Pete is a great guitar teacher - calm, patient, and reassuring. He gets that students proceed at their own paces, and he can accommodate any level of talent/skill or motivation and help guide the aspiring guitarist to their best new level. I also really appreciate his enthusiasm for teaching and for music/guitar. He brings fresh interest and energy to every session. Pete is also deeply familiar with a broad range of songs, bands, and music types+styles, and can engage with students regardless of the kind of music they want to work on. We are all fortunate to have access to a teacher like Pete Risi! read more

Pete is an outstanding guitar instructor. I'm now about to attend my third class, and I can honestly say I've already learned so much. Before starting lessons with him, I had no experience playing guitar. But through his guidance, I've begun to understand how to read notes and tablature, which has made a huge difference in my playing. He has an incredibly adaptable teaching style--he tailors each lesson to my pace and goals, making the learning process feel smooth and encouraging. He breaks down complex techniques into easy-to-understand steps and always demonstrates proper hand positioning and strumming with clarity. I especially appreciate how he uses both verbal and visual explanations to help solidify my understanding. What stands out most is his patience and supportive nature. He never rushes or gets frustrated, and he gives constructive feedback that motivates me to keep improving. Because of his approach, I've gained more confidence in myself and genuinely enjoy practicing every day. While I'm still at a beginner level, the progress I've made from my first lesson to now is incredible--I can confidently say I've improved significantly, especially in my ability to read music and apply it to my playing. Thank you, Pete, for your dedication, expertise, and the welcoming learning environment you create. You make learning the guitar not only achievable but truly enjoyable! read more

Pete is terrific! Great, easy-going personality! Add to that a solid guitar and music knowledge and you get a great guitar teacher, regardless of your level of play! From best posture and hand positions to easy-to-understand/follow explanations of confusing concepts like major and minor movable scales, the minor pentatonic, chord progressions, etc--Pete's your guy! Thank you, Pete! read more

As a total beginner, I took Pete's "Beginning Guitar"class at Santa Monica college. It is obvious that he loves what he does in the way that he teaches and you can tell he knows what he is talking about. He paid attention to each student individually and took the time to make sure we build a good foundation. He knew exactly what the issues were as we were playing and guided us how to resolve them. Also, he is very knowledgeable about music theory and the way he explains things makes it easy to understand. I totally recommend him. read more

Pete is great. My son has been playing guitar with Pete for about 20 months and his interest/love of music, especially guitar, has only grown. Pete is also easy to work with. He's got a warm, kind positive energy. My son always looks forward to his classes and I am often serenaded with Beatles songs at breakfast. I'm really grateful for Pete and guitar. read more

Awesome teacher! Took classes at SMC; and, will alternate between more of that and privates. read more

Can't say enough good things about Pete. For a bargain price $, and in your own home, you get a really accomplished, studio quality musician with 30+ years of experience and limitless talent. His teaching method is tailored to you, yet also correct in terms of fundamentals, which means you learn real fast. Pete's love of all types of music is also infectious. Plus when it came time to upgrade my equipment as I quickly got better, he was very supportive and knowledgeable in helping me get the right rig for the sound I want to create. You'd be hard pressed to find a better music teacher in LA. I'm happy to write this review, something I never bother to do on Yelp. Call Pete NOW, and change your life with music! You'll be amazed. read more

Pete is not only a very talented musician but also an excellent instructor. His guitar classes are informative, inspiring, and fun. He encourages his students and wants them to succeed. Great experience! read more

I met Pete initially thru a group class setting and then have gone onto privates. I am always amazed at the depth of his knowledge, experience and talent in regards to music and the guitar. He's incredibly positive and supportive in rooting you on to be the best guitar player that you can be. I also love that he's always reinforcing the importance of learning the basics well and to keep practicing them....always. He's such a wonderful teacher and I am so grateful I found him. read more

I took Music Theory at SMC with Pete and it was a great class. He is patient, extremely knowledgeable and really wants his students to succeed. The class was a nice size and it finally cleared up some of my confusion! Thanks! read more

Peter Risi is a wonderful instructor, he helped make Inro to Music Theory class at SMC Fun and I learned so much from him. Thank you Peter!

