Lovely guy is very good with my son. It was a great choice to work with him. I would recommend him to anyone.

My son has been a student of Alan since early 2023. We are so grateful for the level of patience, care, and his individual musical style. My son really likes his style of teaching and enjoys the lesson. Alan has a great skills and wonderful personality If you're looking for a guitar teacher for yourself, we highly recommend Alan! read more

Alan has been my son's guitar (and now piano!) instructor for about 2 years now. Alan is a wonderful instructor. He is patient and knows how to keep the attention of a 7-9 year old. Alan makes the lessons fun and exciting, is well-organized and very thoughtful. Alan is flexible with our crazy schedule which is much appreciated. My son has come a long way in the past two years. Thank you Alan! read more

I have been trying to learn how to play guitar on my own on and off for years but nothing was sticking beyond a few basic chords. Fast forward to a few months ago when I started taking guitar lessons with Alan and I've made so much progress! I really can't believe that in a few lessons I can play a couple full songs from start to finish. He is truly passionate about music and it shows in his teaching. Every lesson has been so much fun and I love that he teaches the fundamentals alongside actual songs so that it keeps all of the practice exercises fun. I would 10000% recommend Alan to anyone at any experience level looking to learn guitar for the first time or to brush up on their guitar skills. Thank you Alan!! read more

Look no further, you have found the best guitar teacher in Los Angeles. Alan creates an awesome learning environment where songs, technique, and theory are presented in a way that makes it exciting to practice and play. He has been helping me add the puzzle pieces I've been missing in my knowledge of guitar. Alan makes scheduling a lesson easy and there is plenty of free street parking available. If you are new to the guitar or have been playing for years, Alan will take your guitar playing to new heights. I have been working with Alan for a few months now and I am stoked on continuing working with him. read more

Alan is as cool as a fan, tailors the lesson to your interests, pace, and schedule, and all in all creates a positive vibe even when you suck at first read more

After a couple of years of bouncing between teachers who had no actual interest in teaching, by God's providence, I found Alan. Truly one of one. He *cares* about his students, tailors his lessons to the student, and brings a lot of insight and needed expertise. No need to look any further! With Alan, you're in AMAZING hands! read more

Look no further! Alan is an excellent guitar teacher whom I'm so happy to have found. After I'd stopped playing guitar consistently for several years, I knew that I needed to commit to lessons if I wanted to prioritize the time and truly improve. Within the first couple of lessons with Alan I started to fall in love with playing again and could already see improvement in my dexterity. He tailors the lesson plan according to your goals, including helpful exercises and specific songs of your choice, for fun, engaging and balanced approach. I'm excited to keep digging in & improving and can't recommend Alan enough! read more

I recently started searching for a guitar instructor in our area for my 13-year-old daughter (Thankfully we like the same kind of music) since I bought her a guitar as an activity. I typed in search for the best guitar instructor for our area and Alans name came up. I now know why he's rated the best! We met Alan and liked him immediately, he's very friendly, very patient, he'll listen to your questions and concerns and answer without making you feel stupid. LOL But most of all the guy is for real, a great guitar player, teacher, not to mention songwriting as well as other instruments, and Professional. My daughter looks forward to each lesson with Alan. It's a good sign when a kid can put down her cell phone and not miss it Now when I pass by her room I hear her playing, it's pretty cool... So If you're looking for the best guitar instructor I highly recommend Alan. You will be glad trust me!! read more

Alan Damien’s Private Guitar Lessons - Gia Guitar Lesson With Alan - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

