LESSONS

Visit Contact Page to Contact Instructors

Jazz Guitar

Classical Guitar

Acoustic Guitar

Metal Guitar

Bass Guitar

Piano

Violin

Viola

Coming soon... drums!

Improvising Tips

1. Create a Melody

Use just a few notes to create a melody. Start with a scale you're comfortable with (like the pentatonic or major scale).

2. Focus on Rhythm

Improvisation isn’t just about the notes—you can create interesting phrases by changing the rhythm. Try holding a note longer or adding syncopation.
Tap your foot to stay connected to the beat.

3. Use Chords as Your Guide

Understand the chord progression you’re improvising over. Play notes from the chord (arpeggios) or use scales that match the key.
Highlight the chord changes by landing on a note from the next chord at the right time.

4. Experiment with Dynamics

Combine techniques like bends, slides, and vibrato to make your solos more expressive.

5. Play with Backing Tracks

Use backing tracks in different genres and keys to practice. Focus on staying in key while experimenting with phrasing and style.

6. Embrace Mistakes

Mistakes are part of the process! Turn a "wrong" note into a cool, jazzy sound by bending it into the correct pitch or repeating it for effect.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong in improvisation—just exploration.

7. Most importantly, Keep Practicing!

The more you improvise, the more natural it will feel. Set aside time in every practice session to just play freely.
Challenge yourself with new scales, tempos, and styles regularly.

Music Theory

From notes and scales to chord progressions, master the basics to enhance your musical journey.

What Are Intervals

An interval is the distance between two musical notes, measured in terms of pitch. Intervals can be harmonic (two notes played simultaneously) or melodic (two notes played in sequence). They are named based on the number of steps between the notes, such as a second, third, or octave. For example, the interval between C and E is a major third because E is the third note in the C major scale. Recognizing intervals is essential for understanding harmony and creating melodies.

The Circle of Fifths

The Circle of Fifths is a visual tool used to understand key signatures and their relationships. It’s arranged in a circle where each step moves up by a fifth (e.g., C to G to D). As you go clockwise, you add sharps to the key signature, while counterclockwise adds flats. The Circle of Fifths also shows how closely related keys are, making it invaluable for composing, modulating, or improvising music.

Chord Progressions and Cadences

Chord progressions are sequences of chords that create a sense of movement and emotion in music. Common progressions like I-IV-V-I (in the key of C: C, F, G, C) are foundational in Western music. A cadence is the way a progression ends, signaling a pause or resolution. Perfect cadences (V-I) sound final, while imperfect cadences (I-V or IV-V) leave a sense of anticipation. Understanding these concepts helps in crafting compelling musical phrases.

Genre Info

Learn about some of our favorite genres

Jazz

Originating in the early 20th century, jazz blends African rhythms with European harmonies. It’s known for improvisation, swing rhythms, and expressive instrumentation. Subgenres like bebop, cool jazz, and fusion showcase its evolution, with iconic artists such as Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington shaping its history.

Classic

Classical music is a rich tradition spanning centuries, featuring composers like Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach. It emphasizes intricate compositions, orchestral arrangements, and formal structures such as symphonies, sonatas, and concertos. Each period—Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern—introduced unique innovations that continue to influence music today.

Rock

Born in the 1950s, rock music evolved from blues and country. It’s defined by electric guitars, strong rhythms, and energetic performances. With subgenres like punk, alternative, and hard rock, its adaptability and cultural resonance have produced legendary bands like The Rolling Stones, Queen, and The Beatles.

Blues

Blues music originated in the Deep South during the late 19th century, shaped by African-American traditions. It typically follows a 12-bar format, featuring expressive lyrics and call-and-response patterns. Icons like B.B. King, Robert Johnson, and Etta James brought its soulful, emotional sound to life and inspired many modern genres.

Folk

Folk music reflects the culture and stories of a community, often passed down through oral traditions. Known for its acoustic simplicity, folk emphasizes storytelling and social themes. In the 20th century, artists like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez used folk to comment on social justice and political movements, keeping the genre alive and evolving.

Country

Country music has its roots in the folk traditions of the Appalachian region. It’s characterized by storytelling lyrics, acoustic instruments like the guitar and fiddle, and themes of love, heartbreak, and rural life. Artists like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Garth Brooks have popularized this enduring genre.

Fun Music Facts

Music for your Heart

Songs can slow your heart rate! Listening to slow-tempo music like classical or ambient tracks has been scientifically shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate.

Beethoven's speed

Beethoven marked many of his compositions with metronome speeds so fast that some scholars think his metronome was broken

Jimi Hendrix's tricks

Hendrix could play the guitar upside down and backward because he was left-handed but used right-handed guitars!

Musical Animals

Cats love music too! There’s a genre of music specifically composed for cats, using purring and bird sounds.