I'm a professional musician myself and Mike is extremely knowledgable and will fill in any gaps of knowledge you may have. He's patient, enthusiastic and definitely helped me up my game & confidence on guitar and inspired me to push myself. read more

We started taking lessons with Mike when my son was 7. That was 10 years ago! Still to this day my son and I love hanging out with Mike. He is an amazing teacher and can transcribe any piece of music you want for the guitar. He's a wealth of knowledge about music and the industry. I'd give him 10 stars if I could. read more

Would I rock out with Mike at a Black Sabbath concert? Yes, yes I would. Would I smoke Cuban cigars with Mike in a surreal garden in the Mission? Yes, yes I would. Would I join Mike on a multi-year space mission to the planet Mars to collect ice crystals and prove that the red planet was suitable for human habitation? Yes, yes I would. Would I learn guitar from Mike? Yes, yes I would. Mr. Powell is an *excellent* guitar teacher. He has several qualities that make him so! He is friendly! He always asks me what's going on with my life and is interested in my goings on. He is compassionate! He cares about the foibles of life and understands things. He's smart! I am . . .well. I'm relatively sophisticated in music. Mike's knowledge of the subject pales my own - but I never feel like I'm "lesser". Mike has a way of . . . celebrating my own understanding while at the same time improving it. He adapts! I do a lot of stuff on my own, guitar-wise. One week, I'll show up and say "I want to study this old-timey folk music from where I grew up (West Virginia)" and he's all, "Rock on! Here we go!" The next week, though, I'm gonna be all "I wanna learn this super-fast guitar solo from this Dethklok album" and he's all, "Rock on! Here we go!' Mike tailors his lessons to the student. He hears what the student *wants* but moreso shows them what they *need* to learn. You can't start off playing the solo to "Stairway to Heaven" but he'll get you there in good time. My first lesson? Nirvana. Beat that, bitches. read more

I have been taking lessons from Mike for about 6 months now, and I can't even begin to express how much he has helped me improve! I've been playing for about 4 years consistently, and I have learned more about music and the guitar in the last 6 months than I did in 3.5 years prior to taking lessons. He tailored the lessons to my learning style and skill level, and has pushed me just hard enough so I've constantly felt challenged yet not overwhelmed. Mike is very popular and has almost a full schedule of regular students, so I wasn't able to get a recurring lesson time in the evening at first, but he has been amazing at squeezing me in when people cancel (which always happens at least once a week). Recently one of his regulars had to cancel his weekly lesson, so I was able to take that spot since I've been very dedicated and enthusiastic. I couldn't be happier with Mike as a guitar teacher, and thanks to his guidance I'm well on my way to being a rock legend!! read more

I'm almost afraid to write this review as I was lucky to squeeze back into Mike's schedule regularly as a weekly student. I went to Mike a few years back as a newbie guitar player and just recently returned after a fairly long hiatus. He's the best music teacher I've had by far - and his excitement about music shines through in his teaching method. Not only does each lesson somehow fit in the basics of guitar, but also music theory, rhythm, and best of all music history (is there any genre you don't know mike?!?). Not to mention he's got one of the biggest record collections I've ever seen in my life. I could go on and on but I'll try and keep it short-ending on these two things - 1. He's got and incredible ear for music - just try and stump him... 2. Each week I somehow walk out of my lesson even more excited and inspired about music than when I walked in. Rock on MP! read more

I've been taking lessons from Mike for a few months now and I love it. He's really helped me understand the underlying fundamentals of playing music and it's really helped me learn and improve. When I jam with friends they'll frequently comment on how much I've improved since we last played and it's entirely because of Mike's great teaching. If you're looking at learning the guitar or improving how you play I really recommend signing up for a lesson or three. read more

Mike is an incredible guitar teacher. Emphasis on TEACHER. Quickly on my background. I started taking guitar lessons around age 10 and played in bands through age 18. I basically quit guitar from age 18 - 28 (so sadly) and have been picking it back up in earnest in the past two years. My ultimate goal was to find a way to organize the instrument and make sense of it all, as opposed to just learning how to play one off things. I'm excited to say, Mike has me directly on that path! I tried a number of guitar teachers before landing on Mike. While all of the previous people were amazing players, Mike stands out because I think he is really a teacher trapped in a guitar player's body (not a guitar player who's figuring out how to teach...). But he's also an epic player. Two things stand out for me about Mike's lessons. 1. He has an incredibly clear system for teaching core concepts. His systems get you playing and using the concepts immediately as opposed to simply memorizing scales and progressions without knowledge of how to use them. 2. Mike's passion for music is insane and it comes through in his instruction. Mike does an incredible job of placing you in the larger context of what you are doing - whether it's the history of a certain line of music (or the history of music itself...), how a certain instrument or role fits into the larger band, etc, etc. I leave every lesson not only having learned the very specific lessons about the guitar, but also with some high-level realization about the larger context of music. Like "Holy Sh*T, there's an evolutionary reason why we simple melodies stand the test of time" (I'll let Mike explain that one to you). In any case, my weekly lesson with Mike is the highlight of every week. It's exhilarating to me learning Mike's system and improving so rapidly on the guitar. It's also just awesome to hang out with the guy. He's got so many good stories and knows so much about music that I often fight the urge to scrap the whole lesson and just shoot the breeze. read more

