As a dutiful Asian daughter, I grew up taking piano lessons but had always harbored secret fantasies of learning the guitar instead... Not so much the on-stage rock star fantasy so much as playing Kumbayah to a circle of friends around a campfire (I know, my ambitions are huge). Anyways, with the advent of financial independence came the realization that I could indeed, pay for and take whatever music lessons I wanted. Guitar New York is conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan, so I'm able to take lessons on weekday morning before strolling over to the office (my co-workers think I have a weekly doctor's appointment every Tuesday morning). I've been taking lessons with Troy for a few months now, and I think he is an awesome teacher.* I was an absolute novice who had never HELD a guitar in her life, so he taught me from the ground up. I find he's super versatile in his knowledge of instruments, music theory, styles, you got it. To be honest, I was never a music prodigy as a child, and apparently it's not something you acquire with age. What makes Troy truly awesome (and the only reason I'm not giving up on this hapless venture) is that he is extremely patient and easy-going. I'm sure he has pupils who are far more dedicated and experienced than I am, but I'm grateful that he's spending his talent listening to me pluck out an off-kilter rendition of something that is supposed to sound like "Knockin on Heaven's Door." He's a good teacher, lessons progress quickly, and he sympathizes with all of my guitar woes. Lessons come out to ~$45 / 30-minute lesson, but they have discounts for package purchases and beginners. Anyways, if you've ever remotely entertained the idea of guitar, give GNY a shot - it's unanimously rated 5 stars for a reason. * I plan on linking Troy this review later, so in the interest of laying it on thick (and potentially scoring some free lessons later on) I will also say that he is insanely intelligent, funny, and good-looking. read more

We say goodbye, and you say hello... Ah, the windy city is losing one of our finest to NY. I have been fortunate enough to benefit from Troy's tutelage as one of the rock masters of Guitar Chicago. Now as you all know, I am akin to see the world through the lens of Beatles. Maybe that's not your bag, baby. Maybe you see the world through the lens of jazz, or Rush, or Blondie, or funk, or ELO, or BB King, or (gag) Creed. No matter. These are the Troy Truths: 1. Whatever song/style you want to learn, he will teach you. And make it seem effortless. This guy's a pro. Not like Marge Simpson "I just have to stay one lesson ahead of the student". He has quite the impressive resume coupled with crazy talent. I've seen this guy in action; trust me. 2. He'll not only teach you that song or style, he'll give you the "why" behind what you're doing. He teaches in-depth music theory, so you really understand how it's all put together. Pretty cool for the music student on the search for enlightenment. (PS- he writes legible notes, which is a rare gem in the music world for some reason) 3. Not content with just playing what somebody else created? With his theory fundamentals and technique instruction you will be creating your own music lickety-split. And isn't that what the veteran student is all about? Maybe, like my husband, you've got years of guitar under your belt, but just need that extra boost. Well, here you go. (Get confident, stupid!) Anyhoo, Troy will be missed here in Chicago. Best wishes to Troy and Guitar New York. Hello- o- o... Hey la, hey helloah... read more

Just had my first 1-on-1 guitar lesson here today. The best part is that you really get individual attention and a customized package. (I have pretty complex taste for different kinds of stuff these days. Facing music, I am like a baby still trying to figure out things.) The booking of classes was super easy and hassle-free. Instructor James was efficient and helpful, so lessons are indeed of very good value. Everything's looking good! Playing instrument and immersing yourself in the music make you feel even better, always!! =) read more

Ok, so I thought I would be cool and write a little review for GNY and was surprised (pleasantly) that other folks had already written about GNY and Troy. Ok, so a little about me forst. I suck at guitar. I totally do. And I know it. I can admit it. But good old Troy is always so patient with me. Yes, I know I don't practice nearly the amount I should. But again, Troy is so so patient with me. I enjoy my lessons with him and have only had one other teacher in my life (back when I lived in Chicago)-- and that guy was great too...but I always felt he was a little impatient with me and I spent half my lesson watching him play stuff I will probably never play in my life. I truly adore Troy..not only because is he easy on the eyes (ladies...you feel me?) but he is also a very talented teacher with a great, easy going persona who is obviously very knowledgeable about music. I am very, very lucky to have found GNY and Troy. Call and ask for him-- you will not be disappointed. I guarantee it! Well, not really but I think you will really be please. read more

A living social package brought this business to my attention, I had tried another deal to learn guitar, but found it inconvenient. I tried Guitar New York and have been with them for close to a year now. The service is very good, and consistent, i've had the same instructor since I started. You always leave a lesson feeling like you've learned something new that you can practice and try. Tim Norton, my instructor, is very calm and affable. He makes learning guitar feel attainable, while being realistic about the need for practice. When you decide to start learning, you wil find yourself playing something from the very first class. In terms of cost, their prices are comparable to other teachers in the city, and they are located in a very central and convenient spot in midtown west, near several subways and whisper away from columbus circle. read more

I linked up with Troy while I was traveling each week on business and decided to take advantage of the extra time I have away from home to learn something I always wanted to learn, guitar. Going in I was merely expecting to get linked up with some college student to teach me how to bang out a few chords. What I found instead was professional, working musicians that not only play and produce music for a living but also have an incredible formal music education and ability to teach. Troy has been amazing in working with me to achieve the balance I was looking for of not only learning to play, but also learning to read and understand music. Great setup, great people, lucky to stumble upon them. - Ken Russell read more

i got blisters on my fingers !!!!! This is a great school for everyone,young and old. my daughter is a student and loves the school and her teacher,if only she loved her "real" school so much. Also she went to the schools summer rock camp and it was awesome. she keeps on shreddin' read more

