This is one of NYC Guitar School's most beloved classes--it is challenging, and it is fun! This class dives into fundamental rhythm concepts to help you play with confidence, tone and expression. Learn bass-strums, palm mutes, scratches and sixteenth notes!

 

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

You have completed Beginners 1 & 2 or are comfortable with basic open chords and basic strumming patterns.

Katie Battistoni holds a degree in Jazz Guitar Performance from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. She currently teaches songwriting and music theory at The New School in New York City. She is a fierce advocate of the Neil Young adage that rock and roll is here to stay, and of Thelonious Monk’s mantra that the genius is the one most like [them]self.

Katie has performed and recorded with Marc Ribot, Ches Smith, Wendy Eisenberg, Weasel Walter’s Flying Luttenbachers, Joanna Sternberg, and members of Vulfpeck, Big Thief, and Caroline. She has played in musical theater productions off-Broadway and at Bard College’s Fisher Center. Under the artist name Katy the Kyng (non-sovereign, non-patrilineal), she has written over 500 punk, folk, jazz, experimental, and rock songs about Idahoan laundromats, The Red Hook IKEA rug department, fruit flies, serotonin, and all of her friends.

Katie enjoys teaching hand technique, rock and roll lead-playing, developing self-confidence on the guitar (especially for women and non-gender-conforming students), transcription as a vehicle for jazz vocabulary, chord-melody arranging, fingerstyle accompaniment for folk singers, The Blues as a philosophy and practice, experimental improvisation, traditional songwriting forms, finding your singular (or majestic plural) voice, ear training, and music theory. She also enjoys practicing French, running in Prospect Park, learning chess openings, reading and writing poetry and narrative fiction, and playing with her three-legged tuxedo cat, Rigoletto.

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #ukulele #fingerstyle

This is one of NYC Guitar School's most beloved classes--it is challenging, and it is fun! In this class you will dramatically expand your guitar capacity, understanding, and skill with riffs, licks, diatonic chord theory, arpeggios, movable shapes, vamps and more as you prepare to move into barre chords, lead guitar and beyond.

This class is a "threshhold" class. Students typically take a bit longer to graduate from this class than most of our other classes, and it has the longest graduation requirements of any of 9 beginners classes. And it is worth it! Why? Because in this class you learn to use and relate to your instrument in a transformative way as you begin to exit the beginner stages of gutiar playing.

Most students graduate from this class after 12-20 sessions. But faster or slower is OK!

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

Prerequisites:
You have completed Beginners 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 or are comfortable with mixed 8th note and 16th note strumming patterns, palm muting, bass strumming, slash chords, arpeggios, bass runs, and switching between different strumming patterns and techniques in rhythm.

You are also comfortable with various chords including B7, Gadd5, Dm, small barre F, as well as basic open chords.

Dylan Fader picked up the guitar at a young age, captivated by the energy of jazz, blues, and rock. What started as a hobby quickly became a lifelong passion, leading him to study at Berklee College of Music, where he worked with Tomo Fujita, Bruce Bartlett, Tim Miller, and Oz Noy, and graduated with highest honors in Guitar Performance, focusing on improvisation, theory, and groove-based styles. Along the way, he also earned a degree in English Literature from SUNY New Paltz, reflecting his love of writing, storytelling, and creative expression.

Since then, Dylan has performed extensively as a solo artist, releasing multiple EPs and handling all vocals, guitar, and production himself. He is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, skilled on guitar, bass, keys, and vocals, and enjoys exploring a wide variety of musical ideas in both solo and collaborative settings. Dylan’s performances are informed by a deep understanding of musical structure, groove, and improvisation, allowing him to connect with audiences across genres.

As a teacher, Dylan specializes in jazz, blues, and rock, as well as improvisation, songwriting, and music theory. He emphasizes creativity, technical skill, and confidence-building, helping students develop their own musical voice while exploring new sounds and ideas. Lessons are tailored to each student’s goals, combining focused practice, hands-on guidance, and fun challenges that encourage stepping out of comfort zones.

Outside of music, Dylan enjoys writing, reading, watching movies, and staying active through jogging and other forms of exercise. He brings the same curiosity and passion he applies to music to all areas of his life, inspiring students and peers alike to explore, create, and grow.

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #FIDfri

Jaime teaches voice, guitar, and bass, and heads the Vocal Studio at NYC Guitar School. He has been teaching since 2001, and especially loves working with beginners. Students are often surprised to find they really can sing when they thought they couldn't. Jaime specializes in pop, classic & alternative rock, soul, folk, country, and blues, and has an abiding love of dark chocolate. Jaime grew up in western Connecticut, where he was inspired to play guitar after watching Nirvana Unplugged on MTV. He lived in Chapel Hill, NC; touring in rock, blues, and country bands. He then studied songwriting and recording, as well as guitar and voice, at Berklee College of Music. He continues to study voice in NYC with Marlon Saunders. Jaime was the frontman and songwriter for alt-rock band The Spanish Channel, which released three albums, opened for national acts, was mentioned in SPIN and Guitar World, and toured nationally. He now performs solo acoustic in NYC and throughout the East Coast. JaimeGaramella.com #leadguitar #fingerstyle #vocalteacher #12andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

Fingerstyle is the third essential dimension of guitar playing, along with strumming and single-note picking. This class explores the technique by delving into classic Singer-Songwriter fare from the 60’s (such as Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell), up to today (such as Ed Sheeran and Jason Mraz). We will also do custom guitar adaptations of great pop tunes that were not originally recorded for solo guitar (such as Elton John’s work). The focus here will be on our six strings, but those students who want to add vocals to the mix will be encouraged to do so.

 

At a minimum students should be comfortable with fingerstyle basics like: travis picking, arpeggios, thumb and finger alternation, etc.

 

**Note: Classes with low enrollment will be cancelled two days in advance. Be sure to sign up for your favorite classes before then to reserve your spot!**

Lenny Molotov has been teaching at NYC Guitar School since its inception in 2003.
He specializes in classic American styles.

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Emilio came to New York from Chicago as a wide-eyed freshman studying film and sociology at New York University. In the seven years since, he realized he was the happiest when music was a priority, which has taken him all over the world, most recently here to the NYC Guitar School. He is delighted to have joined their fantastic staff, and promises to bring all the excitement and energy he has for guitar to fulfilling the needs of faculty and students. In addition to his work at the NYC Guitar School, Emilio plays guitar and drums with several bands and projects throughout the city, enjoys running around Prospect Park, and cheering on his hometown Chicago Bulls. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Dylan Fader picked up the guitar at a young age, captivated by the energy of jazz, blues, and rock. What started as a hobby quickly became a lifelong passion, leading him to study at Berklee College of Music, where he worked with Tomo Fujita, Bruce Bartlett, Tim Miller, and Oz Noy, and graduated with highest honors in Guitar Performance, focusing on improvisation, theory, and groove-based styles. Along the way, he also earned a degree in English Literature from SUNY New Paltz, reflecting his love of writing, storytelling, and creative expression.

Since then, Dylan has performed extensively as a solo artist, releasing multiple EPs and handling all vocals, guitar, and production himself. He is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, skilled on guitar, bass, keys, and vocals, and enjoys exploring a wide variety of musical ideas in both solo and collaborative settings. Dylan’s performances are informed by a deep understanding of musical structure, groove, and improvisation, allowing him to connect with audiences across genres.

As a teacher, Dylan specializes in jazz, blues, and rock, as well as improvisation, songwriting, and music theory. He emphasizes creativity, technical skill, and confidence-building, helping students develop their own musical voice while exploring new sounds and ideas. Lessons are tailored to each student’s goals, combining focused practice, hands-on guidance, and fun challenges that encourage stepping out of comfort zones.

Outside of music, Dylan enjoys writing, reading, watching movies, and staying active through jogging and other forms of exercise. He brings the same curiosity and passion he applies to music to all areas of his life, inspiring students and peers alike to explore, create, and grow.

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #FIDfri

If you know your basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, but would like to be able to play entire songs with confidence--and mixed strums--then this is the class for you! You will become comfortable changing between these chords while using mixed strumming patterns, including the incredibly delicious sounding, ubiquitous and useful “basic strum” and “best strum" in the context of inspiring songs by artists like Adele, Bill Withers, Jason Mraz, Ed Sheeran and more.

 

Here's how it works:

 

1. Come to class weekly to learn songs and skills and get encouragement and feedback from your teacher. The course topics cycle every 8 weeks or so, so you can start anytime.

 

2. Practice at home using the included video practice library. Start each session with the Beginner Guitar 2 warm-up video to reinforce fundamentals and maximize your progress!

 

3. The secret to success is remembering what you want--so review the Beginner Guitar 2 Class Graduation Video frequently, and play along with as many stops and pauses as you need. First you may be confused. Then you may be challenged. Finally, you will crush it! When you do, you're ready for the next class level.

Prerequisites: You have completed Beginners 1 or are comfortable with basic open chords and can play along with the graduation video for the Beginner 1 level class.

Katie Battistoni holds a degree in Jazz Guitar Performance from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. She currently teaches songwriting and music theory at The New School in New York City. She is a fierce advocate of the Neil Young adage that rock and roll is here to stay, and of Thelonious Monk’s mantra that the genius is the one most like [them]self.

Katie has performed and recorded with Marc Ribot, Ches Smith, Wendy Eisenberg, Weasel Walter’s Flying Luttenbachers, Joanna Sternberg, and members of Vulfpeck, Big Thief, and Caroline. She has played in musical theater productions off-Broadway and at Bard College’s Fisher Center. Under the artist name Katy the Kyng (non-sovereign, non-patrilineal), she has written over 500 punk, folk, jazz, experimental, and rock songs about Idahoan laundromats, The Red Hook IKEA rug department, fruit flies, serotonin, and all of her friends.

Katie enjoys teaching hand technique, rock and roll lead-playing, developing self-confidence on the guitar (especially for women and non-gender-conforming students), transcription as a vehicle for jazz vocabulary, chord-melody arranging, fingerstyle accompaniment for folk singers, The Blues as a philosophy and practice, experimental improvisation, traditional songwriting forms, finding your singular (or majestic plural) voice, ear training, and music theory. She also enjoys practicing French, running in Prospect Park, learning chess openings, reading and writing poetry and narrative fiction, and playing with her three-legged tuxedo cat, Rigoletto.

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #ukulele #fingerstyle

In this class you will acquire a powerful vocabulary of open chords which will give you the skill and knowledge to play thousands of songs, including incorporating the small barre and becoming confident using your pinky. 

 

Guitarist and composer Ben McClintock (he/him) was born in the high desert of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Despite his early fascination with music, it wasn't until the age of 18 that he picked up a guitar. He was immediately captivated and began a lifelong commitment to the instrument.

Seeking to further develop his skills, he enrolled at Berklee College of Music. During his time there, he was fortunate to study under the guidance of slide guitar virtuoso David Tronzo for three years. Boston also became the breeding ground for his instrumental rock band Izzi Creo, which gained popularity in New England and released two independent albums.

After completing his studies at Berklee, McClintock moved to San Francisco. He became involved in indie-rock bands Social Studies and Smokin' Ziggurats, allowing him to tour the country and share the stage with renowned acts such as Bombino, Grizzly Bear, Metz, La Luz, and Dengue Fever. Throughout this period, he found a growing fascination with improvised and new music, leading him to perform solo with the electric guitar and an array of effect pedals.

After more than a decade on the west coast Ben moved back to the east coast where he earned a master's degree in Jazz Performance from Hunter College under the tutelage of renowned trombonist Ryan Keberle. He released his debut album as a leader "The Shape of Space" in 2024. The sound has been described as soulful, moody and playing with the lines between jazz and electronic music. He is currently in the process of finishing his follow up album recorded at Figure 8 Studios in Brooklyn in the fall of 2025.

Residing in Brooklyn, McClintock performs regularly with his quartet The Shape of Space and with many other creative and inspiring musicians. Alongside his musical pursuits, he embraces the role of an educator, relishing the opportunity to pass on his knowledge and expertise to aspiring and eager students.

#guitar #7andup

In this class you will acquire a powerful vocabulary of open chords which will give you the skill and knowledge to play thousands of songs, including incorporating the small barre and becoming confident using your pinky. 

 

Emilio came to New York from Chicago as a wide-eyed freshman studying film and sociology at New York University. In the seven years since, he realized he was the happiest when music was a priority, which has taken him all over the world, most recently here to the NYC Guitar School. He is delighted to have joined their fantastic staff, and promises to bring all the excitement and energy he has for guitar to fulfilling the needs of faculty and students. In addition to his work at the NYC Guitar School, Emilio plays guitar and drums with several bands and projects throughout the city, enjoys running around Prospect Park, and cheering on his hometown Chicago Bulls. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

In this class you will play compelling and complex strumming patterns, as you mix bass notes, palm mutes, scratches, and syncopated 16th notes, becoming a confident and expressive rhythm guitar player.

This class is a "threshhold" class. Students typically take a bit longer to graduate from this class than most of our other classes--and it is worth it! Why? Because in this class you learn to use and relate to your instrument in a transformative way, elevating your physical confidence and rhtyhmic understanding and expressiveness. Most students graduate from this class after 8-12 sessions. But faster or slower is OK!

 

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

Born and raised in the outskirts of New York City, Greg began studying music at an early age into his college years. Starting with the saxophone in grade school and later moving on to guitar, it became clear that music would be a lifelong passion.

In this class you will mix and match E and A form barre chords over the entire fretboard and you will deepen your understanding of essential chord progressions.

 

This is the final course in our Beginners series...after this class you are very ready for ensembles, rock bands, lead guitar, and much more in the vast world of guitar.

 

Eric is joining us from Hamilton, Canada. This is his second stint making America “home”. The first was as a scholarship student at Berklee College of Music in Boston studying bass and guitar performance.

His professional experience includes everything from bar gigs co-starring the weekly hockey game to cross-country indie tours stuffed in a cramped van to backing up Grammy and Juno (Canadian Grammy) award-winning artists. The genres are equally diverse as the gigs; folk/singer-songwriter, rock, top 40, r&b, country and jazz just to name a few.

Although the bass has been Eric’s primary musical instrument, his guitar playing has always held an important role. In fact, during a decade of teaching, most his students have been guitarists...let’s face it, only a select few listen to Jimi Hendrix and want to be Noel Redding!
His teaching style is encouraging, motivating and relaxed while focusing on each student's personal musical taste and aspirations. Eric’s goal is to inspire each student to discover all that the guitar (or bass!) has to offer and help cultivate a love of music.

#bassguitar #leadguitar #fingerstyle #16andup #guitar

Jaime teaches voice, guitar, and bass, and heads the Vocal Studio at NYC Guitar School. He has been teaching since 2001, and especially loves working with beginners. Students are often surprised to find they really can sing when they thought they couldn't. Jaime specializes in pop, classic & alternative rock, soul, folk, country, and blues, and has an abiding love of dark chocolate. Jaime grew up in western Connecticut, where he was inspired to play guitar after watching Nirvana Unplugged on MTV. He lived in Chapel Hill, NC; touring in rock, blues, and country bands. He then studied songwriting and recording, as well as guitar and voice, at Berklee College of Music. He continues to study voice in NYC with Marlon Saunders. Jaime was the frontman and songwriter for alt-rock band The Spanish Channel, which released three albums, opened for national acts, was mentioned in SPIN and Guitar World, and toured nationally. He now performs solo acoustic in NYC and throughout the East Coast. JaimeGaramella.com #leadguitar #fingerstyle #vocalteacher #12andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

About the Class:
Playing music with other people is one of the greatest gifts of learning the guitar! This class builds upon the amazing foundation gained from our beginner guitar curriculum. We expand our knowledge of chords and triads, improv, and lead playing while learning and recording our favorite songs. Each session we will pick songs we love, deconstruct the elements of each guitar part, and use this knowledge to create a part that works within the group. Our goal by the end of the class is to be able to piece together all of our parts and take them to our virtual/online recording studio, SoundTrap. Previous recording experience helpful but not required!

Born and raised in the outskirts of New York City, Greg began studying music at an early age into his college years. Starting with the saxophone in grade school and later moving on to guitar, it became clear that music would be a lifelong passion.

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Beau Croxton is a New York City-born singer/songwriter who has been playing for 24 years. He has performed in the New York City live music scene regularly since 2012, performing at venues including Baby’s All Right, The Sultan Room, TV Eye, Mercury Lounge and beyond.

Beau began guitar classes at the age of 11 and went on to teach himself bass and drums. Beau started performing and songwriting regularly before the age of 14 with a passion for classic rock n’ roll and New York City’s 1970s punk rock scene. Beau studied improv and music theory with the group Medeski, Martin, and Wood in 2008 and 2010, and was the lead guitarist in John Medeski’s ensemble.

Beau is the lead singer and guitarist of the NYC garage-rock n’ roll band Damn Jackals, in which he does the arrangements for every instrument. The band has toured the USA twice— one tour included a slot at Savannah Stopover Music Festival in 2019 alongside Deerhunter, Lucy Dacus, and Faye Webster. Beau and Damn Jackals have received critical acclaim in press outlets such as American Songwriter, Under the Radar Magazine and more. Beau also directed and arranged a horn section for Damn Jackals that consisted of players who have toured & collaborated prominently with David Byrne (of Talking Heads), St Vincent and LCD Soundsystem.

As a teacher, Beau leads with kindness and highlights the fun in every moment. He specializes in classic rock, indie, pop, blues guitar, performing and songwriting. He can play an arrange of other styles including metal, indie-rock, punk, slide guitar, reggae, folk, country and beyond.

Beau’s approach to teaching guitar is centered around the fact that everyone is capable of being a great guitarist/bassist. Beau celebrates positivity of every learning moment with an emphasis on kindness in order to make his students feel confident, capable and comfortable.

#guitar #leadguitar #bass #7andup

If you know your basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, but would like to be able to play entire songs with confidence--and mixed strums--then this is the class for you! You will become comfortable changing between these chords while using mixed strumming patterns, including the incredibly delicious sounding, ubiquitous and useful “basic strum” and “best strum" in the context of inspiring songs by artists like Adele, Bill Withers, Jason Mraz, Ed Sheeran and more.

 

Here's how it works:

 

1. Come to class weekly to learn songs and skills and get encouragement and feedback from your teacher. The course topics cycle every 8 weeks or so, so you can start anytime.

 

2. Practice at home using the included video practice library. Start each session with the Beginner Guitar 2 warm-up video to reinforce fundamentals and maximize your progress!

 

3. The secret to success is remembering what you want--so review the Beginner Guitar 2 Class Graduation Video frequently, and play along with as many stops and pauses as you need. First you may be confused. Then you may be challenged. Finally, you will crush it! When you do, you're ready for the next class level.

Prerequisites: You have completed Beginners 1 or are comfortable with basic open chords and can play along with the graduation video for the Beginner 1 level class.

Pete began playing the guitar when he was 11 years old. He soon began working on his calluses learning songs by Megadeth, Metallica, The Beatles, and Yes. He also made sure to attend the National Guitar Workshop every summer. When he was old enough, Pete entered The Berklee College of Music in Boston and majored in Composition and Production. While at Berklee, he wrote a vast array of arrangements and compositions for orchestra, big band, string quartet, rock bands, and even got some work writing electronic music for video games. Pete also played in a variety of bands and ensembles in the greater Boston area as a guitarist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
In 2009 he relocated to New York and began playing as a sideman in numerous Brooklyn-based bands on keyboards, mandolin, accordion, lap steel, vocals, bass and, of course, guitar. He currently plays 11 instruments and is always working on new ones! Pete can also be found at various venues around NYC playing a wide variety of genres including: bluegrass, gypsy jazz, folk, experimental and indie rock.

In this class you will play compelling and complex strumming patterns, as you mix bass notes, palm mutes, scratches, and syncopated 16th notes, becoming a confident and expressive rhythm guitar player.

This class is a "threshhold" class. Students typically take a bit longer to graduate from this class than most of our other classes--and it is worth it! Why? Because in this class you learn to use and relate to your instrument in a transformative way, elevating your physical confidence and rhtyhmic understanding and expressiveness. Most students graduate from this class after 8-12 sessions. But faster or slower is OK!

 

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

Dylan Fader picked up the guitar at a young age, captivated by the energy of jazz, blues, and rock. What started as a hobby quickly became a lifelong passion, leading him to study at Berklee College of Music, where he worked with Tomo Fujita, Bruce Bartlett, Tim Miller, and Oz Noy, and graduated with highest honors in Guitar Performance, focusing on improvisation, theory, and groove-based styles. Along the way, he also earned a degree in English Literature from SUNY New Paltz, reflecting his love of writing, storytelling, and creative expression.

Since then, Dylan has performed extensively as a solo artist, releasing multiple EPs and handling all vocals, guitar, and production himself. He is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, skilled on guitar, bass, keys, and vocals, and enjoys exploring a wide variety of musical ideas in both solo and collaborative settings. Dylan’s performances are informed by a deep understanding of musical structure, groove, and improvisation, allowing him to connect with audiences across genres.

As a teacher, Dylan specializes in jazz, blues, and rock, as well as improvisation, songwriting, and music theory. He emphasizes creativity, technical skill, and confidence-building, helping students develop their own musical voice while exploring new sounds and ideas. Lessons are tailored to each student’s goals, combining focused practice, hands-on guidance, and fun challenges that encourage stepping out of comfort zones.

Outside of music, Dylan enjoys writing, reading, watching movies, and staying active through jogging and other forms of exercise. He brings the same curiosity and passion he applies to music to all areas of his life, inspiring students and peers alike to explore, create, and grow.

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #FIDfri

About the Class
In this class you will dramatically advance your guitar technique as you mix and match individual notes and strums with alternate bass patterns, arpeggios, runs, slash chords and more, gaining the capacity to bring multiple voicings and embellishments to your playing.

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

Prerequisites:
You have completed Beginners 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 or are comfortable with mixed 8th note and 16th note strumming patterns, palm muting, bass strumming, and switching between these different strumming patterns in rhythm.

You are also comfortable with various chords including B7, Gadd5, Dm, small barre F, as well as basic open chords.

George is a musician, composer and sound engineer based in Queens, NY. Originally from Indianapolis, IN George studied Jazz Guitar at Indiana University under NYC Based Jazz Guitarist Dave Stryker. George played in various acts while living in Indiana, he also spent time playing in pit orchestras, doing session work at Hit City Recording Studio and even hosting and curating the improvised music series “Link Up”.

Upon moving to New York he has played around in various alternative rock and metal bands, currently writing for the Shoegaze band Plastic. He has also played in many improvised music groups around Brooklyn. Outside of playing music, George also does live sound work in New York City.

#bassguitar #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar

About the Class
In this class you will expand your chord playing to the entire fretboard, including Sharps and Flats, with E form major, minor and 7th chords, while building complex and expressive rhythm techniques utilizing fretting hand damping and syncopation.

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

PERFORMANCE NOTE: In-person level 8 or 9 classes might turn into a performing ensembles. That means it might be temporarily closed to drop-in sign-ups for four weeks in preparation to perform a song at a seasonal showcase, typically held in early August, November, March and June. Fear not! You are not required to perform...but you really should, it's super fun and it will super-charge your learning! For more info visit nycguitarschool.com/ensembles.

Prerequisites:
You have completed Beginners 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 or are comfortable with mixed 8th note and 16th note strumming patterns, palm muting, bass strumming, slash chords, arpeggios, bass runs, and switching between different strumming patterns and techniques in rhythm.

You are comfortable with various chords including B7, Gadd5, Dm, small barre F, as well as basic open chords. You can also play a few basic licks over a 12 barre blues progression and understand basic diatonic chord theory.

Emilio came to New York from Chicago as a wide-eyed freshman studying film and sociology at New York University. In the seven years since, he realized he was the happiest when music was a priority, which has taken him all over the world, most recently here to the NYC Guitar School. He is delighted to have joined their fantastic staff, and promises to bring all the excitement and energy he has for guitar to fulfilling the needs of faculty and students. In addition to his work at the NYC Guitar School, Emilio plays guitar and drums with several bands and projects throughout the city, enjoys running around Prospect Park, and cheering on his hometown Chicago Bulls. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

If you are an intermediate/advanced guitar player who has been soloing/improvising with mixed success, the Lead Guitar Workshop is for you. If your playing sounds great sometimes, but you get lost other times - and you don't know why - this is for you. It is a place to learn the complex art of playing through the changes. While you will solo in front of others, it is not a jam! Our emphasis will be on learning the notes on the neck of the guitar, and relating that to the notes in the chords of our progressions. We will discuss things like musical keys, arpeggios, and scale degrees. We generally avoid discussing "shapes" or "patterns". Our goal is to understand exactly what we are playing, and why we are playing it, in musical terms. By doing this, we can remove the barrier between what we imagine the guitar can do, and what we can actually play!

Evaluation required to join. To audition for this class, send a video of yourself doing the following:

1. Play up and down all 5 pentatonic shapes, using eighth notes at 60bpm
2. Play any solo/melody/improvisation - in time - with a backing track or along to the original recording. Examples - solo to a 12 bar blues backing track or play a 15-20 second snippet from a classic guitar solo you're working on

Clayton Hopkins is a NYC/NJ based guitarist, songwriter, and singer. He studied Music Engineering, Production, Contemporary Guitar, and Composition/Songwriting at Frost School of Music before moving to NYC to pursue his original music full-time. Clayton’s contemporary rock n roll group, Clayton-Ellis, has toured the UK 3 times and Clayton co-wrote and co-produced all the material on the band’s debut album. In addition to teaching with NYC Guitar School, he is currently writing and producing material for a new album and he also has a featured role in a television pilot. Clayton is excited to share his love of rock and acoustic guitar with students. His patience and enthusiasm allow him to connect and nurture students from beginner to expert as they discover and pursue their passion for music.

 

#fingerstyle #leadguitar #12andup #guitar

Learn the ins and outs of playing and recording your favorite rock songs! This course will cover everything from riffs and power chords to improvisation and blistering leads. We'll break down all aspects of the recording process including multi-tracked guitars, effects, and achieving a slammin' rock mix. All material will then be recorded and mixed by the ensemble!

 

Prerequisites: Open chords, barre chords, 8th and 16th note strumming, minor pentatonic scale.

 

Note: This class involves a lot of recording using an online recording program. 

 

**Note: Classes with low enrollment will be cancelled two days in advance. Be sure to sign up for your favorite classes before then to reserve your spot!**

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Jeremy is a musician, composer and audio engineer based in Queens, NY. Originally from Austin, Texas, he grew up in a musical household, first picking up the guitar at the age of eight years old. Jeremy earned his bachelor’s degree in classical guitar performance and audio engineering at the Lamont School of Music in Denver, Colorado, studying under renowned performer and scholar Dr. Jonathan Leathwood and Michael Schulze.

Since moving to New York City, Jeremy has become active in the underground music scene, playing indie venue staples such as Baby’s All Right, TV Eye, Trans Pecos, and Cassette. Jeremy’s music has been reviewed in publications such as New Noise Magazine, as well as appeared on compilations featured in Pitchfork and The Fader. Jeremy performs and tours nationally, currently playing in four bands: bloodsports, Wesley Wolffe, People I Love, and his solo project face of ancient gallery.

As an instructor, Jeremy specializes in indie rock, classic rock, folk, fingerstyle, songwriting, and the classical guitar. He is incredibly passionate about music and the arts, and looks forward to inspiring and refining the skills of students at all levels.

#7andup #guitar #TRIthu #MIDtue

If you are an intermediate/advanced guitar player who has been soloing/improvising with mixed success, the Lead Guitar Workshop is for you. If your playing sounds great sometimes, but you get lost other times - and you don't know why - this is for you. It is a place to learn the complex art of playing through the changes. While you will solo in front of others, it is not a jam! Our emphasis will be on learning the notes on the neck of the guitar, and relating that to the notes in the chords of our progressions. We will discuss things like musical keys, arpeggios, and scale degrees. We generally avoid discussing "shapes" or "patterns". Our goal is to understand exactly what we are playing, and why we are playing it, in musical terms. By doing this, we can remove the barrier between what we imagine the guitar can do, and what we can actually play!

Evaluation required to join. To audition for this class, send a video of yourself doing the following:

1. Play up and down all 5 pentatonic shapes, using eighth notes at 60bpm
2. Play any solo/melody/improvisation - in time - with a backing track or along to the original recording. Examples - solo to a 12 bar blues backing track or play a 15-20 second snippet from a classic guitar solo you're working on

Clayton Hopkins is a NYC/NJ based guitarist, songwriter, and singer. He studied Music Engineering, Production, Contemporary Guitar, and Composition/Songwriting at Frost School of Music before moving to NYC to pursue his original music full-time. Clayton’s contemporary rock n roll group, Clayton-Ellis, has toured the UK 3 times and Clayton co-wrote and co-produced all the material on the band’s debut album. In addition to teaching with NYC Guitar School, he is currently writing and producing material for a new album and he also has a featured role in a television pilot. Clayton is excited to share his love of rock and acoustic guitar with students. His patience and enthusiasm allow him to connect and nurture students from beginner to expert as they discover and pursue their passion for music.

 

#fingerstyle #leadguitar #12andup #guitar

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Dylan Fader picked up the guitar at a young age, captivated by the energy of jazz, blues, and rock. What started as a hobby quickly became a lifelong passion, leading him to study at Berklee College of Music, where he worked with Tomo Fujita, Bruce Bartlett, Tim Miller, and Oz Noy, and graduated with highest honors in Guitar Performance, focusing on improvisation, theory, and groove-based styles. Along the way, he also earned a degree in English Literature from SUNY New Paltz, reflecting his love of writing, storytelling, and creative expression.

Since then, Dylan has performed extensively as a solo artist, releasing multiple EPs and handling all vocals, guitar, and production himself. He is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, skilled on guitar, bass, keys, and vocals, and enjoys exploring a wide variety of musical ideas in both solo and collaborative settings. Dylan’s performances are informed by a deep understanding of musical structure, groove, and improvisation, allowing him to connect with audiences across genres.

As a teacher, Dylan specializes in jazz, blues, and rock, as well as improvisation, songwriting, and music theory. He emphasizes creativity, technical skill, and confidence-building, helping students develop their own musical voice while exploring new sounds and ideas. Lessons are tailored to each student’s goals, combining focused practice, hands-on guidance, and fun challenges that encourage stepping out of comfort zones.

Outside of music, Dylan enjoys writing, reading, watching movies, and staying active through jogging and other forms of exercise. He brings the same curiosity and passion he applies to music to all areas of his life, inspiring students and peers alike to explore, create, and grow.

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #FIDfri

This is one of NYC Guitar School's most beloved classes--it is challenging, and it is fun! This class dives into fundamental rhythm concepts to help you play with confidence, tone and expression. Learn bass-strums, palm mutes, scratches and sixteenth notes!