Brilliant. This dude is just awesome. I've been playing guitar off and on for more than 30 years and was just fustrated because I never seemed to make any progress. Self taught is just not the way to go. After purchasing my first truly mid-high level quality guitar, I thought I'd better find a quality instructor to make it worth it. After noticing all the positive reviews online of Alan I decided to take the leap and I am so glad that I did. After only a couple of lessons with Alan I immediately improved. He immediately pointed out flaws and poor technique that I had, and gave me specific drills/tools to fix them. I come from a family of educators, myself being a martial arts teacher for more than 25 years, I understand the importance of finding and identifying a good teacher. This dude not only has the technical know-how and the chops to back it up, but as a teacher, he knows how to inspire you and can explain things in a way to make sure you "get it". Even after all these years, my wife noticed my improvement and was like "You are finally leveling up your skills!". You will be hard pressed to find a better guitar teacher in Los Angeles. read more

Not only is Alan an excellent teacher in a technical sense, but he's also a phenomenal motivator and believer in his students. I started taking lessons with him after a long hiatus where I was once an "advanced beginner." Alan helped me to quickly build upon the fundamentals I possessed and immediately set me on a path to becoming a better player. He teaches intuitively and musically. It's always fun and never feels like bookwork - but it's always challenging in the best way possible. I plan to continue taking lessons with him for a long time. read more

I am so lucky that I found Alan through Yelp. Alan is incredibly passionate and makes every lesson not just informative but fun. Thanks to him, I'm already playing songs I never thought I could. If you're serious about learning how to play guitar and want someone who's as excited about music as you are, definitely give Alan a shout. You won't regret it!! read more

If you're looking for fun guitar lessons where you'll learn and improve quickly, look no further!! Alan finds a way to teach you the basics in tandem with the songs/style of music you wish to learn. It's truly a customized plan that gets you more and more excited about guitar playing. I tried YouTube lessons for a few months but my progress was slow and I didn't know what or how to practice. Alan works with you at your level and sends an email after each lesson to tell you what to practice, along with helpful guides. I saw improvement after just one lesson and I've only continued to gain skills, confidence, and a more thorough understanding of the instrument and the songs I want to play. A lifelong dream of mine is finally being realized thanks to these awesome lessons! read more

Okay, so I am like brand spanking new to playing the guitar (like seriously, I never even played a real one before this I don't think) and I'm on like week 6 of lessons with Alan and I can't believe I've progressed this far! What started as a kind of overwhelming (but still exciting) experience first going into it with no previous lessons, I look forward to my sessions each week because I know I'm going to get better and better every time. Alan is patient, skilled, super encouraging, and truly just loves music and wants you to have fun and fully enjoy your process! This is something my heart has always called me to do, and I'm super grateful I found Alan. VERY excited to see how much father I progress. Feeling really lucky read more

Alan is by far the most amazing instructor I have encountered. He is very knowledgeable and thorough with his instruction plus makes it fun. He has a way of teaching you what you want to learn as well as learning theory. If you think music is complicated he will show you that its not as hard as you think. I highly recommend him as an instructor if you are a beginner or advanced player. read more

It's been 6 years since I first started. I can't believe how much I've learned and improved. Not just with playing but creatively. read more

Alan Damien’s Private Guitar Lessons - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

This review is long overdue!! My husband found Alan Damien through Yelp, and it's a pleasure to say that the positive Yelp reviews are well justified. We found Alan to be sweet-natured, professional, and extremely capable. He taught guitar to my 13 year-old daughter for about five months. When she began, she had a few years of lessons (piano, violin) under her belt, but she was very much a beginner. Alan was undaunted. In a short time she was playing far above a level that I would have expected. She was able to play music that she enjoyed rather than the usual antique songs from an instructional book. What's also great is that it gave her confidence, as she continues to practice using the tools he taught her. Unfortunately for us, we moved and find ourselves a bit too far away to continue. read more

Alan has a vast knowledge in music, guitar, music gear, creativity and the music industry as a whole.I knew he'd be a great choice to help my daughter take her guitar playing to another level. He has been working with her on solo work and giving her the tools she needs to expand her own creativity as well. Since working with him, my daughter has become more confident performing on stage as well. It has been very convenient for her to work with Alan virtually but also having the opportunity to work with him in person has been wonderful. Aside from him being a great instructor, he is very professional, always on time, informative and very communicative. Whenever I have a question for him (which has been many), he is quick to respond. We are very happy with Alan. If you are looking for an instructor with all the qualities I mentioned above, Alan would be a great addition to your musical arsenal. read more

