My son has been taking guitar lessons here since June of last year, and we couldn't be happier with the experience! His instructor, Adam, is patient, encouraging, and truly wonderful with my son, who is now 6 years old. In less than a year, my little one has learned so much and now has such a genuine love for playing guitar. My husband decided to start taking lessons with Adam, too, to improve his skills. There's no pressure or long-term commitment, just a friendly, supportive environment that makes learning music fun for all. We highly recommend California Guitar Academy to anyone looking for quality guitar lessons with teachers who really care about their students whether you're a beginner or advanced. read more

I highly recommend California Guitar Academy! I've really enjoyed taking lessons with Mike. He's incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and truly knows how to break things down in a way that makes learning feel achievable and fun. He creates a supportive environment and helps you improve quickly while building confidence. If you're looking for a great guitar teacher, Mike is the best! read more

My first time taking guitar lessons, Mike is my teacher & he is incredibly helpful. He teaches in a way that builds healthy habits & asks for your music taste so you can learn new songs you enjoy. Very affordable classes compared to a lot of other places I researched & he does his best to work around my schedule. Great teacher, great academy! read more

Long overdue lessons for my teen! I'm so glad we found this academy that offers 1:1 lessons and teaches lefties, too! Our experience has far exceeded our expectations. Most importantly, my son looks forward to his weekly lessons with Mike! Mike goes above & beyond for his students and I'm confident that the other teachers do, too! Every student we've come across in there has nothing but pride and respect for their teacher(s) and that alone speaks volumes! I've been recommending CA Guitar Academy to friends and family. It's literally music to my ears to hear my son pick up his guitar at home and practice daily because he's very passionate about music and is very eager to learn! read more

We're so glad we found California Guitar Academy. Our son loves coming here so much that he asked to increase lessons to twice a week instead of just once. His guitar playing skills keep improving as has his knowledge of music. We're very proud of how dedicated our son is, as he practices daily and looks to demonstrate improvement during his next session. We believe this is partly driven by Albert's (his instructor) approach. Albert has a genuine joy for teaching and music and it shows. read more

If you want to learn how to play guitar, Mike is your man! He is very patient, knows how to begin you on your journey to becoming a solid guitar player. Never thought I would be able to play guitar but with Mike as my instructor, I've learned so much. At the same time, Mike makes it enjoyable. He is also an amazing guitar player. I recommended him to one of my friends from work. He is doing an amazing job, playing the guitar very well. He is just as excited as I am. If you're a good student, do your homework Mike asks you to do, I guarantee you will soon be playing the guitar like you never imagined. Thank you Mike for being a great teacher!! read more

My daughter has been taking lessons with Mike for over a year and is THRIVING! Mike is patient and extremely skilled. He knows how to work well with youth in a manner that keeps their interest. Not to mention he's made repairs on our guitars as well as recommendations that are priceless. My daughter went from a beginner to performance ready in just weeks and has only continued to improve. We are so impressed with the Academy. We see students of all ages come in the door, this is a fantastic school for all. Highly recommend! read more

I am so happy we found California Guitar Academy in 2021. My child wanted to learn to play the guitar and he has come along way with Mike's help. Mike is an excellent teacher. His passion for teaching music is very evident in each one of his classes. In addition, he has been very flexible in allowing my child to take classes virtually and in person. I can not recommend this academy enough. Thank you Mike for all you do for our children and the community!!! read more

I've been coming here for the past 1 year and 5 months and the experience and memories I have being with Mike and Albert are one of the best memories of my guitar journey both of these guys are the best guitar instructors in the whole world I HIGHLY recommend this place if you want to start playing guitar #LLRJD read more

Ever since my son started attending guitar lessons at California Guitar Academy he has improved and learned music theory. Mike his guitar instructor is very patient and spends extra time making sure his students understand the lesson. My son has became more confident in his musicianship and has been inspired to create his own music. They are also covid 19 compliant and follow all safety protocols. We highly recommend California Guitar Academy they are the best! read more

My son has been a student for 2 years. By far the best service received each session. He is also taking vocalizations lessons, these are are very dedicated, professional teachers. They demostrate a love for the Arts and help each person at their level. Mr. Mike (guitar teache) is awesome and Ms. Debbie (voice teacher) is great! read more

Awesome school! Very inspirational and supportive teachers! Highly recommend attending - great for any age.