 

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

You have completed Beginners 1 & 2 or are comfortable with basic open chords and basic strumming patterns.

Nate started playing guitar at 11 years old and has been performing in bands ever since, first in Bethesda, Maryland and now in New York City. He first fell in love with classic rock before expanding his repertoire to include jazz and blues. Throughout this time he has played in jazz fusion groups, big bands, small jazz combos, and alternative rock bands. His current band, On The Nose, performs his original compositions and combines his experience in jazz and blues with his original love of alternative rock.

He is currently a student at The New School and gigs with other students from the school. He has been teaching guitar since he was 17 and loves seeing his students learn and develop new skills. he is excited to meet new students and help them grow as musicians!

#7andup #guitar #leadguitar

In this class you will acquire a powerful vocabulary of open chords which will give you the skill and knowledge to play thousands of songs, including incorporating the small barre and becoming confident using your pinky. 

 

Pete began playing the guitar when he was 11 years old. He soon began working on his calluses learning songs by Megadeth, Metallica, The Beatles, and Yes. He also made sure to attend the National Guitar Workshop every summer. When he was old enough, Pete entered The Berklee College of Music in Boston and majored in Composition and Production. While at Berklee, he wrote a vast array of arrangements and compositions for orchestra, big band, string quartet, rock bands, and even got some work writing electronic music for video games. Pete also played in a variety of bands and ensembles in the greater Boston area as a guitarist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
In 2009 he relocated to New York and began playing as a sideman in numerous Brooklyn-based bands on keyboards, mandolin, accordion, lap steel, vocals, bass and, of course, guitar. He currently plays 11 instruments and is always working on new ones! Pete can also be found at various venues around NYC playing a wide variety of genres including: bluegrass, gypsy jazz, folk, experimental and indie rock.

This is one of NYC Guitar School's most beloved classes--it is challenging, and it is fun! In this class you will dramatically expand your guitar capacity, understanding, and skill with riffs, licks, diatonic chord theory, arpeggios, movable shapes, vamps and more as you prepare to move into barre chords, lead guitar and beyond.

This class is a "threshhold" class. Students typically take a bit longer to graduate from this class than most of our other classes, and it has the longest graduation requirements of any of 9 beginners classes. And it is worth it! Why? Because in this class you learn to use and relate to your instrument in a transformative way as you begin to exit the beginner stages of gutiar playing.

Most students graduate from this class after 12-20 sessions. But faster or slower is OK!

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

Prerequisites:
You have completed Beginners 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 or are comfortable with mixed 8th note and 16th note strumming patterns, palm muting, bass strumming, slash chords, arpeggios, bass runs, and switching between different strumming patterns and techniques in rhythm.

You are also comfortable with various chords including B7, Gadd5, Dm, small barre F, as well as basic open chords.

George is a musician, composer and sound engineer based in Queens, NY. Originally from Indianapolis, IN George studied Jazz Guitar at Indiana University under NYC Based Jazz Guitarist Dave Stryker. George played in various acts while living in Indiana, he also spent time playing in pit orchestras, doing session work at Hit City Recording Studio and even hosting and curating the improvised music series “Link Up”.

Upon moving to New York he has played around in various alternative rock and metal bands, currently writing for the Shoegaze band Plastic. He has also played in many improvised music groups around Brooklyn. Outside of playing music, George also does live sound work in New York City.

#bassguitar #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar

In this class you will mix and match E and A form barre chords over the entire fretboard and you will deepen your understanding of essential chord progressions.

 

This is the final course in our Beginners series...after this class you are very ready for ensembles, rock bands, lead guitar, and much more in the vast world of guitar.

 

Beau Croxton is a New York City-born singer/songwriter who has been playing for 24 years. He has performed in the New York City live music scene regularly since 2012, performing at venues including Baby’s All Right, The Sultan Room, TV Eye, Mercury Lounge and beyond.

Beau began guitar classes at the age of 11 and went on to teach himself bass and drums. Beau started performing and songwriting regularly before the age of 14 with a passion for classic rock n’ roll and New York City’s 1970s punk rock scene. Beau studied improv and music theory with the group Medeski, Martin, and Wood in 2008 and 2010, and was the lead guitarist in John Medeski’s ensemble.

Beau is the lead singer and guitarist of the NYC garage-rock n’ roll band Damn Jackals, in which he does the arrangements for every instrument. The band has toured the USA twice— one tour included a slot at Savannah Stopover Music Festival in 2019 alongside Deerhunter, Lucy Dacus, and Faye Webster. Beau and Damn Jackals have received critical acclaim in press outlets such as American Songwriter, Under the Radar Magazine and more. Beau also directed and arranged a horn section for Damn Jackals that consisted of players who have toured & collaborated prominently with David Byrne (of Talking Heads), St Vincent and LCD Soundsystem.

As a teacher, Beau leads with kindness and highlights the fun in every moment. He specializes in classic rock, indie, pop, blues guitar, performing and songwriting. He can play an arrange of other styles including metal, indie-rock, punk, slide guitar, reggae, folk, country and beyond.

Beau’s approach to teaching guitar is centered around the fact that everyone is capable of being a great guitarist/bassist. Beau celebrates positivity of every learning moment with an emphasis on kindness in order to make his students feel confident, capable and comfortable.

#guitar #leadguitar #bass #7andup

“Truckin’”, “Ripple”, “Uncle John’s Band”, etc.—Jerry Garcia and company produced a collection of guitar-driven songs that are cherished by every new generation that discovers them. This class is an exploration of that great body of work. Students will be given tabs of the actual parts played by Garcia, Bob Weir, and Phil Lesh, go over them with patient coaching by the instructor, then play them together as an ensemble. Participants should know basic chords and have the ability to read tablature. Having facility with single-note playing and soloing will be helpful, though we will need some folks who are content to strum, and perhaps even sing.

Lenny Molotov has been teaching at NYC Guitar School since its inception in 2003.
He specializes in classic American styles.

In this class called "One Song," we learn (drumroll) ONE SONG. Expanding repertoire is one of the most important ways we can hone our skills as guitarists, plus...it's fun! Each week we'll learn a different song using chords, strumming, and tab. Each class is a surprise and completely different. Past songs have included hits by David Bowie, Aretha Franklin, Weezer, and Kacey Musgraves.

 

Knowledge of open chords, basic strumming, and tab reading required.  Knowledge of barre chords is optional.

Tia Vincent-Clark grew up in a family of professional musicians and began her teaching career in 1999. Her patience, enthusiasm and commitment to teaching are all reasons that we are thrilled to have Tia as an integral part of NYC Guitar School! Great with all ages and skill levels, Tia specializes in nurturing a love for guitar in beginners and also enjoys teaching bass and ukulele. She completed a BA in Music from The City College of New York in January of 2007 and holds a diploma in Audio Engineering and Production from The Institute of Audio Research in New York City. Tia currently plays in two professional tribute bands as well as writing and performing in her original band Huh. #bassguitar #ukulele #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #vocalteacher

Perform that song (or piece of a song) you’ve been practicing alone in your room! Whether it’s stringing together your first two chords, working toward singing in front of people, introducing your song writing, or playing a song that you are rehearsing at home - this introduction to open mic is a welcoming workshop for beginners who don't feel quite ready to perform on stage.  

 

Let’s play, connect with others, and express ourselves in a supportive environment with other students! 

 

 

Samoa spends most of her time making things and laughing. She has been part of NYCGS since 2009 photographing and shooting video of thousands of Open Mics, Rock Bands, and Student Showcases. When you meet her at the school, Samoa will most likely be on a ladder painting a wall.

Samoa is a long time NYCGS student and supports the continuous growth and strong community at NYCGS. She even met her band mates of Audio Apocalypse and Op Ed at the school! By day, she is a toy designer and believes that everything is best approached with a sense of play.

She attributes everything positive in her life to the support of her husband who encouraged her to buy her first guitar at the local music store 12 years ago, and her preschool Little Flowers Montessori education that her mom worked 2 shifts in order to afford, where her big sis would visit and sing to the class.

 

The Performance Ensemble is a commitment-based class for advanced students who want to deepen their musical identity, skills, and connections by preparing a polished song for live performance.

This class is not for beginners. Designed for post–Beginner Level 9 guitarists and experienced vocalists, this class focuses on playing music together at a high level. Students take on distinct musical roles (lead, rhythm, vocals, textures, etc.) and work toward one well-arranged song typically performed as part of NYC Guitar School Rock Band showcase events. All students are expected to be off book for the performance (no charts, lyrics, phones, or music stands).

Ensembles are among the most beloved programs at NYC Guitar School. They are challenging, but deeply rewarding—giving students a chance to grow musically while forming meaningful, lasting connections with fellow musicians. Many ensembles continue together for years

Here’s how it works:

1. Rehearse weekly to build ensemble skills, learn your part, and grow confidence playing with others.

2. Develop a full arrangement together, starting simple and refining over time. Teachers place each student in the sweet spot—challenged and successful.

3. Move off book as the show approaches. By the final two rehearsals, students should be mostly or fully off book.

4. Perform live as part of a curated showcase, creating strong accountability and community.

After performances, Ensembles typically shift into a short run of open jam sessions, offering a bridge to future Ensembles, before entering the next performance cycle.

Prerequisites & Expectations

Guitarists: Completion of Beginner Level 9 (or equivalent, ie ability to play barre chords, multiple strum patterns, and complete songs, with a basic foundation of music theory)

Vocalists: ~1 year of group classes or private lessons or recommendation from a NYCGS vocal teacher

Ability to attend 80%+ of rehearsals and commit to the performance date

Note: Class members are limited to enrollment in a maximum of one Performance Ensemble at a time.

Students self-select into Ensembles; teachers retain final discretion to ensure a strong fit.

There is no open enrollment into Ensembles. To enroll, or to ask questions, email info@nycguitarschool.com.

Emilio came to New York from Chicago as a wide-eyed freshman studying film and sociology at New York University. In the seven years since, he realized he was the happiest when music was a priority, which has taken him all over the world, most recently here to the NYC Guitar School. He is delighted to have joined their fantastic staff, and promises to bring all the excitement and energy he has for guitar to fulfilling the needs of faculty and students. In addition to his work at the NYC Guitar School, Emilio plays guitar and drums with several bands and projects throughout the city, enjoys running around Prospect Park, and cheering on his hometown Chicago Bulls. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

In this class, you'll work on repertoire, music theory, fretboard knowledge, and bass technique. Dig in and become a band-ready bassist! Includes songs from the Motown catalogue as well as hits from across the decades. Must read tab, rhythm notation, and have some knowledge of notes on the fretboard.

 

 

1. Name all the natural notes (abcdefg) on every string of the bass, from the open string to the 12th fret.
2. Play 16th notes to a metronome at 60bpm on any open string, alternating your index and middle fingers for 30 seconds.
3. Play three major scales of your choice.
4. Play 1 minute of a song from the following list, along to the original recording, at full speed:
Sittin on the Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding), What's Goin' On (Marvin Gaye), You Can't Hurry Love (Supremes), Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Stevie Wonder), I'll Take You There (The Staple Singers)

 

Tia Vincent-Clark grew up in a family of professional musicians and began her teaching career in 1999. Her patience, enthusiasm and commitment to teaching are all reasons that we are thrilled to have Tia as an integral part of NYC Guitar School! Great with all ages and skill levels, Tia specializes in nurturing a love for guitar in beginners and also enjoys teaching bass and ukulele. She completed a BA in Music from The City College of New York in January of 2007 and holds a diploma in Audio Engineering and Production from The Institute of Audio Research in New York City. Tia currently plays in two professional tribute bands as well as writing and performing in her original band Huh. #bassguitar #ukulele #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #vocalteacher

In this class you will acquire a powerful vocabulary of open chords which will give you the skill and knowledge to play thousands of songs, including incorporating the small barre and becoming confident using your pinky. 

 

Austin D’Adamo is a guitarist, bassist and composer from North Carolina. He received his degree in Music Performance at Valencia College in Orlando, FL under the sage tutelage of Orlando jazz guitarist and educator Bob Holtum. Since relocating to NYC in 2017 he has played with a number of local rock and pop acts, pit orchestras, and improvised music groups – and all along the way he has taught and tutored students of all ages and skill levels on guitar, bass, and music theory.

Austin is well-versed in many genres including jazz, soul, R&B, classical, rock, pop, and country – if it’s good music, you can’t keep him away from it! You might catch him playing and recording with local acts such as The Newsreels, Rocky Billop, and his own jazz-fusion trio Our Messy Ghost.

It is Austin’s belief that his horizons would never have been as broad as they are now if not for music; the guitar taught him patience and acceptance, and it led him to appreciate cultures that he otherwise may have never known. It’s for this reason that he enjoys teaching as much as he enjoys performing – because he loves to see a student’s world get bigger and their love for music grow.

#7andup #guitar #bassguitar #leadguitar

Curious about learning how to sing? Then this is the class for you! 

 

Vocal Excercise/Sing a Song starts off with 20-30 mins of vocal exercises focusing on strengthening the lungs, purifying the vowels for harmonies, and harmony building exercises.

Anthony has performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, London’s West End, as well as various theaters around the US. He has received a BA in Musical Theatre from Point Park University. Throughout his training, he has shaped his voice with almost a dozen voice teachers combining all of their best methods into a succinct vocal strengthening exercise.

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Born and raised in the outskirts of New York City, Greg began studying music at an early age into his college years. Starting with the saxophone in grade school and later moving on to guitar, it became clear that music would be a lifelong passion.

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Emilio came to New York from Chicago as a wide-eyed freshman studying film and sociology at New York University. In the seven years since, he realized he was the happiest when music was a priority, which has taken him all over the world, most recently here to the NYC Guitar School. He is delighted to have joined their fantastic staff, and promises to bring all the excitement and energy he has for guitar to fulfilling the needs of faculty and students. In addition to his work at the NYC Guitar School, Emilio plays guitar and drums with several bands and projects throughout the city, enjoys running around Prospect Park, and cheering on his hometown Chicago Bulls. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

Katie Battistoni holds a degree in Jazz Guitar Performance from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. She currently teaches songwriting and music theory at The New School in New York City. She is a fierce advocate of the Neil Young adage that rock and roll is here to stay, and of Thelonious Monk’s mantra that the genius is the one most like [them]self.

Katie has performed and recorded with Marc Ribot, Ches Smith, Wendy Eisenberg, Weasel Walter’s Flying Luttenbachers, Joanna Sternberg, and members of Vulfpeck, Big Thief, and Caroline. She has played in musical theater productions off-Broadway and at Bard College’s Fisher Center. Under the artist name Katy the Kyng (non-sovereign, non-patrilineal), she has written over 500 punk, folk, jazz, experimental, and rock songs about Idahoan laundromats, The Red Hook IKEA rug department, fruit flies, serotonin, and all of her friends.

Katie enjoys teaching hand technique, rock and roll lead-playing, developing self-confidence on the guitar (especially for women and non-gender-conforming students), transcription as a vehicle for jazz vocabulary, chord-melody arranging, fingerstyle accompaniment for folk singers, The Blues as a philosophy and practice, experimental improvisation, traditional songwriting forms, finding your singular (or majestic plural) voice, ear training, and music theory. She also enjoys practicing French, running in Prospect Park, learning chess openings, reading and writing poetry and narrative fiction, and playing with her three-legged tuxedo cat, Rigoletto.

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #ukulele #fingerstyle

Take Your Lead Playing to the Next Level

If you've got the basics of lead guitar down and are ready to unlock the full fretboard, this drop-in class is for you. In Level 2, you'll expand beyond a single pentatonic position, learning all five positions of the major and minor pentatonic scales using the CAGED system. You’ll discover how to smoothly connect these shapes, target root notes with octaves, and play with greater rhythmic variety.

You'll also refine your technique with unison bends, harmonics, 16th notes and phrasing while developing your ear to recognize major vs. minor tonal shifts. As you gain confidence, you'll start playing pentatonic scales over chord changes—including open chords—making your solos more musical and dynamic.

Expect lots of hands-on improvisation, real-life examples, and practical licks and exercises in a warm and structured environment.

PREREQUISITES: 20+ sessions of Lead Guitar Level 1. You should be comfortable playing single-note riffs and licks, targeting root notes, and improvising within a pentatonic scale. You MUST be fluent in reading tablature (TAB).
To enroll: Practice the Lead Guitar Level 2 Warm Up, then record yourself playing along with it and email the video to graduation@nycguitarschool.com along with your request to join the class. We'll review your video and let you know if you're cleared to sign up. Not sure if you're ready? Sign up for another class level or sign up for a private lesson with a lead guitar teacher at Our Lead Guitar Page.

Julian Barthold first picked up the guitar at age 11 and almost instantly discovered his passion for music. It was not long thereafter that he came to New York City Guitar School for lessons and Summer Rock Camp, which set him on his path towards interning and now teaching at NYCGS! Julian earned his BA from Sarah Lawrence College, where he studied music composition, theory, history, performance, and some production. Throughout his many years of playing, he has honed his skills in styles including (but not limited to) Rock, Folk, Jazz, Blues, Metal, Indie, Funk, and Experimental. He has performed with many different bands and ensembles over the years and enjoys performing solo as well.

Play with Precision, Confidence, and Expression

In this drop-in class, you’ll move beyond pentatonics into a deeper and more expressive understanding of lead guitar. You’ll master major and minor scale shapes, learn to use arpeggios and chord tones for melodic and intentional solos, and build your ability to "play the changes" across the neck.

This level focuses on connecting musical knowledge to technique, with interval-based soloing, ear training, and repertoire designed to challenge and inspire. You’ll refine advanced techniques like two-string bends, sweep picking, advanced legato, and multiple approaches to phrasing, and practice integrating them into your own solos.

As always, you’ll get hands-on experience improvising in a warm, structured, and musical environment, with practical licks, examples, and lots of playing time.

By the end of this class, you’ll be soloing with more nuance, more command of the fretboard, and a deeper understanding of how to sound great in any context.

PREREQUISITES: 40+ sessions of Lead Guitar Level 2. You should be comfortable with all five positions of the pentatonic scale, root targeting, rhythmic variation (including 16th notes), and soloing over chord changes using pentatonics. You MUST be fluent in reading tablature (TAB).
To enroll: Practice the Lead Guitar Level 3 Warm Up, then record yourself playing along with it and email the video to graduation@nycguitarschool.com along with your request to join the class. We'll review your video and let you know if you're cleared to sign up. Not sure if you're ready? Sign up for another class level or sign up for a private lesson with a lead guitar teacher at Our Lead Guitar Page.

Dylan Charles is a singer/songwriter based in New York City. His music runs the gamut from acoustic americana and rock/blues to jazzy soul and electo-pop. Touring nationally as a solo act and as a bandleader, he also co-founded and continues to perform with NYC soul band On The Sun and Arizona-based americana band The Border Crossers. In addition to his own projects, he frequently works with other artists as a multi-instrumentalist sideman, producer, co-writer and studio musician. Dylan has been playing guitar for over 20 years and teaching almost as long. He started working with New York City Guitar School when he moved to NYC in 2012 and is currently the program director for the school’s Rock Band program as well as a teacher at the Midtown and Brooklyn locations. In high school he taught lessons to fellow teens as part of a “Community Resources” program in his home town of Ann Arbor, MI. He frequently played local gigs through the Community High School jazz band program as well as with his own original music projects. He continued to teach, perform and record while studying jazz guitar at University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2006. In 2008 Dylan moved to Bisbee, AZ where he created and coached an after school rock band program at the Bisbee High School and worked as a substitute teacher for the Bisbee elementary, middle and high schools. Dylan also founded a non-profit program called “The Friday Project” when, because of budget cuts, Bisbee Unified School District cut Fridays from the school week. The program provided a wide variety of free workshops to kids and teens that were all taught by local residents in an effort to keep kids engaged in learning and exploring their passions in the absence of a traditional public school structure. Dylan’s positive energy and encouraging teaching style has helped so many students reach their music goals. Call or email us to set up a lesson with Dylan yourself and visit www.dylancharles.com for music, videos and a calendar of his upcoming performances. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #musicproduction #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

Learn to sing and play guitar at the same time. You'll learn to sing one rhythm while playing another; when to use the most common strum patterns; anticipations; phrase beginnings; how best to practice; and more. Guitar parts will be accessible to anyone having completed Beginners 2. No guitar skills? You can still join on shaker or percussion! Pre-req: 12 sessions of Vocal 1 - Intro to Singing, or the ability to match pitch reasonably well, and a recommendation from a vocal teacher.

Rose graduated from Appalachian State University where she studied Music Education with a focus in Choral Music. She recently moved to New York from North Carolina and is excited to spread her love for music in the Big Apple! Before moving she worked as a private voice, piano, and guitar instructor at Jolie Musique School of the Arts and has taught vocal lessons focusing on pop, rock, musical theatre, and classical music to various ages of students. When she’s not teaching, she loves to write poetry, go on adventures with friends, and explore her local coffee shops.

 

#vocalteacher #7andup

About the Class
In this class you will dramatically advance your guitar technique as you mix and match individual notes and strums with alternate bass patterns, arpeggios, runs, slash chords and more, gaining the capacity to bring multiple voicings and embellishments to your playing.

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

Prerequisites:
You have completed Beginners 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 or are comfortable with mixed 8th note and 16th note strumming patterns, palm muting, bass strumming, and switching between these different strumming patterns in rhythm.

You are also comfortable with various chords including B7, Gadd5, Dm, small barre F, as well as basic open chords.

Josh Torvi is a guitarist, teacher, and composer based in Brooklyn. Since 2018, he has maintained a busy schedule at the New York City Guitar School, where he has truly put in his “10,000 hours” teaching private lessons and group classes, hosting the school’s monthly open mic, and guiding students of all ages and skill levels as they discover their voice through music.

Josh specializes in Jazz, Blues, Funk, Soul, and Classic Rock—especially The Beatles. He earned his BA in Music from Bard College, where he deepened his foundation in performance and composition, in addition to his love for the liberal arts and learning in general.

As a performer, Josh has appeared at venues including Cornelia Street Cafe and Smalls Jazz Club, along with many other spots throughout the Northeast. He currently holds a multi-year residency at The Lost and Found—a bar right next to the guitar school!

Whether at a gig or around the school, Josh is always excited to say hello, spread positivity, and share good vibes.

 

#bassguitar #leadguitar #12andup #guitar

Lead Guitar Level 4: Into the Great Wide Open

Explore and Master Your Voice and Instrument

In this drop-in class, you’ll enter an advanced, open-ended exploration of lead guitar, where technique, creativity, and musical expression come together. You’ll work with concepts and extended techniques like modes, 7th chord arpeggios, tapping and more as you deepen your improvisational instincts and expand your musical vocabulary.

This level emphasizes flexibility and personal direction—connecting ideas across the fretboard while exploring phrasing, tone, and feel. Classes may incorporate a wide range of advanced topics, from harmonic concepts to modern techniques, all aimed at helping you develop your own voice on the instrument.

You’ll continue refining your technique and musical instincts through improvisation, guided exercises, and real musical applications, all in a supportive and engaging environment with plenty of playing time.

By participating in this class, you’ll gain greater freedom across the guitar, more confidence in your musical choices, and a deeper connection to your own unique style.

PREREQUISITES: 50+ sessions of Lead Guitar Level 3. You should have a strong command of major and minor scales and arpeggios, and the ability to improvise across the fretboard with control and musical awareness. You MUST be fluent in reading tablature (TAB).
To enroll: Practice the Lead Guitar Level 4 Warm Up, then record yourself playing along with it and email the video to graduation@nycguitarschool.com along with your request to join the class. We'll review your video and let you know if you're cleared to sign up. Not sure if you're ready? Sign up for another class level or sign up for a private lesson with a lead guitar teacher at Our Lead Guitar Page.

Tia Vincent-Clark grew up in a family of professional musicians and began her teaching career in 1999. Her patience, enthusiasm and commitment to teaching are all reasons that we are thrilled to have Tia as an integral part of NYC Guitar School! Great with all ages and skill levels, Tia specializes in nurturing a love for guitar in beginners and also enjoys teaching bass and ukulele. She completed a BA in Music from The City College of New York in January of 2007 and holds a diploma in Audio Engineering and Production from The Institute of Audio Research in New York City. Tia currently plays in two professional tribute bands as well as writing and performing in her original band Huh. #bassguitar #ukulele #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #vocalteacher

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Anthony Dom is a Brooklyn-born session guitarist and jazz band leader who recently graduated from SUNY Purchase College’s Jazz Program at the Conservatory of Music, where he honed his craft and emerged as a standout talent in the world of straight ahead jazz and bebop. Under the guidance of his mentor, Professor Pasquale Grasso, and other masters such as Jon Faddis and Eric Alexander, Anthony developed a soulful and captivating musical voice. As a session musician, Anthony plays with several bands and artists around the Tri-State area, with a diverse range of genres from punk rock and funk to indie and hip hop. He has performed at NYC venues such as Rockwood Music Hall, Mercury Lounge, Piano's and Merkin Concert hall, to name a few.

 

Rose graduated from Appalachian State University where she studied Music Education with a focus in Choral Music. She recently moved to New York from North Carolina and is excited to spread her love for music in the Big Apple! Before moving she worked as a private voice, piano, and guitar instructor at Jolie Musique School of the Arts and has taught vocal lessons focusing on pop, rock, musical theatre, and classical music to various ages of students. When she’s not teaching, she loves to write poetry, go on adventures with friends, and explore her local coffee shops.

 

#vocalteacher #7andup

Curious about learning how to sing? Then this is the class for you! 

 

Vocal Excercise/Sing a Song starts off with 20-30 mins of vocal exercises focusing on strengthening the lungs, purifying the vowels for harmonies, and harmony building exercises.

Anthony has performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, London’s West End, as well as various theaters around the US. He has received a BA in Musical Theatre from Point Park University. Throughout his training, he has shaped his voice with almost a dozen voice teachers combining all of their best methods into a succinct vocal strengthening exercise.

About the Class
In this class you will expand your chord playing to the entire fretboard, including Sharps and Flats, with E form major, minor and 7th chords, while building complex and expressive rhythm techniques utilizing fretting hand damping and syncopation.

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

PERFORMANCE NOTE: In-person level 8 or 9 classes might turn into a performing ensembles. That means it might be temporarily closed to drop-in sign-ups for four weeks in preparation to perform a song at a seasonal showcase, typically held in early August, November, March and June. Fear not! You are not required to perform...but you really should, it's super fun and it will super-charge your learning! For more info visit nycguitarschool.com/ensembles.

Prerequisites:
You have completed Beginners 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 or are comfortable with mixed 8th note and 16th note strumming patterns, palm muting, bass strumming, slash chords, arpeggios, bass runs, and switching between different strumming patterns and techniques in rhythm.

You are comfortable with various chords including B7, Gadd5, Dm, small barre F, as well as basic open chords. You can also play a few basic licks over a 12 barre blues progression and understand basic diatonic chord theory.

Katie Battistoni holds a degree in Jazz Guitar Performance from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. She currently teaches songwriting and music theory at The New School in New York City. She is a fierce advocate of the Neil Young adage that rock and roll is here to stay, and of Thelonious Monk’s mantra that the genius is the one most like [them]self.

Katie has performed and recorded with Marc Ribot, Ches Smith, Wendy Eisenberg, Weasel Walter’s Flying Luttenbachers, Joanna Sternberg, and members of Vulfpeck, Big Thief, and Caroline. She has played in musical theater productions off-Broadway and at Bard College’s Fisher Center. Under the artist name Katy the Kyng (non-sovereign, non-patrilineal), she has written over 500 punk, folk, jazz, experimental, and rock songs about Idahoan laundromats, The Red Hook IKEA rug department, fruit flies, serotonin, and all of her friends.

Katie enjoys teaching hand technique, rock and roll lead-playing, developing self-confidence on the guitar (especially for women and non-gender-conforming students), transcription as a vehicle for jazz vocabulary, chord-melody arranging, fingerstyle accompaniment for folk singers, The Blues as a philosophy and practice, experimental improvisation, traditional songwriting forms, finding your singular (or majestic plural) voice, ear training, and music theory. She also enjoys practicing French, running in Prospect Park, learning chess openings, reading and writing poetry and narrative fiction, and playing with her three-legged tuxedo cat, Rigoletto.

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #ukulele #fingerstyle

Fingerstyle is the third essential dimension of guitar playing, along with strumming and single-note picking. This class explores the technique by delving into classic Singer-Songwriter fare from the 60’s (such as Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell), up to today (such as Ed Sheeran and Jason Mraz). We will also do custom guitar adaptations of great pop tunes that were not originally recorded for solo guitar (such as Elton John’s work). The focus here will be on our six strings, but those students who want to add vocals to the mix will be encouraged to do so.

 

At a minimum students should be comfortable with fingerstyle basics like: travis picking, arpeggios, thumb and finger alternation, etc.

 

**Note: Classes with low enrollment will be cancelled two days in advance. Be sure to sign up for your favorite classes before then to reserve your spot!**

Lenny Molotov has been teaching at NYC Guitar School since its inception in 2003.
He specializes in classic American styles.

If you know your basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, but would like to be able to play entire songs with confidence--and mixed strums--then this is the class for you! You will become comfortable changing between these chords while using mixed strumming patterns, including the incredibly delicious sounding, ubiquitous and useful “basic strum” and “best strum" in the context of inspiring songs by artists like Adele, Bill Withers, Jason Mraz, Ed Sheeran and more.

 

Here's how it works:

 

1. Come to class weekly to learn songs and skills and get encouragement and feedback from your teacher. The course topics cycle every 8 weeks or so, so you can start anytime.

 

2. Practice at home using the included video practice library. Start each session with the Beginner Guitar 2 warm-up video to reinforce fundamentals and maximize your progress!

 

3. The secret to success is remembering what you want--so review the Beginner Guitar 2 Class Graduation Video frequently, and play along with as many stops and pauses as you need. First you may be confused. Then you may be challenged. Finally, you will crush it! When you do, you're ready for the next class level.

Prerequisites: You have completed Beginners 1 or are comfortable with basic open chords and can play along with the graduation video for the Beginner 1 level class.

Emilio came to New York from Chicago as a wide-eyed freshman studying film and sociology at New York University. In the seven years since, he realized he was the happiest when music was a priority, which has taken him all over the world, most recently here to the NYC Guitar School. He is delighted to have joined their fantastic staff, and promises to bring all the excitement and energy he has for guitar to fulfilling the needs of faculty and students. In addition to his work at the NYC Guitar School, Emilio plays guitar and drums with several bands and projects throughout the city, enjoys running around Prospect Park, and cheering on his hometown Chicago Bulls. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

About the Class
In this class you will expand your chord playing to the entire fretboard, including Sharps and Flats, with E form major, minor and 7th chords, while building complex and expressive rhythm techniques utilizing fretting hand damping and syncopation.