I've had an incredible experience taking guitar lessons with Alan. He shreds and is also incredibly patient, kind, and cool. His teaching style made me feel at ease from day one, and he tailored my lessons to my individual needs, goals, and musical taste, which has made every lesson exciting. He takes the time to explain concepts in a way that is easy for me to understand, and his enthusiasm for music is contagious. Every lesson you will receive a detailed follow up that's allowed me to see significant progress in my playing and ability to pursue guitar further in my spare time. I highly recommend Alan to anyone looking for a down to earth, easy going instructor who is understanding and supportive and stoked to teach you guitar. read more

When I started taking guitar lessons with Alan, I was a total beginner. He has been super patient, attentive, and has taught me a TON so far! I'm really happy with my progress and I look forward to absolutely slaying the guitar with Alan's help. If you're a newbie like me or if you're looking to take your skills to the next level, I highly recommend Alan! He is a great teacher. read more

I'm posting this review for my husband . . . I've always wanted to learn to play the guitar. Twice before I rented or bought a guitar, joined group lessons or tried to connect with a teacher. Both times I gave up after a month or two, frustrated, and certain that I had no musical ability whatsoever. Now, 30-35 years later, with kids all grown up, and a little more time on my hands, I decided to give it another try, and connected with Alan. My lessons with Alan have been terrific, and I am extremely happy with my progress. Alan is patient, reassuring and always is able to say the right thing (even when my playing is a mess). His lessons are a perfect balance of playing great music and learning fundamentals and some theory (but not in a boring way). Alan has taught me skills and given me sound advice on gear. I started with Alan in person and, when the pandemic started, we continued via Skype and my progress has not slowed. I've come a long way, and the sounds coming out of my guitar are, well, musical and even recognizable (at least to me). Without Alan, I think I would have given up again. Instead, I feel like this a lifelong journey. So, if, like me, you always wanted to learn to play guitar, or if your kid wants to learn to play, give Alan a call or send him a note. read more

I started guitar lessons with Alan as a complete novice and within just a couple of months I'm already feeling comfortable and even playing songs! I bought my first guitar at the start of covid and tried at first to learn via online programs. It was a disaster. I couldn't understand what they were trying to teach and got nowhere fast. Thank goodness I found Alan! He's given me a clear path that I can easily follow. I was so worried that I'd never be able to learn the guitar, but with Alan as my teacher I know it's totally doable. He's a wonderful guide and great guy. Thank you Alan for making this challenging year a little bit easier. read more

Alan is the best guitar teacher you could ask for. Incredibly patient and always encouraging and I always walk away excited and eager to practice all he's shown me. He gives you detailed notes every lesson and will answer any guitar questions you could have. If you are looking for a guitar instructor, Alan is your guy. 10/10!!!! read more

Excellent guitar teacher! My 8yr old son has been taking lessons from Alan for the past few months. He seriously likes and looks forward to his guitar lessons (he doesn't look forward to anything except for playing video games!). Alan is very patient and makes classes fun for my son. I highly recommend! (We started out in person but due to Covid, we decided to do virtual lessons for now.) read more

already having a musical background but with lots of gaps in my knowledge, it was really hard pinpointing what i needed help with before getting in person lessons. Alan has really helped me progress in a short amount of time with his unique teaching style and catering to what i was trying to learn! which was TO SHRED...he's unlocked a few things for me and i finally feel i'm on my way! read more

