Rated 4.81 / 5 from 32 reviews
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Brooklyn Guitar School We dont 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.
Highlights and features
  • Songwriting, Guitar
People
Chris Gabriel
Chris Gabriel
Chris Gabriel has been playing guitar for fifteen years. As a singer/songwriter, he has fronted two bands, SGT and The Atlantic. In between those two projects, Chris spent some time touring the country as a hired guitarist. He has played guitar on stage at almost every Hard Rock and House of Blues across the country.
Marisa Torrieri
Marisa Torrieri
Marisa began playing guitar 10 years ago in college at the University of Maryland. Five guitars, six bands, and many solo projects later, Marisa now preaches the gospel of rock and roll, and teaches guitar to early and advanced beginners everywhere.
Kyle Tigges
Kyle Tigges
We are so pleased that we convinced the amazing Kyle Tigges to join our staff! Hundreds of students of all ages and levels have become proficient guitar players and intelligent musicians with Kyle's patient and expert coaching. He has tremendous knowledge of music!
Michelangelo Quirinale
Michelangelo Quirinale
Michelangelo comes to us from Boston as a recent graduate and scholarship student of Berklee College of Music, where he earned a degree in Guitar Performance. He has over 15 years of playing experience in all styles of music, with Classic Rock and Metal holding a special place in his heart.
Videos
Brooklyn Guitar School - Kids Showcase
Brooklyn Guitar School - Kids Showcase
Brooklyn Guitar School - Kids Showcase 9-25-10 Nick Hey Now You're a Rock Star
Brooklyn Guitar School - Kids Showcase
Brooklyn Guitar School - Kids Showcase
Brooklyn Guitar School - Kids Showcase 9-25-10 Nora Etude 6 Leo Brouwer
Brooklyn Guitar School - Kids Showcase
Brooklyn Guitar School - Kids Showcase
Brooklyn Guitar School - Kids Showcase 9-25-10 Julian Iron Maiden
Play Piano in an Hour No. 2
Play Piano in an Hour No. 2
Learn how to fake it on the piano in under an hour with these 10 short videos from the Brooklyn Piano and Voice Studio at Brooklyn Guitar School.
Play Piano in an Hour No. 1
Play Piano in an Hour No. 1
Learn how to fake it on the piano in under an hour with these 10 short videos from the Brooklyn Piano and Voice Studio at Brooklyn Guitar School.
Maggie May
Maggie May
This video needs no explanation
Anacortes - Original Son - The Rock Shop 5-17-13
Anacortes - Original Son - The Rock Shop 5-17-13
Anacortes - Original Son - The Rock Shop 5-17-13.
Anacortes - Madeline - The Rock Shop 5-17-13
Anacortes - Madeline - The Rock Shop 5-17-13
Anacortes - Madeline - The Rock Shop 5-17-13.
Anacortes - Hearts and Satellites - The Rock Shop 5-17-13
Anacortes - Hearts and Satellites - The Rock Shop 5-17-13
Anacortes - Hearts and Satellites - The Rock Shop 5-17-13.
Anacortes - Tuesday - The Rock Shop 5-17-13
Anacortes - Tuesday - The Rock Shop 5-17-13
Anacortes - Tuesday - The Rock Shop 5-17-13.
Anacortes - It Starts Again - The Rock Shop 5-17-13
Anacortes - It Starts Again - The Rock Shop 5-17-13
Anacortes - It Starts Again - The Rock Shop 5-17-13.
Anacortes - In the Movies - The Rock Shop 5-17-13
Anacortes - In the Movies - The Rock Shop 5-17-13
Anacortes - In the Movies - The Rock Shop 5-17-13.
Anacortes - Homecoming - The Rock Shop 5-17-13
Anacortes - Homecoming - The Rock Shop 5-17-13
Anacortes - Homecoming - The Rock Shop 5-17-13.
Anacortes - The Great Unknown - The Rock Shop 5-17-13
Anacortes - The Great Unknown - The Rock Shop 5-17-13
Anacortes - The Great Unknown - The Rock Shop 5-17-13.
Reviews (32)
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Janine
Aug 10, 2022
There are lots of places where you can find great guitarists, there are lots of places you can find great teachers, but these are awesome guitarists who love to teach.
Jackie
Aug 10, 2022
I would recommend anyone to come here because you have so much fun learning to play the guitar. It's a very friendly atmosphere--I just keep coming back.
Jensen
Aug 10, 2022
It's so nice to come to a place where there are such welcoming people to help me learn guitar and remember why I love music.
Dominick Papandrea
Jun 15, 2020
I've been going to NYC Guitar School East for a little over a year. I had been playing guitar for about 20 years but needed to break through a ceiling I reached with my playing, and I did big time. Classes have been opening up things for me in a big way. I have private lessons every week with Eric and he's not only a great teacher but exactly what I was looking for.