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

PERFORMANCE NOTE: In-person level 8 or 9 classes might turn into a performing ensembles. That means it might be temporarily closed to drop-in sign-ups for four weeks in preparation to perform a song at a seasonal showcase, typically held in early August, November, March and June. Fear not! You are not required to perform...but you really should, it's super fun and it will super-charge your learning! For more info visit nycguitarschool.com/ensembles.

Prerequisites:
You have completed Beginners 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 or are comfortable with mixed 8th note and 16th note strumming patterns, palm muting, bass strumming, slash chords, arpeggios, bass runs, and switching between different strumming patterns and techniques in rhythm.

You are comfortable with various chords including B7, Gadd5, Dm, small barre F, as well as basic open chords. You can also play a few basic licks over a 12 barre blues progression and understand basic diatonic chord theory.

Austin D’Adamo is a guitarist, bassist and composer from North Carolina. He received his degree in Music Performance at Valencia College in Orlando, FL under the sage tutelage of Orlando jazz guitarist and educator Bob Holtum. Since relocating to NYC in 2017 he has played with a number of local rock and pop acts, pit orchestras, and improvised music groups – and all along the way he has taught and tutored students of all ages and skill levels on guitar, bass, and music theory.

Austin is well-versed in many genres including jazz, soul, R&B, classical, rock, pop, and country – if it’s good music, you can’t keep him away from it! You might catch him playing and recording with local acts such as The Newsreels, Rocky Billop, and his own jazz-fusion trio Our Messy Ghost.

It is Austin’s belief that his horizons would never have been as broad as they are now if not for music; the guitar taught him patience and acceptance, and it led him to appreciate cultures that he otherwise may have never known. It’s for this reason that he enjoys teaching as much as he enjoys performing – because he loves to see a student’s world get bigger and their love for music grow.

#7andup #guitar #bassguitar #leadguitar

Ever wondered what it’s really like to play in a band? Intro to Rock Band is a one-hour drop-in class where you’ll learn the essential skills you need to step confidently into a performing rock band.

You’ll work with an expert coach in our Silent Studio to build core ensemble skills like working with band equipment, listening like a musician, understanding basic song arrangement, and (of course) doing some jamming. You’ll also have the opportunity to try out different instruments (guitar, bass, drums, keys, vocals) and explore the role each one plays within a band.

Think of it as a fun, supportive way to get comfortable making music with others and discover what it’s like to play in a band setting. Perfect for students curious about Performing Rock Band and ready to level up their musical confidence!

Prerequisites:
Completion of Beginner 9 or equivalent required. Basic chord knowledge and rhythm skills recommended. No band experience necessary.

 

Dylan Charles is a singer/songwriter based in New York City. His music runs the gamut from acoustic americana and rock/blues to jazzy soul and electo-pop. Touring nationally as a solo act and as a bandleader, he also co-founded and continues to perform with NYC soul band On The Sun and Arizona-based americana band The Border Crossers. In addition to his own projects, he frequently works with other artists as a multi-instrumentalist sideman, producer, co-writer and studio musician. Dylan has been playing guitar for over 20 years and teaching almost as long. He started working with New York City Guitar School when he moved to NYC in 2012 and is currently the program director for the school’s Rock Band program as well as a teacher at the Midtown and Brooklyn locations. In high school he taught lessons to fellow teens as part of a “Community Resources” program in his home town of Ann Arbor, MI. He frequently played local gigs through the Community High School jazz band program as well as with his own original music projects. He continued to teach, perform and record while studying jazz guitar at University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2006. In 2008 Dylan moved to Bisbee, AZ where he created and coached an after school rock band program at the Bisbee High School and worked as a substitute teacher for the Bisbee elementary, middle and high schools. Dylan also founded a non-profit program called “The Friday Project” when, because of budget cuts, Bisbee Unified School District cut Fridays from the school week. The program provided a wide variety of free workshops to kids and teens that were all taught by local residents in an effort to keep kids engaged in learning and exploring their passions in the absence of a traditional public school structure. Dylan’s positive energy and encouraging teaching style has helped so many students reach their music goals. Call or email us to set up a lesson with Dylan yourself and visit www.dylancharles.com for music, videos and a calendar of his upcoming performances. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #musicproduction #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

In this class you will mix and match E and A form barre chords over the entire fretboard and you will deepen your understanding of essential chord progressions.

 

This is the final course in our Beginners series...after this class you are very ready for ensembles, rock bands, lead guitar, and much more in the vast world of guitar.

 

Josh Torvi is a guitarist, teacher, and composer based in Brooklyn. Since 2018, he has maintained a busy schedule at the New York City Guitar School, where he has truly put in his “10,000 hours” teaching private lessons and group classes, hosting the school’s monthly open mic, and guiding students of all ages and skill levels as they discover their voice through music.

Josh specializes in Jazz, Blues, Funk, Soul, and Classic Rock—especially The Beatles. He earned his BA in Music from Bard College, where he deepened his foundation in performance and composition, in addition to his love for the liberal arts and learning in general.

As a performer, Josh has appeared at venues including Cornelia Street Cafe and Smalls Jazz Club, along with many other spots throughout the Northeast. He currently holds a multi-year residency at The Lost and Found—a bar right next to the guitar school!

Whether at a gig or around the school, Josh is always excited to say hello, spread positivity, and share good vibes.

 

#bassguitar #leadguitar #12andup #guitar

Tia Vincent-Clark grew up in a family of professional musicians and began her teaching career in 1999. Her patience, enthusiasm and commitment to teaching are all reasons that we are thrilled to have Tia as an integral part of NYC Guitar School! Great with all ages and skill levels, Tia specializes in nurturing a love for guitar in beginners and also enjoys teaching bass and ukulele. She completed a BA in Music from The City College of New York in January of 2007 and holds a diploma in Audio Engineering and Production from The Institute of Audio Research in New York City. Tia currently plays in two professional tribute bands as well as writing and performing in her original band Huh. #bassguitar #ukulele #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #vocalteacher

 

The Performance Ensemble is a commitment-based class for advanced students who want to deepen their musical identity, skills, and connections by preparing a polished song for live performance.

This class is not for beginners. Designed for post–Beginner Level 9 guitarists and experienced vocalists, this class focuses on playing music together at a high level. Students take on distinct musical roles (lead, rhythm, vocals, textures, etc.) and work toward one well-arranged song typically performed as part of NYC Guitar School Rock Band showcase events. All students are expected to be off book for the performance (no charts, lyrics, phones, or music stands).

Ensembles are among the most beloved programs at NYC Guitar School. They are challenging, but deeply rewarding—giving students a chance to grow musically while forming meaningful, lasting connections with fellow musicians. Many ensembles continue together for years

Here’s how it works:

1. Rehearse weekly to build ensemble skills, learn your part, and grow confidence playing with others.

2. Develop a full arrangement together, starting simple and refining over time. Teachers place each student in the sweet spot—challenged and successful.

3. Move off book as the show approaches. By the final two rehearsals, students should be mostly or fully off book.

4. Perform live as part of a curated showcase, creating strong accountability and community.

After performances, Ensembles typically shift into a short run of open jam sessions, offering a bridge to future Ensembles, before entering the next performance cycle.

Prerequisites & Expectations

Guitarists: Completion of Beginner Level 9 (or equivalent, ie ability to play barre chords, multiple strum patterns, and complete songs, with a basic foundation of music theory)

Vocalists: ~1 year of group classes or private lessons or recommendation from a NYCGS vocal teacher

Ability to attend 80%+ of rehearsals and commit to the performance date

Note: Class members are limited to enrollment in a maximum of one Performance Ensemble at a time.

Students self-select into Ensembles; teachers retain final discretion to ensure a strong fit.

There is no open enrollment into Ensembles. To enroll, or to ask questions, email info@nycguitarschool.com.

Dylan Charles is a singer/songwriter based in New York City. His music runs the gamut from acoustic americana and rock/blues to jazzy soul and electo-pop. Touring nationally as a solo act and as a bandleader, he also co-founded and continues to perform with NYC soul band On The Sun and Arizona-based americana band The Border Crossers. In addition to his own projects, he frequently works with other artists as a multi-instrumentalist sideman, producer, co-writer and studio musician. Dylan has been playing guitar for over 20 years and teaching almost as long. He started working with New York City Guitar School when he moved to NYC in 2012 and is currently the program director for the school’s Rock Band program as well as a teacher at the Midtown and Brooklyn locations. In high school he taught lessons to fellow teens as part of a “Community Resources” program in his home town of Ann Arbor, MI. He frequently played local gigs through the Community High School jazz band program as well as with his own original music projects. He continued to teach, perform and record while studying jazz guitar at University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2006. In 2008 Dylan moved to Bisbee, AZ where he created and coached an after school rock band program at the Bisbee High School and worked as a substitute teacher for the Bisbee elementary, middle and high schools. Dylan also founded a non-profit program called “The Friday Project” when, because of budget cuts, Bisbee Unified School District cut Fridays from the school week. The program provided a wide variety of free workshops to kids and teens that were all taught by local residents in an effort to keep kids engaged in learning and exploring their passions in the absence of a traditional public school structure. Dylan’s positive energy and encouraging teaching style has helped so many students reach their music goals. Call or email us to set up a lesson with Dylan yourself and visit www.dylancharles.com for music, videos and a calendar of his upcoming performances. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #musicproduction #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

Originally from Pittsburgh, Lyn received her Equity card at the age of eight on the national tour of ANNIE and has been performing on Broadway, Off-Broadway and all across the country ever since. Lyn studied with many wonderful teachers at Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh CLO, and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, where she graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre. She has also been teaching throughout her career, coaching voice students of all ages on a variety of music from pop, to rock, to musical theatre.

Lyn uses her knowledge, instincts and warmth to help her students grow, improve their voice and range, interpret songs, and even incorporates meditation, mindfulness and dance/movement into her lessons if requested. She highlights each student's individual gifts and is looking forward to guiding you on your singing journey!

#vocalteacher #7andup

Curious about learning how to sing? Then this is the class for you! 

 

Vocal Excercise/Sing a Song starts off with 20-30 mins of vocal exercises focusing on strengthening the lungs, purifying the vowels for harmonies, and harmony building exercises.

Anthony has performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, London’s West End, as well as various theaters around the US. He has received a BA in Musical Theatre from Point Park University. Throughout his training, he has shaped his voice with almost a dozen voice teachers combining all of their best methods into a succinct vocal strengthening exercise.

Learn to sing and play guitar at the same time. You'll learn to sing one rhythm while playing another; when to use the most common strum patterns; anticipations; phrase beginnings; how best to practice; and more. Guitar parts will be accessible to anyone having completed Beginners 2. No guitar skills? You can still join on shaker or percussion! Pre-req: 12 sessions of Vocal 1 - Intro to Singing, or the ability to match pitch reasonably well, and a recommendation from a vocal teacher.

Rose graduated from Appalachian State University where she studied Music Education with a focus in Choral Music. She recently moved to New York from North Carolina and is excited to spread her love for music in the Big Apple! Before moving she worked as a private voice, piano, and guitar instructor at Jolie Musique School of the Arts and has taught vocal lessons focusing on pop, rock, musical theatre, and classical music to various ages of students. When she’s not teaching, she loves to write poetry, go on adventures with friends, and explore her local coffee shops.

 

#vocalteacher #7andup

Learn to sing and play guitar at the same time. You'll learn to sing one rhythm while playing another; when to use the most common strum patterns; anticipations; phrase beginnings; how best to practice; and more. Guitar parts will be accessible to anyone having completed Beginners 2. No guitar skills? You can still join on shaker or percussion! Pre-req: 12 sessions of Vocal 1 - Intro to Singing, or the ability to match pitch reasonably well, and a recommendation from a vocal teacher.

Jaime teaches voice, guitar, and bass, and heads the Vocal Studio at NYC Guitar School. He has been teaching since 2001, and especially loves working with beginners. Students are often surprised to find they really can sing when they thought they couldn't. Jaime specializes in pop, classic & alternative rock, soul, folk, country, and blues, and has an abiding love of dark chocolate. Jaime grew up in western Connecticut, where he was inspired to play guitar after watching Nirvana Unplugged on MTV. He lived in Chapel Hill, NC; touring in rock, blues, and country bands. He then studied songwriting and recording, as well as guitar and voice, at Berklee College of Music. He continues to study voice in NYC with Marlon Saunders. Jaime was the frontman and songwriter for alt-rock band The Spanish Channel, which released three albums, opened for national acts, was mentioned in SPIN and Guitar World, and toured nationally. He now performs solo acoustic in NYC and throughout the East Coast. JaimeGaramella.com #leadguitar #fingerstyle #vocalteacher #12andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

The Blues has many dimensions. Our Blues Ensemble is an innovative class that focuses on the Chess Records sound of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and others. This sub-genre was never about virtuosic shredding, but featured several electric guitars playing simple, interlocking lines.

 

This is an ideal entry point into the Blues universe for intermediate players. Participants will experience the challenge and exhilaration of holding down a part in the context of a larger whole. More advanced students will be given ample space to test their improvisation stills.

 

The Drop-In format of the class allows participants to come on in and join the jam on any week. Get ready for some hands-on training on this earthy, resonant music.

 

Amps are available in our studio. Students are encouraged to bring their favorite axe, but guitars will be provided if needed.

 

**Note: Classes with low enrollment will be cancelled two days in advance. Be sure to sign up for your favorite classes before then to reserve your spot!**

 

Lenny Molotov has been teaching at NYC Guitar School since its inception in 2003.
He specializes in classic American styles.

 

The Performance Ensemble is a commitment-based class for advanced students who want to deepen their musical identity, skills, and connections by preparing a polished song for live performance.

This class is not for beginners. Designed for post–Beginner Level 9 guitarists and experienced vocalists, this class focuses on playing music together at a high level. Students take on distinct musical roles (lead, rhythm, vocals, textures, etc.) and work toward one well-arranged song typically performed as part of NYC Guitar School Rock Band showcase events. All students are expected to be off book for the performance (no charts, lyrics, phones, or music stands).

Ensembles are among the most beloved programs at NYC Guitar School. They are challenging, but deeply rewarding—giving students a chance to grow musically while forming meaningful, lasting connections with fellow musicians. Many ensembles continue together for years

Here’s how it works:

1. Rehearse weekly to build ensemble skills, learn your part, and grow confidence playing with others.

2. Develop a full arrangement together, starting simple and refining over time. Teachers place each student in the sweet spot—challenged and successful.

3. Move off book as the show approaches. By the final two rehearsals, students should be mostly or fully off book.

4. Perform live as part of a curated showcase, creating strong accountability and community.

After performances, Ensembles typically shift into a short run of open jam sessions, offering a bridge to future Ensembles, before entering the next performance cycle.

Prerequisites & Expectations

Guitarists: Completion of Beginner Level 9 (or equivalent, ie ability to play barre chords, multiple strum patterns, and complete songs, with a basic foundation of music theory)

Vocalists: ~1 year of group classes or private lessons or recommendation from a NYCGS vocal teacher

Ability to attend 80%+ of rehearsals and commit to the performance date

Note: Class members are limited to enrollment in a maximum of one Performance Ensemble at a time.

Students self-select into Ensembles; teachers retain final discretion to ensure a strong fit.

There is no open enrollment into Ensembles. To enroll, or to ask questions, email info@nycguitarschool.com.

Dylan Charles is a singer/songwriter based in New York City. His music runs the gamut from acoustic americana and rock/blues to jazzy soul and electo-pop. Touring nationally as a solo act and as a bandleader, he also co-founded and continues to perform with NYC soul band On The Sun and Arizona-based americana band The Border Crossers. In addition to his own projects, he frequently works with other artists as a multi-instrumentalist sideman, producer, co-writer and studio musician. Dylan has been playing guitar for over 20 years and teaching almost as long. He started working with New York City Guitar School when he moved to NYC in 2012 and is currently the program director for the school’s Rock Band program as well as a teacher at the Midtown and Brooklyn locations. In high school he taught lessons to fellow teens as part of a “Community Resources” program in his home town of Ann Arbor, MI. He frequently played local gigs through the Community High School jazz band program as well as with his own original music projects. He continued to teach, perform and record while studying jazz guitar at University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2006. In 2008 Dylan moved to Bisbee, AZ where he created and coached an after school rock band program at the Bisbee High School and worked as a substitute teacher for the Bisbee elementary, middle and high schools. Dylan also founded a non-profit program called “The Friday Project” when, because of budget cuts, Bisbee Unified School District cut Fridays from the school week. The program provided a wide variety of free workshops to kids and teens that were all taught by local residents in an effort to keep kids engaged in learning and exploring their passions in the absence of a traditional public school structure. Dylan’s positive energy and encouraging teaching style has helped so many students reach their music goals. Call or email us to set up a lesson with Dylan yourself and visit www.dylancharles.com for music, videos and a calendar of his upcoming performances. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #musicproduction #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

Anthony has performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, London’s West End, as well as various theaters around the US. He has received a BA in Musical Theatre from Point Park University. Throughout his training, he has shaped his voice with almost a dozen voice teachers combining all of their best methods into a succinct vocal strengthening exercise.

Rose graduated from Appalachian State University where she studied Music Education with a focus in Choral Music. She recently moved to New York from North Carolina and is excited to spread her love for music in the Big Apple! Before moving she worked as a private voice, piano, and guitar instructor at Jolie Musique School of the Arts and has taught vocal lessons focusing on pop, rock, musical theatre, and classical music to various ages of students. When she’s not teaching, she loves to write poetry, go on adventures with friends, and explore her local coffee shops.

 

#vocalteacher #7andup

Originally from Pittsburgh, Lyn received her Equity card at the age of eight on the national tour of ANNIE and has been performing on Broadway, Off-Broadway and all across the country ever since. Lyn studied with many wonderful teachers at Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh CLO, and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, where she graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre. She has also been teaching throughout her career, coaching voice students of all ages on a variety of music from pop, to rock, to musical theatre.

Lyn uses her knowledge, instincts and warmth to help her students grow, improve their voice and range, interpret songs, and even incorporates meditation, mindfulness and dance/movement into her lessons if requested. She highlights each student's individual gifts and is looking forward to guiding you on your singing journey!

#vocalteacher #7andup

Jaime teaches voice, guitar, and bass, and heads the Vocal Studio at NYC Guitar School. He has been teaching since 2001, and especially loves working with beginners. Students are often surprised to find they really can sing when they thought they couldn't. Jaime specializes in pop, classic & alternative rock, soul, folk, country, and blues, and has an abiding love of dark chocolate. Jaime grew up in western Connecticut, where he was inspired to play guitar after watching Nirvana Unplugged on MTV. He lived in Chapel Hill, NC; touring in rock, blues, and country bands. He then studied songwriting and recording, as well as guitar and voice, at Berklee College of Music. He continues to study voice in NYC with Marlon Saunders. Jaime was the frontman and songwriter for alt-rock band The Spanish Channel, which released three albums, opened for national acts, was mentioned in SPIN and Guitar World, and toured nationally. He now performs solo acoustic in NYC and throughout the East Coast. JaimeGaramella.com #leadguitar #fingerstyle #vocalteacher #12andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

Writing a song is one of the most profound ways to express oneself, and among the most challenging. Songwriters do well to know something of music, something of poetry, and how to channel their deepest sentiments. If they perform, there is also the aspect of singing and accompanying themselves on (most often) a guitar. That’s a lot, and to grow artistically in this field it’s very helpful to have a supportive community of songsters. Open mics can be great but our Songwriter’s Circle goes further in offering expert instruction as well as providing a sounding board of fellow fledgling writers.

Participants are encouraged to bring in material (whole or incomplete) and share them with the class for discussion and suggestions. The teacher will have a weekly lesson as well, on music theory, song structure, versification, the creative process, etc. Specific assignments will also be given from time to time. The drop-in format allows participants, both veteran and novice, to enter in on any week. Pull up a chair and join our Circle; you will learn things about the art form and yourself you may never have imagined.

**Note: Classes with low enrollment will be cancelled two days in advance. Be sure to sign up for your favorite classes before then to reserve your spot!**

Lenny Molotov has been teaching at NYC Guitar School since its inception in 2003.
He specializes in classic American styles.

 

Playing music with other people is one of the greatest gifts of learning the guitar! This class builds upon the amazing foundation gained from our beginner guitar curriculum. We expand our knowledge of chords and triads, improv, and lead playing while learning our favorite songs. Each session we will pick songs we love, deconstruct the elements of each guitar part, and use this knowledge to create a part that works within the group. Our goal by the end of the class is to be able to piece together all of our parts and take them to our virtual/online recording studio. 

 

This class is ideal for guitarists that are comfortable with open chords, barre chords, basic pentatonic scales, rudimentary recording capabilities, and most importantly, love learning new songs and working with a team!

 

**Note: Classes with low enrollment will be cancelled two days in advance. Be sure to sign up for your favorite classes before then to reserve your spot!**

 

Eric is joining us from Hamilton, Canada. This is his second stint making America “home”. The first was as a scholarship student at Berklee College of Music in Boston studying bass and guitar performance.

His professional experience includes everything from bar gigs co-starring the weekly hockey game to cross-country indie tours stuffed in a cramped van to backing up Grammy and Juno (Canadian Grammy) award-winning artists. The genres are equally diverse as the gigs; folk/singer-songwriter, rock, top 40, r&b, country and jazz just to name a few.

Although the bass has been Eric’s primary musical instrument, his guitar playing has always held an important role. In fact, during a decade of teaching, most his students have been guitarists...let’s face it, only a select few listen to Jimi Hendrix and want to be Noel Redding!
His teaching style is encouraging, motivating and relaxed while focusing on each student's personal musical taste and aspirations. Eric’s goal is to inspire each student to discover all that the guitar (or bass!) has to offer and help cultivate a love of music.

#bassguitar #leadguitar #fingerstyle #16andup #guitar

In need of some fresh ears to hear the track you've been working on? Come share it in our Music Production Workshop! You'll get and give feedback in a warm environment with fellow students and an experienced instructor. When we're not sharing our songs we're learning new techniques in mixing, mastering, arrangement, composition and sound design. Even if you are just setting up your home studio, or trying to use a specific software for the first time. Everyone gets a spot at the table to record and produce music here.

Dylan Charles is a singer/songwriter based in New York City. His music runs the gamut from acoustic americana and rock/blues to jazzy soul and electo-pop. Touring nationally as a solo act and as a bandleader, he also co-founded and continues to perform with NYC soul band On The Sun and Arizona-based americana band The Border Crossers. In addition to his own projects, he frequently works with other artists as a multi-instrumentalist sideman, producer, co-writer and studio musician. Dylan has been playing guitar for over 20 years and teaching almost as long. He started working with New York City Guitar School when he moved to NYC in 2012 and is currently the program director for the school’s Rock Band program as well as a teacher at the Midtown and Brooklyn locations. In high school he taught lessons to fellow teens as part of a “Community Resources” program in his home town of Ann Arbor, MI. He frequently played local gigs through the Community High School jazz band program as well as with his own original music projects. He continued to teach, perform and record while studying jazz guitar at University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2006. In 2008 Dylan moved to Bisbee, AZ where he created and coached an after school rock band program at the Bisbee High School and worked as a substitute teacher for the Bisbee elementary, middle and high schools. Dylan also founded a non-profit program called “The Friday Project” when, because of budget cuts, Bisbee Unified School District cut Fridays from the school week. The program provided a wide variety of free workshops to kids and teens that were all taught by local residents in an effort to keep kids engaged in learning and exploring their passions in the absence of a traditional public school structure. Dylan’s positive energy and encouraging teaching style has helped so many students reach their music goals. Call or email us to set up a lesson with Dylan yourself and visit www.dylancharles.com for music, videos and a calendar of his upcoming performances. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #musicproduction #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

Originally from Pittsburgh, Lyn received her Equity card at the age of eight on the national tour of ANNIE and has been performing on Broadway, Off-Broadway and all across the country ever since. Lyn studied with many wonderful teachers at Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh CLO, and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, where she graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre. She has also been teaching throughout her career, coaching voice students of all ages on a variety of music from pop, to rock, to musical theatre.

Lyn uses her knowledge, instincts and warmth to help her students grow, improve their voice and range, interpret songs, and even incorporates meditation, mindfulness and dance/movement into her lessons if requested. She highlights each student's individual gifts and is looking forward to guiding you on your singing journey!

#vocalteacher #7andup

Happy Hour Guitar, NYC's most fun guided jam since 2011, is back at NYC Guitar School on Friday nights from 6-8pm!

 

Beginners and seasoned players jam together in the most supportive and fun environment. This is a BYOB jam where you'll be playing lots of guitar, meeting new friends, and improving your skills by getting quality practice time.

Guitars are provided. Ukulele players, bass players and singers are welcome.

Current NYC Guitar School students join free!

Meet, Mingle, Jam! You'll be having so much fun you won't even realize that you are getting better at guitar.

NYCGS teacher Eliane Delage has founded Happy Hour Guitar, a guided jam that allows beginners and intermediate guitar players to practice their basic chords and strumming patterns by strumming along to a great selection of songs on her specially created big screen Guitaraoke videos!

It isn't just a fun way to practice guitar--it is a way to meet and make new music friends. It is a BYOB Happy Hour, so feel free to bring your favorite beer, wine or beverage of your choice.

How It Works:

Each evening has a playlist with a quick explanation of the chords and strumming before each song. The group will play through the playlist together, followed by a chance for each person to perform a song solo on electric guitar. Participation is optional but encouraged for fun!

Acoustic guitars (including left-handed ones) and capos are provided. BYOB is welcome, and there will be cups, a wine/beer opener, and ice.

Happy Hour Guitar FAQ:

Ukulele? Yes, ukuleles are welcome.
Bass? Yes, we have basses!
Who can join? Adult guitar, ukulele, bass players and singers!
Vocalists welcome! There are mics available, singers are welcome to join.
BYOB? Yes, you can bring beer, wine or the beverage of your choice.
Beginners? Yes, beginners, as well as intermediate and advanced players, are welcome.
Chords needed? You can enjoy the jam with as few as 3 chords (G, C, D or G, D, A7). Knowing 5 or more will enhance the experience, use all the tricks you learned in class and jam away!
Afraid of the F chord? Don't worry, there are many ways to play it, and they're all good!
Struggling with a chord? It's okay! Simplify or skip as needed. For tricky chords like Em7 or Amaj7, just play the basic version.
Do I need to bring a guitar? No, guitars (including lefties) are provided.
Is this a class? No, it's a jam to practice guitar, make new friends and have a great time playing music together.

How to join:
Sign up via the "enroll" button—free for NYC Guitar School students, or buy a pass on Meetup.

https://www.meetup.com/eliane-delage-guitar-ensemble/events/303164440/?eventOrigin=group_featured_event

Eliane Delage has been playing the guitar since the early 80's when she started learning the guitar in São Paulo, Brasil.

She's been in several bands ranging in style from Funk, Brazilian Music, Hard Rock, Blues, and even Metal!

Her passion is shredding on the electric guitar, but she also fingerpicks an acoustic guitar beautifully.

Her training as a musician consists of many, many years of private instruction, school instruction, and way over 30,000 hours of practice!

She attended the Guitar Institute of Technology (I,G&T) in Sao Paulo, Brasil, graduating in 1989. Eliane also studied Audio Recording at the Musician's Institute (MI) in Hollywood, CA. She is an accomplished guitarist, composer, and sound engineer!

Besides being a great musician, Eliane is a remarkable teacher; extremely patient and friendly.

In 2009, Eliane was featured in the Daily News as one of “NY’s Guitar Heros” due to her extensive work teaching Rock Guitar for Kids and Teens!

Eliane has been teaching at NYC Guitar School since 2007. She loves teaching children, teens, and adults. Eliane has over 20 years of teaching experience and her specialties include private lessons, each level of the Beginners Classes, Lead Guitar, Brazilian Guitar, Rock Guitar for Kids and Teens, Adult Rock Band and Summer Camp.

In the Summer of 2010, Eliane successfully directed NYC Guitar School Rock Camp.
Eliane is the founder of Happy Hour Guitar (www.happyhourguitar.com), a great practice session where students turn their guitar learning into guitar playing.

In May of 2012, Eliane and her students were invited to perform at the United Nations as part of Children’s Day of Turkey. She was honored along fellow teachers on stage by the Ambassador of Turkey!

#leadguitar #fingerstyle #guitar #bassguitar

Heavy metal and its close cousin hard rock are among the most popular and enduring genres of rock. And while metal puts the awesome power of the electric guitar front and center, wielding that power takes dedicated practice and mastery of many advanced techniques. In this drop-in class, we’ll examine some classic metal songs from AC/DC, Black Sabbath, and Iron Maiden while learning the precision picking muting and fingering moves to ride the Highway to Hell!

 

Prerequisites: Students should have graduated from Beginners 9 or be otherwise comfortable with barre chords.

Vinnie has been a full-time musician and teacher since 1995, and is especially patient with adult beginners. He's performed on Broadway as an understudy lead guitarist in the Billy Joel/Twyla Tharp collaborative Moving Out, is currently a regular sub in the pit orchestra of Mamma Mia and has also worked on Jersey Boys. He's been onstage backing Herb Reed's Platters, Marylin Michales, and others, but most weekends, Vin rocks a crowded dance floor with party-rockers the Mulligans and/or '80s tribute act The Ronald Reagans. You might also find him replicating the mesmerizing guitar tones of The Edge with leading tri-state area U2 tribute band U2 Nation. (Yes-3 bands!!!!) Vinnie has penned hundreds of six-string-related articles and is a regular contributor of instructional lessons and transcriptions to Guitar Player and Frets magazines. Five of Vin's lesson columns were chosen for inclusion in Hal Leonard's 2008 publication The Guitar Player Book. At NYC Guitar School, Vinnie's experience in performing, writing and transcribing, have helped him design and teach the Classic Rock, U2, Heavy Metal, Surf Rock, Led Zeppelin, and Intermediate Acoustic Rock courses He also offers guidance to the Adult Rock Band performance ensemble classes. He holds a BS in Jazz and Commercial music from Hofstra and a BA in Musicology from L.I.U. In 2007 Vinnie released his solo acoustic instrumental CD Sketches for Sofia and is currently writing and performing original material with NYCGS's own Genifer Owen. He has also played on recordings by Lloyd United, The Mist, actor Chris Burke and others. Vinnie is a proud user and endorsee of Hughes & Kettner amplifiers. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

Rose graduated from Appalachian State University where she studied Music Education with a focus in Choral Music. She recently moved to New York from North Carolina and is excited to spread her love for music in the Big Apple! Before moving she worked as a private voice, piano, and guitar instructor at Jolie Musique School of the Arts and has taught vocal lessons focusing on pop, rock, musical theatre, and classical music to various ages of students. When she’s not teaching, she loves to write poetry, go on adventures with friends, and explore her local coffee shops.