The instructors at Guitar New York excel as both musicians and teachers. Though the lessons are laid back and fun, they always make sure progress is being made to my long term goals. They are very good at recognizing when the pace is too fast or slow and adjusting it right away. Admittedly, I'm not the best student. But somehow, without my knowledge (or consent) they have gradually been able to peel back the layers of procrastination and laziness that I have spent a lifetime developing and perfecting. In addition to being great at their jobs, they are genuinely nice guys. Unlike some other instructors I've tried in the past - I never dread going to my lesson - it's always going to be fun and I'll always come away with something new. I'm fortunate to have found such good instructors! read more

Tim Norton was the THE BEST! He really was the best guitar teacher I could've hoped for. I had no idea what to expect with my lessons. But he was always very encouraging, super patient, and never seemed fazed by my endless list of questions and requests. Sometimes I'd say I wanted to learn something that was way out of my league, but Tim would figure out in a snap how to make it work for me and my beginner level. The only reason I'm not still taking classes now is because of work stuff and blahblahblah. But if you get the chance to take classes at Guitar New York, I highly recommend! read more

T-roy is the man! I've been a guitar Chicago student for 3 years and while I was never under the direct tutelage of Troy, I have watched him in action on stage at the Guitar Chicago Rockfetes and was fortunate enough to pick his guitar and bass laden brain on a number of occasions. The man knows his stuff! Very knowledgeable, professional, and an all around nice guy. A fluid technique and an extremely approachable teaching method means that he is going to be making rock stars out of the Manhattans (Metropolitans?) in very short order. I'm bummed that I won't have many other chances to eat his brain and gain his knowledge, but hopefully he reappears for future Rockfetes. read more

After playing piano for 4 years then taking a break for about eight, I decided I wanted to get back into it. I bought the groupon for Guitar New York and I'm so thankful I did. Piano is something that always brought me a lot of joy and it was so nice to have 6 1/2 hour sessions to get back in the groove again. Tim was such a wonderful teacher and if I take lessons again, I will definitely be going back to him! He understood what I was trying to achieve and made it possible in six short sessions. Thanks, Groupon- you did me well! read more

Great place if you like instruments and the customer service rocks. I was helped by Keith, has an english accent and looks a bit like Neil Young. He introduced me to this great amp which had a lot of bells and whistles and it was on sale. When I took it home I had an issue with it, Keith called me back twice, as it turns out the amp is fine the problem was my guitar. Gotta rock on....how do you get to Carnegie Hall? read more

I came here on a LivingSocial voucher. I booked my lessons with Troy and he's awesome!! He goes out of his way to send extra notes and links even after the lesson is over. Rock on! read more

I took bass lessons with Tim here and it was a great experience. Tim was knowledgeable, patient and encouraging - three traits you definitely want with any teacher. He didn't seem to have any problem figuring out and showing me how to play any song I played for him and it was a lot of fun learning the bass parts to some of my favorite songs. I'm pretty busy and definitely wasn't able to practice as much as I should but Tim was always understanding and had something new to show me or tips for improving. Great teacher and great learning experience. Would definitely recommend him and Guitar Cities for lessons. read more

For me, I decided to fulfil a lifetime dream and that is to learn to play the piano. Serenditiously, I find myself taking piano lessons with Tim, He is a great teacher, super encouraging, nothing like what I was expecting (no dragon lady). The half an hour goes quickly, with it split between theory (he made it super easy to understand, better some of the best music theory books) and piano practice. I had been learning for 3 months on my own, but it was very apparent to me after my 3rd lesson that it really helps to have a teacher to point out things much faster than reading about it and practicing on your own. Verdict: I am going to stay with these lessons, and very happy with a relaxed approach, but yet challenging lessons! You can ask a lot of questions, which Tim is very patient in explaining. I highly recommend this school for Piano lessons. read more

Tim is an outstanding teacher. When I first met him at Guitar New York I had barely ever touched a guitar. Now I can play some of my favorite songs! Tim takes the time to work with you to meet your individual goals and his patience makes even a beginner player feel comfortable. My lesson with him is the favorite part of my day. I highly recommend Tim and Guitar New York. read more

Guitar New York is a fabulous new addition to music ed in the city. It's a perfect combination of structure in a low-stress atmosphere. Troy has been able to create a very enriching yet doable path of progress for me which respects my musical background and really gives me so much more. I look forward every week, and encourage more NYers to sign up! read more

I took piano lessons with Anabel for two years before moving out of state in November. Anabel is a really nice, patient, flexible, knowledgeable instructor, and our lessons often incorporated both practice and theory in ways that were fun and easy to understand. My 1-hour lessons felt like they flew by and I've learned so much. Convenient location in Midtown and lessons are affordable too. Highly recommend. read more

I purchased a gift certificate for 6 lessons for my boyfriend and while he did not yet redeem the GC, I could not wait to review this place due to the customer service alone. I had a few questions before making this purchase and the level of service that I received (specifically from Audrey and James) really blew me away. As a result, I feel great about this purchase and can't wait to hear how the lessons are. I'll be sure to come back and leave another (hopefully 5 star) review then. read more

After a hyatus of more than 20 years, I picked up the guitar and transitioned from rock, first to Flamenco and finally to classical. James Hanna is the teacher who is bringing me into the classical space I've wanted to be in for so long. He is a talented, extremely patient instructor who has been able to answer every musical question I've posed to him and has corrected myriad faults in my playing technique. James, you're the Man! Guitar NY's prices are reasonable considering that instruction consist of private lessons with qualified teachers . After a year and a half with James and Guitar NY I am realizing my dreams. Play on! read more