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
Especially younger beginners, are taught in a friendly but structured environment focusing on foundational elements of the guitar and bass and the basics of technique. Familiar melodies like “Smoke on the Water,” “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” “Happy Birthday,” and “Iron Man” are used to keep lessons fun, but also to introduce technical challenges unique to guitar. Reading music is also introduced, using standard notation and guitar tablature.
What to Expect For
Intermediate Students
Progress to mastery of some popular music and classic rock. More focus is placed on ear training and music theory. Intermediate students often receive audition coaching for school ensembles, including Jazz Band, school musical pit and help with their own individual bands.
What to Expect For
Advanced and Older Students
Work from a customized curriculum that can range from difficult passages from rock and pop to advanced music theory and Jazz. More challenging ear training including transcription is utilized. Advanced students are introduced to a broader conceptual view of music as a whole.
Pricing
Guitar & Bass Monthly Tuition
Tuition is payable monthly on the 1st of the month. Payment is always the same flat rate, regardless of student absences or scheduled teacher vacation breaks.
30 Minutes Per Week
45 Minutes Per Week
60 MINUTES PER WEEK
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a New Student Orientation
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:
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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.
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Guitar picks: Picks come in various thicknesses and materials. Beginners might find it helpful to start with a medium-thickness pick.
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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.
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Guitar strap
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Extra set of strings
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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:
- 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.
- 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!) Schedule a free evaluation and started on your musical journey today.