 

#vocalteacher #7andup

Suzuki Group Class - Book I

Katty Anna Mayorga began her guitar studies in Guatemala at the age of 6, concentrating in Latin American pop music on acoustic guitar. She also studied electric bass, mandolin, ukulele and banjo, but fell in love with the classical guitar. At the age of 18 she decided to concentrate solely on classical guitar and in New York, she began her studies with Peter Press (accomplished classical guitarist and mandolin player), Frederic Hand (Grammy nominated guitarist and composer, Mannes School of Music) and João Luiz Rezende Lopes (Brasil Guitar Duo and faculty at SUNY Purchase). She completed her Performance in Classical Guitar undergraduate degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude, under Frederic Hand at the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College and shortly after her Master’s degree under the same tutelage. She has taken master classes with various world renowned guitarist such as Sharon Isbin, Ana Vidovic, Dale Kavanagh, and Susana Prieto. She actively performs as a soloist and with her duos: Duo Metropolitano (two guitars) and Duo JKLM (flute and guitar) and taught for over 10 years in Westchester County, Ny, and Fairfield County, Ct before joining NYC Guitar school.
Katty is convinced of the importance of Early Childhood music education and the developmental advantage that it creates. She believes deeply in the structural aspects of Suzuki Music Education and the potential of Suzuki Early Childhood Education (SECE) to nurture a child to have a strong bond with music and with the parent. Through SECE, children learn dexterity, music appreciation, sharing and a gentle character. Katty's SECE mentor and trainer is Lynn McCall, the Director of Ayla Suzuki Music and the first American permitted to train SECE teachers.

Katty also became Suzuki Guitar certified in 2014, under the mentoring of Andrea Cannon, founder of Guitar Arts Studio which serves as a National Model Program for Suzuki Guitar. Katty believes the most important part of being a musician is to pass your knowledge to the next generation so they are inspired to make the world a better place through music. We are happy that her love and skill for music and small children have brought her to NYC Guitar School.

#leadguitar #fingerstyle #suzuki

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Born in Brooklyn, Elias discovered his love for music at an early age, inspired by the Beatles. By the age of six, he was already playing guitar. He spent years performing in rock bands, focusing primarily on original music, before diving deeper into jazz under the guidance of Bob Sneider, a renowned professor at the Eastman School of Music.

In the fall of 2023, Elias began studying at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College, where he explored a wide range of musical styles, from the soulful energy of Kirk Franklin to the dynamic grooves of Cory Wong. During his time there, he earned two prestigious Downbeat Awards for Best Community College Blues/Pop/Rock Ensemble and Best Small Vocal Group.

As a guitarist, Elias has performed at iconic New York venues, including Barclays Center, Pianos, the Perelman Performing Arts Center, Ideal Glass Studios, and more.

Elias takes pride in his versatility, mastering a variety of musical styles. He teaches everything from jazz standards and funk grooves to rock riffs and lead guitar techniques, inspiring students to develop their own musical voices.

#guitar #leadguitar #7andup #MIDmon #UEStue #TRIwed #DOWNwed  #UESfri

If you know your basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, but would like to be able to play entire songs with confidence--and mixed strums--then this is the class for you! You will become comfortable changing between these chords while using mixed strumming patterns, including the incredibly delicious sounding, ubiquitous and useful “basic strum” and “best strum" in the context of inspiring songs by artists like Adele, Bill Withers, Jason Mraz, Ed Sheeran and more.

 

Here's how it works:

 

1. Come to class weekly to learn songs and skills and get encouragement and feedback from your teacher. The course topics cycle every 8 weeks or so, so you can start anytime.

 

2. Practice at home using the included video practice library. Start each session with the Beginner Guitar 2 warm-up video to reinforce fundamentals and maximize your progress!

 

3. The secret to success is remembering what you want--so review the Beginner Guitar 2 Class Graduation Video frequently, and play along with as many stops and pauses as you need. First you may be confused. Then you may be challenged. Finally, you will crush it! When you do, you're ready for the next class level.

Prerequisites: You have completed Beginners 1 or are comfortable with basic open chords and can play along with the graduation video for the Beginner 1 level class.

Austin D’Adamo is a guitarist, bassist and composer from North Carolina. He received his degree in Music Performance at Valencia College in Orlando, FL under the sage tutelage of Orlando jazz guitarist and educator Bob Holtum. Since relocating to NYC in 2017 he has played with a number of local rock and pop acts, pit orchestras, and improvised music groups – and all along the way he has taught and tutored students of all ages and skill levels on guitar, bass, and music theory.

Austin is well-versed in many genres including jazz, soul, R&B, classical, rock, pop, and country – if it’s good music, you can’t keep him away from it! You might catch him playing and recording with local acts such as The Newsreels, Rocky Billop, and his own jazz-fusion trio Our Messy Ghost.

It is Austin’s belief that his horizons would never have been as broad as they are now if not for music; the guitar taught him patience and acceptance, and it led him to appreciate cultures that he otherwise may have never known. It’s for this reason that he enjoys teaching as much as he enjoys performing – because he loves to see a student’s world get bigger and their love for music grow.

#7andup #guitar #bassguitar #leadguitar

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Mike O’Donnell is a guitarist and songwriter raised on live music in New Orleans and New York City. He’s dedicated his life to the guitar for over 20 years, honing a versatile playing style that blends elements of psychedelic rock, blues, bluegrass, funk, folk rock, and—above all—improvisational exploration. As both a bandleader and band member, he’s performed in and around the Northeast at venues like Brooklyn Bowl, The Perelman Performing Arts Center, The Paramount, Great South Bay Music Festival, The Space at Westbury, The Warehouse at FTC, Garcia’s at the Capitol Theatre, and Ardmore Music Hall

Mike studied music at the Borough of Manhattan Community College, where he performed in the guitar ensemble and Downbeat Music award-winning jazz ensemble. Through BMCC and Brooklyn Conservatory of Music’s “Music Partners Program”, he’s had the opportunity to work with students as young as four years old and assist professors in teaching college-level guitar classes. He is currently studying at CUNY CCNY.

As a guitar teacher, Mike cares about helping his students discover and develop their own musical voices. Recognizing the guitar as a powerful conduit for language and nonverbal communication, he teaches students of all ages how to express themselves through their instruments — how to become fluent in guitar.

#guitar #UWSsun

If you know your basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, but would like to be able to play entire songs with confidence--and mixed strums--then this is the class for you! You will become comfortable changing between these chords while using mixed strumming patterns, including the incredibly delicious sounding, ubiquitous and useful “basic strum” and “best strum" in the context of inspiring songs by artists like Adele, Bill Withers, Jason Mraz, Ed Sheeran and more.

 

Here's how it works:

 

1. Come to class weekly to learn songs and skills and get encouragement and feedback from your teacher. The course topics cycle every 8 weeks or so, so you can start anytime.

 

2. Practice at home using the included video practice library. Start each session with the Beginner Guitar 2 warm-up video to reinforce fundamentals and maximize your progress!

 

3. The secret to success is remembering what you want--so review the Beginner Guitar 2 Class Graduation Video frequently, and play along with as many stops and pauses as you need. First you may be confused. Then you may be challenged. Finally, you will crush it! When you do, you're ready for the next class level.

Prerequisites: You have completed Beginners 1 or are comfortable with basic open chords and can play along with the graduation video for the Beginner 1 level class.

Anthony Tavarez is a guitarist, producer, and dedicated music educator based in New Jersey. He holds a B.M. in Music Education from New Jersey City University, where he developed a strong foundation in music theory, history, performance, and pedagogy.

Classically trained on guitar, Anthony’s musical voice also extends into world music, neo-soul, and R&B. In addition to teaching, he is an active performer and studio producer, bringing real world musical experience into every lesson. His background as a producer allows him to help students understand not just how to play music, but how it functions creatively and structurally in modern contexts.

As a teacher, Anthony specializes in making the complex language of music feel clear, approachable, and exciting. He believes strong fundamentals are the key to creative freedom, and he works with students to build technique, confidence, and true musical understanding. By incorporating both timeless classics and current popular music into lessons, he connects core concepts to the sounds that inspire today’s students.

Anthony is passionate about helping musicians of all ages discover their voice, strengthen their skills, and develop a lasting relationship with music. His goal is not only to teach students how to play, but to help them think, listen, and grow as complete musicians.

 

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #bassguitar #ukulele

In this class you will acquire a powerful vocabulary of open chords which will give you the skill and knowledge to play thousands of songs, including incorporating the small barre and becoming confident using your pinky. 

 

Mike O’Donnell is a guitarist and songwriter raised on live music in New Orleans and New York City. He’s dedicated his life to the guitar for over 20 years, honing a versatile playing style that blends elements of psychedelic rock, blues, bluegrass, funk, folk rock, and—above all—improvisational exploration. As both a bandleader and band member, he’s performed in and around the Northeast at venues like Brooklyn Bowl, The Perelman Performing Arts Center, The Paramount, Great South Bay Music Festival, The Space at Westbury, The Warehouse at FTC, Garcia’s at the Capitol Theatre, and Ardmore Music Hall

Mike studied music at the Borough of Manhattan Community College, where he performed in the guitar ensemble and Downbeat Music award-winning jazz ensemble. Through BMCC and Brooklyn Conservatory of Music’s “Music Partners Program”, he’s had the opportunity to work with students as young as four years old and assist professors in teaching college-level guitar classes. He is currently studying at CUNY CCNY.

As a guitar teacher, Mike cares about helping his students discover and develop their own musical voices. Recognizing the guitar as a powerful conduit for language and nonverbal communication, he teaches students of all ages how to express themselves through their instruments — how to become fluent in guitar.

#guitar #UWSsun

This is one of NYC Guitar School's most beloved classes--it is challenging, and it is fun! This class dives into fundamental rhythm concepts to help you play with confidence, tone and expression. Learn bass-strums, palm mutes, scratches and sixteenth notes!

 

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

You have completed Beginners 1 & 2 or are comfortable with basic open chords and basic strumming patterns.

Anthony Tavarez is a guitarist, producer, and dedicated music educator based in New Jersey. He holds a B.M. in Music Education from New Jersey City University, where he developed a strong foundation in music theory, history, performance, and pedagogy.

Classically trained on guitar, Anthony’s musical voice also extends into world music, neo-soul, and R&B. In addition to teaching, he is an active performer and studio producer, bringing real world musical experience into every lesson. His background as a producer allows him to help students understand not just how to play music, but how it functions creatively and structurally in modern contexts.

As a teacher, Anthony specializes in making the complex language of music feel clear, approachable, and exciting. He believes strong fundamentals are the key to creative freedom, and he works with students to build technique, confidence, and true musical understanding. By incorporating both timeless classics and current popular music into lessons, he connects core concepts to the sounds that inspire today’s students.

Anthony is passionate about helping musicians of all ages discover their voice, strengthen their skills, and develop a lasting relationship with music. His goal is not only to teach students how to play, but to help them think, listen, and grow as complete musicians.

 

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #bassguitar #ukulele

This is one of NYC Guitar School's most beloved classes--it is challenging, and it is fun! This class dives into fundamental rhythm concepts to help you play with confidence, tone and expression. Learn bass-strums, palm mutes, scratches and sixteenth notes!

 

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

You have completed Beginners 1 & 2 or are comfortable with basic open chords and basic strumming patterns.

Emilio came to New York from Chicago as a wide-eyed freshman studying film and sociology at New York University. In the seven years since, he realized he was the happiest when music was a priority, which has taken him all over the world, most recently here to the NYC Guitar School. He is delighted to have joined their fantastic staff, and promises to bring all the excitement and energy he has for guitar to fulfilling the needs of faculty and students. In addition to his work at the NYC Guitar School, Emilio plays guitar and drums with several bands and projects throughout the city, enjoys running around Prospect Park, and cheering on his hometown Chicago Bulls. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

About the Class
In this class you will expand your chord playing to the entire fretboard, including Sharps and Flats, with E form major, minor and 7th chords, while building complex and expressive rhythm techniques utilizing fretting hand damping and syncopation.

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

PERFORMANCE NOTE: In-person level 8 or 9 classes might turn into a performing ensembles. That means it might be temporarily closed to drop-in sign-ups for four weeks in preparation to perform a song at a seasonal showcase, typically held in early August, November, March and June. Fear not! You are not required to perform...but you really should, it's super fun and it will super-charge your learning! For more info visit nycguitarschool.com/ensembles.

Prerequisites:
You have completed Beginners 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 or are comfortable with mixed 8th note and 16th note strumming patterns, palm muting, bass strumming, slash chords, arpeggios, bass runs, and switching between different strumming patterns and techniques in rhythm.

You are comfortable with various chords including B7, Gadd5, Dm, small barre F, as well as basic open chords. You can also play a few basic licks over a 12 barre blues progression and understand basic diatonic chord theory.

Pete began playing the guitar when he was 11 years old. He soon began working on his calluses learning songs by Megadeth, Metallica, The Beatles, and Yes. He also made sure to attend the National Guitar Workshop every summer. When he was old enough, Pete entered The Berklee College of Music in Boston and majored in Composition and Production. While at Berklee, he wrote a vast array of arrangements and compositions for orchestra, big band, string quartet, rock bands, and even got some work writing electronic music for video games. Pete also played in a variety of bands and ensembles in the greater Boston area as a guitarist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
In 2009 he relocated to New York and began playing as a sideman in numerous Brooklyn-based bands on keyboards, mandolin, accordion, lap steel, vocals, bass and, of course, guitar. He currently plays 11 instruments and is always working on new ones! Pete can also be found at various venues around NYC playing a wide variety of genres including: bluegrass, gypsy jazz, folk, experimental and indie rock.

This is one of NYC Guitar School's most beloved classes--it is challenging, and it is fun! This class dives into fundamental rhythm concepts to help you play with confidence, tone and expression. Learn bass-strums, palm mutes, scratches and sixteenth notes!

 

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

You have completed Beginners 1 & 2 or are comfortable with basic open chords and basic strumming patterns.

Katie Battistoni holds a degree in Jazz Guitar Performance from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. She currently teaches songwriting and music theory at The New School in New York City. She is a fierce advocate of the Neil Young adage that rock and roll is here to stay, and of Thelonious Monk’s mantra that the genius is the one most like [them]self.

Katie has performed and recorded with Marc Ribot, Ches Smith, Wendy Eisenberg, Weasel Walter’s Flying Luttenbachers, Joanna Sternberg, and members of Vulfpeck, Big Thief, and Caroline. She has played in musical theater productions off-Broadway and at Bard College’s Fisher Center. Under the artist name Katy the Kyng (non-sovereign, non-patrilineal), she has written over 500 punk, folk, jazz, experimental, and rock songs about Idahoan laundromats, The Red Hook IKEA rug department, fruit flies, serotonin, and all of her friends.

Katie enjoys teaching hand technique, rock and roll lead-playing, developing self-confidence on the guitar (especially for women and non-gender-conforming students), transcription as a vehicle for jazz vocabulary, chord-melody arranging, fingerstyle accompaniment for folk singers, The Blues as a philosophy and practice, experimental improvisation, traditional songwriting forms, finding your singular (or majestic plural) voice, ear training, and music theory. She also enjoys practicing French, running in Prospect Park, learning chess openings, reading and writing poetry and narrative fiction, and playing with her three-legged tuxedo cat, Rigoletto.

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #ukulele #fingerstyle

This is one of NYC Guitar School's most beloved classes--it is challenging, and it is fun! In this class you will dramatically expand your guitar capacity, understanding, and skill with riffs, licks, diatonic chord theory, arpeggios, movable shapes, vamps and more as you prepare to move into barre chords, lead guitar and beyond.

This class is a "threshhold" class. Students typically take a bit longer to graduate from this class than most of our other classes, and it has the longest graduation requirements of any of 9 beginners classes. And it is worth it! Why? Because in this class you learn to use and relate to your instrument in a transformative way as you begin to exit the beginner stages of gutiar playing.

Most students graduate from this class after 12-20 sessions. But faster or slower is OK!

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

Prerequisites:
You have completed Beginners 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 or are comfortable with mixed 8th note and 16th note strumming patterns, palm muting, bass strumming, slash chords, arpeggios, bass runs, and switching between different strumming patterns and techniques in rhythm.

You are also comfortable with various chords including B7, Gadd5, Dm, small barre F, as well as basic open chords.

Dylan Fader picked up the guitar at a young age, captivated by the energy of jazz, blues, and rock. What started as a hobby quickly became a lifelong passion, leading him to study at Berklee College of Music, where he worked with Tomo Fujita, Bruce Bartlett, Tim Miller, and Oz Noy, and graduated with highest honors in Guitar Performance, focusing on improvisation, theory, and groove-based styles. Along the way, he also earned a degree in English Literature from SUNY New Paltz, reflecting his love of writing, storytelling, and creative expression.

Since then, Dylan has performed extensively as a solo artist, releasing multiple EPs and handling all vocals, guitar, and production himself. He is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, skilled on guitar, bass, keys, and vocals, and enjoys exploring a wide variety of musical ideas in both solo and collaborative settings. Dylan’s performances are informed by a deep understanding of musical structure, groove, and improvisation, allowing him to connect with audiences across genres.

As a teacher, Dylan specializes in jazz, blues, and rock, as well as improvisation, songwriting, and music theory. He emphasizes creativity, technical skill, and confidence-building, helping students develop their own musical voice while exploring new sounds and ideas. Lessons are tailored to each student’s goals, combining focused practice, hands-on guidance, and fun challenges that encourage stepping out of comfort zones.

Outside of music, Dylan enjoys writing, reading, watching movies, and staying active through jogging and other forms of exercise. He brings the same curiosity and passion he applies to music to all areas of his life, inspiring students and peers alike to explore, create, and grow.

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #FIDfri

Jaime teaches voice, guitar, and bass, and heads the Vocal Studio at NYC Guitar School. He has been teaching since 2001, and especially loves working with beginners. Students are often surprised to find they really can sing when they thought they couldn't. Jaime specializes in pop, classic & alternative rock, soul, folk, country, and blues, and has an abiding love of dark chocolate. Jaime grew up in western Connecticut, where he was inspired to play guitar after watching Nirvana Unplugged on MTV. He lived in Chapel Hill, NC; touring in rock, blues, and country bands. He then studied songwriting and recording, as well as guitar and voice, at Berklee College of Music. He continues to study voice in NYC with Marlon Saunders. Jaime was the frontman and songwriter for alt-rock band The Spanish Channel, which released three albums, opened for national acts, was mentioned in SPIN and Guitar World, and toured nationally. He now performs solo acoustic in NYC and throughout the East Coast. JaimeGaramella.com #leadguitar #fingerstyle #vocalteacher #12andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

Fingerstyle is the third essential dimension of guitar playing, along with strumming and single-note picking. This class explores the technique by delving into classic Singer-Songwriter fare from the 60’s (such as Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell), up to today (such as Ed Sheeran and Jason Mraz). We will also do custom guitar adaptations of great pop tunes that were not originally recorded for solo guitar (such as Elton John’s work). The focus here will be on our six strings, but those students who want to add vocals to the mix will be encouraged to do so.

 

At a minimum students should be comfortable with fingerstyle basics like: travis picking, arpeggios, thumb and finger alternation, etc.

 

**Note: Classes with low enrollment will be cancelled two days in advance. Be sure to sign up for your favorite classes before then to reserve your spot!**

Lenny Molotov has been teaching at NYC Guitar School since its inception in 2003.
He specializes in classic American styles.

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Emilio came to New York from Chicago as a wide-eyed freshman studying film and sociology at New York University. In the seven years since, he realized he was the happiest when music was a priority, which has taken him all over the world, most recently here to the NYC Guitar School. He is delighted to have joined their fantastic staff, and promises to bring all the excitement and energy he has for guitar to fulfilling the needs of faculty and students. In addition to his work at the NYC Guitar School, Emilio plays guitar and drums with several bands and projects throughout the city, enjoys running around Prospect Park, and cheering on his hometown Chicago Bulls. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Dylan Fader picked up the guitar at a young age, captivated by the energy of jazz, blues, and rock. What started as a hobby quickly became a lifelong passion, leading him to study at Berklee College of Music, where he worked with Tomo Fujita, Bruce Bartlett, Tim Miller, and Oz Noy, and graduated with highest honors in Guitar Performance, focusing on improvisation, theory, and groove-based styles. Along the way, he also earned a degree in English Literature from SUNY New Paltz, reflecting his love of writing, storytelling, and creative expression.

Since then, Dylan has performed extensively as a solo artist, releasing multiple EPs and handling all vocals, guitar, and production himself. He is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, skilled on guitar, bass, keys, and vocals, and enjoys exploring a wide variety of musical ideas in both solo and collaborative settings. Dylan’s performances are informed by a deep understanding of musical structure, groove, and improvisation, allowing him to connect with audiences across genres.

As a teacher, Dylan specializes in jazz, blues, and rock, as well as improvisation, songwriting, and music theory. He emphasizes creativity, technical skill, and confidence-building, helping students develop their own musical voice while exploring new sounds and ideas. Lessons are tailored to each student’s goals, combining focused practice, hands-on guidance, and fun challenges that encourage stepping out of comfort zones.

Outside of music, Dylan enjoys writing, reading, watching movies, and staying active through jogging and other forms of exercise. He brings the same curiosity and passion he applies to music to all areas of his life, inspiring students and peers alike to explore, create, and grow.

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #FIDfri

If you know your basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, but would like to be able to play entire songs with confidence--and mixed strums--then this is the class for you! You will become comfortable changing between these chords while using mixed strumming patterns, including the incredibly delicious sounding, ubiquitous and useful “basic strum” and “best strum" in the context of inspiring songs by artists like Adele, Bill Withers, Jason Mraz, Ed Sheeran and more.

 

Here's how it works:

 

1. Come to class weekly to learn songs and skills and get encouragement and feedback from your teacher. The course topics cycle every 8 weeks or so, so you can start anytime.

 

2. Practice at home using the included video practice library. Start each session with the Beginner Guitar 2 warm-up video to reinforce fundamentals and maximize your progress!

 

3. The secret to success is remembering what you want--so review the Beginner Guitar 2 Class Graduation Video frequently, and play along with as many stops and pauses as you need. First you may be confused. Then you may be challenged. Finally, you will crush it! When you do, you're ready for the next class level.

Prerequisites: You have completed Beginners 1 or are comfortable with basic open chords and can play along with the graduation video for the Beginner 1 level class.

Katie Battistoni holds a degree in Jazz Guitar Performance from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. She currently teaches songwriting and music theory at The New School in New York City. She is a fierce advocate of the Neil Young adage that rock and roll is here to stay, and of Thelonious Monk’s mantra that the genius is the one most like [them]self.

Katie has performed and recorded with Marc Ribot, Ches Smith, Wendy Eisenberg, Weasel Walter’s Flying Luttenbachers, Joanna Sternberg, and members of Vulfpeck, Big Thief, and Caroline. She has played in musical theater productions off-Broadway and at Bard College’s Fisher Center. Under the artist name Katy the Kyng (non-sovereign, non-patrilineal), she has written over 500 punk, folk, jazz, experimental, and rock songs about Idahoan laundromats, The Red Hook IKEA rug department, fruit flies, serotonin, and all of her friends.

Katie enjoys teaching hand technique, rock and roll lead-playing, developing self-confidence on the guitar (especially for women and non-gender-conforming students), transcription as a vehicle for jazz vocabulary, chord-melody arranging, fingerstyle accompaniment for folk singers, The Blues as a philosophy and practice, experimental improvisation, traditional songwriting forms, finding your singular (or majestic plural) voice, ear training, and music theory. She also enjoys practicing French, running in Prospect Park, learning chess openings, reading and writing poetry and narrative fiction, and playing with her three-legged tuxedo cat, Rigoletto.

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #ukulele #fingerstyle

In this class you will acquire a powerful vocabulary of open chords which will give you the skill and knowledge to play thousands of songs, including incorporating the small barre and becoming confident using your pinky. 

 

Guitarist and composer Ben McClintock (he/him) was born in the high desert of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Despite his early fascination with music, it wasn't until the age of 18 that he picked up a guitar. He was immediately captivated and began a lifelong commitment to the instrument.

Seeking to further develop his skills, he enrolled at Berklee College of Music. During his time there, he was fortunate to study under the guidance of slide guitar virtuoso David Tronzo for three years. Boston also became the breeding ground for his instrumental rock band Izzi Creo, which gained popularity in New England and released two independent albums.

After completing his studies at Berklee, McClintock moved to San Francisco. He became involved in indie-rock bands Social Studies and Smokin' Ziggurats, allowing him to tour the country and share the stage with renowned acts such as Bombino, Grizzly Bear, Metz, La Luz, and Dengue Fever. Throughout this period, he found a growing fascination with improvised and new music, leading him to perform solo with the electric guitar and an array of effect pedals.

After more than a decade on the west coast Ben moved back to the east coast where he earned a master's degree in Jazz Performance from Hunter College under the tutelage of renowned trombonist Ryan Keberle. He released his debut album as a leader "The Shape of Space" in 2024. The sound has been described as soulful, moody and playing with the lines between jazz and electronic music. He is currently in the process of finishing his follow up album recorded at Figure 8 Studios in Brooklyn in the fall of 2025.

Residing in Brooklyn, McClintock performs regularly with his quartet The Shape of Space and with many other creative and inspiring musicians. Alongside his musical pursuits, he embraces the role of an educator, relishing the opportunity to pass on his knowledge and expertise to aspiring and eager students.

#guitar #7andup

In this class you will acquire a powerful vocabulary of open chords which will give you the skill and knowledge to play thousands of songs, including incorporating the small barre and becoming confident using your pinky. 

 

Emilio came to New York from Chicago as a wide-eyed freshman studying film and sociology at New York University. In the seven years since, he realized he was the happiest when music was a priority, which has taken him all over the world, most recently here to the NYC Guitar School. He is delighted to have joined their fantastic staff, and promises to bring all the excitement and energy he has for guitar to fulfilling the needs of faculty and students. In addition to his work at the NYC Guitar School, Emilio plays guitar and drums with several bands and projects throughout the city, enjoys running around Prospect Park, and cheering on his hometown Chicago Bulls. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

In this class you will play compelling and complex strumming patterns, as you mix bass notes, palm mutes, scratches, and syncopated 16th notes, becoming a confident and expressive rhythm guitar player.

This class is a "threshhold" class. Students typically take a bit longer to graduate from this class than most of our other classes--and it is worth it! Why? Because in this class you learn to use and relate to your instrument in a transformative way, elevating your physical confidence and rhtyhmic understanding and expressiveness. Most students graduate from this class after 8-12 sessions. But faster or slower is OK!

 

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

Born and raised in the outskirts of New York City, Greg began studying music at an early age into his college years. Starting with the saxophone in grade school and later moving on to guitar, it became clear that music would be a lifelong passion.

In this class you will mix and match E and A form barre chords over the entire fretboard and you will deepen your understanding of essential chord progressions.

 

This is the final course in our Beginners series...after this class you are very ready for ensembles, rock bands, lead guitar, and much more in the vast world of guitar.

 

Eric is joining us from Hamilton, Canada. This is his second stint making America “home”. The first was as a scholarship student at Berklee College of Music in Boston studying bass and guitar performance.

His professional experience includes everything from bar gigs co-starring the weekly hockey game to cross-country indie tours stuffed in a cramped van to backing up Grammy and Juno (Canadian Grammy) award-winning artists. The genres are equally diverse as the gigs; folk/singer-songwriter, rock, top 40, r&b, country and jazz just to name a few.

Although the bass has been Eric’s primary musical instrument, his guitar playing has always held an important role. In fact, during a decade of teaching, most his students have been guitarists...let’s face it, only a select few listen to Jimi Hendrix and want to be Noel Redding!
His teaching style is encouraging, motivating and relaxed while focusing on each student's personal musical taste and aspirations. Eric’s goal is to inspire each student to discover all that the guitar (or bass!) has to offer and help cultivate a love of music.

#bassguitar #leadguitar #fingerstyle #16andup #guitar

About the Class:
Playing music with other people is one of the greatest gifts of learning the guitar! This class builds upon the amazing foundation gained from our beginner guitar curriculum. We expand our knowledge of chords and triads, improv, and lead playing while learning and recording our favorite songs. Each session we will pick songs we love, deconstruct the elements of each guitar part, and use this knowledge to create a part that works within the group. Our goal by the end of the class is to be able to piece together all of our parts and take them to our virtual/online recording studio, SoundTrap. Previous recording experience helpful but not required!

Jaime teaches voice, guitar, and bass, and heads the Vocal Studio at NYC Guitar School. He has been teaching since 2001, and especially loves working with beginners. Students are often surprised to find they really can sing when they thought they couldn't. Jaime specializes in pop, classic & alternative rock, soul, folk, country, and blues, and has an abiding love of dark chocolate. Jaime grew up in western Connecticut, where he was inspired to play guitar after watching Nirvana Unplugged on MTV. He lived in Chapel Hill, NC; touring in rock, blues, and country bands. He then studied songwriting and recording, as well as guitar and voice, at Berklee College of Music. He continues to study voice in NYC with Marlon Saunders. Jaime was the frontman and songwriter for alt-rock band The Spanish Channel, which released three albums, opened for national acts, was mentioned in SPIN and Guitar World, and toured nationally. He now performs solo acoustic in NYC and throughout the East Coast. JaimeGaramella.com #leadguitar #fingerstyle #vocalteacher #12andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

About the Class:
Playing music with other people is one of the greatest gifts of learning the guitar! This class builds upon the amazing foundation gained from our beginner guitar curriculum. We expand our knowledge of chords and triads, improv, and lead playing while learning and recording our favorite songs. Each session we will pick songs we love, deconstruct the elements of each guitar part, and use this knowledge to create a part that works within the group. Our goal by the end of the class is to be able to piece together all of our parts and take them to our virtual/online recording studio, SoundTrap. Previous recording experience helpful but not required!

Born and raised in the outskirts of New York City, Greg began studying music at an early age into his college years. Starting with the saxophone in grade school and later moving on to guitar, it became clear that music would be a lifelong passion.

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Beau Croxton is a New York City-born singer/songwriter who has been playing for 24 years. He has performed in the New York City live music scene regularly since 2012, performing at venues including Baby’s All Right, The Sultan Room, TV Eye, Mercury Lounge and beyond.

Beau began guitar classes at the age of 11 and went on to teach himself bass and drums. Beau started performing and songwriting regularly before the age of 14 with a passion for classic rock n’ roll and New York City’s 1970s punk rock scene. Beau studied improv and music theory with the group Medeski, Martin, and Wood in 2008 and 2010, and was the lead guitarist in John Medeski’s ensemble.