Alan is the best. I'm a beginning player and i knew a few chords when I started with Alan a few months ago but that was all. He has shown me so much. I look forward to my lesson each week and can't wait to practice what we go over after the lesson. He's a patient teacher and it feels like a he has a path he's taking you down. It's awesome when it clicks and the exercises from mutiple lessons all come together. If you have a song you want to learn he's great with taking a look at it but not just teaching the song he gives you the technique involved and how it relates to other songs and chances are he has an exercise for you to practice that will help you develop it. One thing that's really been helpful for me is we work on something and then he suggests I record it with my phone so I can watch it later if I get stuck. Bottom line... great teacher and you should give him a try. read more

Alan is not only extremely talented, he's also so incredibly kind and encouraging. He adapts to whichever pace you'd like for your personal guitar journey. In just a few weeks I am already light-years ahead of where I was before I started taking lessons. He has a great teaching system down that I works well with how I like to learn. It is a pleasure to see him and learn from him every week. I always leave the lesson smiling, feeling confident, and so excited to practice when I get home! read more

Alan is an OUTSTANDING teacher and an endless fountain of knowledge. I'm a slightly unique student. I've been playing guitar for 35 years and have taken lessons from several teachers over the years. So I have a lot to compare Alan to. He is among the best I've worked with. Recently I wanted to dig down into some of the serious how's and why's of rock music. Alan had answers for every question I asked. And more importantly, he had more knowledge and information to add than I even asked for. He's laidback, very easy to talk to and really wants to know what YOU want to learn. It's also very helpful that he emails you documents, charts and anything else you dealt with in the lesson. He's a real rock star who knows what he's doing. He's not just some dude in a guitar store, or a guy picking up a few bucks on the side. He's a real musician with the knowledge and teaching skills to get you where you want to go. read more

I came across Alan through searching for a guitar instructor on Google. He was one of the first ones that popped up and based on previous reviews on Yelp, I knew I had to seek him out as my guitar instructor. SO GLAD I DID! I was super nervous about learning guitar. I've always wanted to learn as a child, but didn't make any actual moves to do so until now and Alan has made it sooo easy for me to learn. He is so patient and easy going. Aside from already looking extra cool he also plays the guitar SUPER COOL. He is sooo knowledgeable about music and makes learning really easy and fun. My inner child is sooo happy about learning to play the guitar and even happier to have Alan as my instructor. If you've been contemplating getting guitar lessons, DO IT! Having Alan as your instructor will make all the difference in either learning how to play or brushing up on your guitar skills. You will not regret it! read more

This is the best guitar teacher you're going to get! I am thankful I decided to look on Yelp for guitar lessons, because I don't know how else I would have ran into Damien. I'm a college student, and he works with my crazy school schedule. He's patient, which I believe to be the most important quality of a teacher. He's your guy if you're trying to find the best guitar learning experience because he is way beyond talented as well!! He sends all the notes from your guitar lesson right after you leave to remind you what you must working on. Learning an instrument is never easy, but he definitely makes the process fun. read more

I can't speak highly enough about Alan's lessons. After playing for years but feeling stuck not really knowing WHY I was doing the things I was Alan has broken things down to basics again for me and we're building it all back up so I really understand what I'm doing and WHY. So much more than just showing up and running through a song, Alan takes the time to break down the song structure, the techniques and the theory (with some really handy shortcuts!) so that you can extrapolate and become more than just a performer but a PLAYER. If you're on the fence about it, don't be, I've learned more and am playing better than ever thanks to Alan. read more

I have picked up my guitar over the years to play and always quit after a few months. Learning to play again with Alan has been the first time where I've been playing for over a year and not wanted to put my guitar away! Alan is a great teacher and makes you develop a very deep and personal connect with your guitar and the music you enjoy. His personalized approach to each student's musical journey is what sets him apart from anyone else I have tried to learn to play with before. I really value Alan as a teacher and now as a friend to share our passion for music. Thanks for sharing your amazing talent to help me in my musical endeavors! read more

