Guitar Lessons in Rochester, MN
Learn Guitar with Us
Our guitar instructors teach rock, blues, metal, country, and classical styles on both electric and acoustic guitars. Beginners work on chords, simple songs, and melodies, sight-reading, and theory. Each lesson will challenge you with a new technique or music theory and ends with something fun – such as your favorite riff or song. We employ a variety of guitar method books based on student needs and preferences and encourage students to bring smartphones or CDs to their lessons to learn their favorite tunes.
Our Approach to Guitar Lessons
Get StartedGuitar Lessons Should Be Fun!
We all know the feeling: you hear your favorite song come on and you can’t resist the urge to play along on your air guitar! Here at Rochester Music Academy, we can help you convert your musical fantasies into reality – while preserving that irresistible sense of joy you feel when playing along. We want each of our students to LOVE their musical experience with us!
Whether you come to us planning on becoming the next Jimi Hendrix or simply wanting to play songs around the campfire with your friends, our top-notch instructors will help you progress quickly toward your goals while ensuring you have fun along the way.
We Emphasize Healthy Technique
Regardless of your ultimate goals, our teachers will prioritize strong fundamentals including proper posture, hand positioning, chords, fretting, picking, and strumming. As students progress, these basics will become second nature – and serve as the foundation from which students can apply their skills across a variety of genres and styles.
We want our guitar students to be literate, well-rounded musicians. Beginners and seasoned performers alike will find value in our approach at Rochester Music Academy, coupling technical instruction with elements of music theory and music history in each lesson.
We Care About Your Musical Interests
Your unique interests and background will help guide your experience at Rochester Music Academy. We teach beginners, intermediate, and advanced students who are interested in a variety of styles – including rock, jazz, classical, pop, blues, and more. Whether you’re inspired by modern day singer-songwriters or the rockers of the 1970s, we can’t wait to get started with you!
Our seasoned instructors will draw upon years of playing, performing, and teaching experience to guide you in improving your skills and exploring the many possibilities of your instrument, and advancing toward your goals at a pace that works for you.
Our Guitar Teachers
Our guitar instructors are warm and friendly and get to know each student and parent on a personal level. We work with each individual or parent to craft a lesson plan that fits the student’s unique needs and favorite type of music. Whether you’re playing in local bands, a seven-year-old taking their first lesson, or a fifty-year-old returning to the guitar after many years, our teachers will share their love for the guitar and help you set goals to achieve your musical aspirations.
Cameron Smith
Drums, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele
Cameron describes himself as laid back and fun. He attended Mayo High School here in Rochester and then Winona State University. Cameron has been an active member in the Rochester music scene for almost two decades playing in several bands and musical groups.
Emily Whitcomb
Violin, Viola, Guitar, Ukulele
The daughter of a luthier and a seasoned music lesson check-writer, Emily started her musical journey at the age of four when she got her first violin. She added French horn and guitar to the mix as she progressed in a variety of music ensembles as well as solo singer/songwriter endeavors.
We offer a variety of plans to fit your schedule & budget
Weekly
30 min
$148
Monthly
Great for learning the basics and building strong foundations.
GET STARTEDWhat you can expect
Tell us about your musical goals.
Match with one of our expert instructors.
Play music! Parents get progress reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get StartedWhat’s the #1 reason to study guitar at the Academy?
Our guitar instructors are warm and friendly, and get to know each student and parent on a personal level. We work with you to craft a lesson plan that fits your individual needs and the student’s favorite type of music. Whether you’re playing in local bands, a seven year old taking their first lesson, or a fifty year old returning to the guitar after many years, we’ll set goals to achieve your musical aspirations.
What styles of guitar do you teach?
We teach all styles, from rock, pop, jazz, and blues to metal, country and classical guitar – on electric and acoustic guitars.
How qualified are your guitar instructors?
Our guitar and music instructors have received their education from prestigious institutions all over the country. Some have toured the US and Europe, and bring over 20 years of professional performance and teaching experience to your lessons.
What will I learn from guitar lessons at the Academy?
Beginner guitar students can expect to work on chords, simple songs, and melodies, sight-reading, and theory. Our instructors balance musicianship and fun by making sure that each lesson presents a new technical challenge or theory concept, and ends with something fun, such as your favorite riff or song. We use a variety of guitar method books, and encourage students to bring their smartphones or CDs to their lesson to learn their favorite tunes.
Do I need to purchase a guitar to learn the instrument?
The Academy offers acoustic and electric guitars for student lessons (for your convenience, students can use one of ours at their first lesson). But to practice at home, you will need a guitar. We do offer a rental program, where you’ll be able to rent a guitar with us for $25/month for 7 months before its yours.
Reviews
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We love Rochester!
It is a great Music School, My daughter and I enjoyed all classes 🙂