"You can't shortcut the shortcut," he used to tell me. I came to him as a frustrated, self-taught…read moreguitar player, tired of the jam scene I grew up in and wanting something deeper and more thoughtful in music. I was in a hurry. I couldn't have done better than to learn under Larry Hoffman. Larry evaluated my skill set, listened to where I was and asked questions about where I wanted to go. I felt confident he could get me there. I wanted to learn the instrument all over again - start from scratch. I wanted to do it the right way this time. It was my choice, and Larry was obliging. He led me through a rigorous and disciplined regiment of theory and instrument exercises, as much as I could handle. There was no pressure - it was totally my pace, all the time. Larry did an excellent job encouraging my strengths, while also not harping on where I was weak, but if he saw I wasn't into it he could call me out on it right then. He knows how to get you where you need to be. What developed over a few years, for me, was more than the growing esteem I held for my mentor, but a deepening friendship with someone whom, I came to realize, is truly great. As I met his other students, I could see they all felt the same way. Larry is an acclaimed historian of storied blues legends, a protégé of the late, great Dennis Sandole, a producer, a composer in his own right, making his own way with his own vision. Larry knows the ropes and the corners. He is the shortcut. I recommend him to anyone who is interested to learn guitar and acquire the skills to master it.

At 18 years old I was a self-taught, play-by ear guitarist. I wanted to take my playing to the next…read morelevel so I enrolled for classes in Jazz guitar and music theory at the Peabody Preparatory School. I was pleased to meet my instructor, Larry Hoffman, who was approachable, authentic, humorous and down-to-earth. In just a few years of study with Larry, my guitar playing, knowledge of theory and songwriting improved greatly. Larry took me back to basics in an inspiring way infusing theory with his rich knowledge of music history from the masters to the blues. Larry opened up my guitar playing with exercises such as chording (and scaling) in 5 positions and improvisational jams where I was encouraged to explore. The skills I picked up from Larry remain present in my playing three decades later and I gig regularly in an acoustic folk-rock duo. Larry Hoffman inspired, encouraged and pushed me to become the best musician I could and I'm ever thankful. Michael Thiess

My son went for trumpet lessons here. I was impressed with the dedication of his teachers and it…read morewas evident that my son was progressing. I appreciate the progress notes and I like that the owner is usually present if you need to ask a question or voice a concern. I also like the newsletters that keep me abreast of upcoming events and information that I should know. The annual recitals are a good opportunity for the students to show off their skills. I've been to other places for lessons and it is my opinion that this place is the next best option to private lessons.

This music school is very unprofessional. My daughter applied to Julliard and this company…read morevolunteered to complete her recordings. Unfortunately the dream was snatched because this company did not complete the renderings until after the due date, which they were well aware of from the beginning. They actually emailed us the recordings at 11:59pm and they were due to Julliard at 11:59pm. How unprofessional and ridiculous is that? If I could give them 0 stars I would. We had a 2 year relationship with this company and it was very disappointing that they took no ownership for what they did. I could not believe that they blamed their slow internet. How ridiculous is that? If you knew your internet was slow DON'T VOLUNTEER to complete renderings. The CEO nor the director apologized and took no ownership at all. I could not believe it.

Jorge is an excellent coach and teacher. His approach is very professional and he truly cares about…read morehis students. From the first lesson on I knew this was the type of teaching I've always wanted. His studio is also always clean and impeccable. Highly recommend Zen Guitar Studios!

Robert is my daughter's violín teacher, took my daughter a little over a year to be part of the…read morehonor orchestra at her school thanks to his guidance. great personality, will work with you and be accommodating if need be. great value!! you don't have rich to have an awesome violin teacher! we recommend him 100%

Robert Sorel is an outstanding teacher. He's a great player so when he demonstrates a passage or a…read moretechnique it really makes you want to achieve that sound! He progresses the student at an appropriate pace. He strikes a good balance between discernment and encouragement. The teaching is very individualized and he's excellent at spotting problems with technique. All that and he's a nice guy who's fun to be with and really wants to help you do well!