Highly recommend anyone going here if interested in learning the guitar, even if you have, or don't have any prior experience. I spent a little under a year being instructed by the owner, Mike Brunner, and let me say he is one of the coolest teachers I've ever had. He makes the lessons based on what you want to learn, answered all the questions I could think of, and makes learning guitar fun and challenging. I am very lucky to have met this guy and learned so much. I've seen people from all ages show up here, and totally think it's worth it. This guy knows his stuff! read more

I am so lucky to live five minutes away from the coolest, most patient and experienced and very talented guitar teacher ever! I had literally, zero, musical talent to begin with and Mike has taught me so much in the very few months that I had been a part of CA guitar academy. I love this place so much I also enrolled both my children to partake in piano lessons with Whittney. Her teaching style has made me think that my children are obviously faster learners than I imagined. The most special thing about CA guitar academy is the personal attention it gives to its students. Whether it is a rescheduling conflict or a specific song that I want to learn, I feel comfortable that CA guitar teachers do their best to help me out. I highly recommend giving them a call if you are ever interested in learning to play guitar or piano. read more

I have been taking guitar lessons with Mike Brunner since 2005 and my experience has been amazing! To this day he remains one of the coolest guys I have ever met. Mike is extremely knowledgeable, a phenomenal teacher, and incredible guitarist. Which ever genre of music your into, Mike will help you reach your musical goals. Ever since I've been taking lessons here and with Mike, music has never been the same. I've always thought Mike was a genius and through out the years going to lessons with him, I consider him a friend. I look up to him and ask him for advise, not only with music but with life as well. His just an amazing role model. You'll never leave a lesson without a smile. It's only been a few years since Mike opened up this location, but it's a clean, calm, and a peaceful environment. Super professional! I have even recorded songs here and the sound quality is superb. I've also known Josue for a very long time! He's the other guitar teacher here. He is a great guitarist and probably the nicest person there. He is always smiling and his students never look disappointed. Although I been playing guitar all this time, I've always loved playing bass and bass driven music. I recently started bass lessons with Blas and it's been a Blast! He is the bass wizard for sure! Even though I play pretty well, his technics and exercises are keeping me practicing like crazy. I highly recommend going here. Whenever I see other places doing lessons. I can't help to think that people are getting ripped off and at California Guitar Academy you definitely don't get that vibe at all! Young or old, your dreams and talents won't go to waste here. read more

Great place to learn music. A good solid group of guys that can handle everything from kids starting out to seasoned adults. My sons and I have all taken lessons from people that work here and we all have enjoyed our experiences. read more

Mike is an amazing teacher! So patient, ever encouraging, and knows how to progress you. I met Mike after putting down my guitar after fifteen years. He's the teacher I wish I met in the first place. I shouldn't have taught myself. He helped me to unlearn bad habits, and that alone has helped my guitar play very much. Mike is passionate, caring, never condescending (even when you forget to practice once in awhile). I've had all types of music teachers for other instruments in the past but think Mike by far was the very best. Prices are ever so fair as well. read more

Mike is a excellent teacher, he's incredibly patient and great at drastically improving your guitar skills. If you're struggling with guitar and you really want to improve then looking up further I highly Recommend California guitar academy. read more

This is an excellent place to learn guitar. Mike and the other instructors make learning fun. Definitely five stars

California Guitar Academy is great. All of the instructors are very passionate about music, which is what you really want in a music teacher. I have been bringing my daughter for piano lessons with Whittney for about two years now. She is very happy. After spending some time there, I decided to take some lessons myself. I take guitar lessons with Mike. He blows my mind with something on a regular basis. I look forward to my lesson every week. My playing has progressed more rapidly this year than the 15+ years I have been learning on my own. CGA is a very cool and excellent group of people, highly recommended. read more

My 7 year old son started taking piano lessons with Whitney about two years ago. she is exceptionally patient, couldn't ask for a better music teacher!! my 4 year old son just started taking lessons with Whitney as well, he is doing great!. the environment is best. Mike the owner such a easy going friendly person. always see him around. Oh and the prices are so reasonable less than other music lessons around our neighborhood. thank you California guitar academy!! read more

I have been taking guitar lessons from the very talented, Mike B. for about a year now and I have nothing but great things to say about my experience. This is my first time taking guitar lessons, or picking up guitar for that matter. The process hasn't been easy, especially learning as an adult with a full-time job, other obligations and daily stressors. However, I have learned so much from Mike! He is super patient, enthusiastic, extremely knowledgeable, passionate and very kind. I am positive that all of the other instructors here exude the same positive qualities and attributes. You are definitely in good hands here at the academy. I can't recommend this place enough! read more

California Guitar Academy is for those tired of the mundane exercises and licks most instructors hit you over the head with. Mike Brunner and the other instructors will help you shape the sound your looking for, as well as expand your knowledge and taste in music. If you're looking for a professional and friendly environment, this is the place to come to. read more

This is great place the instructors are great. The location is welcoming clean and well maintained and the price is just right. They are know how to motivate there students to reach there potential. read more

Debbie Carter has been a great singing teacher focusing on breathing and various other aspects of singing. We have been going for almost 2 years now. She puts out the effort to have a Christmas recital every year so her students are able to show off their talents in front of family and friends. read more

Mike Brunner is a very nice and knowledgeable teacher. My daughter has been taking guitar lesson with him for over a year. She really enjoys it. read more

The Guitar Academy is an incredible place to take lessons. I have been taking lessons with Mike and the knowledge I have gained has far out weighted what I have payed. I had originally taken classes online through a resource that had tons of videos and information but it did nothing for me. I decided to try the personal approach with guitar lessons and it paid off incredibly well. I would strongly recommend this place for learners of any age. read more

