Corey grew up playing piano and guitar, and is earning his master’s in musicology at Cal State Long Beach while working with the Santa Barbara Symphony.
Loren
Loren has toured internationally as a classical ensemble member, has awards from the IMA and NAACP, and mixed records for Grammy-winning artists.
Dave
Playing since 13, Dave is trained in pop, opera and rock, and composes his own music. He has a music industry studies degree from Cal State Northridge.
Maryam
An award-winning Iranian American composer/performer/producer, Maryam has performed in international festivals and holds degrees from Cal Arts.
Our expert instructors will tailor each one-on-one session to your skill level. From guitar, drums, keys and more, we can get you playing any day of the week.
Why Guitar Center Lessons?
Stay On Track
Your instructor will measure your overall progress and help you reach your goals faster with our Level Up training tool, which will give you instant feedback on your technique and timing.
Why Guitar Center Lessons?
Enjoy Exclusive Offers
Every month, Lessons students receive special discounts and coupons, good toward Repairs, restrings and more.
It's More Than Just Learning to Play
Gain Confidence
Our expert instructors will be there every step of the way to support you in setting goals and overcoming obstacles. They'll encourage you as you progress and become more confident in your playing.
Improve Your Skills
Whether you're a beginner or more advanced player, taking music lessons can help you perform better in other areas of life. We personally tailor our learning programs for every skill level.
Express Yourself
Playing music is our passion. We have thousands of music instructors across the country who can help you cultivate your own identity and build the necessary skills to pursue your passion for a lifetime.
"The lessons are tailored to what my daughter wants to play, which keeps it interesting and enjoyable."
– Andrew W., parent | Bass, Bloomington, MN
"My son and daughter take piano lessons and thoroughly enjoy these lessons. Not only do they love the lessons, but they now take hour-long lessons at their request."
– Kim T., parent | Piano, Medford, OR
"We keep coming because of the talented teachers—they are real musicians who see my son as a musician. He isn't just learning an instrument, he is learning a craft."
– Eva C., parent | Guitar, Bellingham, WA
"I just wanted to sing Russ' praises and let you know I'm really enjoying my lessons with him. He also has such vibrant energy, which is really motivating for a beginner."
– Brittany K., student | Keyboard, Houston, TX
"My son has learned how to read music during his drum lessons. His instructor is patient, motivating and makes it fun. The lesson is a blend of current songs, technique training and music theory geared to grow kids into lifetime musicians."
– Jennifer T., parent | Drums, Northridge, CA
"My son has loved taking guitar lessons at Guitar Center for the past three years. He has such a knowledgeable and educated instructor who has taught him not only to play songs, but also chords, modes, scales and theory. It has been a joy to see my son develop into such an engaged guitar player."
– Missy S., parent | Guitar, Glendora, CA
"Thanks to Guitar Center for their Lessons program. The instructor is awesome and Kenzie loved her first official lesson."
Our expert music instructors will structure your program based on your individual goals and the style of music you want to play. We’ll make sure you’re on the path to learning what you want at your own pace.
We offer live, one-on-one lessons on guitar (electric and acoustic), bass, drums, piano and DJ. At select locations, we offer lessons for orchestral stringed instruments and brass & woodwind instruments. We also offer singing lessons.
Each instructor customizes lessons to ensure you are learning what you like and having fun. Your instructor will start you slowly, introducing new concepts each week, plus give you exercises or easy songs to play to keep you learning at home.
Our flexible curriculum allows students of all skill levels to experience growth. We help create a foundational understanding of music theory through the style of music you want to play. Our instructors will work to understand your goals and passions, and make sure you are on the path to learning what you want at your own speed.
30-minute lessons allow young or beginner students to learn the basics of the instrument and start playing songs. 60-minute lessons are ideal for more advanced students looking to progress faster and focus on the finer points of technique.