Alan is incredible and by far the best guitar teacher I've ever had! I 1000% recommend taking lessons with him. I've been playing guitar for over 15 years and in the past 2 months I've learned more from Alan than I learned with any other teacher or trying to learn on YouTube myself. He's patient, extremely knowledgeable and so nice. He really wants to make sure you learn and have fun and if you don't understand something he will explain it in other ways until it sinks in and makes sense to you. Working with Alan has revived my love and passion for playing guitar and I can't wait to see where I'm at a year from now working with him! read more

Alan is an amazing guitar teacher. I am fortunate to have found him. I was intimidated by learning how to play guitar and very shy, but he has made learning fun. He has a great way about him that sets you at ease. He provides a comprehensive working knowledge of the guitar that is easy to grasp. I look forward to my weekly lessons. read more

Been taking a couple guitar lessons with Alan and I've already had a huge improvement in my playing ability! Alan's super friendly and very knowledgeable about many different playing styles. He figured out my skill level and we immediately started working on getting me to the next level. After every lesson he sends you content related to the lesson including music sheets, sound clips, etc. His lessons are flexible enough to let you go at a pace that works best for you but he also makes sure to challenge you. Overall I've had a great experience and I'm achieving my guitar playing goals. PS. He's also got great tour stories :) read more

I just started playing the electric guitar about four months ago. I quickly realized that I needed a professional to get what I wanted out of my new guitar. Here's where I came across Alan Damien. Alan's knowledge and patience have allowed me to explore the guitar in ways I didn't think were possible in such a short period of time. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned pro looking to sharpen your skills, I'm confident Alan can help take you to the next level. read more

I've had a guitar sitting in my living room forever. Fifteen years ago I learned 3 chords and... that's where it ended. I decided I wanted to really learn but was nervous about doing so!! I'm so glad I found Alan. First of all, he really knows his stuff. He's also patient, kind, encouraging, funny, and has a great attitude. I've had a handful of lessons so far and already feel so excited about my progress. He emails you right after a lesson with what you've learned so you can practice. He's the real deal!!!! read more

Alan is such an amazing guitar teacher! I highly recommend him for anyone at any level. I taught myself the basics in years past but felt I hit a plateau so I looked for a guitar teacher. I'm so happy to have found Alan. His virtual lessons online during the pandemic have been super easy to set up and he really knows what he's doing. He has years of experience and wraps his lessons around what you're interested in, which I love. I started in September and I'm tackling barre chords and have learned picking patterns thanks to him. He comes prepared to teach you songs you love and also warm ups and exercises that are challenging but so easy to follow. He's so supportive and gives you positive feedback. I have seen such a difference in my abilities since I started working with him. I'm so happy to be getting better and better at something I've wanted to do for a long time. He's such a cool guy. He's extremely patient, kind, talented, and an all around wonderful teacher! read more

Not to be dramatic but Alan's lessons have entirely revived my passion for guitar. I had taken lessons with somebody else a while ago who's approach was so confusing & boring that I had lost my love for guitar. But after 1-2 lessons with Alan, I was not only (finally) understanding the instrument but also genuinely loving it again. After a dozen lessons I've learned more about guitar than what I tried to teach myself in 1.5 years (lol, literally). Absolutely recommend Alan to anyone wanting to learn guitar!! Oh and his cats are great :) read more

What a great find is Alan for a guitar teacher. I grew up with a deep love of rock and roll and finally decided as an adult to learn guitar. Familiarizing myself with the guitar for about a month lead me to seek professional assistance and I found Alan Damien right here on Yelp. All the glowing reviews are absolutely correct. Alan's calm and patient demeanor instantly puts you at ease. Alan is not there to showboat his skills, he focuses on what I need to do in order to progress with ease. His methods are individually organized to my skill level making my hour well spent. His experience is to my benefit because he found shortcuts through the basic drills making them fun and I discover how they all link together. He will also cater to your own musical tastes and help cultivate you to success. Lessons give you focus and incentive to practice ,this I faithfully do, excited to see what my next milestone will be. Thankfully my musical journey is accompanied by Alan, because this is going to be a great ride. read more