In 2004, New York City Guitar School consisted of a single room in the Recording and Rehearsal Arts Building on West 30th Street in Manhattan. One door led to the offices of four other businesses. The other led to a shared bathroom. As my students and I moved our guitars aside to allow yet another person use the facilities, I did not imagine that sixteen years later New York City Guitar School would have over fifty teachers and thirty studios in five school locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, or that our community would grow to include thousands of busy New Yorkers learning to play guitar or perform in bands, and thousands of students around the world who would learn through our many books, videos, and live-online lessons and classes.
It’s kinda crazy.
I think we’ve been able to have this kind of impact for two main reasons. First: Yes, music is so amazing–but our team is motivated by something even beyond that; our shared mission of “coaching personal greatness one lesson at a time.” Second: The people–teachers, team and students–who have deeply connected and cared about each other in our community, and sustained it far beyond one song, book, or person.
Thanks for reading!
– Dan Emery
Our Mission & Teaching Philosophy
“Coaching personal greatness one lesson at a time.”
We don’t merely teach guitar information. We teach people.
People succeed at guitar when they practice. They practice because they are committed. Their commitment is strengthened when their goals are motivating, when their pathways to achievement are believable and achievable, and when they are supported by other people who care about their success.
As teachers, we succeed when we help our students to identify and behave as guitar players. So we teach kids and adults fundamentals in the context of the music they are inspired by, whether it is Bach or Green Day. We break down long term goals into small and achievable steps. We give our students opportunities to hear others play, to perform, and to experience the positive role model of a teacher who excels in guitar.
Some of our students achieve great success in music. Others find a positive outlet, pastime, or experience which adds to their life. We are happy either way.
Dylan C.
George E.
Ben F.
Gabriel W.
Eddy M.
Curtis B.
Suke C.
Katty M.
Vinnie D.
Emilio T.
David G.
Olin C.
Eliane D.
Sean M.
Coleman B.
Tia V.
Michelangelo Q.
Kareem D.
"I want to tell you that I know how much you put into changing the school into a mostly virtual learning situation. I am overwhelmed by what you’ve done. I have had a couple in-person lessons with Tia along the way which have felt so safe to attend and I know how much work you put into making that possible. But the weekly classes have been so great for me and I feel I have grown so much from them. They are so cleverly created and so expertly taught. I send you all my best and want you to know how much I appreciate everything your school have done in this difficult year and how much it has meant to me."
"I am a fan of your school and have been attending classes for about 2 1/2 years. I cannot begin to tell you what your online classes have meant to me during this pandemic. Your school and all that you offer has been a gift to me! It has helped me get through these hard times. That's a real blessing for me! Thank you."
"I have been taking lessons with Nick for over a year now. My weekly lesson has become the highlight of my week. The school is great and Nick is an awesome teacher. He can teach any song or style, breaking it down into easy to learn bits. So far I can play Redemption Song, Wish You Were Here, Proud Mary, San Tropez, and Summertime among others. He teaches me how to correct mistakes and drill down more challenging parts and has the answers to any music related questions that I have. I highly recommend Nick and The New York City Guitar School. It's the best money I have ever spent! Try it, I am sure you will agree!"
"Flexible...Service oriented...Knowledgeable...Patient...Excellent...Accommodating...
Free resources, tools, and anything else you need to get there. Cannot recommend enough."
" I have been a student of the NYC Guitar School for quite some time, about 5 years. I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this school. Recently, my classes have been moved online. Don't be afraid of online classes. They are just as amazing as the classes at the school! Both of my classes are group classes and the transition to online group classes was seamless. I am thrilled to be able to continue forward on my musical journey and the NYC Guitar School are the best guides I could ever ask for."
"Thank you NYC Guitar School for nine years of engaging, professional, and fun lessons and activities. Our son Austin has grown to love his Suzuki guitar lessons with the ever-patient, encouraging, and amazing Rob. The children in his weekly group class have bonded into an endearing group of young musicians. The Suzuki camp offered each year is always a highlight of summer vacation and consistently scores two thumbs up! It’s hard to imagine a time when NYCGS wasn’t part of our child’s life. It has definitely made his life fuller and has filled our lives with beautiful music! We look forward to many more years at the school."
"I can honestly say that I've made more progress in six months than in the 2-3 years prior, trying to teach myself with apps and YouTube videos. The entire staff is awesome, and my teacher (Michelangelo) is excellent: patient, passionate, and personable. His curriculum always offers choices about what to play next, and it's music you actually know and like: no Greensleeves here. Unless, of course, you like Greensleeves. And then, there's the website: a cornucopia of resources, videos, charts, and good old motivation. Look no further: this is the guitar school you seek."
"I've became such a better guitarist since the pandemic, thanks to the online group classes and the ability to play so often—(your online videos too!) a combination of both plus my private lessons with Curtis, an incredible and dedicated teacher. Vinnie, Dylan, David K. and Gabriel are so passionate, it's a joy to learn in their groups, thank you for the quality of your teachers. Many thanks again for building such a wonderful community!"
