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1. Do you offer private guitar lessons for beginners?

Yes. We offer private guitar lessons for complete beginners through advanced students. Our beginner program focuses on chords, rhythm, technique, and musicianship, helping students start playing real songs as quickly as possible.

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2. Where are your guitar lessons located?

Our guitar lessons are based in Santa Monica, California. We also offer online lessons for students who are unable to attend in person.

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3. Do you offer online guitar lessons?

Yes. We provide live online private guitar lessons for students anywhere in the world. While online lessons are highly effective, we generally recommend in-person lessons whenever possible.

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4. What ages do you teach?

We teach children, teens, and adults. Lessons are customized to each student's age, experience level, goals, and learning style.

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5. How often should students take guitar lessons?

We recommend weekly lessons. Consistent instruction allows students to follow a structured curriculum, prepare for performances, and make steady progress toward their musical goals.

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6. What lesson length is recommended?

Every student is different, but our general recommendations are:

• 30 minutes: Ages 5–9

• 45 minutes: Ages 10–16

• 60 minutes: Ages 14–18 and advanced students

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We are happy to recommend the best lesson length based on a student's focus, experience, and goals.

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7. Are there performance opportunities for guitar students?

Absolutely. LJMA is a performance-based academy that offers more than 35 live performance opportunities each year.

Most students perform monthly at local assisted living communities and twice annually at our formal Black Tie Recitals. Intermediate and advanced students may also participate in our Artist Development Program, which provides additional opportunities to perform original music and curated set lists at local venues.

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We believe live performance develops confidence, accountability, stage presence, and purpose. As students progress, even more performance opportunities become available.

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8. Can I still participate in LJMA performances if I take online lessons and do not live locally? 

Absolutely! We currently have students travelling in from San Francisco, New York, Orange County, and Arizona each semester to partake in our Black Tie Recitals.

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9. Do students need their own guitar?

Yes. Students should have access to their own guitar, a tuner, a strap, and guitar pics for home practice. We are happy to recommend instruments based on age, budget, and musical interests.

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10. What makes your guitar program different from other music schools?

• Performance-based learning with monthly live performances, including monthly opportunities at local retirement homes for beginners.

• Guarenteed results

• Teachers and staff become truly invested into every student at LJMA, creating a second-family enviroment.

• Our methods focus on accountability, discipline, and independent learning. Students are taught leadership through the skill of music, and are taught to take pride in their own progress.

• 100% of students who have studied with us for more than five years have been accepted into top-ranking universities for music and academics. See alumni

• Supportive community that encourages confidence and growth. See what parents and students have to say about LJMA

• We offer unique advanced programs for students to continue their craft. 

• Structured curriculum with standardized teaching methods across all instructors

• Exceptional teacher retention, allowing students to build long-term mentoring relationships with their instructors.

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11. Do you prepare students for auditions and performances?

Yes. Our instructors are experienced performers who regularly prepare students for school auditions, honor ensembles, college auditions, competitions, and live performances with a veyr high susccess rate.

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12. How long does it take to learn guitar?

Every student progresses at a different pace. With consistent practice and weekly lessons, most beginners can play simple songs within a few weeks. Thanks to our performance-based curriculum, nearly all students are able to perform at an LJMA Black Tie Recital during their first semester of lessons.