I will start by saying that I have been playing the guitar for many years, but I wanted someone with a masters outlook to critique me and help me be a better player. I have taken 3, 1hour lessons from Padraig O'Kane and he has made me a better player already. If you want lessons that are theory based and very advanced or if you are working on strumming your first chord Padraig O'Kane is absolutely the guy you want to go to. He is also a no pressure, very positive teacher who encourages you to think of your playing in this manner as well. The level of patience that he teaches with is also amazing. I think I would have to smash a guitar over someone's head if I was doing his work, but he never made me feel like he was aggravated or in a hurry. I was looking for something very specific in a guitar teacher, I knew I had found it when I met O'kane. I think his YouTube channel is great as well: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV01ApaZMyi9ni0RMeQ7A2Q read more

I've admired Okane's playing for decades, watched him become a fine teacher, taken lessons, and enjoyed his humor, talent, and enthusiasm for all things musical. Whether he's sharing jazz, rock, blues, or traditional Irish music, what distinguishes Professor Okane's approach is his insistence that music is something that's PLAYed. Another difference-maker is the sheer number of students who have benefited from his guidance over the years. After 20+ years as a University music instructor, his uncanny ability to quickly identify and overcome stumbling blocks that prevent you from advancing on your instrument means you'll make progress, have fun, and enjoy the benefits of getting better at something no matter how young (or old) you happen to be. If you want to get serious about the guitar without all the seriousness, book some lessons with Miami Guitar Workshop. As his motto puts it so well, "play for your life." read more

Professor O'Kane was my guitar teacher at Killian High School. He was always very enthusiastic during class and was a huge advocate for the guitar program and all of his students. It's been over 10 years since then, but when I decided I wanted to advance my guitar and music knowledge I knew just who to call. I started going to him in late January this year, and after only 3 lessons I'm already seeing results and implementing the concepts I've learned into my daily life as a musician. Professor O'Kane keeps the lessons entertaining with his unique personality and sense of humor, and communicates ideas in ways that really do stick. Call Miami Guitar Workshop and have a chat with Professor O'Kane. You'll be shredding in no time! read more

I was in search of the perfect guitar instructor for both of my daughters and after countless searches I found Prof. O'Kane. I was extremely pleased and elated on how professional he was with both of my daughters. He came to my home and made it convenient for us to get lessons. He also provided the "fun factor" and made the lessons very entertaining and funny. He also guided us through accessories for the guitar and showed us how to take care of our instrument. In todays world you can never be to cautious or careful when it comes to children and i am pleased to say Prof. O'Kane has been the best instructor we have visited and worked with. I highly recommend Miami Guitar Workshop as a safe and fun place to take lessons from. read more

I highly recommend MGW for anyone wanting to learn how to play or how to play better. I found the lessons to be tailored to my abilities but challenging enough to keep me improving. Best of all the lessons were fun. Pádraig keeps you fired up to play and practice because you learn to play the music that YOU enjoy. And for a teacher of his experience and technical skill he can still relate to students of all levels in a fun low pressure environment. The things I learned from him have also helped me progress on my own by learning how to listen to and interpret music. Whether you are picking up a guitar for the first time or a seasoned guitarist wanting to take your playing to new heights, MGW is THE place to go in So Fla. read more

I have known Padraig for 20+ years, first meeting him when I was a masters' degree candidate at University of Miami and he was teaching there. I am not a guitarist but I had the pleasure of playing drums in a couple of ensembles he led, and I well know his teaching style. He not only has an extraordinary passion for music and teaching, but also has the knowledge to back it up, and the communications skills to get it across. Many of his students are living the definition of "making it" in the music business. Padraig is a talented multi-instrumentalist and is fluent in many musical styles. I would highly recommend him to anyone, at any level, who is looking to expand their musical horizons. read more

My son Danny took guitar lessons from Padraig O'Kane for a number of years. At first I would just drop him off, but I so enjoyed listening to the lessons and the playing I started hanging around and enjoying the sessions myself. Thanks to Padraig's talents as both a musician and a teacher, Danny joined the University of Miami Youth orchestra as their youngest guitar player ever. And he has kept playing to this day, always citing Padraig as the great influence in his life. I can't recommend Padraig O'Kane highly enough, but if you'd like me to try some more, feel free to send me a note!! read more

