year, and have never been better than I am right now (this is also in half the session time as previous teachers had me start with 1hr sessions). For the first time in my life I am confident to say "I play guitar," despite having started lessons when I was still in elementary school! His knowledge of the guitar, calm demeanour and method of teaching have me more comfortable than ever with a guitar in my hands. I'm confident transitioning between chords, as well as barre chords for the first time in my life! Oh, and now I can read music! Within the first month I was already able to start picking up and learning a few songs and now I can play most songs that I try to learn, picking up the chord progressions rather simply for most songs I attempt. Right now we are still progressing to get better each week, learning cool finger techniques and scales! After just a small time with Anthony I've developed a love and passion for playing the guitar, which has turned into an almost therapeutic experience right in the palm of my hands! Can't say enough good things about Anthony, and if your on the fence then I would say don't wait, start as soon as you can! You will be glad you did as right from day 1, Anthony will leave you amazed with what he can teach you!
From Madeline l.
Michael Laster
I’m 25, work fulltime, and have some extremely rusty background in music and a few years of self-taught guitar experience. I reached out to Mike for lessons because I wanted some real guidance and structure to lean in to my playing a bit more. Mike has been so flexible with scheduling around my work, brings thoughtful materials to each lesson and has been focusing on styles and artists that match my goals. My practicing has been so much more productive and skill-focused, and I’m a more confident player in just a few months- wish I started with Mike years ago!
From Thumbtack Customer
Guitar by Anthony
Anthony is the reason I am finally learning guitar AND ENJOYING its addition of balance and relaxation to my life. I tried for several years with YouTube videos and one other teacher in NY, but the motivation waned. I've been excited to come to weekly lessons for 6 months with Anthony. He has an unusual combination of extreme skill and extreme humility and warmth. My parents are both professional classical musicians so even though I am a beginner in guitar I appreciate his skill. Also, they have commented that I am making great, steady progress and that the accompanying theory I am learning is very sound. Anthony is flexible, allowing me to learn the songs I want to play for my newborn and my husband, and adjusting them for my level, while working theory in between, always making it fun and laid back. I've lived in NYC 11 years and he is one of the nicest people I've ever met. This guitar teacher is a find -- a true diamond in the rough of manhattan!
From Thumbtack Customer
James Wengrow Guitar Lessons
After placing an ad for a private lessons guitar teacher a couple of months ago, I narrowed my choices down to two potential teachers. James Wengrow was one of the teachers and after meeting him for a free trial first lesson (which he generously offered) there was no doubt in my mind that he was a good fit for me.
First of all, James is very professional. I asked for daytime, weekday lessons and he offered me time slots that were in alignment with that request. James arrived on time and prepared to teach. He asked me questions about my musical background, goals for taking lessons, musical preferences, and musical knowledge. He listened carefully to me and responded thoughtfully without any attitude or haughtiness.
James is an educated and well trained musician (he studied, played professionally and taught extensively in his home country of Australia before moving to NYC last year), but he never rubs that in your face. He has a lovely humility about him which I believe is part of what makes him, such a good teacher, especially for beginners like myself. However, he is also good at keeping me focused. As a stay at home mom with a toddler, I am grateful for James's style, as he is sort of a gentle task master who is sensitive to the dynamics of a private lesson.
He is also great with the more practical aspects of lessons, like communicating, (text, email, phone, etc.) scheduling, etc.
So far, I have been very pleased with our lessons. The only thing I wish for is more time to practice!
If you have any questions pertaining to James Wengrow's services, please feel free to reach out to him directly for my phone number or email address. I live in Manhattan and would be happy to serve as his reference.
Tasha Antulov
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