Learn to Play Guitar And bass

Private Guitar and Bass Lessons in McMurray, PA for all ages and all skill levels.

All Ages & Skill Levels

Anderson Music Academy provides guitar and bass lessons at all skill levels and in a wide variety of styles and genres.

Any Type of Guitar

Learn to play guitar, bass, 12-string guitar, banjo, ukulele, mandolin, and other stringed instruments.

What’s Your Skill Level?

What to Expect for

Beginning Students

Beginner guitar lessons are conducted in a friendly and structured environment, particularly for younger students. Students get started fast using familiar melodies such as “Smoke on the Water,” “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” “Happy Birthday,” and “Iron Man” This makes lessons enjoyable while also introducing unique technical challenges specific to the guitar. Students will also learn to read music through standard notation and guitar tablature.

What to Expect For

Intermediate Students

Intermediate guitar lessons help students progress toward mastering popular music and classic rock. These lessons add more ear training and music theory. Additionally, intermediate students often receive audition coaching for school ensembles, such as jazz bands and musical pit orchestras, as well as guidance for their own individual bands.

What to Expect For

Advanced and Older Students

Advanced guitar lessons follow a curriculum customized just for them that covers a wide range of possibilities, from complex passages in rock and pop music to advanced music theory and jazz. These lessons also incorporate more challenging ear-training exercises, including transcription. Students at this level are exposed to a broader, more conceptual understanding of music as a whole.

Pricing

Tuition Rates

-Based on 48 lessons offered per year

Tuition is payable monthly on the 1st of the month. Payment is always the same flat rate.

There is an annual $45 /per family studio registration fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some questions that guitar students commonly ask:

What equipment do I need to begin lessons?

To begin guitar lessons, you will need some essential equipment and accessories. Here’s a list of items to get you started:

  1. Guitar: Choose a guitar that fits your interests and preferences, such as an acoustic, electric, or classical guitar. Make sure the guitar is comfortable to hold and play and is appropriate for your skill level.

  2. Guitar picks: Picks come in various thicknesses and materials. Beginners might find it helpful to start with a medium-thickness pick.

  3. Guitar tuner: A tuner is essential for keeping your guitar in tune. You can choose from clip-on tuners, pedal tuners, or smartphone tuner apps.

  4. Guitar strap

  5. Extra set of strings

  6. Music stand

 

Is electronic or acoustic guitar better for beginners?

Both options have their own advantages and challenges. Here are some factors to consider when deciding which type of guitar is better for you to learn:

  1. Acoustic guitar:
  • Acoustic guitars are generally more affordable and do not require additional equipment such as an amplifier or cables.
  • They are great for learning the basics of chords, strumming, and fingerpicking and help you develop finger strength and dexterity.
  • Acoustic guitars are well-suited for genres like folk, country, pop, and classical guitar styles.
  1. Electric guitar:
  • Electric guitars are typically easier on the fingers due to their lighter strings and lower action (the distance between the strings and the fretboard).
  • They allow you to explore a wide range of sounds and effects through the use of guitar pedals and amplifiers.
  • Electric guitars are ideal for genres like rock, blues, jazz, and metal.

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual preferences and the type of music you wish to play. Both are suitable for learning and enjoying the guitar.

What is the best age to start learning guitar?

In most cases, the fine motor skills needed to play the guitar haven’t developed until between ages 7-9. However, younger students can do very well with the ukulele, which is easier to play, so we encourage younger beginners to give the ukulele a try as a first step. (No age is too “old” to begin, so don’t let that stop you!) Get started on your musical journey today.