Beau is the lead singer and guitarist of the NYC garage-rock n’ roll band Damn Jackals, in which he does the arrangements for every instrument. The band has toured the USA twice— one tour included a slot at Savannah Stopover Music Festival in 2019 alongside Deerhunter, Lucy Dacus, and Faye Webster. Beau and Damn Jackals have received critical acclaim in press outlets such as American Songwriter, Under the Radar Magazine and more. Beau also directed and arranged a horn section for Damn Jackals that consisted of players who have toured & collaborated prominently with David Byrne (of Talking Heads), St Vincent and LCD Soundsystem.

As a teacher, Beau leads with kindness and highlights the fun in every moment. He specializes in classic rock, indie, pop, blues guitar, performing and songwriting. He can play an arrange of other styles including metal, indie-rock, punk, slide guitar, reggae, folk, country and beyond.

Beau’s approach to teaching guitar is centered around the fact that everyone is capable of being a great guitarist/bassist. Beau celebrates positivity of every learning moment with an emphasis on kindness in order to make his students feel confident, capable and comfortable.

#guitar #leadguitar #bass #7andup

If you know your basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, but would like to be able to play entire songs with confidence--and mixed strums--then this is the class for you! You will become comfortable changing between these chords while using mixed strumming patterns, including the incredibly delicious sounding, ubiquitous and useful “basic strum” and “best strum" in the context of inspiring songs by artists like Adele, Bill Withers, Jason Mraz, Ed Sheeran and more.

 

Here's how it works:

 

1. Come to class weekly to learn songs and skills and get encouragement and feedback from your teacher. The course topics cycle every 8 weeks or so, so you can start anytime.

 

2. Practice at home using the included video practice library. Start each session with the Beginner Guitar 2 warm-up video to reinforce fundamentals and maximize your progress!

 

3. The secret to success is remembering what you want--so review the Beginner Guitar 2 Class Graduation Video frequently, and play along with as many stops and pauses as you need. First you may be confused. Then you may be challenged. Finally, you will crush it! When you do, you're ready for the next class level.

Prerequisites: You have completed Beginners 1 or are comfortable with basic open chords and can play along with the graduation video for the Beginner 1 level class.

Pete began playing the guitar when he was 11 years old. He soon began working on his calluses learning songs by Megadeth, Metallica, The Beatles, and Yes. He also made sure to attend the National Guitar Workshop every summer. When he was old enough, Pete entered The Berklee College of Music in Boston and majored in Composition and Production. While at Berklee, he wrote a vast array of arrangements and compositions for orchestra, big band, string quartet, rock bands, and even got some work writing electronic music for video games. Pete also played in a variety of bands and ensembles in the greater Boston area as a guitarist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
In 2009 he relocated to New York and began playing as a sideman in numerous Brooklyn-based bands on keyboards, mandolin, accordion, lap steel, vocals, bass and, of course, guitar. He currently plays 11 instruments and is always working on new ones! Pete can also be found at various venues around NYC playing a wide variety of genres including: bluegrass, gypsy jazz, folk, experimental and indie rock.

In this class you will play compelling and complex strumming patterns, as you mix bass notes, palm mutes, scratches, and syncopated 16th notes, becoming a confident and expressive rhythm guitar player.

This class is a "threshhold" class. Students typically take a bit longer to graduate from this class than most of our other classes--and it is worth it! Why? Because in this class you learn to use and relate to your instrument in a transformative way, elevating your physical confidence and rhtyhmic understanding and expressiveness. Most students graduate from this class after 8-12 sessions. But faster or slower is OK!

 

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

Dylan Fader picked up the guitar at a young age, captivated by the energy of jazz, blues, and rock. What started as a hobby quickly became a lifelong passion, leading him to study at Berklee College of Music, where he worked with Tomo Fujita, Bruce Bartlett, Tim Miller, and Oz Noy, and graduated with highest honors in Guitar Performance, focusing on improvisation, theory, and groove-based styles. Along the way, he also earned a degree in English Literature from SUNY New Paltz, reflecting his love of writing, storytelling, and creative expression.

Since then, Dylan has performed extensively as a solo artist, releasing multiple EPs and handling all vocals, guitar, and production himself. He is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, skilled on guitar, bass, keys, and vocals, and enjoys exploring a wide variety of musical ideas in both solo and collaborative settings. Dylan’s performances are informed by a deep understanding of musical structure, groove, and improvisation, allowing him to connect with audiences across genres.

As a teacher, Dylan specializes in jazz, blues, and rock, as well as improvisation, songwriting, and music theory. He emphasizes creativity, technical skill, and confidence-building, helping students develop their own musical voice while exploring new sounds and ideas. Lessons are tailored to each student’s goals, combining focused practice, hands-on guidance, and fun challenges that encourage stepping out of comfort zones.

Outside of music, Dylan enjoys writing, reading, watching movies, and staying active through jogging and other forms of exercise. He brings the same curiosity and passion he applies to music to all areas of his life, inspiring students and peers alike to explore, create, and grow.

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #FIDfri

About the Class
In this class you will dramatically advance your guitar technique as you mix and match individual notes and strums with alternate bass patterns, arpeggios, runs, slash chords and more, gaining the capacity to bring multiple voicings and embellishments to your playing.

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

Prerequisites:
You have completed Beginners 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 or are comfortable with mixed 8th note and 16th note strumming patterns, palm muting, bass strumming, and switching between these different strumming patterns in rhythm.

You are also comfortable with various chords including B7, Gadd5, Dm, small barre F, as well as basic open chords.

George is a musician, composer and sound engineer based in Queens, NY. Originally from Indianapolis, IN George studied Jazz Guitar at Indiana University under NYC Based Jazz Guitarist Dave Stryker. George played in various acts while living in Indiana, he also spent time playing in pit orchestras, doing session work at Hit City Recording Studio and even hosting and curating the improvised music series “Link Up”.

Upon moving to New York he has played around in various alternative rock and metal bands, currently writing for the Shoegaze band Plastic. He has also played in many improvised music groups around Brooklyn. Outside of playing music, George also does live sound work in New York City.

#bassguitar #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar

About the Class
In this class you will expand your chord playing to the entire fretboard, including Sharps and Flats, with E form major, minor and 7th chords, while building complex and expressive rhythm techniques utilizing fretting hand damping and syncopation.

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

PERFORMANCE NOTE: In-person level 8 or 9 classes might turn into a performing ensembles. That means it might be temporarily closed to drop-in sign-ups for four weeks in preparation to perform a song at a seasonal showcase, typically held in early August, November, March and June. Fear not! You are not required to perform...but you really should, it's super fun and it will super-charge your learning! For more info visit nycguitarschool.com/ensembles.

Prerequisites:
You have completed Beginners 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 or are comfortable with mixed 8th note and 16th note strumming patterns, palm muting, bass strumming, slash chords, arpeggios, bass runs, and switching between different strumming patterns and techniques in rhythm.

You are comfortable with various chords including B7, Gadd5, Dm, small barre F, as well as basic open chords. You can also play a few basic licks over a 12 barre blues progression and understand basic diatonic chord theory.

Emilio came to New York from Chicago as a wide-eyed freshman studying film and sociology at New York University. In the seven years since, he realized he was the happiest when music was a priority, which has taken him all over the world, most recently here to the NYC Guitar School. He is delighted to have joined their fantastic staff, and promises to bring all the excitement and energy he has for guitar to fulfilling the needs of faculty and students. In addition to his work at the NYC Guitar School, Emilio plays guitar and drums with several bands and projects throughout the city, enjoys running around Prospect Park, and cheering on his hometown Chicago Bulls. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

If you are an intermediate/advanced guitar player who has been soloing/improvising with mixed success, the Lead Guitar Workshop is for you. If your playing sounds great sometimes, but you get lost other times - and you don't know why - this is for you. It is a place to learn the complex art of playing through the changes. While you will solo in front of others, it is not a jam! Our emphasis will be on learning the notes on the neck of the guitar, and relating that to the notes in the chords of our progressions. We will discuss things like musical keys, arpeggios, and scale degrees. We generally avoid discussing "shapes" or "patterns". Our goal is to understand exactly what we are playing, and why we are playing it, in musical terms. By doing this, we can remove the barrier between what we imagine the guitar can do, and what we can actually play!

Evaluation required to join. To audition for this class, send a video of yourself doing the following:

1. Play up and down all 5 pentatonic shapes, using eighth notes at 60bpm
2. Play any solo/melody/improvisation - in time - with a backing track or along to the original recording. Examples - solo to a 12 bar blues backing track or play a 15-20 second snippet from a classic guitar solo you're working on

Clayton Hopkins is a NYC/NJ based guitarist, songwriter, and singer. He studied Music Engineering, Production, Contemporary Guitar, and Composition/Songwriting at Frost School of Music before moving to NYC to pursue his original music full-time. Clayton’s contemporary rock n roll group, Clayton-Ellis, has toured the UK 3 times and Clayton co-wrote and co-produced all the material on the band’s debut album. In addition to teaching with NYC Guitar School, he is currently writing and producing material for a new album and he also has a featured role in a television pilot. Clayton is excited to share his love of rock and acoustic guitar with students. His patience and enthusiasm allow him to connect and nurture students from beginner to expert as they discover and pursue their passion for music.

 

#fingerstyle #leadguitar #12andup #guitar

Learn the ins and outs of playing and recording your favorite rock songs! This course will cover everything from riffs and power chords to improvisation and blistering leads. We'll break down all aspects of the recording process including multi-tracked guitars, effects, and achieving a slammin' rock mix. All material will then be recorded and mixed by the ensemble!

 

Prerequisites: Open chords, barre chords, 8th and 16th note strumming, minor pentatonic scale.

 

Note: This class involves a lot of recording using an online recording program. 

 

**Note: Classes with low enrollment will be cancelled two days in advance. Be sure to sign up for your favorite classes before then to reserve your spot!**

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Jeremy is a musician, composer and audio engineer based in Queens, NY. Originally from Austin, Texas, he grew up in a musical household, first picking up the guitar at the age of eight years old. Jeremy earned his bachelor’s degree in classical guitar performance and audio engineering at the Lamont School of Music in Denver, Colorado, studying under renowned performer and scholar Dr. Jonathan Leathwood and Michael Schulze.

Since moving to New York City, Jeremy has become active in the underground music scene, playing indie venue staples such as Baby’s All Right, TV Eye, Trans Pecos, and Cassette. Jeremy’s music has been reviewed in publications such as New Noise Magazine, as well as appeared on compilations featured in Pitchfork and The Fader. Jeremy performs and tours nationally, currently playing in four bands: bloodsports, Wesley Wolffe, People I Love, and his solo project face of ancient gallery.

As an instructor, Jeremy specializes in indie rock, classic rock, folk, fingerstyle, songwriting, and the classical guitar. He is incredibly passionate about music and the arts, and looks forward to inspiring and refining the skills of students at all levels.

#7andup #guitar #TRIthu #MIDtue

If you are an intermediate/advanced guitar player who has been soloing/improvising with mixed success, the Lead Guitar Workshop is for you. If your playing sounds great sometimes, but you get lost other times - and you don't know why - this is for you. It is a place to learn the complex art of playing through the changes. While you will solo in front of others, it is not a jam! Our emphasis will be on learning the notes on the neck of the guitar, and relating that to the notes in the chords of our progressions. We will discuss things like musical keys, arpeggios, and scale degrees. We generally avoid discussing "shapes" or "patterns". Our goal is to understand exactly what we are playing, and why we are playing it, in musical terms. By doing this, we can remove the barrier between what we imagine the guitar can do, and what we can actually play!

Evaluation required to join. To audition for this class, send a video of yourself doing the following:

1. Play up and down all 5 pentatonic shapes, using eighth notes at 60bpm
2. Play any solo/melody/improvisation - in time - with a backing track or along to the original recording. Examples - solo to a 12 bar blues backing track or play a 15-20 second snippet from a classic guitar solo you're working on

Clayton Hopkins is a NYC/NJ based guitarist, songwriter, and singer. He studied Music Engineering, Production, Contemporary Guitar, and Composition/Songwriting at Frost School of Music before moving to NYC to pursue his original music full-time. Clayton’s contemporary rock n roll group, Clayton-Ellis, has toured the UK 3 times and Clayton co-wrote and co-produced all the material on the band’s debut album. In addition to teaching with NYC Guitar School, he is currently writing and producing material for a new album and he also has a featured role in a television pilot. Clayton is excited to share his love of rock and acoustic guitar with students. His patience and enthusiasm allow him to connect and nurture students from beginner to expert as they discover and pursue their passion for music.

 

#fingerstyle #leadguitar #12andup #guitar

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Dylan Fader picked up the guitar at a young age, captivated by the energy of jazz, blues, and rock. What started as a hobby quickly became a lifelong passion, leading him to study at Berklee College of Music, where he worked with Tomo Fujita, Bruce Bartlett, Tim Miller, and Oz Noy, and graduated with highest honors in Guitar Performance, focusing on improvisation, theory, and groove-based styles. Along the way, he also earned a degree in English Literature from SUNY New Paltz, reflecting his love of writing, storytelling, and creative expression.

Since then, Dylan has performed extensively as a solo artist, releasing multiple EPs and handling all vocals, guitar, and production himself. He is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, skilled on guitar, bass, keys, and vocals, and enjoys exploring a wide variety of musical ideas in both solo and collaborative settings. Dylan’s performances are informed by a deep understanding of musical structure, groove, and improvisation, allowing him to connect with audiences across genres.

As a teacher, Dylan specializes in jazz, blues, and rock, as well as improvisation, songwriting, and music theory. He emphasizes creativity, technical skill, and confidence-building, helping students develop their own musical voice while exploring new sounds and ideas. Lessons are tailored to each student’s goals, combining focused practice, hands-on guidance, and fun challenges that encourage stepping out of comfort zones.

Outside of music, Dylan enjoys writing, reading, watching movies, and staying active through jogging and other forms of exercise. He brings the same curiosity and passion he applies to music to all areas of his life, inspiring students and peers alike to explore, create, and grow.

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #FIDfri

This is one of NYC Guitar School's most beloved classes--it is challenging, and it is fun! This class dives into fundamental rhythm concepts to help you play with confidence, tone and expression. Learn bass-strums, palm mutes, scratches and sixteenth notes!

 

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

You have completed Beginners 1 & 2 or are comfortable with basic open chords and basic strumming patterns.

Nate started playing guitar at 11 years old and has been performing in bands ever since, first in Bethesda, Maryland and now in New York City. He first fell in love with classic rock before expanding his repertoire to include jazz and blues. Throughout this time he has played in jazz fusion groups, big bands, small jazz combos, and alternative rock bands. His current band, On The Nose, performs his original compositions and combines his experience in jazz and blues with his original love of alternative rock.

He is currently a student at The New School and gigs with other students from the school. He has been teaching guitar since he was 17 and loves seeing his students learn and develop new skills. he is excited to meet new students and help them grow as musicians!

#7andup #guitar #leadguitar

In this class you will acquire a powerful vocabulary of open chords which will give you the skill and knowledge to play thousands of songs, including incorporating the small barre and becoming confident using your pinky. 

 

Pete began playing the guitar when he was 11 years old. He soon began working on his calluses learning songs by Megadeth, Metallica, The Beatles, and Yes. He also made sure to attend the National Guitar Workshop every summer. When he was old enough, Pete entered The Berklee College of Music in Boston and majored in Composition and Production. While at Berklee, he wrote a vast array of arrangements and compositions for orchestra, big band, string quartet, rock bands, and even got some work writing electronic music for video games. Pete also played in a variety of bands and ensembles in the greater Boston area as a guitarist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
In 2009 he relocated to New York and began playing as a sideman in numerous Brooklyn-based bands on keyboards, mandolin, accordion, lap steel, vocals, bass and, of course, guitar. He currently plays 11 instruments and is always working on new ones! Pete can also be found at various venues around NYC playing a wide variety of genres including: bluegrass, gypsy jazz, folk, experimental and indie rock.

This is one of NYC Guitar School's most beloved classes--it is challenging, and it is fun! In this class you will dramatically expand your guitar capacity, understanding, and skill with riffs, licks, diatonic chord theory, arpeggios, movable shapes, vamps and more as you prepare to move into barre chords, lead guitar and beyond.

This class is a "threshhold" class. Students typically take a bit longer to graduate from this class than most of our other classes, and it has the longest graduation requirements of any of 9 beginners classes. And it is worth it! Why? Because in this class you learn to use and relate to your instrument in a transformative way as you begin to exit the beginner stages of gutiar playing.

Most students graduate from this class after 12-20 sessions. But faster or slower is OK!

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

Prerequisites:
You have completed Beginners 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 or are comfortable with mixed 8th note and 16th note strumming patterns, palm muting, bass strumming, slash chords, arpeggios, bass runs, and switching between different strumming patterns and techniques in rhythm.

You are also comfortable with various chords including B7, Gadd5, Dm, small barre F, as well as basic open chords.

George is a musician, composer and sound engineer based in Queens, NY. Originally from Indianapolis, IN George studied Jazz Guitar at Indiana University under NYC Based Jazz Guitarist Dave Stryker. George played in various acts while living in Indiana, he also spent time playing in pit orchestras, doing session work at Hit City Recording Studio and even hosting and curating the improvised music series “Link Up”.

Upon moving to New York he has played around in various alternative rock and metal bands, currently writing for the Shoegaze band Plastic. He has also played in many improvised music groups around Brooklyn. Outside of playing music, George also does live sound work in New York City.

#bassguitar #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar

In this class you will mix and match E and A form barre chords over the entire fretboard and you will deepen your understanding of essential chord progressions.

 

This is the final course in our Beginners series...after this class you are very ready for ensembles, rock bands, lead guitar, and much more in the vast world of guitar.

 

Beau Croxton is a New York City-born singer/songwriter who has been playing for 24 years. He has performed in the New York City live music scene regularly since 2012, performing at venues including Baby’s All Right, The Sultan Room, TV Eye, Mercury Lounge and beyond.

Beau began guitar classes at the age of 11 and went on to teach himself bass and drums. Beau started performing and songwriting regularly before the age of 14 with a passion for classic rock n’ roll and New York City’s 1970s punk rock scene. Beau studied improv and music theory with the group Medeski, Martin, and Wood in 2008 and 2010, and was the lead guitarist in John Medeski’s ensemble.

Beau is the lead singer and guitarist of the NYC garage-rock n’ roll band Damn Jackals, in which he does the arrangements for every instrument. The band has toured the USA twice— one tour included a slot at Savannah Stopover Music Festival in 2019 alongside Deerhunter, Lucy Dacus, and Faye Webster. Beau and Damn Jackals have received critical acclaim in press outlets such as American Songwriter, Under the Radar Magazine and more. Beau also directed and arranged a horn section for Damn Jackals that consisted of players who have toured & collaborated prominently with David Byrne (of Talking Heads), St Vincent and LCD Soundsystem.

As a teacher, Beau leads with kindness and highlights the fun in every moment. He specializes in classic rock, indie, pop, blues guitar, performing and songwriting. He can play an arrange of other styles including metal, indie-rock, punk, slide guitar, reggae, folk, country and beyond.

Beau’s approach to teaching guitar is centered around the fact that everyone is capable of being a great guitarist/bassist. Beau celebrates positivity of every learning moment with an emphasis on kindness in order to make his students feel confident, capable and comfortable.

#guitar #leadguitar #bass #7andup

“Truckin’”, “Ripple”, “Uncle John’s Band”, etc.—Jerry Garcia and company produced a collection of guitar-driven songs that are cherished by every new generation that discovers them. This class is an exploration of that great body of work. Students will be given tabs of the actual parts played by Garcia, Bob Weir, and Phil Lesh, go over them with patient coaching by the instructor, then play them together as an ensemble. Participants should know basic chords and have the ability to read tablature. Having facility with single-note playing and soloing will be helpful, though we will need some folks who are content to strum, and perhaps even sing.

Lenny Molotov has been teaching at NYC Guitar School since its inception in 2003.
He specializes in classic American styles.

In this class called "One Song," we learn (drumroll) ONE SONG. Expanding repertoire is one of the most important ways we can hone our skills as guitarists, plus...it's fun! Each week we'll learn a different song using chords, strumming, and tab. Each class is a surprise and completely different. Past songs have included hits by David Bowie, Aretha Franklin, Weezer, and Kacey Musgraves.

 

Knowledge of open chords, basic strumming, and tab reading required.  Knowledge of barre chords is optional.

Tia Vincent-Clark grew up in a family of professional musicians and began her teaching career in 1999. Her patience, enthusiasm and commitment to teaching are all reasons that we are thrilled to have Tia as an integral part of NYC Guitar School! Great with all ages and skill levels, Tia specializes in nurturing a love for guitar in beginners and also enjoys teaching bass and ukulele. She completed a BA in Music from The City College of New York in January of 2007 and holds a diploma in Audio Engineering and Production from The Institute of Audio Research in New York City. Tia currently plays in two professional tribute bands as well as writing and performing in her original band Huh. #bassguitar #ukulele #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #vocalteacher

Perform that song (or piece of a song) you’ve been practicing alone in your room! Whether it’s stringing together your first two chords, working toward singing in front of people, introducing your song writing, or playing a song that you are rehearsing at home - this introduction to open mic is a welcoming workshop for beginners who don't feel quite ready to perform on stage.  

 

Let’s play, connect with others, and express ourselves in a supportive environment with other students! 

 

 

Samoa spends most of her time making things and laughing. She has been part of NYCGS since 2009 photographing and shooting video of thousands of Open Mics, Rock Bands, and Student Showcases. When you meet her at the school, Samoa will most likely be on a ladder painting a wall.

Samoa is a long time NYCGS student and supports the continuous growth and strong community at NYCGS. She even met her band mates of Audio Apocalypse and Op Ed at the school! By day, she is a toy designer and believes that everything is best approached with a sense of play.

She attributes everything positive in her life to the support of her husband who encouraged her to buy her first guitar at the local music store 12 years ago, and her preschool Little Flowers Montessori education that her mom worked 2 shifts in order to afford, where her big sis would visit and sing to the class.

 

The Performance Ensemble is a commitment-based class for advanced students who want to deepen their musical identity, skills, and connections by preparing a polished song for live performance.

This class is not for beginners. Designed for post–Beginner Level 9 guitarists and experienced vocalists, this class focuses on playing music together at a high level. Students take on distinct musical roles (lead, rhythm, vocals, textures, etc.) and work toward one well-arranged song typically performed as part of NYC Guitar School Rock Band showcase events. All students are expected to be off book for the performance (no charts, lyrics, phones, or music stands).

Ensembles are among the most beloved programs at NYC Guitar School. They are challenging, but deeply rewarding—giving students a chance to grow musically while forming meaningful, lasting connections with fellow musicians. Many ensembles continue together for years

Here’s how it works:

1. Rehearse weekly to build ensemble skills, learn your part, and grow confidence playing with others.

2. Develop a full arrangement together, starting simple and refining over time. Teachers place each student in the sweet spot—challenged and successful.

3. Move off book as the show approaches. By the final two rehearsals, students should be mostly or fully off book.

4. Perform live as part of a curated showcase, creating strong accountability and community.

After performances, Ensembles typically shift into a short run of open jam sessions, offering a bridge to future Ensembles, before entering the next performance cycle.

Prerequisites & Expectations

Guitarists: Completion of Beginner Level 9 (or equivalent, ie ability to play barre chords, multiple strum patterns, and complete songs, with a basic foundation of music theory)

Vocalists: ~1 year of group classes or private lessons or recommendation from a NYCGS vocal teacher

Ability to attend 80%+ of rehearsals and commit to the performance date

Note: Class members are limited to enrollment in a maximum of one Performance Ensemble at a time.

Students self-select into Ensembles; teachers retain final discretion to ensure a strong fit.

There is no open enrollment into Ensembles. To enroll, or to ask questions, email info@nycguitarschool.com.

Emilio came to New York from Chicago as a wide-eyed freshman studying film and sociology at New York University. In the seven years since, he realized he was the happiest when music was a priority, which has taken him all over the world, most recently here to the NYC Guitar School. He is delighted to have joined their fantastic staff, and promises to bring all the excitement and energy he has for guitar to fulfilling the needs of faculty and students. In addition to his work at the NYC Guitar School, Emilio plays guitar and drums with several bands and projects throughout the city, enjoys running around Prospect Park, and cheering on his hometown Chicago Bulls. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

In this class, you'll work on repertoire, music theory, fretboard knowledge, and bass technique. Dig in and become a band-ready bassist! Includes songs from the Motown catalogue as well as hits from across the decades. Must read tab, rhythm notation, and have some knowledge of notes on the fretboard.

 

 

1. Name all the natural notes (abcdefg) on every string of the bass, from the open string to the 12th fret.
2. Play 16th notes to a metronome at 60bpm on any open string, alternating your index and middle fingers for 30 seconds.
3. Play three major scales of your choice.
4. Play 1 minute of a song from the following list, along to the original recording, at full speed:
Sittin on the Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding), What's Goin' On (Marvin Gaye), You Can't Hurry Love (Supremes), Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Stevie Wonder), I'll Take You There (The Staple Singers)

 

Tia Vincent-Clark grew up in a family of professional musicians and began her teaching career in 1999. Her patience, enthusiasm and commitment to teaching are all reasons that we are thrilled to have Tia as an integral part of NYC Guitar School! Great with all ages and skill levels, Tia specializes in nurturing a love for guitar in beginners and also enjoys teaching bass and ukulele. She completed a BA in Music from The City College of New York in January of 2007 and holds a diploma in Audio Engineering and Production from The Institute of Audio Research in New York City. Tia currently plays in two professional tribute bands as well as writing and performing in her original band Huh. #bassguitar #ukulele #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #vocalteacher

In this class you will acquire a powerful vocabulary of open chords which will give you the skill and knowledge to play thousands of songs, including incorporating the small barre and becoming confident using your pinky. 

 

Austin D’Adamo is a guitarist, bassist and composer from North Carolina. He received his degree in Music Performance at Valencia College in Orlando, FL under the sage tutelage of Orlando jazz guitarist and educator Bob Holtum. Since relocating to NYC in 2017 he has played with a number of local rock and pop acts, pit orchestras, and improvised music groups – and all along the way he has taught and tutored students of all ages and skill levels on guitar, bass, and music theory.

Austin is well-versed in many genres including jazz, soul, R&B, classical, rock, pop, and country – if it’s good music, you can’t keep him away from it! You might catch him playing and recording with local acts such as The Newsreels, Rocky Billop, and his own jazz-fusion trio Our Messy Ghost.

It is Austin’s belief that his horizons would never have been as broad as they are now if not for music; the guitar taught him patience and acceptance, and it led him to appreciate cultures that he otherwise may have never known. It’s for this reason that he enjoys teaching as much as he enjoys performing – because he loves to see a student’s world get bigger and their love for music grow.

#7andup #guitar #bassguitar #leadguitar

Curious about learning how to sing? Then this is the class for you! 

 

Vocal Excercise/Sing a Song starts off with 20-30 mins of vocal exercises focusing on strengthening the lungs, purifying the vowels for harmonies, and harmony building exercises.

Anthony has performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, London’s West End, as well as various theaters around the US. He has received a BA in Musical Theatre from Point Park University. Throughout his training, he has shaped his voice with almost a dozen voice teachers combining all of their best methods into a succinct vocal strengthening exercise.

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Born and raised in the outskirts of New York City, Greg began studying music at an early age into his college years. Starting with the saxophone in grade school and later moving on to guitar, it became clear that music would be a lifelong passion.

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Emilio came to New York from Chicago as a wide-eyed freshman studying film and sociology at New York University. In the seven years since, he realized he was the happiest when music was a priority, which has taken him all over the world, most recently here to the NYC Guitar School. He is delighted to have joined their fantastic staff, and promises to bring all the excitement and energy he has for guitar to fulfilling the needs of faculty and students. In addition to his work at the NYC Guitar School, Emilio plays guitar and drums with several bands and projects throughout the city, enjoys running around Prospect Park, and cheering on his hometown Chicago Bulls. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

Katie Battistoni holds a degree in Jazz Guitar Performance from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. She currently teaches songwriting and music theory at The New School in New York City. She is a fierce advocate of the Neil Young adage that rock and roll is here to stay, and of Thelonious Monk’s mantra that the genius is the one most like [them]self.

Katie has performed and recorded with Marc Ribot, Ches Smith, Wendy Eisenberg, Weasel Walter’s Flying Luttenbachers, Joanna Sternberg, and members of Vulfpeck, Big Thief, and Caroline. She has played in musical theater productions off-Broadway and at Bard College’s Fisher Center. Under the artist name Katy the Kyng (non-sovereign, non-patrilineal), she has written over 500 punk, folk, jazz, experimental, and rock songs about Idahoan laundromats, The Red Hook IKEA rug department, fruit flies, serotonin, and all of her friends.

Katie enjoys teaching hand technique, rock and roll lead-playing, developing self-confidence on the guitar (especially for women and non-gender-conforming students), transcription as a vehicle for jazz vocabulary, chord-melody arranging, fingerstyle accompaniment for folk singers, The Blues as a philosophy and practice, experimental improvisation, traditional songwriting forms, finding your singular (or majestic plural) voice, ear training, and music theory. She also enjoys practicing French, running in Prospect Park, learning chess openings, reading and writing poetry and narrative fiction, and playing with her three-legged tuxedo cat, Rigoletto.

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #ukulele #fingerstyle

Take Your Lead Playing to the Next Level

If you've got the basics of lead guitar down and are ready to unlock the full fretboard, this drop-in class is for you. In Level 2, you'll expand beyond a single pentatonic position, learning all five positions of the major and minor pentatonic scales using the CAGED system. You’ll discover how to smoothly connect these shapes, target root notes with octaves, and play with greater rhythmic variety.

You'll also refine your technique with unison bends, harmonics, 16th notes and phrasing while developing your ear to recognize major vs. minor tonal shifts. As you gain confidence, you'll start playing pentatonic scales over chord changes—including open chords—making your solos more musical and dynamic.

Expect lots of hands-on improvisation, real-life examples, and practical licks and exercises in a warm and structured environment.

PREREQUISITES: 20+ sessions of Lead Guitar Level 1. You should be comfortable playing single-note riffs and licks, targeting root notes, and improvising within a pentatonic scale. You MUST be fluent in reading tablature (TAB).
To enroll: Practice the Lead Guitar Level 2 Warm Up, then record yourself playing along with it and email the video to graduation@nycguitarschool.com along with your request to join the class. We'll review your video and let you know if you're cleared to sign up. Not sure if you're ready? Sign up for another class level or sign up for a private lesson with a lead guitar teacher at Our Lead Guitar Page.