I can't get enough Mike! Prior to meeting Mike, I had been playing guitar off and on for many years and had gotten bored with my limitations and lack of knowledge. In the little over a year I've been taking lessons from Mike, I've grown abundantly as a musician. I find myself with much greater confidence playing with others and even in front of something that might be considered an audience in certain circles. His ability to make learning fun and to teach you technique while also theory is nothing short of amazing. Plus, Mike is cute as a dickens - you just want to put him in your pocked after the lesson and take him home for your very own. read more

Mike is a great guitar teacher and a great guy. He was my first guitar teacher and made the learning curve much easier to understand. He seems to know exactly what you can accomplish next. As will assuredly be noticed by his other students, his record collection is fantastic and you will find yourself asking about certain songs, which he will just happen to have the original pressing on vinyl. Mike knows the guitar, knows his music, and can impart wisdom on anyone who would be willing to learn. read more

I've been having lessons now for almost a year- Mike is a great teacher- explains everything in a simple way that you can understand. I have learnt so much from Mike in the last year, as I was stuck in a rut not getting anywhere- he's very laid back, and there is no pressure there! Highly recommended!!! Thumbs up all the way Mick! read more

Mike is patient, extremely knowledgeable, and has an ease about his teaching style that makes learning fun and effective. I highly recommend him to the novice and the advanced guitar player. You'll be playing beyond your expectations in less time than expected. Theory, composition, anecdotes, and practical advice. His knowledge is backed by decades of professional experience --- teaching and performing. Highly recommended! read more

Couldn't ask for a better instructor! Mike is an unbelievably talented player, but more than that, he has a system for instruction which breaks down a number of complex concepts and makes it easy to absorb new things. I can tell from listening in on his other lessons (when I arrive early) that he's great at tailoring his lessons to the individual's goals. For some, it's music theory and structure, for others its riffs and teaching particular songs. read more

I can't recommend Mike's guitar lessons enough. His enthusiasm is contagious, and makes lessons so worth making time for, no matter how long or demanding your day/week has been. He always makes lessons and practicing in between compelling by making sure you are working on things that you really enjoy. Simply, he makes learning really fun and interesting, and has a wealth of musical knowledge ready to be bestowed upon your lucky self. read more

I took lessons from Mike a little over 10 years ago. I responded to an ad that mentioned he had played with Meat Beat Manifesto, The Wolfgang Press and (I think) Consolidated...all bands I loved. He would come by my apartment in the Mission. He was always on time and always prepared. The lessons went by very quickly and sometimes things were very rushed at the end when I would want him to write out what we had just done so I could practice it, but that wasn't his fault. He really helped me take my playing to the next level. read more

I've been a student of Mike's for about a month now. He is absolutely hillarious and very easy to get along with. He makes it very easy for me to remember to have fun while I try and learn the guitar, something that I've had a problem with when I've played other instruments. He is a top notch instructor and doesn't just force feed you information, he slowly ramps it up as you go along. Would definitely recommend him for anyone ! read more

I took lessons from Mike for almost a year, and those lessons were almost the highlight of each week. Each class I'd bring in a song or two I'd want to learn, and by the end of the class, he'd broken the song down into something I could play. Mike is *awesome* and highly recommended! read more

I've been taking guitar lessons from Mike on and off for a few years. When I 1st met him I was pretty lame. Within a year he helped me get to a point where I was able to play on my 1st band workshop. I nailed it! He's a soulful and talented dude. Gotta give him big props! read more

I have been playing guitar for several years and have worked with many different teachers. Mike is a great instructor! He is very friendly and very knowledgeable (Berklee School of Music!). For you intermediate and above guitarists out there, I highly recommend his class "Pentatonic Scales 101". Check it out at www.ashburymusichall.com. This is the first time that I have taken an online guitar class, and it is fantastic! No matter what your skill level, Mike will help you take your playing to the next level. read more