This varies by age and the type of goals the student has set out to achieve. However, most new students usually spend 15–30 min. practicing daily, while advanced students can practice for an hour or more each day in between lessons.
Learning an instrument is an enriching and rewarding experience that creates lifelong benefits, including increased self-esteem and the boosting of memory. Additionally, benefits for school-age individuals can include improved coordination, the expanding of social skills, and higher scores in math, reading and language.
Yes. We record all of our lessons for the safety of our students and instructors, and to monitor for quality control.
What do you do with our recorded lessons?
We only use the recordings for safety and quality monitoring purposes. Recordings will not be used for marketing purposes or any other use. We do not provide those recordings to anyone—students, instructors or the public. Only approved Guitar Center employee administrators have access to the recordings.
How do you secure the recordings?
The recordings are encrypted and stored in a secured location that is only accessible by approved Guitar Center employee administrators.
Our Expert Instructors
To make sure you're finding the best possible match, we let you choose your instructor. Based on your interests, preferences and schedule, we'll curate a list of expert instructors. If at any point, you'd like to change instructors, let us know. Our weekly monitoring of progress and wide-ranging curriculum means you can switch to any of our qualified instructors, or another instrument, without missing a beat.
We've carefully selected the most qualified and well-respected instructors, ensuring a great fit for those who are just learning to play, as well as those who want to advance their skills. Beyond having celebrated careers, our instructors are personable, patient and well educated, often with advanced degrees in music from renowned music schools. All of our instructors are required to pass through detailed training and a background check.
Billing & Payment
Pricing for lessons will vary depending on your location. Click here to search by ZIP code, city or state.
When you purchase lessons, you pay for your first month, which is equal to four lessons. After that, you'll be billed every four weeks via an auto billing system called EZPay.
When you purchase lessons, you'll be billed for the first month, or first four lessons. After that, EZPay will automatically charge your credit card every four weeks, adding four classes to your account.
The EZPay automatic billing system provides a hassle-free way to guarantee your lessons continue on a weekly basis, and that you're able to get the schedule that works best for you. Continuing to take lessons on a weekly basis will also help you keep progressing.
In order to see results, we recommend trying at least one full month of lessons. Learning a new skill takes time. If you decide to continue, you'll be automatically enrolled for the next month. If you are not satisfied, we can switch your instructor, change your schedule or cancel your account at any time.
Yes. If you have not taken a lesson in 90 days, those unused lessons will expire.
No. Lesson credits are non-refundable once purchased.
New students who purchase lessons online can schedule their monthly lessons at checkout. Current students can modify their upcoming lessons by calling their local Lessons location.
As long as you provide 24-hours notice that you need to reschedule your lesson, your unused lessons will remain on account. Unused lessons will expire after 90 days.
When you set up your student account and profile at guitarcenter.com, you will be able to access our online Lessons Scheduler to view your lessons account history and lessons schedule.
To cancel or reschedule a lesson at no cost, you must provide at least 24 hours prior written notice. We will reschedule your lesson subject to instructor availability. If you do not show up for a lesson or provide adequate notice, you will be charged for the missed lesson. Bonafide emergencies are handled on a case-by-case basis.
Getting Started
Start by filling out our online form to tell us a bit about what you're interested in learning, and the day and time that'll work best for your lessons. After that, you'll get a list of expert instructors, and you'll choose the one who best fits your interests. Then, you can schedule your first lesson and check out.
If you scheduled your lessons at checkout, you'll receive an email confirmation with details to prepare you for your lessons. If you selected to schedule your lessons later, the next step is for you to call or visit your store to schedule your lessons.
In-Store Lessons
We have a wide range of instructors teaching in safe, modern learning facilities located conveniently within our Guitar Center retail locations. There are cameras in each Lesson studio so you can monitor your child's progress from the waiting room or lobby.
Students learning guitar or bass will need to bring their instrument to their in-store lessons. For students taking drum, piano or DJ lessons, they'll be able to use the instruments provided in the Lessons studio. Just make sure to bring anything else you'll need for your lesson, like drum sticks.
