Pull Some Strings: Guitar Lessons that Rock

April is International Guitar Month, and although your little rockstar loves to scream sing and jam out on their air guitar—maybe it is time they picked up an actual one. The following five guitar academies struck a chord with us as a great way to get your tot in tune with a love of music.

Atlanta School of Rock
While this outfit virtually guarantees that any student can become a member of the band (think rock and roll, not marching) and perform at local spots around town by practicing as part of a band, they also offer Lessons+, where students of all ages get one-on-one instruction in the instrument of their choice. Appropriate for beginners to experienced players, Lessons+ is not designed for the preschool set, who love to rock the Little Wings class instead.

Details: Atlanta School of Rock, 321 Pharr Rd., 404-857-4861, Prices vary by setting and series

Guitar Decatur
Founded in 2009 with the goal to make private music instruction more personable, over half of Guitar Decatur’s instructors specialize in the guitar. Each instructor has both academic and professional experience to lend to your little jammer, and you’ll find opportunities, such as their summer Jam Camp, to take your beginners to the next level.

Details: Guitar Decatur, 117 N McDonough St., Decatur, 404-915-4599, $120 a month for 4 consecutive 1/2 hour individual sessions, Family rates available

Georgia Academy of Music
This not-for-profit community music school has been offering lessons since 1973 in Atlanta, and it now boasts a 34-member faculty of professional musicians and instructors in everything from guitar to cello, clarinet, flute, low brass, percussion, piano… you get the picture. Whether your kiddo is more inspired by Keith Richards or Eric Clapton (or alas, Bieber), you’ll be sure to find an instructor suited to his guitar personality. The best news? You can try a lesson for free before committing to long-term instruction.

Details: The Georgia Academy of Music, 1424 West Paces Ferry Rd., 404-355-3451, Prices vary by setting and series

Eclectic Music
It bodes well that the mantra of Eclectic Music is “Turning ordinary people into musicians since 2002,” since many of us may not have passed the genetic gift of musical talent to our wanna-be B.B. Kings. Adamant that everyone can learn to play and love music when paired with the right instructor, environment, and community, Eclectic Music offers individual consultation before the very first lesson.

Details: Eclectic Music Atlanta, 1187 Virginia Ave. NE, 1860 N. Rock Springs Rd. NE, Suite 100, and 56 17th St. NE, 404- 537-1382, Click here for tuition details

European School of Music and Chess
Located in Sandy Springs, this school’s primary purpose is “to teach students how to feel music, become part of it, and develop intellectual capabilities through the enormous power of music and chess.” Impressive, no? But don’t be intimidated. They offer private and group guitar lessons, with or without the chess and transcendental music experience.

Details: European School of Music and Chess, 5187 Roswell Rd., 404-255-8382, Prices vary by setting and series

Did we hit all the high notes? Let us know if we missed a spot in the comments section below!

—Shelley Massey

Photos courtesy of Creative Commons via Flickr, Atlanta School of Rock via Facebook, Eclectic Music via Facebook, and Guitar Decatur via Facebook