Updating my review from 2010. I've been a student for at least 8 years now. Still taking lessons with Mike and his teaching style is as great as ever. Definitely look him up no matter your skill level, from beginner to advanced. read more

After noodling on guitar for 30 years, I decided to crack down and actually take some lessons. Mike gears instruction specifically for my personal goals and musical tastes, and within a few weeks I was jamming along in ways I thought would require many months to achieve. Each week builds upon the previous lessons and I can see an entire musical tool kit blossoming before my eyes. read more

Mike has a fantastic teaching style. He teaches everything from theory to practice and covers just about any music genre you prefer. I hadn't played the guitar in years and felt uneasy about picking it up again, but Mike made me feel very comfortable with his patience and understanding. I would certainly recommend him as an instructor! read more

I've been taking guitar lessons with mike for a few months now and oh boy, what an amazing teacher. I have taken lessons with other people in the past but I love the way Mike teaches (far superior than any other teacher). I thought I knew a lot going in but he will break down what you know already and then fill you with even more knowledge. I look forward to each lesson and every time without fail I learn something new. BEST TEACHER EVER! Very reasonably priced and conveniently located on Height & Ashbury. read more

My 2 daughters take guitar lessons from Mike. They look forward to it every week, they miss it when they are on vacation. He really instills the love of music and the love of playing music in them. read more

Mike is so great! I looked around for guitar instructors in San Francisco, and I was surprised at the lack of good choices. They were either too expensive or seemed dull and not interested in teaching students what they want to learn. I called Mike after reading his other reviews, and he seemed like exactly what I was looking for. He was actually a bit cheaper than the others I looked into. I took lessons when I lived in the East Bay, but I'm a definite beginner. After only a handful of lessons with Mike I feel like I'm improved drastically, and am getting to learn my favorite songs. He's enthusiastic, talented, and really patient. Plus, the lessons are in this little studio in his house with a ridiculous record collection. Added bonus: he has an extra guitar for right handed students to borrow so I don't have to lug my guitar around the city. I just wish I had started lessons with him sooner! read more

I took guitar lessons from Mike Powell for a couple years. Mike is an amazing teacher. He is knowledgeable about all types of music. My guitar playing advanced greatly with Mike's help. I highly recommend Mike if you'd like to learn more about guitar, or music in general. And, Mike has the best record collection I've ever seen -- it is HUGE!!!! It is great when you're sitting in his home music studio for a lesson, and he suddenly gets up to grab a record and play some great track for you that he knows you'll love. read more

My fiance and I took biweekly lessons with Mike for almost two years. Mike worked with my poor rhythm and my fiance's poor memory and got us to the point where we can play a surprising number of our favorite songs. I look forward to continuing my lessons with Mike! read more

I'm in my sixties now, pretty much retired. I have time now and I thought about taking guitar lessons to fill that time. I started out with books but that left me with questions with nobody to ask and frustrated. With all of the positive reviews, I gave Mike a call. With the patience of a saint, the knowledge of an Einstein in music and an easy teaching style. I couldn't be more happier and satisfied. I've been with Mike for about six months now, I tend to take alittle longer to learn things, but with Mike tutoring me, my learning became easier and faster. He started me with older classics like, Under The Boardwalk and Stand By Me. Then accelerated to songs by the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Neil Young, B.B. King, Albert King, Santana, Pink Floyd and The Animals and a few others. He teaches you the chords the strumming techniques and those fun and tasty solos. When I played Santana's, "Black Magic Woman" in front of my friends, they thought I've been playing for years! I look forward to each lesson, it's the most fun I have all week. read more

I send my 12 year old son to Mike after school. He has been very patient and supportive of my somewhat equivical student, and has jumped into the spirit of the the thing by treating him as a young man, rather than a child. Being located right at Haight & Ashbury is undeniably cool, and a MUNI hub. I was nervous about sending my kid to a private lesson, afraid the teacher would press him too hard to practice, and show "results". Mike has been very sensitive to our slow learner, and tolerant of my desire to have him stick with it, and develop a skill that I think he will enjoy in a few years. Mike has been very professional, he is clear about the fees, and he contacts me immediately if my son is running late. Another plus is his scheduling, he is so laid back, when my son decided to take a summer hiatus, I didn't feel like I was stealing food from Mike. I know scheduling and the business side can be hard, but Mike has found a nice balance. Highly recommended. read more