I've been learning things I never knew I could or would learn. Also, I've attended the social showcase events and they're a ton of fun and a great way to see and meet other musicians. Overall, it's a really supportive environment and well worth the cost. Highly recommend this school.
Ling C.
Jun 12, 2020
This is a great place for beginners. I hadn't touched my guitar in years hence I looked into taking some classes. The group is typically small thus the instructor can work with everyone. At the end of classes, they expect you to perform at their mini-concert. I learned how to play Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin and Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison because of this school.
Gregory Cozzolino
Jun 12, 2020
I have been taking guitar lessons for more than 4 years with NYC Guitar School EAST. The experience has been excellent. Scheduling is easy and they always try to accommodate you with the best schedule for your needs. The staff is very friendly, responsive, and truly care about the students. My current teacher Sam is always positive and patient. He encourages you when you feel like you hit a roadblock in your playing and has an effective approach to developing your skills. Sam also makes sure classes are enjoyable and inspiring.

From sharing his professional experiences in music to finding the right songs to teach, Sam always keeps you engaged and learning. I have noticed huge progress in my playing and thanks to NYC Guitar School EAST, I am taking the next steps in advancing my guitar skills.
Andreas Tsatsas
Mar 19, 2020
We love this place. I have been taking guitar lessons there for 4 years! My instructors have been great. So patient and motivating to the students. They really encourage creativity! Every kid that takes lessons here loves it!
Monique Navarro
Feb 19, 2020
I love NYC Guitar School East! My son and my husband are having lessons with Eddy. Both are super enthusiastic about their lessons. Eddy is at the same time patient and encouraging while maintaining a structured lesson and ensuring practice! My son likes it so much, he joined the Rock Band lessons with Subrina - the Rock Star! The recitals are at the end of the semester - super mellow atmosphere for the kids. The school also has the amazing support of Madeline! She is always knowledgeable, eager and helpful with any guitar questions.
Nate D.
Feb 14, 2020
I took my first lesson here probably 3 years ago and I've been going every Tuesday since. I've not only learned to play guitar, but we have played gigs at The Way Station, I've met new friends and had a blast all along the way. Brooklyn Guitar School is its own community of people that love playing guitar and rock and roll. All the teachers are awesome.

The staff is cool. Just an all around great place to learn. If I wasn't moving out of NYC you can bet I'd still be taking lessons with Michelangelo every Tuesday night. Rock on fellas!
V. L.
Feb 12, 2020
My child has been taking guitar lessons for more than a year now with James at the NYC Guitar School. James has always maintained a very positive and encouraging outlook, and constantly looks to find ways to keep my child interested in and excited about playing guitar. He works with my child to identify musical pieces that he is interested in learning and playing, and has also helped to introduce and broaden my child's experience and knowledge of other genres of music.

