Name: Music In Chappaqua
Address: 225 N Greeley Ave, Chappaqua, NY, 10514, US
Telephone: (914) 238-3123
Price range: $$$

Steely Dan producer Gary Katz works with Guitar Student on original music

Guitar Lessons at Music in Chappaqua

Electric, acoustic, or classical guitars are central to a variety of music such as rock, blues, or pop. Guitars are easy to care for and are portable. The guitar’s versatility includes playing solo, in a band, or accompanying a singer. It is no wonder that the guitar is among the most popular instruments for any age group to learn, listen, and play.

The image of shredding on a guitar is incredibly glamorous, impressive and seems impossible. This all becomes possible after mastering the fundamentals of the guitar and most importantly, finding your passion for the instrument. Talented guitarist can speak through their instrument to the point where themselves and their audience can feel the power of the song being played.

At Music in Chappaqua, we have been educating musical minds since 1993. Our goal for young musicians is for them to feel comfortable expressing themselves every time they perform. Whether the goal is to gig regularly, record music, or strum by the fireside, we are here to help navigate that journey.

From learning the strings to mastering a solo performance, we have lessons customized for all different ages, attention spans, and skill levels. Don’t fret. Our highly regarded instructors are here to guide you to your next goals.

How Do We Prepare Students to be Ready to Rock?

Listening to music
Choosing simpler songs and progressing to more challenging pieces
Matching teachers and teaching styles to students
Attending performances
Being positive and disciplined
Practicing
Keeping fun at the center

Our age groups break into:

Early school years
Middle school
High School
Young Adults to Adults

Students who have been through our program develop identifiable, lifelong skills. Additionally, becoming part of a community of mutual supporters or developing long-standing friendships is another benefit enjoyed by many of our graduates.

Student Rock Show at the iconic venue Crash Mansion

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I start guitar lessons for my child?
What can my kid do at home to get better at guitar?
Is it better for young guitarist to play alone or with others?
What songs are best suited to beginning players?

We are ready to answer your questions at (914) 238-3123

For interested students, we offer instruction in songwriting as well.

ALUMNI COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES

Guitar Faculty

Adrienne McKay

Adrienne is a kind, patient, and highly experienced guitar teacher, known for her warm, gentle presence, and easy to learn style. With a strong musical background, Adrienne encourages her students to explore their interests, while also developing essential skills. Her blend of technical expertise and gentle, supportive guidance empowers students to grow into expressive and well rounded musicians. Adrienne is a masterful educator and has a special talent for helping students connect with music in meaningful and personal ways. Whether you are a beginner, or ready to explore advanced techniques, Adrienne’s students feel encouraged, inspired, and genuinely cared for.

In addition to teaching, Adrienne has over 20 years of performing experience. She has performed with her jazz trio around the world, appearing at festivals, cruise ships, hotels, and jazz clubs. Her deep musical knowledge and performance experience bring a rich perspective to her lessons, making learning both fun and fulfilling. Adrienne’s gentle approach, musical expertise, and true love for teaching makes her a joy to work with, and a teacher students remember for life.

John Smith

John Smith is a native New Yorker with deep roots in the Harlem and Long Island jazz and roots-music scenes. Raised in a home filled with music—Gospel, Classical, Blues, and Jazz—he was immersed in sound from an early age, making a lifelong path in music feel inevitable.

His passion for jazz led him to the award-winning Jazz Big Band at Martin Van Buren High School in Queens, and later to Five Towns College and Long Island University, where he studied musical performance and education on full scholarship.

While working in elementary education, John continued to refine his craft through intensive study with some of the world’s most respected jazz artists and educators, including Chuck Loeb, Ted Dunbar, Kevin Eubanks, Doc Powell, Rick Stone, Rodney Jones, Peter Farrell, and Bob Mintzer.

With decades of private teaching experience, John works with students of all levels—from absolute beginners to seasoned professionals. In addition to running his Online Jazz Guitar program, he has taught ensemble performance and group classes at School of Rock, Mount Vernon Arts, and numerous other music education programs.

Driven by a belief in music’s power to heal and transform, John also brings music education into New York City prisons, using guitar and jazz as tools for connection, expression, and positive change.

Tori Angier

Tori Angier is a talented and deeply intuitive guitar teacher who helps her students connect with music on a personal level. Tori creates a welcoming space where students are encouraged to explore, express themselves, and discover what they truly love to play.

Tori is a soulful, passionate performer and songwriter and brings authenticity and heart to every lesson. She is especially skilled at working with beginners, guiding them through their first steps in music with patience, empathy, and a keen sense of what inspires them. Her teaching goes beyond technique, she helps students use music as a way to process emotions, build confidence, and find their creative voice.

Tori’s lessons are tailored to each individual, blending foundational skills with student-led exploration and genre flexibility. Whether a student dreams of writing original songs, learning to play their favorite artists, or simply playing for joy, Tori supports and celebrates their growth in every way possible.

Her goal is simple but powerful: to help each student feel seen, heard, and excited to make music that matters to them.

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