Julian Barthold first picked up the guitar at age 11 and almost instantly discovered his passion for music. It was not long thereafter that he came to New York City Guitar School for lessons and Summer Rock Camp, which set him on his path towards interning and now teaching at NYCGS! Julian earned his BA from Sarah Lawrence College, where he studied music composition, theory, history, performance, and some production. Throughout his many years of playing, he has honed his skills in styles including (but not limited to) Rock, Folk, Jazz, Blues, Metal, Indie, Funk, and Experimental. He has performed with many different bands and ensembles over the years and enjoys performing solo as well.

Play with Precision, Confidence, and Expression

In this drop-in class, you’ll move beyond pentatonics into a deeper and more expressive understanding of lead guitar. You’ll master major and minor scale shapes, learn to use arpeggios and chord tones for melodic and intentional solos, and build your ability to "play the changes" across the neck.

This level focuses on connecting musical knowledge to technique, with interval-based soloing, ear training, and repertoire designed to challenge and inspire. You’ll refine advanced techniques like two-string bends, sweep picking, advanced legato, and multiple approaches to phrasing, and practice integrating them into your own solos.

As always, you’ll get hands-on experience improvising in a warm, structured, and musical environment, with practical licks, examples, and lots of playing time.

By the end of this class, you’ll be soloing with more nuance, more command of the fretboard, and a deeper understanding of how to sound great in any context.

PREREQUISITES: 40+ sessions of Lead Guitar Level 2. You should be comfortable with all five positions of the pentatonic scale, root targeting, rhythmic variation (including 16th notes), and soloing over chord changes using pentatonics. You MUST be fluent in reading tablature (TAB).
To enroll: Practice the Lead Guitar Level 3 Warm Up, then record yourself playing along with it and email the video to graduation@nycguitarschool.com along with your request to join the class. We'll review your video and let you know if you're cleared to sign up. Not sure if you're ready? Sign up for another class level or sign up for a private lesson with a lead guitar teacher at Our Lead Guitar Page.

Dylan Charles is a singer/songwriter based in New York City. His music runs the gamut from acoustic americana and rock/blues to jazzy soul and electo-pop. Touring nationally as a solo act and as a bandleader, he also co-founded and continues to perform with NYC soul band On The Sun and Arizona-based americana band The Border Crossers. In addition to his own projects, he frequently works with other artists as a multi-instrumentalist sideman, producer, co-writer and studio musician. Dylan has been playing guitar for over 20 years and teaching almost as long. He started working with New York City Guitar School when he moved to NYC in 2012 and is currently the program director for the school’s Rock Band program as well as a teacher at the Midtown and Brooklyn locations. In high school he taught lessons to fellow teens as part of a “Community Resources” program in his home town of Ann Arbor, MI. He frequently played local gigs through the Community High School jazz band program as well as with his own original music projects. He continued to teach, perform and record while studying jazz guitar at University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2006. In 2008 Dylan moved to Bisbee, AZ where he created and coached an after school rock band program at the Bisbee High School and worked as a substitute teacher for the Bisbee elementary, middle and high schools. Dylan also founded a non-profit program called “The Friday Project” when, because of budget cuts, Bisbee Unified School District cut Fridays from the school week. The program provided a wide variety of free workshops to kids and teens that were all taught by local residents in an effort to keep kids engaged in learning and exploring their passions in the absence of a traditional public school structure. Dylan’s positive energy and encouraging teaching style has helped so many students reach their music goals. Call or email us to set up a lesson with Dylan yourself and visit www.dylancharles.com for music, videos and a calendar of his upcoming performances. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #musicproduction #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

Learn to sing and play guitar at the same time. You'll learn to sing one rhythm while playing another; when to use the most common strum patterns; anticipations; phrase beginnings; how best to practice; and more. Guitar parts will be accessible to anyone having completed Beginners 2. No guitar skills? You can still join on shaker or percussion! Pre-req: 12 sessions of Vocal 1 - Intro to Singing, or the ability to match pitch reasonably well, and a recommendation from a vocal teacher.

Rose graduated from Appalachian State University where she studied Music Education with a focus in Choral Music. She recently moved to New York from North Carolina and is excited to spread her love for music in the Big Apple! Before moving she worked as a private voice, piano, and guitar instructor at Jolie Musique School of the Arts and has taught vocal lessons focusing on pop, rock, musical theatre, and classical music to various ages of students. When she’s not teaching, she loves to write poetry, go on adventures with friends, and explore her local coffee shops.

 

#vocalteacher #7andup

About the Class
In this class you will dramatically advance your guitar technique as you mix and match individual notes and strums with alternate bass patterns, arpeggios, runs, slash chords and more, gaining the capacity to bring multiple voicings and embellishments to your playing.

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

Prerequisites:
You have completed Beginners 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 or are comfortable with mixed 8th note and 16th note strumming patterns, palm muting, bass strumming, and switching between these different strumming patterns in rhythm.

You are also comfortable with various chords including B7, Gadd5, Dm, small barre F, as well as basic open chords.

Josh Torvi is a guitarist, teacher, and composer based in Brooklyn. Since 2018, he has maintained a busy schedule at the New York City Guitar School, where he has truly put in his “10,000 hours” teaching private lessons and group classes, hosting the school’s monthly open mic, and guiding students of all ages and skill levels as they discover their voice through music.

Josh specializes in Jazz, Blues, Funk, Soul, and Classic Rock—especially The Beatles. He earned his BA in Music from Bard College, where he deepened his foundation in performance and composition, in addition to his love for the liberal arts and learning in general.

As a performer, Josh has appeared at venues including Cornelia Street Cafe and Smalls Jazz Club, along with many other spots throughout the Northeast. He currently holds a multi-year residency at The Lost and Found—a bar right next to the guitar school!

Whether at a gig or around the school, Josh is always excited to say hello, spread positivity, and share good vibes.

 

#bassguitar #leadguitar #12andup #guitar

Lead Guitar Level 4: Into the Great Wide Open

Explore and Master Your Voice and Instrument

In this drop-in class, you’ll enter an advanced, open-ended exploration of lead guitar, where technique, creativity, and musical expression come together. You’ll work with concepts and extended techniques like modes, 7th chord arpeggios, tapping and more as you deepen your improvisational instincts and expand your musical vocabulary.

This level emphasizes flexibility and personal direction—connecting ideas across the fretboard while exploring phrasing, tone, and feel. Classes may incorporate a wide range of advanced topics, from harmonic concepts to modern techniques, all aimed at helping you develop your own voice on the instrument.

You’ll continue refining your technique and musical instincts through improvisation, guided exercises, and real musical applications, all in a supportive and engaging environment with plenty of playing time.

By participating in this class, you’ll gain greater freedom across the guitar, more confidence in your musical choices, and a deeper connection to your own unique style.

PREREQUISITES: 50+ sessions of Lead Guitar Level 3. You should have a strong command of major and minor scales and arpeggios, and the ability to improvise across the fretboard with control and musical awareness. You MUST be fluent in reading tablature (TAB).
To enroll: Practice the Lead Guitar Level 4 Warm Up, then record yourself playing along with it and email the video to graduation@nycguitarschool.com along with your request to join the class. We'll review your video and let you know if you're cleared to sign up. Not sure if you're ready? Sign up for another class level or sign up for a private lesson with a lead guitar teacher at Our Lead Guitar Page.

Tia Vincent-Clark grew up in a family of professional musicians and began her teaching career in 1999. Her patience, enthusiasm and commitment to teaching are all reasons that we are thrilled to have Tia as an integral part of NYC Guitar School! Great with all ages and skill levels, Tia specializes in nurturing a love for guitar in beginners and also enjoys teaching bass and ukulele. She completed a BA in Music from The City College of New York in January of 2007 and holds a diploma in Audio Engineering and Production from The Institute of Audio Research in New York City. Tia currently plays in two professional tribute bands as well as writing and performing in her original band Huh. #bassguitar #ukulele #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #vocalteacher

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Anthony Dom is a Brooklyn-born session guitarist and jazz band leader who recently graduated from SUNY Purchase College’s Jazz Program at the Conservatory of Music, where he honed his craft and emerged as a standout talent in the world of straight ahead jazz and bebop. Under the guidance of his mentor, Professor Pasquale Grasso, and other masters such as Jon Faddis and Eric Alexander, Anthony developed a soulful and captivating musical voice. As a session musician, Anthony plays with several bands and artists around the Tri-State area, with a diverse range of genres from punk rock and funk to indie and hip hop. He has performed at NYC venues such as Rockwood Music Hall, Mercury Lounge, Piano's and Merkin Concert hall, to name a few.

 

Rose graduated from Appalachian State University where she studied Music Education with a focus in Choral Music. She recently moved to New York from North Carolina and is excited to spread her love for music in the Big Apple! Before moving she worked as a private voice, piano, and guitar instructor at Jolie Musique School of the Arts and has taught vocal lessons focusing on pop, rock, musical theatre, and classical music to various ages of students. When she’s not teaching, she loves to write poetry, go on adventures with friends, and explore her local coffee shops.

 

#vocalteacher #7andup

Curious about learning how to sing? Then this is the class for you! 

 

Vocal Excercise/Sing a Song starts off with 20-30 mins of vocal exercises focusing on strengthening the lungs, purifying the vowels for harmonies, and harmony building exercises.

Anthony has performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, London’s West End, as well as various theaters around the US. He has received a BA in Musical Theatre from Point Park University. Throughout his training, he has shaped his voice with almost a dozen voice teachers combining all of their best methods into a succinct vocal strengthening exercise.

About the Class
In this class you will expand your chord playing to the entire fretboard, including Sharps and Flats, with E form major, minor and 7th chords, while building complex and expressive rhythm techniques utilizing fretting hand damping and syncopation.

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

PERFORMANCE NOTE: In-person level 8 or 9 classes might turn into a performing ensembles. That means it might be temporarily closed to drop-in sign-ups for four weeks in preparation to perform a song at a seasonal showcase, typically held in early August, November, March and June. Fear not! You are not required to perform...but you really should, it's super fun and it will super-charge your learning! For more info visit nycguitarschool.com/ensembles.

Prerequisites:
You have completed Beginners 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 or are comfortable with mixed 8th note and 16th note strumming patterns, palm muting, bass strumming, slash chords, arpeggios, bass runs, and switching between different strumming patterns and techniques in rhythm.

You are comfortable with various chords including B7, Gadd5, Dm, small barre F, as well as basic open chords. You can also play a few basic licks over a 12 barre blues progression and understand basic diatonic chord theory.

Katie Battistoni holds a degree in Jazz Guitar Performance from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. She currently teaches songwriting and music theory at The New School in New York City. She is a fierce advocate of the Neil Young adage that rock and roll is here to stay, and of Thelonious Monk’s mantra that the genius is the one most like [them]self.

Katie has performed and recorded with Marc Ribot, Ches Smith, Wendy Eisenberg, Weasel Walter’s Flying Luttenbachers, Joanna Sternberg, and members of Vulfpeck, Big Thief, and Caroline. She has played in musical theater productions off-Broadway and at Bard College’s Fisher Center. Under the artist name Katy the Kyng (non-sovereign, non-patrilineal), she has written over 500 punk, folk, jazz, experimental, and rock songs about Idahoan laundromats, The Red Hook IKEA rug department, fruit flies, serotonin, and all of her friends.

Katie enjoys teaching hand technique, rock and roll lead-playing, developing self-confidence on the guitar (especially for women and non-gender-conforming students), transcription as a vehicle for jazz vocabulary, chord-melody arranging, fingerstyle accompaniment for folk singers, The Blues as a philosophy and practice, experimental improvisation, traditional songwriting forms, finding your singular (or majestic plural) voice, ear training, and music theory. She also enjoys practicing French, running in Prospect Park, learning chess openings, reading and writing poetry and narrative fiction, and playing with her three-legged tuxedo cat, Rigoletto.

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #ukulele #fingerstyle

Fingerstyle is the third essential dimension of guitar playing, along with strumming and single-note picking. This class explores the technique by delving into classic Singer-Songwriter fare from the 60’s (such as Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell), up to today (such as Ed Sheeran and Jason Mraz). We will also do custom guitar adaptations of great pop tunes that were not originally recorded for solo guitar (such as Elton John’s work). The focus here will be on our six strings, but those students who want to add vocals to the mix will be encouraged to do so.

 

At a minimum students should be comfortable with fingerstyle basics like: travis picking, arpeggios, thumb and finger alternation, etc.

 

**Note: Classes with low enrollment will be cancelled two days in advance. Be sure to sign up for your favorite classes before then to reserve your spot!**

Lenny Molotov has been teaching at NYC Guitar School since its inception in 2003.
He specializes in classic American styles.

If you know your basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, but would like to be able to play entire songs with confidence--and mixed strums--then this is the class for you! You will become comfortable changing between these chords while using mixed strumming patterns, including the incredibly delicious sounding, ubiquitous and useful “basic strum” and “best strum" in the context of inspiring songs by artists like Adele, Bill Withers, Jason Mraz, Ed Sheeran and more.

 

Here's how it works:

 

1. Come to class weekly to learn songs and skills and get encouragement and feedback from your teacher. The course topics cycle every 8 weeks or so, so you can start anytime.

 

2. Practice at home using the included video practice library. Start each session with the Beginner Guitar 2 warm-up video to reinforce fundamentals and maximize your progress!

 

3. The secret to success is remembering what you want--so review the Beginner Guitar 2 Class Graduation Video frequently, and play along with as many stops and pauses as you need. First you may be confused. Then you may be challenged. Finally, you will crush it! When you do, you're ready for the next class level.

Prerequisites: You have completed Beginners 1 or are comfortable with basic open chords and can play along with the graduation video for the Beginner 1 level class.

Emilio came to New York from Chicago as a wide-eyed freshman studying film and sociology at New York University. In the seven years since, he realized he was the happiest when music was a priority, which has taken him all over the world, most recently here to the NYC Guitar School. He is delighted to have joined their fantastic staff, and promises to bring all the excitement and energy he has for guitar to fulfilling the needs of faculty and students. In addition to his work at the NYC Guitar School, Emilio plays guitar and drums with several bands and projects throughout the city, enjoys running around Prospect Park, and cheering on his hometown Chicago Bulls. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

About the Class
In this class you will expand your chord playing to the entire fretboard, including Sharps and Flats, with E form major, minor and 7th chords, while building complex and expressive rhythm techniques utilizing fretting hand damping and syncopation.

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

PERFORMANCE NOTE: In-person level 8 or 9 classes might turn into a performing ensembles. That means it might be temporarily closed to drop-in sign-ups for four weeks in preparation to perform a song at a seasonal showcase, typically held in early August, November, March and June. Fear not! You are not required to perform...but you really should, it's super fun and it will super-charge your learning! For more info visit nycguitarschool.com/ensembles.

Prerequisites:
You have completed Beginners 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 or are comfortable with mixed 8th note and 16th note strumming patterns, palm muting, bass strumming, slash chords, arpeggios, bass runs, and switching between different strumming patterns and techniques in rhythm.

You are comfortable with various chords including B7, Gadd5, Dm, small barre F, as well as basic open chords. You can also play a few basic licks over a 12 barre blues progression and understand basic diatonic chord theory.

Austin D’Adamo is a guitarist, bassist and composer from North Carolina. He received his degree in Music Performance at Valencia College in Orlando, FL under the sage tutelage of Orlando jazz guitarist and educator Bob Holtum. Since relocating to NYC in 2017 he has played with a number of local rock and pop acts, pit orchestras, and improvised music groups – and all along the way he has taught and tutored students of all ages and skill levels on guitar, bass, and music theory.

Austin is well-versed in many genres including jazz, soul, R&B, classical, rock, pop, and country – if it’s good music, you can’t keep him away from it! You might catch him playing and recording with local acts such as The Newsreels, Rocky Billop, and his own jazz-fusion trio Our Messy Ghost.

It is Austin’s belief that his horizons would never have been as broad as they are now if not for music; the guitar taught him patience and acceptance, and it led him to appreciate cultures that he otherwise may have never known. It’s for this reason that he enjoys teaching as much as he enjoys performing – because he loves to see a student’s world get bigger and their love for music grow.

#7andup #guitar #bassguitar #leadguitar

Ever wondered what it’s really like to play in a band? Intro to Rock Band is a one-hour drop-in class where you’ll learn the essential skills you need to step confidently into a performing rock band.

You’ll work with an expert coach in our Silent Studio to build core ensemble skills like working with band equipment, listening like a musician, understanding basic song arrangement, and (of course) doing some jamming. You’ll also have the opportunity to try out different instruments (guitar, bass, drums, keys, vocals) and explore the role each one plays within a band.

Think of it as a fun, supportive way to get comfortable making music with others and discover what it’s like to play in a band setting. Perfect for students curious about Performing Rock Band and ready to level up their musical confidence!

Prerequisites:
Completion of Beginner 9 or equivalent required. Basic chord knowledge and rhythm skills recommended. No band experience necessary.

 

Dylan Charles is a singer/songwriter based in New York City. His music runs the gamut from acoustic americana and rock/blues to jazzy soul and electo-pop. Touring nationally as a solo act and as a bandleader, he also co-founded and continues to perform with NYC soul band On The Sun and Arizona-based americana band The Border Crossers. In addition to his own projects, he frequently works with other artists as a multi-instrumentalist sideman, producer, co-writer and studio musician. Dylan has been playing guitar for over 20 years and teaching almost as long. He started working with New York City Guitar School when he moved to NYC in 2012 and is currently the program director for the school’s Rock Band program as well as a teacher at the Midtown and Brooklyn locations. In high school he taught lessons to fellow teens as part of a “Community Resources” program in his home town of Ann Arbor, MI. He frequently played local gigs through the Community High School jazz band program as well as with his own original music projects. He continued to teach, perform and record while studying jazz guitar at University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2006. In 2008 Dylan moved to Bisbee, AZ where he created and coached an after school rock band program at the Bisbee High School and worked as a substitute teacher for the Bisbee elementary, middle and high schools. Dylan also founded a non-profit program called “The Friday Project” when, because of budget cuts, Bisbee Unified School District cut Fridays from the school week. The program provided a wide variety of free workshops to kids and teens that were all taught by local residents in an effort to keep kids engaged in learning and exploring their passions in the absence of a traditional public school structure. Dylan’s positive energy and encouraging teaching style has helped so many students reach their music goals. Call or email us to set up a lesson with Dylan yourself and visit www.dylancharles.com for music, videos and a calendar of his upcoming performances. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #musicproduction #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

In this class you will mix and match E and A form barre chords over the entire fretboard and you will deepen your understanding of essential chord progressions.

 

This is the final course in our Beginners series...after this class you are very ready for ensembles, rock bands, lead guitar, and much more in the vast world of guitar.

 

Josh Torvi is a guitarist, teacher, and composer based in Brooklyn. Since 2018, he has maintained a busy schedule at the New York City Guitar School, where he has truly put in his “10,000 hours” teaching private lessons and group classes, hosting the school’s monthly open mic, and guiding students of all ages and skill levels as they discover their voice through music.

Josh specializes in Jazz, Blues, Funk, Soul, and Classic Rock—especially The Beatles. He earned his BA in Music from Bard College, where he deepened his foundation in performance and composition, in addition to his love for the liberal arts and learning in general.

As a performer, Josh has appeared at venues including Cornelia Street Cafe and Smalls Jazz Club, along with many other spots throughout the Northeast. He currently holds a multi-year residency at The Lost and Found—a bar right next to the guitar school!

Whether at a gig or around the school, Josh is always excited to say hello, spread positivity, and share good vibes.

 

#bassguitar #leadguitar #12andup #guitar

This is one of NYC Guitar School's most beloved classes--it is challenging, and it is fun! In this class you will dramatically expand your guitar capacity, understanding, and skill with riffs, licks, diatonic chord theory, arpeggios, movable shapes, vamps and more as you prepare to move into barre chords, lead guitar and beyond.

This class is a "threshhold" class. Students typically take a bit longer to graduate from this class than most of our other classes, and it has the longest graduation requirements of any of 9 beginners classes. And it is worth it! Why? Because in this class you learn to use and relate to your instrument in a transformative way as you begin to exit the beginner stages of gutiar playing.

Most students graduate from this class after 12-20 sessions. But faster or slower is OK!

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

Prerequisites:
You have completed Beginners 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 or are comfortable with mixed 8th note and 16th note strumming patterns, palm muting, bass strumming, slash chords, arpeggios, bass runs, and switching between different strumming patterns and techniques in rhythm.

You are also comfortable with various chords including B7, Gadd5, Dm, small barre F, as well as basic open chords.

Julian Barthold first picked up the guitar at age 11 and almost instantly discovered his passion for music. It was not long thereafter that he came to New York City Guitar School for lessons and Summer Rock Camp, which set him on his path towards interning and now teaching at NYCGS! Julian earned his BA from Sarah Lawrence College, where he studied music composition, theory, history, performance, and some production. Throughout his many years of playing, he has honed his skills in styles including (but not limited to) Rock, Folk, Jazz, Blues, Metal, Indie, Funk, and Experimental. He has performed with many different bands and ensembles over the years and enjoys performing solo as well.

Tia Vincent-Clark grew up in a family of professional musicians and began her teaching career in 1999. Her patience, enthusiasm and commitment to teaching are all reasons that we are thrilled to have Tia as an integral part of NYC Guitar School! Great with all ages and skill levels, Tia specializes in nurturing a love for guitar in beginners and also enjoys teaching bass and ukulele. She completed a BA in Music from The City College of New York in January of 2007 and holds a diploma in Audio Engineering and Production from The Institute of Audio Research in New York City. Tia currently plays in two professional tribute bands as well as writing and performing in her original band Huh. #bassguitar #ukulele #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #vocalteacher

 

The Performance Ensemble is a commitment-based class for advanced students who want to deepen their musical identity, skills, and connections by preparing a polished song for live performance.

This class is not for beginners. Designed for post–Beginner Level 9 guitarists and experienced vocalists, this class focuses on playing music together at a high level. Students take on distinct musical roles (lead, rhythm, vocals, textures, etc.) and work toward one well-arranged song typically performed as part of NYC Guitar School Rock Band showcase events. All students are expected to be off book for the performance (no charts, lyrics, phones, or music stands).

Ensembles are among the most beloved programs at NYC Guitar School. They are challenging, but deeply rewarding—giving students a chance to grow musically while forming meaningful, lasting connections with fellow musicians. Many ensembles continue together for years

Here’s how it works:

1. Rehearse weekly to build ensemble skills, learn your part, and grow confidence playing with others.

2. Develop a full arrangement together, starting simple and refining over time. Teachers place each student in the sweet spot—challenged and successful.

3. Move off book as the show approaches. By the final two rehearsals, students should be mostly or fully off book.

4. Perform live as part of a curated showcase, creating strong accountability and community.

After performances, Ensembles typically shift into a short run of open jam sessions, offering a bridge to future Ensembles, before entering the next performance cycle.

Prerequisites & Expectations

Guitarists: Completion of Beginner Level 9 (or equivalent, ie ability to play barre chords, multiple strum patterns, and complete songs, with a basic foundation of music theory)

Vocalists: ~1 year of group classes or private lessons or recommendation from a NYCGS vocal teacher

Ability to attend 80%+ of rehearsals and commit to the performance date

Note: Class members are limited to enrollment in a maximum of one Performance Ensemble at a time.

Students self-select into Ensembles; teachers retain final discretion to ensure a strong fit.

There is no open enrollment into Ensembles. To enroll, or to ask questions, email info@nycguitarschool.com.

Dylan Charles is a singer/songwriter based in New York City. His music runs the gamut from acoustic americana and rock/blues to jazzy soul and electo-pop. Touring nationally as a solo act and as a bandleader, he also co-founded and continues to perform with NYC soul band On The Sun and Arizona-based americana band The Border Crossers. In addition to his own projects, he frequently works with other artists as a multi-instrumentalist sideman, producer, co-writer and studio musician. Dylan has been playing guitar for over 20 years and teaching almost as long. He started working with New York City Guitar School when he moved to NYC in 2012 and is currently the program director for the school’s Rock Band program as well as a teacher at the Midtown and Brooklyn locations. In high school he taught lessons to fellow teens as part of a “Community Resources” program in his home town of Ann Arbor, MI. He frequently played local gigs through the Community High School jazz band program as well as with his own original music projects. He continued to teach, perform and record while studying jazz guitar at University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2006. In 2008 Dylan moved to Bisbee, AZ where he created and coached an after school rock band program at the Bisbee High School and worked as a substitute teacher for the Bisbee elementary, middle and high schools. Dylan also founded a non-profit program called “The Friday Project” when, because of budget cuts, Bisbee Unified School District cut Fridays from the school week. The program provided a wide variety of free workshops to kids and teens that were all taught by local residents in an effort to keep kids engaged in learning and exploring their passions in the absence of a traditional public school structure. Dylan’s positive energy and encouraging teaching style has helped so many students reach their music goals. Call or email us to set up a lesson with Dylan yourself and visit www.dylancharles.com for music, videos and a calendar of his upcoming performances. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #musicproduction #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

Originally from Pittsburgh, Lyn received her Equity card at the age of eight on the national tour of ANNIE and has been performing on Broadway, Off-Broadway and all across the country ever since. Lyn studied with many wonderful teachers at Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh CLO, and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, where she graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre. She has also been teaching throughout her career, coaching voice students of all ages on a variety of music from pop, to rock, to musical theatre.

Lyn uses her knowledge, instincts and warmth to help her students grow, improve their voice and range, interpret songs, and even incorporates meditation, mindfulness and dance/movement into her lessons if requested. She highlights each student's individual gifts and is looking forward to guiding you on your singing journey!

#vocalteacher #7andup

Curious about learning how to sing? Then this is the class for you! 

 

Vocal Excercise/Sing a Song starts off with 20-30 mins of vocal exercises focusing on strengthening the lungs, purifying the vowels for harmonies, and harmony building exercises.

Anthony has performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, London’s West End, as well as various theaters around the US. He has received a BA in Musical Theatre from Point Park University. Throughout his training, he has shaped his voice with almost a dozen voice teachers combining all of their best methods into a succinct vocal strengthening exercise.

Learn to sing and play guitar at the same time. You'll learn to sing one rhythm while playing another; when to use the most common strum patterns; anticipations; phrase beginnings; how best to practice; and more. Guitar parts will be accessible to anyone having completed Beginners 2. No guitar skills? You can still join on shaker or percussion! Pre-req: 12 sessions of Vocal 1 - Intro to Singing, or the ability to match pitch reasonably well, and a recommendation from a vocal teacher.

Rose graduated from Appalachian State University where she studied Music Education with a focus in Choral Music. She recently moved to New York from North Carolina and is excited to spread her love for music in the Big Apple! Before moving she worked as a private voice, piano, and guitar instructor at Jolie Musique School of the Arts and has taught vocal lessons focusing on pop, rock, musical theatre, and classical music to various ages of students. When she’s not teaching, she loves to write poetry, go on adventures with friends, and explore her local coffee shops.

 

#vocalteacher #7andup

Learn to sing and play guitar at the same time. You'll learn to sing one rhythm while playing another; when to use the most common strum patterns; anticipations; phrase beginnings; how best to practice; and more. Guitar parts will be accessible to anyone having completed Beginners 2. No guitar skills? You can still join on shaker or percussion! Pre-req: 12 sessions of Vocal 1 - Intro to Singing, or the ability to match pitch reasonably well, and a recommendation from a vocal teacher.

Jaime teaches voice, guitar, and bass, and heads the Vocal Studio at NYC Guitar School. He has been teaching since 2001, and especially loves working with beginners. Students are often surprised to find they really can sing when they thought they couldn't. Jaime specializes in pop, classic & alternative rock, soul, folk, country, and blues, and has an abiding love of dark chocolate. Jaime grew up in western Connecticut, where he was inspired to play guitar after watching Nirvana Unplugged on MTV. He lived in Chapel Hill, NC; touring in rock, blues, and country bands. He then studied songwriting and recording, as well as guitar and voice, at Berklee College of Music. He continues to study voice in NYC with Marlon Saunders. Jaime was the frontman and songwriter for alt-rock band The Spanish Channel, which released three albums, opened for national acts, was mentioned in SPIN and Guitar World, and toured nationally. He now performs solo acoustic in NYC and throughout the East Coast. JaimeGaramella.com #leadguitar #fingerstyle #vocalteacher #12andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

The Blues has many dimensions. Our Blues Ensemble is an innovative class that focuses on the Chess Records sound of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and others. This sub-genre was never about virtuosic shredding, but featured several electric guitars playing simple, interlocking lines.

 

This is an ideal entry point into the Blues universe for intermediate players. Participants will experience the challenge and exhilaration of holding down a part in the context of a larger whole. More advanced students will be given ample space to test their improvisation stills.

 

The Drop-In format of the class allows participants to come on in and join the jam on any week. Get ready for some hands-on training on this earthy, resonant music.

 

Amps are available in our studio. Students are encouraged to bring their favorite axe, but guitars will be provided if needed.

 

**Note: Classes with low enrollment will be cancelled two days in advance. Be sure to sign up for your favorite classes before then to reserve your spot!**

 

Lenny Molotov has been teaching at NYC Guitar School since its inception in 2003.
He specializes in classic American styles.

 

The Performance Ensemble is a commitment-based class for advanced students who want to deepen their musical identity, skills, and connections by preparing a polished song for live performance.

This class is not for beginners. Designed for post–Beginner Level 9 guitarists and experienced vocalists, this class focuses on playing music together at a high level. Students take on distinct musical roles (lead, rhythm, vocals, textures, etc.) and work toward one well-arranged song typically performed as part of NYC Guitar School Rock Band showcase events. All students are expected to be off book for the performance (no charts, lyrics, phones, or music stands).

Ensembles are among the most beloved programs at NYC Guitar School. They are challenging, but deeply rewarding—giving students a chance to grow musically while forming meaningful, lasting connections with fellow musicians. Many ensembles continue together for years

Here’s how it works:

1. Rehearse weekly to build ensemble skills, learn your part, and grow confidence playing with others.

2. Develop a full arrangement together, starting simple and refining over time. Teachers place each student in the sweet spot—challenged and successful.

3. Move off book as the show approaches. By the final two rehearsals, students should be mostly or fully off book.

4. Perform live as part of a curated showcase, creating strong accountability and community.

After performances, Ensembles typically shift into a short run of open jam sessions, offering a bridge to future Ensembles, before entering the next performance cycle.

Prerequisites & Expectations

Guitarists: Completion of Beginner Level 9 (or equivalent, ie ability to play barre chords, multiple strum patterns, and complete songs, with a basic foundation of music theory)

Vocalists: ~1 year of group classes or private lessons or recommendation from a NYCGS vocal teacher

Ability to attend 80%+ of rehearsals and commit to the performance date

Note: Class members are limited to enrollment in a maximum of one Performance Ensemble at a time.

