Have you always admired those friends who bust out a guitar at a party and keep the whole room entertained with awesome tunes? Maybe you’ve tried to learn by watching You Tube videos, but haven’t quite mastered three guitar chords.
Well, Guitar Center at Public Market Emeryville has just the thing to cure your almost-a-rock-star blues.
Each month, the store offers a beginner acoustic guitar lesson, free of charge. And the beauty of this class is it’s a group workshop, so no need to feel intimidated by the pressure of meeting a teacher one-on-one. The next one is Saturday, October 15th, 10:15-11:15 AM.
We spoke with Adrianna Vidana, Guitar Center’s Studio Manager, to get the skinny on what to expect. The workshops typically accommodate up to six participants who learn the anatomy of the guitar, strumming and picking techniques and three chords in a friendly environment.
The low pressure setting isn’t nearly as intimate as a lesson with a private instructor, but allows students to get their feet wet before deciding whether or not the guitar is for them. “It does exhibit how social and fun playing guitar can be,” Adrianna said, “regardless of age, experience or background.”
Adrianna filled us in on the story of three women who started in the group class last year and now can read music, playing several songs, one of which they’ll perform at Guitar Center’s fall student recital.
The age group for the free class is a wide range – from eight years old to the late 60s. Adrianna is encouraging: “I reassure every potential student that comes through the door that it’s never too late to pick up an instrument.”
Visit this website to learn about Guitar Center’s lessons: https://stores.guitarcenter.com/emeryville