Bring your instrument, if you're learning guitar or bass. If you're learning electric guitar, we'll have an amp and cable onsite for you to use. Also bring any accessories you'll need, like sticks for drum lessons, guitar picks and sheet music, and a pencil and paper for taking notes.
An adult parent or guardian must accompany any student under 12 years of age upon arrival and departure from every lesson.
Level Up Practice App
Level Up is a supplemental resource to assist and encourage practice sessions between your weekly, one-on-one lessons with your instructor.
Level Up is designed to complement your in-person sessions. Generally, most students respond best to a combination of one-on-one lessons and regular practice.
Log in to your student account either in your browser or on your phone, then select "Level Up Digital Practice Support." Once you’ve launched the app, choose the exercise you’d like to practice (e.g., a song or scale). Level Up will prompt you to select your tempo in BPM (beats per minute), as well as whether you’d like to enable the camera feature. The exercise will then count down, and you can begin practicing.
The app is free for all actively enrolled Guitar Center Lessons students with a guitarcenter.com account.
All performance metrics and recordings are stored for up to five years on our encrypted servers, and they are only used for analytic and reporting purposes. Your information is never sold, shared or otherwise distributed outside of the Guitar Center Company.
Using Level Up
You will work with your instructor to establish your personal daily practice goal. In general, we recommend 20 minutes every day to achieve consistent progress.
Stars are an indication of accuracy when you play correct notes within the exercises.
As you progress through your practice, your benchmarks are signified as levels. There are six in total.
"Total plays” indicates the number of attempts you have made toward completing a practice exercise (e.g., chords, songs or scales).
"Total notes” refers to the number of notes that you have played during your practice exercise.
As you become more skilled, your instructor or a store associate will move you from one level to the next. Generally, this happens once you have completed 75% of the exercises in your current level with enough proficiency that your instructor thinks you are ready to progress.
You have a chance to change the tempo before an exercise starts. Moving the slider to the left will slow the speed. Moving the slider to the right will increase it.
To reach out to your instructor, please contact your local store.
If your instructor sends you feedback after your lesson, you will receive it via the email provided when you signed up for Lessons. If you have submitted a song through Level Up for review, your instructor’s comments will be delivered in the app, under the "My Submissions” link in the browser version or in the "Submission” menu of the mobile app.
Before you start your practice exercise, the app will ask you to allow camera recording. If you select "No,” your camera will be disabled. If you select "Yes,” it will be enabled—however, if you change your mind, there is a toggle on/off option in the right corner of the exercise.
For security, you will be prompted to turn the camera on/off before each exercise. During the exercise, you have the option to toggle it on/off if you change your mind.
When you have finished practicing, there will be a "Save” option, allowing you to store a recording of it. These recordings will be listed under that song in Level Up, with up to five slots available. If you would like to send your practice to your instructor, you have five days to submit a version before the recording expires. If you continue working on the song after your recording is in, you are still able to resubmit a newer version. However, once that older recording has been overwritten, it will no longer be available.
Your Level Up Account
You can create an account by clicking the profile image at the top right of the Guitar Center website. You will then be prompted to enter your email and choose a password.
No, each account must be linked to a unique email address.
To cancel your Lessons account, please contact your local store and an associate will assist you.
Contact your local store and an associate will update your email address and/or username.
Yes, you must have a Guitar Center account and be currently enrolled in our Lessons program. You can then access Level Up either on a web browser or via the mobile app.
You can verify your email address with an in-store associate or by clicking "Forgot Password” in the account overview.
Technical Problems
Sometimes, due to cookies and your browser settings, you may need to empty your cached files. To do so, follow the instructions below.