Students self-select into Ensembles; teachers retain final discretion to ensure a strong fit.

There is no open enrollment into Ensembles. To enroll, or to ask questions, email info@nycguitarschool.com.

Dylan Charles is a singer/songwriter based in New York City. His music runs the gamut from acoustic americana and rock/blues to jazzy soul and electo-pop. Touring nationally as a solo act and as a bandleader, he also co-founded and continues to perform with NYC soul band On The Sun and Arizona-based americana band The Border Crossers. In addition to his own projects, he frequently works with other artists as a multi-instrumentalist sideman, producer, co-writer and studio musician. Dylan has been playing guitar for over 20 years and teaching almost as long. He started working with New York City Guitar School when he moved to NYC in 2012 and is currently the program director for the school’s Rock Band program as well as a teacher at the Midtown and Brooklyn locations. In high school he taught lessons to fellow teens as part of a “Community Resources” program in his home town of Ann Arbor, MI. He frequently played local gigs through the Community High School jazz band program as well as with his own original music projects. He continued to teach, perform and record while studying jazz guitar at University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2006. In 2008 Dylan moved to Bisbee, AZ where he created and coached an after school rock band program at the Bisbee High School and worked as a substitute teacher for the Bisbee elementary, middle and high schools. Dylan also founded a non-profit program called “The Friday Project” when, because of budget cuts, Bisbee Unified School District cut Fridays from the school week. The program provided a wide variety of free workshops to kids and teens that were all taught by local residents in an effort to keep kids engaged in learning and exploring their passions in the absence of a traditional public school structure. Dylan’s positive energy and encouraging teaching style has helped so many students reach their music goals. Call or email us to set up a lesson with Dylan yourself and visit www.dylancharles.com for music, videos and a calendar of his upcoming performances. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #musicproduction #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

Anthony has performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, London’s West End, as well as various theaters around the US. He has received a BA in Musical Theatre from Point Park University. Throughout his training, he has shaped his voice with almost a dozen voice teachers combining all of their best methods into a succinct vocal strengthening exercise.

Rose graduated from Appalachian State University where she studied Music Education with a focus in Choral Music. She recently moved to New York from North Carolina and is excited to spread her love for music in the Big Apple! Before moving she worked as a private voice, piano, and guitar instructor at Jolie Musique School of the Arts and has taught vocal lessons focusing on pop, rock, musical theatre, and classical music to various ages of students. When she’s not teaching, she loves to write poetry, go on adventures with friends, and explore her local coffee shops.

 

#vocalteacher #7andup

Originally from Pittsburgh, Lyn received her Equity card at the age of eight on the national tour of ANNIE and has been performing on Broadway, Off-Broadway and all across the country ever since. Lyn studied with many wonderful teachers at Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh CLO, and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, where she graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre. She has also been teaching throughout her career, coaching voice students of all ages on a variety of music from pop, to rock, to musical theatre.

Lyn uses her knowledge, instincts and warmth to help her students grow, improve their voice and range, interpret songs, and even incorporates meditation, mindfulness and dance/movement into her lessons if requested. She highlights each student's individual gifts and is looking forward to guiding you on your singing journey!

#vocalteacher #7andup

Jaime teaches voice, guitar, and bass, and heads the Vocal Studio at NYC Guitar School. He has been teaching since 2001, and especially loves working with beginners. Students are often surprised to find they really can sing when they thought they couldn't. Jaime specializes in pop, classic & alternative rock, soul, folk, country, and blues, and has an abiding love of dark chocolate. Jaime grew up in western Connecticut, where he was inspired to play guitar after watching Nirvana Unplugged on MTV. He lived in Chapel Hill, NC; touring in rock, blues, and country bands. He then studied songwriting and recording, as well as guitar and voice, at Berklee College of Music. He continues to study voice in NYC with Marlon Saunders. Jaime was the frontman and songwriter for alt-rock band The Spanish Channel, which released three albums, opened for national acts, was mentioned in SPIN and Guitar World, and toured nationally. He now performs solo acoustic in NYC and throughout the East Coast. JaimeGaramella.com #leadguitar #fingerstyle #vocalteacher #12andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

Writing a song is one of the most profound ways to express oneself, and among the most challenging. Songwriters do well to know something of music, something of poetry, and how to channel their deepest sentiments. If they perform, there is also the aspect of singing and accompanying themselves on (most often) a guitar. That’s a lot, and to grow artistically in this field it’s very helpful to have a supportive community of songsters. Open mics can be great but our Songwriter’s Circle goes further in offering expert instruction as well as providing a sounding board of fellow fledgling writers.

Participants are encouraged to bring in material (whole or incomplete) and share them with the class for discussion and suggestions. The teacher will have a weekly lesson as well, on music theory, song structure, versification, the creative process, etc. Specific assignments will also be given from time to time. The drop-in format allows participants, both veteran and novice, to enter in on any week. Pull up a chair and join our Circle; you will learn things about the art form and yourself you may never have imagined.

**Note: Classes with low enrollment will be cancelled two days in advance. Be sure to sign up for your favorite classes before then to reserve your spot!**

Lenny Molotov has been teaching at NYC Guitar School since its inception in 2003.
He specializes in classic American styles.

 

Playing music with other people is one of the greatest gifts of learning the guitar! This class builds upon the amazing foundation gained from our beginner guitar curriculum. We expand our knowledge of chords and triads, improv, and lead playing while learning our favorite songs. Each session we will pick songs we love, deconstruct the elements of each guitar part, and use this knowledge to create a part that works within the group. Our goal by the end of the class is to be able to piece together all of our parts and take them to our virtual/online recording studio. 

 

This class is ideal for guitarists that are comfortable with open chords, barre chords, basic pentatonic scales, rudimentary recording capabilities, and most importantly, love learning new songs and working with a team!

 

**Note: Classes with low enrollment will be cancelled two days in advance. Be sure to sign up for your favorite classes before then to reserve your spot!**

 

Eric is joining us from Hamilton, Canada. This is his second stint making America “home”. The first was as a scholarship student at Berklee College of Music in Boston studying bass and guitar performance.

His professional experience includes everything from bar gigs co-starring the weekly hockey game to cross-country indie tours stuffed in a cramped van to backing up Grammy and Juno (Canadian Grammy) award-winning artists. The genres are equally diverse as the gigs; folk/singer-songwriter, rock, top 40, r&b, country and jazz just to name a few.

Although the bass has been Eric’s primary musical instrument, his guitar playing has always held an important role. In fact, during a decade of teaching, most his students have been guitarists...let’s face it, only a select few listen to Jimi Hendrix and want to be Noel Redding!
His teaching style is encouraging, motivating and relaxed while focusing on each student's personal musical taste and aspirations. Eric’s goal is to inspire each student to discover all that the guitar (or bass!) has to offer and help cultivate a love of music.

#bassguitar #leadguitar #fingerstyle #16andup #guitar

In need of some fresh ears to hear the track you've been working on? Come share it in our Music Production Workshop! You'll get and give feedback in a warm environment with fellow students and an experienced instructor. When we're not sharing our songs we're learning new techniques in mixing, mastering, arrangement, composition and sound design. Even if you are just setting up your home studio, or trying to use a specific software for the first time. Everyone gets a spot at the table to record and produce music here.

Dylan Charles is a singer/songwriter based in New York City. His music runs the gamut from acoustic americana and rock/blues to jazzy soul and electo-pop. Touring nationally as a solo act and as a bandleader, he also co-founded and continues to perform with NYC soul band On The Sun and Arizona-based americana band The Border Crossers. In addition to his own projects, he frequently works with other artists as a multi-instrumentalist sideman, producer, co-writer and studio musician. Dylan has been playing guitar for over 20 years and teaching almost as long. He started working with New York City Guitar School when he moved to NYC in 2012 and is currently the program director for the school’s Rock Band program as well as a teacher at the Midtown and Brooklyn locations. In high school he taught lessons to fellow teens as part of a “Community Resources” program in his home town of Ann Arbor, MI. He frequently played local gigs through the Community High School jazz band program as well as with his own original music projects. He continued to teach, perform and record while studying jazz guitar at University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2006. In 2008 Dylan moved to Bisbee, AZ where he created and coached an after school rock band program at the Bisbee High School and worked as a substitute teacher for the Bisbee elementary, middle and high schools. Dylan also founded a non-profit program called “The Friday Project” when, because of budget cuts, Bisbee Unified School District cut Fridays from the school week. The program provided a wide variety of free workshops to kids and teens that were all taught by local residents in an effort to keep kids engaged in learning and exploring their passions in the absence of a traditional public school structure. Dylan’s positive energy and encouraging teaching style has helped so many students reach their music goals. Call or email us to set up a lesson with Dylan yourself and visit www.dylancharles.com for music, videos and a calendar of his upcoming performances. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #musicproduction #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

Originally from Pittsburgh, Lyn received her Equity card at the age of eight on the national tour of ANNIE and has been performing on Broadway, Off-Broadway and all across the country ever since. Lyn studied with many wonderful teachers at Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh CLO, and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, where she graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre. She has also been teaching throughout her career, coaching voice students of all ages on a variety of music from pop, to rock, to musical theatre.

Lyn uses her knowledge, instincts and warmth to help her students grow, improve their voice and range, interpret songs, and even incorporates meditation, mindfulness and dance/movement into her lessons if requested. She highlights each student's individual gifts and is looking forward to guiding you on your singing journey!

#vocalteacher #7andup

Heavy metal and its close cousin hard rock are among the most popular and enduring genres of rock. And while metal puts the awesome power of the electric guitar front and center, wielding that power takes dedicated practice and mastery of many advanced techniques. In this drop-in class, we’ll examine some classic metal songs from AC/DC, Black Sabbath, and Iron Maiden while learning the precision picking muting and fingering moves to ride the Highway to Hell!

 

Prerequisites: Students should have graduated from Beginners 9 or be otherwise comfortable with barre chords.

Vinnie has been a full-time musician and teacher since 1995, and is especially patient with adult beginners. He's performed on Broadway as an understudy lead guitarist in the Billy Joel/Twyla Tharp collaborative Moving Out, is currently a regular sub in the pit orchestra of Mamma Mia and has also worked on Jersey Boys. He's been onstage backing Herb Reed's Platters, Marylin Michales, and others, but most weekends, Vin rocks a crowded dance floor with party-rockers the Mulligans and/or '80s tribute act The Ronald Reagans. You might also find him replicating the mesmerizing guitar tones of The Edge with leading tri-state area U2 tribute band U2 Nation. (Yes-3 bands!!!!) Vinnie has penned hundreds of six-string-related articles and is a regular contributor of instructional lessons and transcriptions to Guitar Player and Frets magazines. Five of Vin's lesson columns were chosen for inclusion in Hal Leonard's 2008 publication The Guitar Player Book. At NYC Guitar School, Vinnie's experience in performing, writing and transcribing, have helped him design and teach the Classic Rock, U2, Heavy Metal, Surf Rock, Led Zeppelin, and Intermediate Acoustic Rock courses He also offers guidance to the Adult Rock Band performance ensemble classes. He holds a BS in Jazz and Commercial music from Hofstra and a BA in Musicology from L.I.U. In 2007 Vinnie released his solo acoustic instrumental CD Sketches for Sofia and is currently writing and performing original material with NYCGS's own Genifer Owen. He has also played on recordings by Lloyd United, The Mist, actor Chris Burke and others. Vinnie is a proud user and endorsee of Hughes & Kettner amplifiers. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

Rose graduated from Appalachian State University where she studied Music Education with a focus in Choral Music. She recently moved to New York from North Carolina and is excited to spread her love for music in the Big Apple! Before moving she worked as a private voice, piano, and guitar instructor at Jolie Musique School of the Arts and has taught vocal lessons focusing on pop, rock, musical theatre, and classical music to various ages of students. When she’s not teaching, she loves to write poetry, go on adventures with friends, and explore her local coffee shops.

 

#vocalteacher #7andup

Suzuki Group Class - Book I

Katty Anna Mayorga began her guitar studies in Guatemala at the age of 6, concentrating in Latin American pop music on acoustic guitar. She also studied electric bass, mandolin, ukulele and banjo, but fell in love with the classical guitar. At the age of 18 she decided to concentrate solely on classical guitar and in New York, she began her studies with Peter Press (accomplished classical guitarist and mandolin player), Frederic Hand (Grammy nominated guitarist and composer, Mannes School of Music) and João Luiz Rezende Lopes (Brasil Guitar Duo and faculty at SUNY Purchase). She completed her Performance in Classical Guitar undergraduate degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude, under Frederic Hand at the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College and shortly after her Master’s degree under the same tutelage. She has taken master classes with various world renowned guitarist such as Sharon Isbin, Ana Vidovic, Dale Kavanagh, and Susana Prieto. She actively performs as a soloist and with her duos: Duo Metropolitano (two guitars) and Duo JKLM (flute and guitar) and taught for over 10 years in Westchester County, Ny, and Fairfield County, Ct before joining NYC Guitar school.
Katty is convinced of the importance of Early Childhood music education and the developmental advantage that it creates. She believes deeply in the structural aspects of Suzuki Music Education and the potential of Suzuki Early Childhood Education (SECE) to nurture a child to have a strong bond with music and with the parent. Through SECE, children learn dexterity, music appreciation, sharing and a gentle character. Katty's SECE mentor and trainer is Lynn McCall, the Director of Ayla Suzuki Music and the first American permitted to train SECE teachers.

Katty also became Suzuki Guitar certified in 2014, under the mentoring of Andrea Cannon, founder of Guitar Arts Studio which serves as a National Model Program for Suzuki Guitar. Katty believes the most important part of being a musician is to pass your knowledge to the next generation so they are inspired to make the world a better place through music. We are happy that her love and skill for music and small children have brought her to NYC Guitar School.

#leadguitar #fingerstyle #suzuki

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Born in Brooklyn, Elias discovered his love for music at an early age, inspired by the Beatles. By the age of six, he was already playing guitar. He spent years performing in rock bands, focusing primarily on original music, before diving deeper into jazz under the guidance of Bob Sneider, a renowned professor at the Eastman School of Music.

In the fall of 2023, Elias began studying at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College, where he explored a wide range of musical styles, from the soulful energy of Kirk Franklin to the dynamic grooves of Cory Wong. During his time there, he earned two prestigious Downbeat Awards for Best Community College Blues/Pop/Rock Ensemble and Best Small Vocal Group.

As a guitarist, Elias has performed at iconic New York venues, including Barclays Center, Pianos, the Perelman Performing Arts Center, Ideal Glass Studios, and more.

Elias takes pride in his versatility, mastering a variety of musical styles. He teaches everything from jazz standards and funk grooves to rock riffs and lead guitar techniques, inspiring students to develop their own musical voices.

#guitar #leadguitar #7andup #MIDmon #UEStue #TRIwed #DOWNwed  #UESfri

If you know your basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, but would like to be able to play entire songs with confidence--and mixed strums--then this is the class for you! You will become comfortable changing between these chords while using mixed strumming patterns, including the incredibly delicious sounding, ubiquitous and useful “basic strum” and “best strum" in the context of inspiring songs by artists like Adele, Bill Withers, Jason Mraz, Ed Sheeran and more.

 

Here's how it works:

 

1. Come to class weekly to learn songs and skills and get encouragement and feedback from your teacher. The course topics cycle every 8 weeks or so, so you can start anytime.

 

2. Practice at home using the included video practice library. Start each session with the Beginner Guitar 2 warm-up video to reinforce fundamentals and maximize your progress!

 

3. The secret to success is remembering what you want--so review the Beginner Guitar 2 Class Graduation Video frequently, and play along with as many stops and pauses as you need. First you may be confused. Then you may be challenged. Finally, you will crush it! When you do, you're ready for the next class level.

Prerequisites: You have completed Beginners 1 or are comfortable with basic open chords and can play along with the graduation video for the Beginner 1 level class.

Austin D’Adamo is a guitarist, bassist and composer from North Carolina. He received his degree in Music Performance at Valencia College in Orlando, FL under the sage tutelage of Orlando jazz guitarist and educator Bob Holtum. Since relocating to NYC in 2017 he has played with a number of local rock and pop acts, pit orchestras, and improvised music groups – and all along the way he has taught and tutored students of all ages and skill levels on guitar, bass, and music theory.

Austin is well-versed in many genres including jazz, soul, R&B, classical, rock, pop, and country – if it’s good music, you can’t keep him away from it! You might catch him playing and recording with local acts such as The Newsreels, Rocky Billop, and his own jazz-fusion trio Our Messy Ghost.

It is Austin’s belief that his horizons would never have been as broad as they are now if not for music; the guitar taught him patience and acceptance, and it led him to appreciate cultures that he otherwise may have never known. It’s for this reason that he enjoys teaching as much as he enjoys performing – because he loves to see a student’s world get bigger and their love for music grow.

#7andup #guitar #bassguitar #leadguitar

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Mike O’Donnell is a guitarist and songwriter raised on live music in New Orleans and New York City. He’s dedicated his life to the guitar for over 20 years, honing a versatile playing style that blends elements of psychedelic rock, blues, bluegrass, funk, folk rock, and—above all—improvisational exploration. As both a bandleader and band member, he’s performed in and around the Northeast at venues like Brooklyn Bowl, The Perelman Performing Arts Center, The Paramount, Great South Bay Music Festival, The Space at Westbury, The Warehouse at FTC, Garcia’s at the Capitol Theatre, and Ardmore Music Hall

Mike studied music at the Borough of Manhattan Community College, where he performed in the guitar ensemble and Downbeat Music award-winning jazz ensemble. Through BMCC and Brooklyn Conservatory of Music’s “Music Partners Program”, he’s had the opportunity to work with students as young as four years old and assist professors in teaching college-level guitar classes. He is currently studying at CUNY CCNY.

As a guitar teacher, Mike cares about helping his students discover and develop their own musical voices. Recognizing the guitar as a powerful conduit for language and nonverbal communication, he teaches students of all ages how to express themselves through their instruments — how to become fluent in guitar.

#guitar #UWSsun

If you know your basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, but would like to be able to play entire songs with confidence--and mixed strums--then this is the class for you! You will become comfortable changing between these chords while using mixed strumming patterns, including the incredibly delicious sounding, ubiquitous and useful “basic strum” and “best strum" in the context of inspiring songs by artists like Adele, Bill Withers, Jason Mraz, Ed Sheeran and more.

 

Here's how it works:

 

1. Come to class weekly to learn songs and skills and get encouragement and feedback from your teacher. The course topics cycle every 8 weeks or so, so you can start anytime.

 

2. Practice at home using the included video practice library. Start each session with the Beginner Guitar 2 warm-up video to reinforce fundamentals and maximize your progress!

 

3. The secret to success is remembering what you want--so review the Beginner Guitar 2 Class Graduation Video frequently, and play along with as many stops and pauses as you need. First you may be confused. Then you may be challenged. Finally, you will crush it! When you do, you're ready for the next class level.

Prerequisites: You have completed Beginners 1 or are comfortable with basic open chords and can play along with the graduation video for the Beginner 1 level class.

Anthony Tavarez is a guitarist, producer, and dedicated music educator based in New Jersey. He holds a B.M. in Music Education from New Jersey City University, where he developed a strong foundation in music theory, history, performance, and pedagogy.

Classically trained on guitar, Anthony’s musical voice also extends into world music, neo-soul, and R&B. In addition to teaching, he is an active performer and studio producer, bringing real world musical experience into every lesson. His background as a producer allows him to help students understand not just how to play music, but how it functions creatively and structurally in modern contexts.

As a teacher, Anthony specializes in making the complex language of music feel clear, approachable, and exciting. He believes strong fundamentals are the key to creative freedom, and he works with students to build technique, confidence, and true musical understanding. By incorporating both timeless classics and current popular music into lessons, he connects core concepts to the sounds that inspire today’s students.

Anthony is passionate about helping musicians of all ages discover their voice, strengthen their skills, and develop a lasting relationship with music. His goal is not only to teach students how to play, but to help them think, listen, and grow as complete musicians.

 

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #bassguitar #ukulele

In this class you will acquire a powerful vocabulary of open chords which will give you the skill and knowledge to play thousands of songs, including incorporating the small barre and becoming confident using your pinky. 

 

Mike O’Donnell is a guitarist and songwriter raised on live music in New Orleans and New York City. He’s dedicated his life to the guitar for over 20 years, honing a versatile playing style that blends elements of psychedelic rock, blues, bluegrass, funk, folk rock, and—above all—improvisational exploration. As both a bandleader and band member, he’s performed in and around the Northeast at venues like Brooklyn Bowl, The Perelman Performing Arts Center, The Paramount, Great South Bay Music Festival, The Space at Westbury, The Warehouse at FTC, Garcia’s at the Capitol Theatre, and Ardmore Music Hall

Mike studied music at the Borough of Manhattan Community College, where he performed in the guitar ensemble and Downbeat Music award-winning jazz ensemble. Through BMCC and Brooklyn Conservatory of Music’s “Music Partners Program”, he’s had the opportunity to work with students as young as four years old and assist professors in teaching college-level guitar classes. He is currently studying at CUNY CCNY.

As a guitar teacher, Mike cares about helping his students discover and develop their own musical voices. Recognizing the guitar as a powerful conduit for language and nonverbal communication, he teaches students of all ages how to express themselves through their instruments — how to become fluent in guitar.

#guitar #UWSsun

This is one of NYC Guitar School's most beloved classes--it is challenging, and it is fun! This class dives into fundamental rhythm concepts to help you play with confidence, tone and expression. Learn bass-strums, palm mutes, scratches and sixteenth notes!

 

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

You have completed Beginners 1 & 2 or are comfortable with basic open chords and basic strumming patterns.

Anthony Tavarez is a guitarist, producer, and dedicated music educator based in New Jersey. He holds a B.M. in Music Education from New Jersey City University, where he developed a strong foundation in music theory, history, performance, and pedagogy.

Classically trained on guitar, Anthony’s musical voice also extends into world music, neo-soul, and R&B. In addition to teaching, he is an active performer and studio producer, bringing real world musical experience into every lesson. His background as a producer allows him to help students understand not just how to play music, but how it functions creatively and structurally in modern contexts.

As a teacher, Anthony specializes in making the complex language of music feel clear, approachable, and exciting. He believes strong fundamentals are the key to creative freedom, and he works with students to build technique, confidence, and true musical understanding. By incorporating both timeless classics and current popular music into lessons, he connects core concepts to the sounds that inspire today’s students.

Anthony is passionate about helping musicians of all ages discover their voice, strengthen their skills, and develop a lasting relationship with music. His goal is not only to teach students how to play, but to help them think, listen, and grow as complete musicians.

 

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #bassguitar #ukulele

This is one of NYC Guitar School's most beloved classes--it is challenging, and it is fun! This class dives into fundamental rhythm concepts to help you play with confidence, tone and expression. Learn bass-strums, palm mutes, scratches and sixteenth notes!

 

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

You have completed Beginners 1 & 2 or are comfortable with basic open chords and basic strumming patterns.

Emilio came to New York from Chicago as a wide-eyed freshman studying film and sociology at New York University. In the seven years since, he realized he was the happiest when music was a priority, which has taken him all over the world, most recently here to the NYC Guitar School. He is delighted to have joined their fantastic staff, and promises to bring all the excitement and energy he has for guitar to fulfilling the needs of faculty and students. In addition to his work at the NYC Guitar School, Emilio plays guitar and drums with several bands and projects throughout the city, enjoys running around Prospect Park, and cheering on his hometown Chicago Bulls. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

About the Class
In this class you will expand your chord playing to the entire fretboard, including Sharps and Flats, with E form major, minor and 7th chords, while building complex and expressive rhythm techniques utilizing fretting hand damping and syncopation.

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

PERFORMANCE NOTE: In-person level 8 or 9 classes might turn into a performing ensembles. That means it might be temporarily closed to drop-in sign-ups for four weeks in preparation to perform a song at a seasonal showcase, typically held in early August, November, March and June. Fear not! You are not required to perform...but you really should, it's super fun and it will super-charge your learning! For more info visit nycguitarschool.com/ensembles.

Prerequisites:
You have completed Beginners 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 or are comfortable with mixed 8th note and 16th note strumming patterns, palm muting, bass strumming, slash chords, arpeggios, bass runs, and switching between different strumming patterns and techniques in rhythm.

You are comfortable with various chords including B7, Gadd5, Dm, small barre F, as well as basic open chords. You can also play a few basic licks over a 12 barre blues progression and understand basic diatonic chord theory.

Pete began playing the guitar when he was 11 years old. He soon began working on his calluses learning songs by Megadeth, Metallica, The Beatles, and Yes. He also made sure to attend the National Guitar Workshop every summer. When he was old enough, Pete entered The Berklee College of Music in Boston and majored in Composition and Production. While at Berklee, he wrote a vast array of arrangements and compositions for orchestra, big band, string quartet, rock bands, and even got some work writing electronic music for video games. Pete also played in a variety of bands and ensembles in the greater Boston area as a guitarist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
In 2009 he relocated to New York and began playing as a sideman in numerous Brooklyn-based bands on keyboards, mandolin, accordion, lap steel, vocals, bass and, of course, guitar. He currently plays 11 instruments and is always working on new ones! Pete can also be found at various venues around NYC playing a wide variety of genres including: bluegrass, gypsy jazz, folk, experimental and indie rock.

This is one of NYC Guitar School's most beloved classes--it is challenging, and it is fun! This class dives into fundamental rhythm concepts to help you play with confidence, tone and expression. Learn bass-strums, palm mutes, scratches and sixteenth notes!

 

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

You have completed Beginners 1 & 2 or are comfortable with basic open chords and basic strumming patterns.

Katie Battistoni holds a degree in Jazz Guitar Performance from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. She currently teaches songwriting and music theory at The New School in New York City. She is a fierce advocate of the Neil Young adage that rock and roll is here to stay, and of Thelonious Monk’s mantra that the genius is the one most like [them]self.

Katie has performed and recorded with Marc Ribot, Ches Smith, Wendy Eisenberg, Weasel Walter’s Flying Luttenbachers, Joanna Sternberg, and members of Vulfpeck, Big Thief, and Caroline. She has played in musical theater productions off-Broadway and at Bard College’s Fisher Center. Under the artist name Katy the Kyng (non-sovereign, non-patrilineal), she has written over 500 punk, folk, jazz, experimental, and rock songs about Idahoan laundromats, The Red Hook IKEA rug department, fruit flies, serotonin, and all of her friends.

Katie enjoys teaching hand technique, rock and roll lead-playing, developing self-confidence on the guitar (especially for women and non-gender-conforming students), transcription as a vehicle for jazz vocabulary, chord-melody arranging, fingerstyle accompaniment for folk singers, The Blues as a philosophy and practice, experimental improvisation, traditional songwriting forms, finding your singular (or majestic plural) voice, ear training, and music theory. She also enjoys practicing French, running in Prospect Park, learning chess openings, reading and writing poetry and narrative fiction, and playing with her three-legged tuxedo cat, Rigoletto.

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #ukulele #fingerstyle

This is one of NYC Guitar School's most beloved classes--it is challenging, and it is fun! In this class you will dramatically expand your guitar capacity, understanding, and skill with riffs, licks, diatonic chord theory, arpeggios, movable shapes, vamps and more as you prepare to move into barre chords, lead guitar and beyond.

This class is a "threshhold" class. Students typically take a bit longer to graduate from this class than most of our other classes, and it has the longest graduation requirements of any of 9 beginners classes. And it is worth it! Why? Because in this class you learn to use and relate to your instrument in a transformative way as you begin to exit the beginner stages of gutiar playing.

Most students graduate from this class after 12-20 sessions. But faster or slower is OK!

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

Prerequisites:
You have completed Beginners 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 or are comfortable with mixed 8th note and 16th note strumming patterns, palm muting, bass strumming, slash chords, arpeggios, bass runs, and switching between different strumming patterns and techniques in rhythm.

You are also comfortable with various chords including B7, Gadd5, Dm, small barre F, as well as basic open chords.

Dylan Fader picked up the guitar at a young age, captivated by the energy of jazz, blues, and rock. What started as a hobby quickly became a lifelong passion, leading him to study at Berklee College of Music, where he worked with Tomo Fujita, Bruce Bartlett, Tim Miller, and Oz Noy, and graduated with highest honors in Guitar Performance, focusing on improvisation, theory, and groove-based styles. Along the way, he also earned a degree in English Literature from SUNY New Paltz, reflecting his love of writing, storytelling, and creative expression.

Since then, Dylan has performed extensively as a solo artist, releasing multiple EPs and handling all vocals, guitar, and production himself. He is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, skilled on guitar, bass, keys, and vocals, and enjoys exploring a wide variety of musical ideas in both solo and collaborative settings. Dylan’s performances are informed by a deep understanding of musical structure, groove, and improvisation, allowing him to connect with audiences across genres.

As a teacher, Dylan specializes in jazz, blues, and rock, as well as improvisation, songwriting, and music theory. He emphasizes creativity, technical skill, and confidence-building, helping students develop their own musical voice while exploring new sounds and ideas. Lessons are tailored to each student’s goals, combining focused practice, hands-on guidance, and fun challenges that encourage stepping out of comfort zones.

Outside of music, Dylan enjoys writing, reading, watching movies, and staying active through jogging and other forms of exercise. He brings the same curiosity and passion he applies to music to all areas of his life, inspiring students and peers alike to explore, create, and grow.

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #FIDfri

Jaime teaches voice, guitar, and bass, and heads the Vocal Studio at NYC Guitar School. He has been teaching since 2001, and especially loves working with beginners. Students are often surprised to find they really can sing when they thought they couldn't. Jaime specializes in pop, classic & alternative rock, soul, folk, country, and blues, and has an abiding love of dark chocolate. Jaime grew up in western Connecticut, where he was inspired to play guitar after watching Nirvana Unplugged on MTV. He lived in Chapel Hill, NC; touring in rock, blues, and country bands. He then studied songwriting and recording, as well as guitar and voice, at Berklee College of Music. He continues to study voice in NYC with Marlon Saunders. Jaime was the frontman and songwriter for alt-rock band The Spanish Channel, which released three albums, opened for national acts, was mentioned in SPIN and Guitar World, and toured nationally. He now performs solo acoustic in NYC and throughout the East Coast. JaimeGaramella.com #leadguitar #fingerstyle #vocalteacher #12andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

Fingerstyle is the third essential dimension of guitar playing, along with strumming and single-note picking. This class explores the technique by delving into classic Singer-Songwriter fare from the 60’s (such as Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell), up to today (such as Ed Sheeran and Jason Mraz). We will also do custom guitar adaptations of great pop tunes that were not originally recorded for solo guitar (such as Elton John’s work). The focus here will be on our six strings, but those students who want to add vocals to the mix will be encouraged to do so.