I've enjoyed O'kane humor, talent, and enthusiasm for all things musical. Whether he's sharing jazz, rock, blues, or traditional Irish music, what separates O'kane's approach is his persistence on teaching music that is PLAYed and relevant. After discovering that O'kane has/is 20+ years as a University music instructor under his belt, his uncanny ability to quickly identify and overcome obstacles that prevent you from advancing on your instrument means you'll make progress, and have fun along the way. Make sure you book a workshop with O'kane. read more

Professor O'Kane has been a professor of mine for about 3 years now. I must say that he is not only a phenomenal professor, but he is a phenomenal person as well. He doesn't only teach you about music, but he also teaches you valuable life lessons. I always enjoy going to his classes because, I know that I am going to leave learning more than I ever had and being pushed to where I thought I could not have gone. He is very passionate about what he does and being taught by him is one of the best choices that I have ever made in my career. read more

The Miami Guitar Workshop offers the best guitar instruction around! It used to be that I would drive 2 1/2 hours from The Keys to take weekly lessons here. Lessons are enjoyable, effective, and provide superior insight to becoming a great musician. I have been playing guitar for 15 years and have a degree in music and I still find immense value in my lessons at MGW. This institution is capable of taking a novice beginner to formidable musicianship and enlightening experienced veterans beyond what they knew was possible. read more

Professor O'Kane is not only a masterful guitarist, he is an extremely talented multi-instrumentalist, composer, and singer. Anyone wanting to learn an instrument for the first time or hone their existing skills, would be greatly benefited by O'Kane's instruction. He not only has the training and degree necessary to teach at a university level, he also has years of professional performance under his belt. I highly recommend him! read more

Prof. O'kane is definetly one of the best. I've taken his lessons for a long time now and he has helped me improve almost every aspect of my musical knowledge, from playing the guitar, to songwriting and even music business. He is understanding and patient, but he also pushes you in good ways towards your goals. He cares for his students and he encourages them to give their best. He is also an AWESOME musician himself btw. read more

When I first came to Okane I had some previous knowledge and musical experience. What he did for me was make my use of what I already knew and made it more applicable to my end goal. He made my ear that much better and more useful in the day to day of studio life. He knows how to get the best from each student and focus on their strengths and weaknesses and made me a better musician and engineer all around. read more

I started taking guitar lessons at Miami Guitar Workshop like 4 months ago. After playing for 4 months now I can tell you that the kind of instruction you get at Miami Guitar Workshop is simply the best I've ever had in Miami. There are loads of good players in this town, but none of them have the qualifications, the skill, and the pro teaching experience like K. Pádraig O'Kane does. Check him out! read more

Professor O'kane, when describing him words that come to mind are passionate, professional, caring and motivational just to name a few. During my studies with him, he continuously pushes me in the right direction with his lecture and practice. If you want a fun and charismatic teacher to help you through those tough times he's your guy. read more

As the proprietor of MGW I would also like to please direct you to the comments Yelp has marked as "unrecommended." These were written by AMAZING students of mine. Unfortunately the algorithm randomly put those earnest reviews in that category. Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you! Let the musical journey BEGIN! :-) read more

Ive known the Miami Guitar Workshop for a very long time now (even before it was established as a business) and its honestly changed the way a look at music. My composition has improved and my love for my craft has been revamped. I highly recommend this to anyone from a beginner to an advanced player read more

I really recommend professor Okane as a guitar instructor. I took guitar classes with different professors at other institutions but I was always changing because I was not happy with the result. After a long research, I found Miami Guitar Workshop and I am super happy!!!! read more

I've always been interested in guitar, but was hung up on my fears about learning and not being able to afford it. However, when I met Mr. O'Kane 6 years ago he had the patience and affordability for me to attend weekly lessons. Amazing teacher!!! HIghly recommended. read more