Pete is an excellent teacher. His lessons are clear, well-paced, and super helpful. Pete's knowledge enthusiasm for guitar and music in general helped motivate and teach the class not only basic skills, but also music theory. The beginner class helped me get comfortable with the guitar and motivated me to keep learning. I can't wait to continue taking lessons with Pete. I recommend his classes for anyone considering learning the guitar. read more

I took Pete's beginner's guitar class through the Santa Monica College community education department. I found the teaching method very accessible and Pete to be a patient instructor. He's handouts and book recommendation were easy to follow and very helpful. I'm very pleased with the experience and plan on taking his second class. read more

Pete got me to connect with the guitar after 30 years of having it put away. He is a great teacher.

If you are looking to learn guitar or improve your technique, Pete is the one to go to. He is very informative and patient . He put together a custom program for me and my skills improved tremendously. I am so pleased with the results as I am now playing with a band and couldnt have done it without him. I highly recommend. Really great motivator and I always to look forward to our lessons. read more

If you got 99 problems and guitar is the 100th... you should really consider taking Pete's class. It's gonna be much quicker than poking around on Youtube, figuring out stuff for months on your own. He'll give you a couple of terrific warm up exercises (not gonna tell what they are ;P), all the steps to be able to actually play songs and some basic music theory to go with it. Overall, after like 6 hours of class I noticed that I could do few things I thought I'll never do: a) strum without looking at my hands. Seriously, I can play and watch Game of Thrones simultaneously now. b) Play finger-picking style with my PICK (not fingers). c) Play finger-picking style WAY faster than before. d) My chords sounded bad and now they sound nice. So see for yourself! read more

You see the pictures of kids that Peter teaches? Well here is a review from the other side. I'm in my 70's and I absolutely loved Peter's class! He is loose, but never lets the class run away. He inspired me to WANT to practice 30 minutes every day because it was fun. I can't wait to learn more. They say that learning a musical instrument is good for your brain. It's also good for your soul. Jump in. Get into one of Peter's classes. Or private. You won't regret it. read more

Peter is a knowledgeable, patient and fun teacher. It's so exciting to really be learning to play guitar!!

Pete is phenomenal. I'm a guy who has taken a lot of music lessons in his life. I played classical piano for 13 years and only just started playing guitar. I've taken voice lessons and jazz piano classes here and there, and have done a lot of self-study and experimentation. I found Pete when I took a Guitar for Beginner's class at Santa Monica Community College, and now he's my private instructor. A good music instructor is truly a unique thing. Here's why I think Pete is an incredible teacher: He is personal. Music as a subject of learning is a very deep and abstract thing; you may be very far along in certain ways (knowing your classic music theory but not your jazz music theory, coming from piano but going into guitar, etc.). People take classes here and there and come from all sorts of backgrounds. Pete really makes the extra effort to cater his lessons and exercises specifically for you. He loves music. His enthusiasm for music is contagious. I have always been in love with music but rarely had the opportunity to share that joy with someone. He is incredibly experienced / knowledgeable. As an autodidact, I often pick up bad habits. Pete lives and breathes music for a living, and when he sees me exercising a bad habit, he would draw from his own experiences to explain why I should do it properly. None of that "just because" stuff I sometimes get from teachers who don't know what they're talking about. He is nurturing. Music is an art of love. It becomes soulless and a chore if you're afraid to make mistakes or afraid to explore. Pete fosters a fun learning environment, and it really encourages students to love learning. I can go into much more detail, but these are only a few reasons why you should take lessons with Pete! He is definitely an instructor that I would want to keep for a long time. read more

As someone who'd owned a guitar for a couple of years yet never learned the basics I feel very lucky to have been in Pete Risi's guitar for beginners class. Pete will teach you or your child the proper way to play, everything from correctly holding the pick through learning chords and reading music for some songs. Even the finger stretching and warm up exercises we do add value and my technique has gotten 100% better since taking this class with Pete. The class atmosphere is very relaxed and there is no pressure, and it feels like a very safe environment to learn, but it is also a lot of fun! I've taken a second class with Pete to continue my musical journey, right now I just play and practice for my own amusement, but I've come a long way. I'm really enjoying spending time with my instrument! All the five star reviews are legit and well deserved, you definitely will not be disappointed!! read more