 

At a minimum students should be comfortable with fingerstyle basics like: travis picking, arpeggios, thumb and finger alternation, etc.

 

**Note: Classes with low enrollment will be cancelled two days in advance. Be sure to sign up for your favorite classes before then to reserve your spot!**

Lenny Molotov has been teaching at NYC Guitar School since its inception in 2003.
He specializes in classic American styles.

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Emilio came to New York from Chicago as a wide-eyed freshman studying film and sociology at New York University. In the seven years since, he realized he was the happiest when music was a priority, which has taken him all over the world, most recently here to the NYC Guitar School. He is delighted to have joined their fantastic staff, and promises to bring all the excitement and energy he has for guitar to fulfilling the needs of faculty and students. In addition to his work at the NYC Guitar School, Emilio plays guitar and drums with several bands and projects throughout the city, enjoys running around Prospect Park, and cheering on his hometown Chicago Bulls. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Dylan Fader picked up the guitar at a young age, captivated by the energy of jazz, blues, and rock. What started as a hobby quickly became a lifelong passion, leading him to study at Berklee College of Music, where he worked with Tomo Fujita, Bruce Bartlett, Tim Miller, and Oz Noy, and graduated with highest honors in Guitar Performance, focusing on improvisation, theory, and groove-based styles. Along the way, he also earned a degree in English Literature from SUNY New Paltz, reflecting his love of writing, storytelling, and creative expression.

Since then, Dylan has performed extensively as a solo artist, releasing multiple EPs and handling all vocals, guitar, and production himself. He is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, skilled on guitar, bass, keys, and vocals, and enjoys exploring a wide variety of musical ideas in both solo and collaborative settings. Dylan’s performances are informed by a deep understanding of musical structure, groove, and improvisation, allowing him to connect with audiences across genres.

As a teacher, Dylan specializes in jazz, blues, and rock, as well as improvisation, songwriting, and music theory. He emphasizes creativity, technical skill, and confidence-building, helping students develop their own musical voice while exploring new sounds and ideas. Lessons are tailored to each student’s goals, combining focused practice, hands-on guidance, and fun challenges that encourage stepping out of comfort zones.

Outside of music, Dylan enjoys writing, reading, watching movies, and staying active through jogging and other forms of exercise. He brings the same curiosity and passion he applies to music to all areas of his life, inspiring students and peers alike to explore, create, and grow.

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #FIDfri

If you know your basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, but would like to be able to play entire songs with confidence--and mixed strums--then this is the class for you! You will become comfortable changing between these chords while using mixed strumming patterns, including the incredibly delicious sounding, ubiquitous and useful “basic strum” and “best strum" in the context of inspiring songs by artists like Adele, Bill Withers, Jason Mraz, Ed Sheeran and more.

 

Here's how it works:

 

1. Come to class weekly to learn songs and skills and get encouragement and feedback from your teacher. The course topics cycle every 8 weeks or so, so you can start anytime.

 

2. Practice at home using the included video practice library. Start each session with the Beginner Guitar 2 warm-up video to reinforce fundamentals and maximize your progress!

 

3. The secret to success is remembering what you want--so review the Beginner Guitar 2 Class Graduation Video frequently, and play along with as many stops and pauses as you need. First you may be confused. Then you may be challenged. Finally, you will crush it! When you do, you're ready for the next class level.

Prerequisites: You have completed Beginners 1 or are comfortable with basic open chords and can play along with the graduation video for the Beginner 1 level class.

Katie Battistoni holds a degree in Jazz Guitar Performance from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. She currently teaches songwriting and music theory at The New School in New York City. She is a fierce advocate of the Neil Young adage that rock and roll is here to stay, and of Thelonious Monk’s mantra that the genius is the one most like [them]self.

Katie has performed and recorded with Marc Ribot, Ches Smith, Wendy Eisenberg, Weasel Walter’s Flying Luttenbachers, Joanna Sternberg, and members of Vulfpeck, Big Thief, and Caroline. She has played in musical theater productions off-Broadway and at Bard College’s Fisher Center. Under the artist name Katy the Kyng (non-sovereign, non-patrilineal), she has written over 500 punk, folk, jazz, experimental, and rock songs about Idahoan laundromats, The Red Hook IKEA rug department, fruit flies, serotonin, and all of her friends.

Katie enjoys teaching hand technique, rock and roll lead-playing, developing self-confidence on the guitar (especially for women and non-gender-conforming students), transcription as a vehicle for jazz vocabulary, chord-melody arranging, fingerstyle accompaniment for folk singers, The Blues as a philosophy and practice, experimental improvisation, traditional songwriting forms, finding your singular (or majestic plural) voice, ear training, and music theory. She also enjoys practicing French, running in Prospect Park, learning chess openings, reading and writing poetry and narrative fiction, and playing with her three-legged tuxedo cat, Rigoletto.

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #ukulele #fingerstyle

In this class you will acquire a powerful vocabulary of open chords which will give you the skill and knowledge to play thousands of songs, including incorporating the small barre and becoming confident using your pinky. 

 

Guitarist and composer Ben McClintock (he/him) was born in the high desert of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Despite his early fascination with music, it wasn't until the age of 18 that he picked up a guitar. He was immediately captivated and began a lifelong commitment to the instrument.

Seeking to further develop his skills, he enrolled at Berklee College of Music. During his time there, he was fortunate to study under the guidance of slide guitar virtuoso David Tronzo for three years. Boston also became the breeding ground for his instrumental rock band Izzi Creo, which gained popularity in New England and released two independent albums.

After completing his studies at Berklee, McClintock moved to San Francisco. He became involved in indie-rock bands Social Studies and Smokin' Ziggurats, allowing him to tour the country and share the stage with renowned acts such as Bombino, Grizzly Bear, Metz, La Luz, and Dengue Fever. Throughout this period, he found a growing fascination with improvised and new music, leading him to perform solo with the electric guitar and an array of effect pedals.

After more than a decade on the west coast Ben moved back to the east coast where he earned a master's degree in Jazz Performance from Hunter College under the tutelage of renowned trombonist Ryan Keberle. He released his debut album as a leader "The Shape of Space" in 2024. The sound has been described as soulful, moody and playing with the lines between jazz and electronic music. He is currently in the process of finishing his follow up album recorded at Figure 8 Studios in Brooklyn in the fall of 2025.

Residing in Brooklyn, McClintock performs regularly with his quartet The Shape of Space and with many other creative and inspiring musicians. Alongside his musical pursuits, he embraces the role of an educator, relishing the opportunity to pass on his knowledge and expertise to aspiring and eager students.

#guitar #7andup

In this class you will acquire a powerful vocabulary of open chords which will give you the skill and knowledge to play thousands of songs, including incorporating the small barre and becoming confident using your pinky. 

 

Emilio came to New York from Chicago as a wide-eyed freshman studying film and sociology at New York University. In the seven years since, he realized he was the happiest when music was a priority, which has taken him all over the world, most recently here to the NYC Guitar School. He is delighted to have joined their fantastic staff, and promises to bring all the excitement and energy he has for guitar to fulfilling the needs of faculty and students. In addition to his work at the NYC Guitar School, Emilio plays guitar and drums with several bands and projects throughout the city, enjoys running around Prospect Park, and cheering on his hometown Chicago Bulls. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

In this class you will play compelling and complex strumming patterns, as you mix bass notes, palm mutes, scratches, and syncopated 16th notes, becoming a confident and expressive rhythm guitar player.

This class is a "threshhold" class. Students typically take a bit longer to graduate from this class than most of our other classes--and it is worth it! Why? Because in this class you learn to use and relate to your instrument in a transformative way, elevating your physical confidence and rhtyhmic understanding and expressiveness. Most students graduate from this class after 8-12 sessions. But faster or slower is OK!

 

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

Born and raised in the outskirts of New York City, Greg began studying music at an early age into his college years. Starting with the saxophone in grade school and later moving on to guitar, it became clear that music would be a lifelong passion.

In this class you will mix and match E and A form barre chords over the entire fretboard and you will deepen your understanding of essential chord progressions.

 

This is the final course in our Beginners series...after this class you are very ready for ensembles, rock bands, lead guitar, and much more in the vast world of guitar.

 

Eric is joining us from Hamilton, Canada. This is his second stint making America “home”. The first was as a scholarship student at Berklee College of Music in Boston studying bass and guitar performance.

His professional experience includes everything from bar gigs co-starring the weekly hockey game to cross-country indie tours stuffed in a cramped van to backing up Grammy and Juno (Canadian Grammy) award-winning artists. The genres are equally diverse as the gigs; folk/singer-songwriter, rock, top 40, r&b, country and jazz just to name a few.

Although the bass has been Eric’s primary musical instrument, his guitar playing has always held an important role. In fact, during a decade of teaching, most his students have been guitarists...let’s face it, only a select few listen to Jimi Hendrix and want to be Noel Redding!
His teaching style is encouraging, motivating and relaxed while focusing on each student's personal musical taste and aspirations. Eric’s goal is to inspire each student to discover all that the guitar (or bass!) has to offer and help cultivate a love of music.

#bassguitar #leadguitar #fingerstyle #16andup #guitar

About the Class:
Playing music with other people is one of the greatest gifts of learning the guitar! This class builds upon the amazing foundation gained from our beginner guitar curriculum. We expand our knowledge of chords and triads, improv, and lead playing while learning and recording our favorite songs. Each session we will pick songs we love, deconstruct the elements of each guitar part, and use this knowledge to create a part that works within the group. Our goal by the end of the class is to be able to piece together all of our parts and take them to our virtual/online recording studio, SoundTrap. Previous recording experience helpful but not required!

Jaime teaches voice, guitar, and bass, and heads the Vocal Studio at NYC Guitar School. He has been teaching since 2001, and especially loves working with beginners. Students are often surprised to find they really can sing when they thought they couldn't. Jaime specializes in pop, classic & alternative rock, soul, folk, country, and blues, and has an abiding love of dark chocolate. Jaime grew up in western Connecticut, where he was inspired to play guitar after watching Nirvana Unplugged on MTV. He lived in Chapel Hill, NC; touring in rock, blues, and country bands. He then studied songwriting and recording, as well as guitar and voice, at Berklee College of Music. He continues to study voice in NYC with Marlon Saunders. Jaime was the frontman and songwriter for alt-rock band The Spanish Channel, which released three albums, opened for national acts, was mentioned in SPIN and Guitar World, and toured nationally. He now performs solo acoustic in NYC and throughout the East Coast. JaimeGaramella.com #leadguitar #fingerstyle #vocalteacher #12andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

About the Class:
Playing music with other people is one of the greatest gifts of learning the guitar! This class builds upon the amazing foundation gained from our beginner guitar curriculum. We expand our knowledge of chords and triads, improv, and lead playing while learning and recording our favorite songs. Each session we will pick songs we love, deconstruct the elements of each guitar part, and use this knowledge to create a part that works within the group. Our goal by the end of the class is to be able to piece together all of our parts and take them to our virtual/online recording studio, SoundTrap. Previous recording experience helpful but not required!

Born and raised in the outskirts of New York City, Greg began studying music at an early age into his college years. Starting with the saxophone in grade school and later moving on to guitar, it became clear that music would be a lifelong passion.

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Beau Croxton is a New York City-born singer/songwriter who has been playing for 24 years. He has performed in the New York City live music scene regularly since 2012, performing at venues including Baby’s All Right, The Sultan Room, TV Eye, Mercury Lounge and beyond.

Beau began guitar classes at the age of 11 and went on to teach himself bass and drums. Beau started performing and songwriting regularly before the age of 14 with a passion for classic rock n’ roll and New York City’s 1970s punk rock scene. Beau studied improv and music theory with the group Medeski, Martin, and Wood in 2008 and 2010, and was the lead guitarist in John Medeski’s ensemble.

Beau is the lead singer and guitarist of the NYC garage-rock n’ roll band Damn Jackals, in which he does the arrangements for every instrument. The band has toured the USA twice— one tour included a slot at Savannah Stopover Music Festival in 2019 alongside Deerhunter, Lucy Dacus, and Faye Webster. Beau and Damn Jackals have received critical acclaim in press outlets such as American Songwriter, Under the Radar Magazine and more. Beau also directed and arranged a horn section for Damn Jackals that consisted of players who have toured & collaborated prominently with David Byrne (of Talking Heads), St Vincent and LCD Soundsystem.

As a teacher, Beau leads with kindness and highlights the fun in every moment. He specializes in classic rock, indie, pop, blues guitar, performing and songwriting. He can play an arrange of other styles including metal, indie-rock, punk, slide guitar, reggae, folk, country and beyond.

Beau’s approach to teaching guitar is centered around the fact that everyone is capable of being a great guitarist/bassist. Beau celebrates positivity of every learning moment with an emphasis on kindness in order to make his students feel confident, capable and comfortable.

#guitar #leadguitar #bass #7andup

If you know your basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, but would like to be able to play entire songs with confidence--and mixed strums--then this is the class for you! You will become comfortable changing between these chords while using mixed strumming patterns, including the incredibly delicious sounding, ubiquitous and useful “basic strum” and “best strum" in the context of inspiring songs by artists like Adele, Bill Withers, Jason Mraz, Ed Sheeran and more.

 

Here's how it works:

 

1. Come to class weekly to learn songs and skills and get encouragement and feedback from your teacher. The course topics cycle every 8 weeks or so, so you can start anytime.

 

2. Practice at home using the included video practice library. Start each session with the Beginner Guitar 2 warm-up video to reinforce fundamentals and maximize your progress!

 

3. The secret to success is remembering what you want--so review the Beginner Guitar 2 Class Graduation Video frequently, and play along with as many stops and pauses as you need. First you may be confused. Then you may be challenged. Finally, you will crush it! When you do, you're ready for the next class level.

Prerequisites: You have completed Beginners 1 or are comfortable with basic open chords and can play along with the graduation video for the Beginner 1 level class.

Pete began playing the guitar when he was 11 years old. He soon began working on his calluses learning songs by Megadeth, Metallica, The Beatles, and Yes. He also made sure to attend the National Guitar Workshop every summer. When he was old enough, Pete entered The Berklee College of Music in Boston and majored in Composition and Production. While at Berklee, he wrote a vast array of arrangements and compositions for orchestra, big band, string quartet, rock bands, and even got some work writing electronic music for video games. Pete also played in a variety of bands and ensembles in the greater Boston area as a guitarist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
In 2009 he relocated to New York and began playing as a sideman in numerous Brooklyn-based bands on keyboards, mandolin, accordion, lap steel, vocals, bass and, of course, guitar. He currently plays 11 instruments and is always working on new ones! Pete can also be found at various venues around NYC playing a wide variety of genres including: bluegrass, gypsy jazz, folk, experimental and indie rock.

In this class you will play compelling and complex strumming patterns, as you mix bass notes, palm mutes, scratches, and syncopated 16th notes, becoming a confident and expressive rhythm guitar player.

This class is a "threshhold" class. Students typically take a bit longer to graduate from this class than most of our other classes--and it is worth it! Why? Because in this class you learn to use and relate to your instrument in a transformative way, elevating your physical confidence and rhtyhmic understanding and expressiveness. Most students graduate from this class after 8-12 sessions. But faster or slower is OK!

 

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

Dylan Fader picked up the guitar at a young age, captivated by the energy of jazz, blues, and rock. What started as a hobby quickly became a lifelong passion, leading him to study at Berklee College of Music, where he worked with Tomo Fujita, Bruce Bartlett, Tim Miller, and Oz Noy, and graduated with highest honors in Guitar Performance, focusing on improvisation, theory, and groove-based styles. Along the way, he also earned a degree in English Literature from SUNY New Paltz, reflecting his love of writing, storytelling, and creative expression.

Since then, Dylan has performed extensively as a solo artist, releasing multiple EPs and handling all vocals, guitar, and production himself. He is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, skilled on guitar, bass, keys, and vocals, and enjoys exploring a wide variety of musical ideas in both solo and collaborative settings. Dylan’s performances are informed by a deep understanding of musical structure, groove, and improvisation, allowing him to connect with audiences across genres.

As a teacher, Dylan specializes in jazz, blues, and rock, as well as improvisation, songwriting, and music theory. He emphasizes creativity, technical skill, and confidence-building, helping students develop their own musical voice while exploring new sounds and ideas. Lessons are tailored to each student’s goals, combining focused practice, hands-on guidance, and fun challenges that encourage stepping out of comfort zones.

Outside of music, Dylan enjoys writing, reading, watching movies, and staying active through jogging and other forms of exercise. He brings the same curiosity and passion he applies to music to all areas of his life, inspiring students and peers alike to explore, create, and grow.

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #FIDfri

About the Class
In this class you will dramatically advance your guitar technique as you mix and match individual notes and strums with alternate bass patterns, arpeggios, runs, slash chords and more, gaining the capacity to bring multiple voicings and embellishments to your playing.

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

Prerequisites:
You have completed Beginners 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 or are comfortable with mixed 8th note and 16th note strumming patterns, palm muting, bass strumming, and switching between these different strumming patterns in rhythm.

You are also comfortable with various chords including B7, Gadd5, Dm, small barre F, as well as basic open chords.

George is a musician, composer and sound engineer based in Queens, NY. Originally from Indianapolis, IN George studied Jazz Guitar at Indiana University under NYC Based Jazz Guitarist Dave Stryker. George played in various acts while living in Indiana, he also spent time playing in pit orchestras, doing session work at Hit City Recording Studio and even hosting and curating the improvised music series “Link Up”.

Upon moving to New York he has played around in various alternative rock and metal bands, currently writing for the Shoegaze band Plastic. He has also played in many improvised music groups around Brooklyn. Outside of playing music, George also does live sound work in New York City.

#bassguitar #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar

About the Class
In this class you will expand your chord playing to the entire fretboard, including Sharps and Flats, with E form major, minor and 7th chords, while building complex and expressive rhythm techniques utilizing fretting hand damping and syncopation.

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

PERFORMANCE NOTE: In-person level 8 or 9 classes might turn into a performing ensembles. That means it might be temporarily closed to drop-in sign-ups for four weeks in preparation to perform a song at a seasonal showcase, typically held in early August, November, March and June. Fear not! You are not required to perform...but you really should, it's super fun and it will super-charge your learning! For more info visit nycguitarschool.com/ensembles.

Prerequisites:
You have completed Beginners 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 or are comfortable with mixed 8th note and 16th note strumming patterns, palm muting, bass strumming, slash chords, arpeggios, bass runs, and switching between different strumming patterns and techniques in rhythm.

You are comfortable with various chords including B7, Gadd5, Dm, small barre F, as well as basic open chords. You can also play a few basic licks over a 12 barre blues progression and understand basic diatonic chord theory.

Emilio came to New York from Chicago as a wide-eyed freshman studying film and sociology at New York University. In the seven years since, he realized he was the happiest when music was a priority, which has taken him all over the world, most recently here to the NYC Guitar School. He is delighted to have joined their fantastic staff, and promises to bring all the excitement and energy he has for guitar to fulfilling the needs of faculty and students. In addition to his work at the NYC Guitar School, Emilio plays guitar and drums with several bands and projects throughout the city, enjoys running around Prospect Park, and cheering on his hometown Chicago Bulls. #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar #ukulele #bassguitar

If you are an intermediate/advanced guitar player who has been soloing/improvising with mixed success, the Lead Guitar Workshop is for you. If your playing sounds great sometimes, but you get lost other times - and you don't know why - this is for you. It is a place to learn the complex art of playing through the changes. While you will solo in front of others, it is not a jam! Our emphasis will be on learning the notes on the neck of the guitar, and relating that to the notes in the chords of our progressions. We will discuss things like musical keys, arpeggios, and scale degrees. We generally avoid discussing "shapes" or "patterns". Our goal is to understand exactly what we are playing, and why we are playing it, in musical terms. By doing this, we can remove the barrier between what we imagine the guitar can do, and what we can actually play!

Evaluation required to join. To audition for this class, send a video of yourself doing the following:

1. Play up and down all 5 pentatonic shapes, using eighth notes at 60bpm
2. Play any solo/melody/improvisation - in time - with a backing track or along to the original recording. Examples - solo to a 12 bar blues backing track or play a 15-20 second snippet from a classic guitar solo you're working on

Clayton Hopkins is a NYC/NJ based guitarist, songwriter, and singer. He studied Music Engineering, Production, Contemporary Guitar, and Composition/Songwriting at Frost School of Music before moving to NYC to pursue his original music full-time. Clayton’s contemporary rock n roll group, Clayton-Ellis, has toured the UK 3 times and Clayton co-wrote and co-produced all the material on the band’s debut album. In addition to teaching with NYC Guitar School, he is currently writing and producing material for a new album and he also has a featured role in a television pilot. Clayton is excited to share his love of rock and acoustic guitar with students. His patience and enthusiasm allow him to connect and nurture students from beginner to expert as they discover and pursue their passion for music.

 

#fingerstyle #leadguitar #12andup #guitar

Learn the ins and outs of playing and recording your favorite rock songs! This course will cover everything from riffs and power chords to improvisation and blistering leads. We'll break down all aspects of the recording process including multi-tracked guitars, effects, and achieving a slammin' rock mix. All material will then be recorded and mixed by the ensemble!

 

Prerequisites: Open chords, barre chords, 8th and 16th note strumming, minor pentatonic scale.

 

Note: This class involves a lot of recording using an online recording program. 

 

**Note: Classes with low enrollment will be cancelled two days in advance. Be sure to sign up for your favorite classes before then to reserve your spot!**

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Jeremy is a musician, composer and audio engineer based in Queens, NY. Originally from Austin, Texas, he grew up in a musical household, first picking up the guitar at the age of eight years old. Jeremy earned his bachelor’s degree in classical guitar performance and audio engineering at the Lamont School of Music in Denver, Colorado, studying under renowned performer and scholar Dr. Jonathan Leathwood and Michael Schulze.

Since moving to New York City, Jeremy has become active in the underground music scene, playing indie venue staples such as Baby’s All Right, TV Eye, Trans Pecos, and Cassette. Jeremy’s music has been reviewed in publications such as New Noise Magazine, as well as appeared on compilations featured in Pitchfork and The Fader. Jeremy performs and tours nationally, currently playing in four bands: bloodsports, Wesley Wolffe, People I Love, and his solo project face of ancient gallery.

As an instructor, Jeremy specializes in indie rock, classic rock, folk, fingerstyle, songwriting, and the classical guitar. He is incredibly passionate about music and the arts, and looks forward to inspiring and refining the skills of students at all levels.

#7andup #guitar #TRIthu #MIDtue

If you are an intermediate/advanced guitar player who has been soloing/improvising with mixed success, the Lead Guitar Workshop is for you. If your playing sounds great sometimes, but you get lost other times - and you don't know why - this is for you. It is a place to learn the complex art of playing through the changes. While you will solo in front of others, it is not a jam! Our emphasis will be on learning the notes on the neck of the guitar, and relating that to the notes in the chords of our progressions. We will discuss things like musical keys, arpeggios, and scale degrees. We generally avoid discussing "shapes" or "patterns". Our goal is to understand exactly what we are playing, and why we are playing it, in musical terms. By doing this, we can remove the barrier between what we imagine the guitar can do, and what we can actually play!

Evaluation required to join. To audition for this class, send a video of yourself doing the following:

1. Play up and down all 5 pentatonic shapes, using eighth notes at 60bpm
2. Play any solo/melody/improvisation - in time - with a backing track or along to the original recording. Examples - solo to a 12 bar blues backing track or play a 15-20 second snippet from a classic guitar solo you're working on

Clayton Hopkins is a NYC/NJ based guitarist, songwriter, and singer. He studied Music Engineering, Production, Contemporary Guitar, and Composition/Songwriting at Frost School of Music before moving to NYC to pursue his original music full-time. Clayton’s contemporary rock n roll group, Clayton-Ellis, has toured the UK 3 times and Clayton co-wrote and co-produced all the material on the band’s debut album. In addition to teaching with NYC Guitar School, he is currently writing and producing material for a new album and he also has a featured role in a television pilot. Clayton is excited to share his love of rock and acoustic guitar with students. His patience and enthusiasm allow him to connect and nurture students from beginner to expert as they discover and pursue their passion for music.

 

#fingerstyle #leadguitar #12andup #guitar

Absolute and Total Beginners start here! Starting from zero, learn basic chords like D, G, Em, C, D7, Am, C, A and E, with super broken down step-by-step explanations of chord diagrams, strings and fingers--and real songs by artists like John Legend, Sublime, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more.

 

Yes, you really can and will learn to play guitar in this class!

 

1) Attend class weekly. In every class you'll connect with your classmates, practice new skills step by step, and learn a new and fun song. Guitars are provided in NYC! (Need to miss a session? No problem--make it up with another group session for free or a discounted private lesson.) 

 

 

3) Graduate. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move to Level 2—or you can record a video of yourself playing along with that graduation video. Send it to info@nycguitarschool.com so that our NYC Guitar School team can declare a day of celebration and place you in your next class.)

 

Most absolute beginner students feel ready for the next level after 6-8 sessions. But faster or slower is OK! You do you!

Prerequisites:
None! Just bring your desire to rock!

Dylan Fader picked up the guitar at a young age, captivated by the energy of jazz, blues, and rock. What started as a hobby quickly became a lifelong passion, leading him to study at Berklee College of Music, where he worked with Tomo Fujita, Bruce Bartlett, Tim Miller, and Oz Noy, and graduated with highest honors in Guitar Performance, focusing on improvisation, theory, and groove-based styles. Along the way, he also earned a degree in English Literature from SUNY New Paltz, reflecting his love of writing, storytelling, and creative expression.

Since then, Dylan has performed extensively as a solo artist, releasing multiple EPs and handling all vocals, guitar, and production himself. He is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, skilled on guitar, bass, keys, and vocals, and enjoys exploring a wide variety of musical ideas in both solo and collaborative settings. Dylan’s performances are informed by a deep understanding of musical structure, groove, and improvisation, allowing him to connect with audiences across genres.

As a teacher, Dylan specializes in jazz, blues, and rock, as well as improvisation, songwriting, and music theory. He emphasizes creativity, technical skill, and confidence-building, helping students develop their own musical voice while exploring new sounds and ideas. Lessons are tailored to each student’s goals, combining focused practice, hands-on guidance, and fun challenges that encourage stepping out of comfort zones.

Outside of music, Dylan enjoys writing, reading, watching movies, and staying active through jogging and other forms of exercise. He brings the same curiosity and passion he applies to music to all areas of his life, inspiring students and peers alike to explore, create, and grow.

#guitar #7andup #leadguitar #FIDfri

This is one of NYC Guitar School's most beloved classes--it is challenging, and it is fun! This class dives into fundamental rhythm concepts to help you play with confidence, tone and expression. Learn bass-strums, palm mutes, scratches and sixteenth notes!

 

 

To be confident about what class level is right for you, try playing along with the class graduation videos. If you can play along with the previous graduation video but not with the graduation video for this class, then you're in the right place!

Before your first class, try playing along with the the warm-up video which you will do in every class--there are 9 warm-ups, so be sure to select the correct level. Don't worry about fully understanding or mastering everything, just get used to it. (BTW to maximize your progress, use this video as a warm-up everytime you practice at home, too!)

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

You have completed Beginners 1 & 2 or are comfortable with basic open chords and basic strumming patterns.

Nate started playing guitar at 11 years old and has been performing in bands ever since, first in Bethesda, Maryland and now in New York City. He first fell in love with classic rock before expanding his repertoire to include jazz and blues. Throughout this time he has played in jazz fusion groups, big bands, small jazz combos, and alternative rock bands. His current band, On The Nose, performs his original compositions and combines his experience in jazz and blues with his original love of alternative rock.

He is currently a student at The New School and gigs with other students from the school. He has been teaching guitar since he was 17 and loves seeing his students learn and develop new skills. he is excited to meet new students and help them grow as musicians!

#7andup #guitar #leadguitar

In this class you will acquire a powerful vocabulary of open chords which will give you the skill and knowledge to play thousands of songs, including incorporating the small barre and becoming confident using your pinky. 

 

Pete began playing the guitar when he was 11 years old. He soon began working on his calluses learning songs by Megadeth, Metallica, The Beatles, and Yes. He also made sure to attend the National Guitar Workshop every summer. When he was old enough, Pete entered The Berklee College of Music in Boston and majored in Composition and Production. While at Berklee, he wrote a vast array of arrangements and compositions for orchestra, big band, string quartet, rock bands, and even got some work writing electronic music for video games. Pete also played in a variety of bands and ensembles in the greater Boston area as a guitarist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
In 2009 he relocated to New York and began playing as a sideman in numerous Brooklyn-based bands on keyboards, mandolin, accordion, lap steel, vocals, bass and, of course, guitar. He currently plays 11 instruments and is always working on new ones! Pete can also be found at various venues around NYC playing a wide variety of genres including: bluegrass, gypsy jazz, folk, experimental and indie rock.

This is one of NYC Guitar School's most beloved classes--it is challenging, and it is fun! In this class you will dramatically expand your guitar capacity, understanding, and skill with riffs, licks, diatonic chord theory, arpeggios, movable shapes, vamps and more as you prepare to move into barre chords, lead guitar and beyond.

This class is a "threshhold" class. Students typically take a bit longer to graduate from this class than most of our other classes, and it has the longest graduation requirements of any of 9 beginners classes. And it is worth it! Why? Because in this class you learn to use and relate to your instrument in a transformative way as you begin to exit the beginner stages of gutiar playing.

Most students graduate from this class after 12-20 sessions. But faster or slower is OK!

If you are able to pass the graduation video check out our next class in the series!

Prerequisites:
You have completed Beginners 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 or are comfortable with mixed 8th note and 16th note strumming patterns, palm muting, bass strumming, slash chords, arpeggios, bass runs, and switching between different strumming patterns and techniques in rhythm.

You are also comfortable with various chords including B7, Gadd5, Dm, small barre F, as well as basic open chords.

George is a musician, composer and sound engineer based in Queens, NY. Originally from Indianapolis, IN George studied Jazz Guitar at Indiana University under NYC Based Jazz Guitarist Dave Stryker. George played in various acts while living in Indiana, he also spent time playing in pit orchestras, doing session work at Hit City Recording Studio and even hosting and curating the improvised music series “Link Up”.

Upon moving to New York he has played around in various alternative rock and metal bands, currently writing for the Shoegaze band Plastic. He has also played in many improvised music groups around Brooklyn. Outside of playing music, George also does live sound work in New York City.

#bassguitar #leadguitar #fingerstyle #7andup #guitar