I also think the NYC Guitar School is well run and managed. Madeleine and the rest of the staff are welcoming and friendly and always very responsive if anything comes up. I think that the staff really care about the students learning to play the guitar, and that is one of things that I have found that separates NYC Guitar School from the others.
Lisa D.
Feb 11, 2020
This Is the best guitar school ever! I love this place. I have been coming here for over two years. I couldn't play a single chord when I started. They have the best teachers and coolest staff. If you want to learn guitar, this is the place to go. I can't say enough good things about Brooklyn Guitar School! Rock on!
Andrea Lendaris
Jan 20, 2020
This place is truly amazing. My two boys are learning to play guitar in a non-competitive, relaxed environment, while diving into great rock music! Both of them are students of James. He is a warm teacher who really gets kids and how they learn. Complex tasks are broken down so that they can build up to playing at the semester showcase with him. One of my boys started as young as 5 years old, which James was a pro at handling. I love how this group enriches the kids with music, and motivates them to take on challenges. My boys are going on four years of playing guitar here - rock on!
Jennifer Chernaik
Nov 27, 2019
My daughter has been taking classes at NYC Guitar School for over 3 years. In that time she's really developed a love for guitar playing. She started out taking group lessons and now takes private lessons with Greg. She loves working with him to hone her rock n roll skills. She also takes lessons with James when she needs some extra practice for her middle school Jazz Band. It's such a warm and welcoming community!
Christina Kwon
Aug 27, 2019
James Wengrow and Alec Goldfarb are both fantastic guitar teachers! James has been my son's teacher for the past two years. After watching him have all the fun, I decided I wanted to learn to play guitar too! So Alec has been my teacher for the past year. Our teachers are both incredible and inspiring musicians. My son and I truly look forward to our Saturday time at NYC Guitar School East. Learning to play guitar has been a great way to spend time with my son and bond. If you have ever wanted to play, this is the place to learn!
Adam R.
Feb 09, 2019
Had a great first session with an amazing instructor. Unfortunately, he fell ill 4 hours before our 2nd session and had to cancel which is totally understandable. I had to cancel my next session and did it 38 hours instead of 48 hours before. Caroline replies that I still will be charged for my session. When I asked if their 48 hour policy works both ways, i.e. if I have to get penalized a session for not giving notice within 48 hours, then I should get a session credit if a teacher cancels less than 48 hours, they said no. It only works one way. I canceled the rest of my sessions and Caroline was completely ok with losing by business!
Manuel G.
Sep 23, 2018
Have been a student for over a year. Got to work with Shirley. She has been very patient with me and took me from learning how to hold the guitar to able to finally play songs! The people are very easy to work with and accommodating to my schedule! Great location in Brooklyn
Allison Dethmers
May 23, 2018
This NYC Guitar school location is awesome! The space is colorful, inviting and the people are extremely friendly and helpful. I highly recommend taking lessons here. I've had my guitar for over a year now and finally took the plunge to take lessons this summer and I've gotten exponentially better since taking group classes. The group class environment is encouraging and more inviting for a beginner class. Definitely would recommend to anyone who has trouble practicing on their own and wants to learn the fundamentals of playing guitar.
Amanda M.
Apr 19, 2018
I'm always sort of suspicious when a place has endless effusively positive reviews. But I gotta say, I am lovin my experience at Brooklyn Guitar School. They have a well-reasoned system in place here and the instruction is really really good. I am just past class three of Absolute Beginners and am already able to play some of my favorite songs.

They provide good resources for learning outside of class and it really all comes down to how much you are willing to commit to practicing. If you have dreamed of jamming out, Brooklyn Guitar School will definitely give you the tools in short order. Highly recommend.
Benjamin B.
Jan 26, 2018
Looking for the best guitar school in NYC? You've found it! I absolutely love this place, they've been nothing but warm, welcoming, friendly and beyond helpful. It was obvious to me from day one (over three years ago) that their only interest was to make sure I was receiving the music education I needed most, based off of my own personal desires and abilities. They paired me up with an incredible teacher (Kyle) and he became an important music mentor in my life. I am so grateful for my time learning at this school!
N. N.
Jan 04, 2018
My daughter (started age 9) has been taking private guitar lessons with Shirley for 14 months and enjoys it! She was able to learn fun songs (we wish you a merry christmas, viva la vida, galway girl, blackbird, etc.) that she chooses and loves singing along. She was extremely nervous during her first 'beginner' performance, but it gave her such confidence and motivation to continue playing. Shirley is extremely motivating and keeps my daughter engaged. Having a young student with other extra curricular activities get hard, so I'm also pleased that there's some flexibility when I need it.
Stu R.
Nov 29, 2017
I have nothing but good things to say about Brooklyn Guitar School. Dylan, my teacher, strikes just the right balance between teaching me things every guitar player should know and letting me decide what to learn. For years, I dabbled in guitar without lessons, but I plateaued. Since I started taking lessons, I've improved immeasurably, learning finger-picking technique, soloing, new chords, and more. I've also been able to move beyond acoustic guitar, trying out the electric guitar, the banjo, and the mandolin, all with Dylan's help. I'd also add that the Brooklyn Guitar School office is well-organized; I've never had any problems with payment or scheduling, and everyone is really friendly and helpful.
Michele B.
Nov 16, 2017
I can't say enough wonderful things about this school. I've been taking classes at BGS for 3 years and have gone from only being able to play a couple of chords to feeling confident enough to perform at open mics. I've been taking Kyle's ensemble class for over a year and it's the highlight of my week. He is a talented musician and an incredible teacher who does a great teaching us technique and theory in a laid back, patient manner. He's also just a really wonderful person! It's been great getting to know everyone at the school-- they are so supportive and helpful, it feels like family. Taking classes at BGS has actually gotten me through some tough times. I always knew I had it to look forward to no matter what. Thank you to Ivan, Kyle and everyone for creating such a special place to learn music!
Miraida M.
Aug 24, 2017
Not only do I have a great drumming instructor, Coleman, but the entire staff at BGS provides a welcoming and encouraging environment every week. As a bonus, it's at a great location. I've been taking lessons here for several years now, enjoying the music as well as the community of music makers that I get to encounter there week after week.
M. B.
May 24, 2017
I've been taking classes at BGS for several years and love the relaxed, fun atmosphere. Professional musicians that go at your pace and where/how you want to develop - they make you want to get better!
Judith S.
Mar 15, 2017
I have been taking lessons from Kyle T for five years, and my lessons are definitely one of the high points of my week! I kid you not. There are no "shoulds" in his classes and no judging ever. He asks you to start by accepting where you are NOW, and then gives you the technical skills and support to get better. He is a brilliant teacher, and a very accomplished musician.

