New York City Guitar School - New York, New York

Sade B.

I have taken lessons at NYCGS for a little over a year now and it has been such a great experience. Every staff member I’ve come into contact with has been very kind. Josh has been my instructor the entire time and he is truly amazing. He immediately jumped into action when I told him I was taking lessons so I could audition for NYU’s competitive Music Therapy program. I had never played guitar before my lessons with Josh. He is very flexible and knowledgeable, and he has made learning guitar fun despite the pressure of trying to reach a certain level to be able to get into grad school. As a result of his help, I’ve improved tremendously and I was accepted to NYU!
At the guitar school, I’ve also been able to fix/set up my guitar school at a reasonable price with Elizabeth who did a great job!

Christopher S.

For my entire life, I have wanted to learn to sing and play guitar. Six months ago I finally made a move and so very glad I did! Wishing I had joined this awesome community years ago.

For context, I am a full time working tech nerd. Zero background in singing and had not played any musical instrument since junior high (alto saxophone). My instructors have been so kind, patient, and supportive ((singing - Lyn/ guitar - Ben (Astoria Branch)). When I started, I had zero intention of ever performing publicly. Cut to the present where I am learning to play/sing songs I love and can't wait to do a showcase at the Manhattan location when I am ready!

Highly, highly recommend!

Cameron M.

Over the past year, Josh has taken me on a wild musical journey. I went from barely knowing how to strum a ukulele—which he taught me for a movie I starred in—to now confidently playing the guitar. And trust me, this was no small feat! Josh somehow managed to turn my clumsy fumbling on the strings into actual music. I mean, who knew I had rhythm? (Spoiler: not me.)

Josh is patient, encouraging, and has just the right amount of humor to keep things fun. He has an incredible way of breaking things down so even someone like me—who once called the frets “the bumpy bits”—can understand. If you’re looking for a guitar teacher who will teach you, inspire you, and make you laugh at your own musical mishaps, I can’t recommend Josh highly enough. He’s the best!

Shelley S.

My daughter, age 15, has been attending NYC Guitar School Summer Camp for three years and my son has been going for two years doing both summer camp and year-round sessions.

NYC Guitar School is an extraordinary place. It's not just that the music program is excellent, it is the culture that makes it so awesome. The self-confidence the kids get from this school is tremendous. I wish I could post before and after videos of my kids performing, I attached some before and after pics instead. In the beginning, they were a bit timid and nervous getting up and playing and now when they perform they get on that stage act as if they own it. My son on stage after his first performance threw his arms in the air and screamed: "I am so proud of myself!" Now he has some swagger when he gets up there to perform. It sounds super corny, but the campers and counselors become family. And the kids are so supportive of the other kids. Friday night I watched some advanced students cheer on a group of teens who were new to playing and to the school.

Rikulz

Been going to NYCGuitarSchool for coming up on 3 years. If you want to learn music this is the community to go to!

In all that time my longest running teacher is the amazing Gaby! I’ve been taking vocal classes with her for 2 years and learning a lot. She has helped me to have confidence in my voice and has supported my efforts to write several pieces of original music. No one is a bigger supporter and hype person for their students than Gaby!!

-Kris J

Pranav J.

NYCGS was a great way for me to learn the skills to play and transition between chords as a complete beginner to guitar. The teachers I had from level 1 to 4 of the absolute beginners program were knowledgeable and engaging throughout. I enjoyed how classes were split into technique and playing alongside music sections and can confidently say I’ve progressed much quicker than I would have on my own.

Joshua L.

Josh Torvi is an incredible teacher. He is extremely amiable and always in a good mood even when he has back to back lessons all day. He brings great energy to every lesson. Josh helped me play 3 songs at my wedding with the wedding band and even helped my now wife find a piano teacher to help her play one of those songs with our wedding band also. we crushed it!

Josh is the man and a great player himself no matter your level see Josh for either bass or guitar lessons. you won't be sorry

Andrew C.

If you're hesitant about joining New York City Guitar School, don't be! For years, I've been wanting to learn the guitar but didn't think there was a place that would fit my needs, schedule, and budget. But from my first day at NYCGS, I knew this was THE place. The instructors are so cool and patient and make the learning process fun. I surprised myself with how much I learned in such a short amount of time too. The atmosphere is super chill, but everyone is committed to making you a rockstar! It's a very welcoming and motivating place and I highly recommend it for everyone!