Peter's great! You learn so much you can't get from, say, a Youtube video (the proper way to hold a guitar, best practices for how to play the tough chords, the right habits to form when you first start learning, etc.). His passion and patience with teaching is endless. I totally recommend him. read more

Pete is an exceptional teacher and has the patience of a saint. He has been teaching me and my 6 year old son and we have nothing but praise for him. He is a wonderful teacher for adults and children and we are so lucky to have found him! read more

If you want to learn to play the guitar, you MUST sign up and take lessons with Pete! His style of teaching made it a pleasure to come to class every week. I actually looked forward to class. There is no way I could have learned any of the chords without his help. Always attentive (don't think he won't see you hiding behind another student). You will learn all the steps necessary to play songs. I can't say enough on how much I enjoyed this class. read more

Just finished Beginning Guitar class with instructor, Pete Risi. Rewarding experience. This is the class to take if you are a beginner. The teacher is patient, thorough, & professional. He works well with all levels of proficiency. As soon as I am ready, I will take future classes with this instructor again. read more

Pete was an an awesome instructor! I took his Guitar 2 class at SMC, and learned SO much during our 6 weeks. Highly recommend him, and really grateful to have taken his class! read more

Pete is extraordinary teacher and very patient. He teaches the necessary fundamentals to get you going right away. Learning something for the first time can be difficult, but Pete walks through every detail. read more

Pete was awesome! He worked us into his schedule and we really got a great lesson in our hours time! Would definitely recommend. Quick response, and great communication. You can tell he has a passion for music and wants the student to find joy in it as well! read more

Pete is really patient and encouraging with his teaching. I enjoy his class and now is hooked to playing : )

Took Intro to Music Theory with Pete at SMC - great class! Started with zero music knowledge and now I have some fundamentals down. He really tailors the class to go at a pace that works for everyone and you'll learn some interesting tips to help you memorize the notes on the major scale. read more

Peter is extremely nice. He pushes you, but is nice along the way. He is very strong and adamant about teaching and using the proper fundamentals, and gives you lots of tips to reinforce this. Highly recommend Peter as a teacher. He is one of the best. read more

Peter Risi- Want to play guitar?- have fun, teacher is A ok- the real deal! He listens to students / answers questions/ takes time/ and is there for you- this is the guy- I recommend his class and you will definitely walk out with knowing how to tune guitar, play notes on all frets, know how to read those notes on paper, chords, tempo, proper finger positions, etc., (the right dose of practicum and theory) --I'm taking the second class and can't wait. Andrew read more

I had the pleasure of taking beginner guitar with Peter and loved it. He is extremely patient - correction, shockingly patient - and, of course, very knowledgeable. He focuses on the fundamentals and really helps you gain a solid foundation in playing the guitar. I would HIGHLY recommend working with him. Looking forward to more guitar classes with him! He's a great teacher! read more

I have taken some extension courses in guitar through SMC recently where Peter was the instructor (Guitar 1 and 2). I decided to buy and try the guitar a few months ago. I have never played, am not musical and do not read music. Took a few home lessons with a guy from the store where I bought the guitar but found the tutor expensive and just having me dive in at a way too advanced level (how I can I start on chords when I do not even understand the instrument - e.g. strings, notes, what is a chord, etc.?) Figured a class would be better suited to what I need and found Peter's instruction and the recommended book very helpful. The classes were small enough to get a fair bit of individual attention and Peter's instruction, recommended exercises, etc., were much better than any online attempt to learn (e.g. youtube videos, etc.) I am a long, long way from being Joe Walsh but at least I now know my strings, notes, getting a basic grasp of reading music, and learning my chords. With the class over, I am planning to sign up with Peter for private lessons. Very nice guy and an amazing musician (watching him play a song on the guitar just from watching a music video is like seeing a magic trick). I cannot yet speak to the private lessons but definitely can recommend any guitar class Peter is teaching. Good luck! read more