The truth is that all of the staff at the Brooklyn Guitar School are generous and supportive. You will like the vibe when you walk in. And don't miss the opportunity to perform at the quarterly Student Showcase at Hank's Saloon, the last of the dive bars in downtown Brooklyn. It's the real thing.
Molly W.
Dec 22, 2016
I have been taking lessons at Brooklyn Guitar School for 5 years and I can't say enough good things about my experiences there. I've worked with Kyle for the past 4 years. He has the ability to break down new techniques and musical theory with tremendous clarity, and he is wonderfully encouraging. Student showcases at Hank's really helped me to develop my performance chops, so that I'm now playing at open mics around Brooklyn or when I travel for work. I've also met some wonderful fellow students--one of whom I play with regularly--as well as other teachers at the school, and being part of such a supportive community of musicians is a real joy. I love Brooklyn Guitar School!
Ld M.
Nov 27, 2016
If you're looking for a warm, friendly class to learn to play the guitar, this is where you want to go. I just wrapped up the Absolute Beginners 10 week class with Michelangelo at the Brooklyn location, and I'm so glad I did. The instructors strike just the right balance of fun and structure, that gives you confidence.you will really want to take it to the next level! So if you've been thinking about learning to play, I highly recommend this school. You'll be happy you finally did it.
Jen B.
Nov 05, 2015
I'm currently on my second group class with Kyle, he is a wonderful teacher: he focuses on how to practice and takes things slow, his methods help you build good technique without really realizing it! I'm also really glad that he focuses on musicality and on shaping a song with your strumming technique. I strongly recommend taking classes with him!
Elle D.
Mar 05, 2013
I started taking lessons a few years ago at Brooklyn Guitar School, and I found myself in good hands with teacher, Woody Quinn. He's a great teacher, fluent in many styles, has a thorough knowledge of music theory, and keeps classes fun and interesting. I went from near beginner to advanced, and then started taking electives. The curriculum is fun and well structured. The student showcases at Hanks are a great way to cut your teeth performing for a raucous and totally supportive crowd.
D L.
Dec 21, 2011
I inherited my first acoustic guitar back in April 2010 - In May 2010 (Since I have NEVER played an instrument in my life) I started weekly classes with Kyle Tigges at BGS and now, as we close out 2010, I am not only playing, but also WRITING chords to my own songs, and playing them... and am well on my way to being the folk-rocker I have always wanted to be!
D. L.
Dec 21, 2011
The best place to learn to play the guitar! I inherited my first acoustic guitar back in April 2010 - In May 2010 (Since I have NEVER played an instrument in my life) I started weekly classes with Kyle Tigges at BGS and now, as we close out 2010, I am not only playing, but also WRITING chords to my own songs, and playing them. and am well on my way to being the folk-rocker I have always wanted to be!

I even just bought a second acoustic-electric guitar. Need i say more? BGS teaches in an easy, applicable, hands-on way, they offer group classes or one-on-one. (FYI, I have been taking one-on-one but now that I am better at basics, i may switch to group lessons just to see what that has to offer) They also have instructors that can travel to you in and around Manhattan - in case you are one of those people in Manhattan who doesn't like to cross "the moat".
Candice G.
Apr 22, 2011
Signed my 13 year old up for lessons. With auto-debit the price is great! My son loves the school. Its a gem on 4th ave