What ever happened to customer service? I called to see if I…read morecould make some changes for my sisters piano and drum lessons, where there seemed to be a little problem with the scheduling. The call didn't end so well because it felt like I was talking to a brick wall. Later on that day I had went in to drop my sister off for her drum lessons and saw Emily. I tried to resolve the issue with scheduling but she kept on going on and on about the phone conversation we had earlier, FOLLOWING me around the store yapping. I asked her kindly to "stop" but she said she needs to say was on her mind. The owner of the store was there and didn't even try to stop her from following me around.WTH!!!Later on she admits that she is pregnant. So am I! 5months to go! I don't see the correlation between her emotional sadistic issues, pregnancy and trying to re schedule an appointment . Word of advice Emily, go see a damn shrink instead blowing up on your customers.

Interesting to hear what the first reviewer, Lina K, had to say. For me at least, the workers there…read morewere very kind and professional. They did not seem to have any attitude at all towards me. I know a friend who takes lessons here and she seems happy and learning just fine. I went to this shop awhile ago to get some equipment for my guitar and the sales associate helped me find me the item within a second! It was amazing to see all these customers though because I will be honest; it is little hidden inside this little corner. It is behind the Starbucks so maybe that is why? yet overall, their store return policy on items and everything seem fair and great. I would recommend my friend to take lessons or rent from here just because they have rent-to-own it system.

This was my first visit to Gramophone in Timonium, and I was instantly put at ease by the diversity…read moreof the clientele and how attentive the staff was. I was particularly pleased by the services of Warren and Adam. They went out of their way to allow me to listen to different equipment and were very patient and understanding of my indecision between a particular set of Sonus Faber and Totem speakers. They even facilitated a conversation between me and the CEO of Totem Speakers, Vincent Bruzzese. His passion and kindness left an indelible impression on me. Though I traveled nearly 2 hours to get there, I will surely be back. THANK YOU for an all-around wonderful personal and audiophile experience.

Everything went smoothly from my first call to leaving a wonderful photo session. Roy and Erin were…read morevery welcoming and informative. My headshot photo session went great and Roy was great at getting the best looks from me. I will definitely be returning for photo updates.

Roy Cox is by far the best photographer in the Washington Metropolitan Area!!! My photo shoot was…read moreso much fun, Roy is hilarious and extremely talented, great photographer, I'm ready to have my headshots updated and I'm headed back to Roy, my photos were fantastic and I got so many compliments and booked a couple of jobs because of them, I had so many wonderful photos to choose from it was hard to decide what photo to use on my website and for the screen display/backdrop for my television show "In The City With Crystal". See you soon Roy, Smooches!!! Crystal Goodwin host of "In The City With Crystal" www.facebook.com/InTheCityWithCrystal

QueenEarth plays monthly at my yoga studio during our Happy Hour class. The vibe she brings to the…read morestudio is calming, nurturing and energizing. I always walk out with a renewed sense of connection to the beauty of soulful music. There's nothing fake about her persona, she's authentic in who she is, the music she represents, and her genuine desire to share the gift of music. As a community focused studio, I love her commitment to building a stronger, more supportive local community. And what I mean is a community that thrives on local/small business, art/music, education/youth empowerment, and connection with each other. I highly recommend QueenEarth for any of your music/education related needs. She conducts herself very professionally and is easy to work and share ideas with. She understands what we need and accommodates her self accordingly. She always prepared with promotional material and does a great job promoting our collaborative events on social media and other internet based channels. Thanks for all your time and energy QueenEarth! You definitely enhance the service we offer and we're thankful for the unique vibe you are bringing to the San Jose community.

Missy has provided my son with excellent English tutoring and editing services. She has assisted…read morein university applications, high school essays and always with patience and professionalism. Missy teaches both in our home and support editing online using Google docs or similar. This flexibility is greatly appreciated by harried working parent!