Chrome:
Open Chrome on your computer
Click "More" on the top right corner of the window
Click "More tools" >> "Clear browsing data"
Choose a time range. To delete everything, select "All time"
Next to "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files," check the boxes
Click "Clear data"
Safari:
Click the "Safari" tab on the top left of your screen and select "Preferences"
Click the "Advanced" tab
Check the "Show Develop menu in menu bar" box and close the Preferences window
Select the "Develop" drop-down menu from the bar at the top of the screen and click "Empty Cache"
Note: You may want to also clear your browser history
If you are using an internet browser, check the settings to see if you’ve granted permission for your camera to be used. If you are using the mobile app, you will need to enable camera permissions via the settings menu. Before you begin an exercise, you will be asked if you would like the camera to record you as you play. During the exercise, a toggle on/off switch will be available to adjust the camera settings while you are practicing.
In order to be able to use Level Up, you need to have camera enabled in your browser.
When you begin a practice exercise, your browser will ask if you would like to allow the application to access your microphone.
If you select "No,” you will not be able to use Level Up, as the app requires the use of your device’s microphone to hear your playing/singing.
At the end of each practice, you will have an option to save a recording of the exercise, with up to five slots available per exercise. These recordings will expire after five days unless you submit them to your instructor, at which point your instructor can view them and respond with feedback. Submitted recordings are saved for up to five years and are available under the "My Submissions” menu.
Mac:
Begin by checking the volume and ensuring it isn’t muted or set too low. Next, check that the correct audio output device is selected in the settings menu. Restarting your computer may also resolve the issue. If the problem persists, you can try running Apple Diagnostics to help identify hardware issues. Finally, consider reaching out to Apple Support or visiting a service provider for professional assistance.
Windows: Begin by checking the volume settings in the systems bar to ensure it isn’t muted or set too low. Next, right-click on the speaker icon and select "Open Sound settings” to confirm the correct output device is selected. Restarting your computer may also resolve the issue. If you suspect hardware problems, run the Windows built-in diagnostics tool to help identify issues, or seek assistance from a professional technician or the manufacturer's support team.
Mac: Begin by checking the physical connection, ensuring it’s not muted and adjusting the input volume under "Sound” in System Preferences. You can test the microphone’s functionality using the Voice Memos app. Make sure it’s selected as the input source for the app you’re using. Restarting your computer may also solve any minor issues, as well as updating both your macOS and microphone drivers to their latest versions. Additionally, verify that you have enabled microphone access permissions in the "Security & Privacy” settings. If the problem persists, consider trying a different microphone to determine if it’s a hardware or software problem, or contact Apple Support or a professional technician for further assistance.
Windows: Begin by checking the physical connection to ensure it’s properly plugged in and undamaged. Confirm the microphone is not muted and the volume is set to an appropriate level in the system tray. Adjust the microphone settings in "Sound” by right-clicking the speaker icon, select "Open Sound settings” and checking the input device. You can test the microphone using the built-in Voice Recorder app, or if you’re experiencing issues with a specific application, review that app’s settings to ensure the correct microphone is selected. Restarting your computer may also solve any minor issues, as well as updating both your Windows OS and microphone drivers to their latest versions. Additionally, verify that you have enabled microphone access permissions in the "Privacy settings” menu. If the problem persists, consider trying a different microphone to determine if it’s a hardware or software problem, or contact a professional technician or the manufacturer’s support team for further assistance.
Reporting Issues
If you're experiencing problems accessing the app, please email levelup@guitarcenter.com for technical support.
If you're experiencing problems with Level Up, please email levelup@guitarcenter.com for technical support.
If you're experiencing problems with Level Up, please email levelup@guitarcenter.com for technical support.
On a Windows computer, there is a PrntScrn (Print Screen) function that will capture an image of your screen.
On an Apple computer, press Shift+Command+3 to take an image of the entire screen, or Shift+Command+4 to capture a specific section.
On a mobile phone, it depends on your device, but typically pressing a combination of the side buttons will take a screenshot for both Apple and Android devices.
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