I am genuinely shocked to have to be writing this review. Mark (the owner) threatened my son (his…read moreguitar student) with violence when he let him know he would be quitting lessons. My son has taken lessons with Mark since 2021. He is about to graduate from high school, and told Mark that he will need to wind down lessons as he goes to college. Mark became irrationally upset. He threatened to throw my son's guitar out the door, began swearing, tore up the monthly lessons check and threw it at my son, and raised his fists to challenge him to fight. Thankfully my son had the presence of mind to just leave and get away from him. He came home early from his lesson very distraught. We did call the police to make a report. Apparently Mark's justification for this behavior is that my husband and I didn't talk with him enough about how the lessons were going. He never called us to report anything. Unfortunately we had no idea there was any sort of expectation for us to communicate, and even if there were I can't imagine that reason ever justifying threatening and yelling at a student. I'm so shocked by the end of this years long interaction we've had with Hunt Valley Music, but feel like I absolutely must warn people. He is clearly not a safe person to be teaching children.

Strong efforts to improve a wide variety of musical talents for a wide variety of ages.read more

We LOVE our music classes with Ms. Betina, Ms. Joanna and Mr. Bryce. My son loves the various…read moreinstruments that come out each week and the predictable flow of the class.

its Groovy Baby has a been wonderful experience for my child. He looks forward to attending class…read moreeach week.

Probably more difficult than figuring out which guitar to buy when I decided to pick it up was…read moredeciding on a teacher. The internet is filled with many instructors with impressive credentials. What I noticed about Dave's website is that, unlike others who focused on what they know, Dave focused on how he would teach a student. There is that big, big difference between knowing something and teaching it, and Dave was focused on helping the student to learn. I have been with Dave for two years this month and am very happy with my choice. Yes, of course he knows how to play, and knows this intricacy of the fretboard and that intricacy of theory. But anyone teaching should know those things anyway. What I like about Dave, and why I highly recommend him, is that he is interested in getting me to play that way, and will go over a piece, or even a measure, as many times as necessary to get me there. Thankfully, he not only knows how to teach, but also possesses that most important attribute for someone in the field: the patience of Job.

I've been taking lessons weekly with Dave for over a year now. When I started, I'd never played an…read moreinstrument before--except for the trombone back in 4th grade band. Dave worked with me to help me learn how to read standard notation and tabs, get familiar with the fretboard, and begin developing as a guitar player. Dave's got an amazing depth of knowledge of styles and theory. He's helped me with flatpicking and fingerpicking styles, and I'm now able to play some rudimentary versions of Doc Watson and Rev. Gary Davis tunes. I want to emphasize that his help has allowed me to get there in just a year of playing--friends of mine who've been playing for years are surprised by my playing, and I give full credit to Dave. His greatest assets as a teacher, without a doubt, are his patience and encouragement. There's been hundreds of times when I've flubbed notes and chords over and over, and he's never once shown any frustration, but just said, "that's all right, take your time." He's passionate about the music he teaches, and that enthusiasm definitely inspires me to practice, practice, practice! Dave is friendly and knowledgeable, a calm and patient teacher, and an amazing guitar player. You won't regret picking Dave to teach you how to play!

It was on my bucket list to return to piano. I have not had lessons since age 12 or played much…read moresince age 20. Now in my mid-sixties, I signed up for weekly lessons for the two months I was off during the summer. My fingers are clumsy, I do not have an ear, had forgotten how to read music, have forgotten what I used to know, and do not learn as easily as I did at 12! Since I perform so badly, my teacher, Lafayette Gilchrist - a working jazz musician and a tower of patience and diplomacy - cannot know how far he has brought me in only seven weeks! My goals were to read music again and eventually accompany elementary school students who sing. Thanks to Lafayette, I have achieved a modest level of literacy; I can recognize, choose and attempt to play music of a level appropriate to where I am now. I understand some notation I didn't know before and am no longer intimidated by anything that looks like I should be able to learn to play it. I can see myself accompanying children one day. Much unlike my 12-year-old self, I now enjoy practicing. I see all of this as a boost in my quality of life. I can't thank Lafayette or the Music Workshop enough and hope to return the next time I have a chunk of time off.

My son has taken lessons now for three years, the past 9 months virtually, and he LOVES his…read morelessons. He looks forward to them, and practicing during the week is not a chore for him (far different from when I was a kid!) Lafayette makes learning fun; Jim, the owner, is wonderful; and Sue at the front desk is friendly and helpful. We miss seeing all of them in person so much, but we are happy that Zoom lessons have worked out so well, and will keep doing it until we can all get back together safely!

This place is great! The best teachers ever! They teach a wide range of instruments. From the…read moreukulele to the drums. Brendan is my teacher for guitar. He is great! he teaches you fast. And In a few lessons he'll have you playing songs! If you're looking for a great place to learn an instrument fast come to stages!!! Charles ( the manager ) comes around a lot and peeks into your lesson. He is so nice. I've known Charles since I was 3 or 4 years old. All the employees here are amazingly friendly and are ready to help you at any time!!!

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!

My son has enjoyed his lessons at Columbia Guitar Studio, and I would highly recommend it to those…read moreinterested in learning to play guitar. I'm always impressed with David's ability to connect with each student on an individual level, regardless of age and temperament, and help them to maximize their potential. Bonus: my teen son looks forward to his weekly lessons, and we typically leave the studio with a chuckle over David's dry wit.

Great instructor - my both sons absolutely enjoy the lessons! If you ever decide to learn playing…read moreguitar, contact David at Columbia Guitar Studio, you won't be disappointed.

Hamiltone music resides inside an old firehouse in the heart of Hamilton-Lauraville's Main Street…read more The location was renovated with great community assistance and also huge support from the HL Mainstreet Association. It is a business incubator. Terrific work!! Hamiltone is mainly a site fur music lessons which I'm told are great. There are three studio practice rooms for instruction and a small retail business. They also fix guitars. On the retail side it's small. James, the owner, admits it's a work in progress. He has guitar strings, some equipment and a few guitars. Again it's mostly lessons so don't expect a ton...but do expect knowledge!!! He helped my little boy pick a 3/4 guitar and compare it to full size, gave us advice on cases, and was encouraging. Great little shop. I hope he expands.

Hamiltone Music is a wonderful little shop in the heart of Hamilton. James is so knowledgeable and…read moredoes amazing work on guitar repairs. He is a warm instructor who specializes in teaching guitar to all levels. The shop has a lot of fun instruments for sale, as well as any gear you might need for your instrument. It is definitely worth stopping in! If you are looking for guitar lessons, James is your man! And if guitar isn't your thing, they have many other talented teachers and James will pair you with the best!