This place is amazing. The instructors really care and are awesome too. I have taken my son to Mike Brunner for quite some time. He has really advanced as a musician thanks to Mike's teachings. If you ask me its music taught the right way! Oh and the facility is great. good parking and easy to find! I highly recommend California Guitar Academy! read more

I first started taking lessons from Mike Brunner 7 years ago. I would not want to take a lesson from anyone else but him. I have a very wide range of music I love to listen to, and every single time I requested he teach me how to play a particular song Mike knew right away how to play it, and how to teach it to me. The first lesson I ever took it was amazing to see how much Mike cares for you not just as his student but as a person. Now for the academy... Number one, it is always spotless, super clean, the parking is excellent. Also the bathroom is impeccable. A ton of parking that makes it so easy to get to. All of the rooms are very open and inviting to learn, and there is a ton of space to learn music. Mike and the other teachers are always nice and friendly and are willing to always answer your questions no matter what. The great thing is that when you walk in you realize you can be yourself, and have fun learning no matter what your age or level of play. They won't talk down to you or treat you like your are stupid just because you don't know as much as they do. Other places in Downey I have gone to do that and I would never go anywhere but the academy. At the academy you aren't compared to anyone but yourself. If you love music and you want to learn how to play those special songs that you love, go to the Academy and try. You will have a new found love for music that you never had before. I was never a music person growing up I was always into sports. I regret not taking lessons earlier, but I am so glad I have now. Thank you to all the staff and Mike Brunner, The Guitar Master, for allowing me to appreciate music on another level. read more

Great school! I love how every room is flanked by windows so parents can feel informed (and safe) as their child takes private lessons with quality instructors. My little nephew has taken instruction from Blas. Exceptional experience. read more

I loved taking voice lessons with Debbie Carter. She made me feel comfortable and confident. I highly recommend her!

My 4 year old son has been taking lessons for over a year with Whittney. He may have been a little too young when he started but Whittney saw his interest in piano and decided to nurture his interest rather than turn us away because of his age. Working with a 3 year old now 4 year old hasn't always been easy, he can be easily distracted and sometimes he's just not in the mood for his lesson, however, Whittney is incredibly patient and always finds a way to engage my son and make his lesson fun. I can definitely seen how much he's learned in the last year. I'm incredibly grateful to have found Whittney at this academy not only is she amazing but her prices are affordable and the academy itself is very clean and well kept. There is plenty of free parking available in the back, air conditioning inside, a vey clean restroom and very friendly staff. read more

My 9 year sister has been attending piano lessons with Whitney for a few weeks already, and I can definitely see improvement with each lesson. My sister loves the class and how she is learning because Whitney is patient and very responsive with children. Would recommend Whitney to anyone in search of piano lessons! read more

My daughter has been taking guitar lessons from Josue here for about a month. I chose guitar academy for its great reviews on yelp and so far they are everything I expected and more. The owner I assume Mike responded to my inquiry back in August 2014 within the same day and altho at the time too much was going to start her lessons he was not pushy and told me to just let him know when we were ready. So in December of that same year I let him know we were ready and he put me in contact with Josue the Saturday instructor. Josue is very friendly,professional, and my daughter seems to enjoy her practice. I can hear them having a great time while they practice while I wait in the lobby. The academy is very professional and organized. The other instructors also seem very nice. I can hardly wait to hear my daughter play her first full song!! read more

I've been taking guitar lessons at guitar academy with Mike for over a year. Initially I went in with absolutely no experience playing guitar. Mike is an incredible teacher. His years of experience and guitar knowledge are well balanced with easy to understand guitar lessons. His classes are nothing short of excellent. His approach to teaching is what has kept me coming back. Instead of applying a "one lesson" fits all approach all lessons are customized to fit me at where I'm at in my guitar know how. The pricing is also a great deal for the exceptional quality. read more

Debbie is a great Vocal instructor. She worked with me and help me get better at singing.We have worked so hard on getting me to where I'm at.Thank you Debbie for all of your passion and dedication for music. Thanks to you I have more confidence in Singing. read more

Whittney Mikkel is an amazing piano teacher! My 11 year old son has been getting lessons for about a year now and he has picked up the skill amazingly! Whittney is patient and very helpful when it comes to feedback for at home piano practice. She's very accommodating with her schedule and I would definitely recommend her to all of my friends!!!!!! read more

Caring, talented, patient music teachers. Excellent customer service always. My daughter has taken guitar lessons from Josue and he is knowledgeable and patient. My daughter has also taken voice lessons with Debbie and she is also super talented and patient. read more

California Guitar Academy is an amazing place. The teachers are passionate and always go beyond the call of duty for their students. Individualized instruction, excellent mentors and positive role models. Josue and Mike have worked with my son (a 5th grader now) since he was in kinder. They have even come out to my son's elementary school recitals- How awesome is that?! We are so grateful (0: Aceves Family read more

I've been with mike since 1996 as 6th grader in middle school. I'm now 29 years old and still taking lessons from him. He is a great teacher and really cares for his students. He knows how to adapt to the style of music your interested in. read more