I am genuinely shocked to have to be writing this review. Mark (the owner) threatened my son (his…read moreguitar student) with violence when he let him know he would be quitting lessons. My son has taken lessons with Mark since 2021. He is about to graduate from high school, and told Mark that he will need to wind down lessons as he goes to college. Mark became irrationally upset. He threatened to throw my son's guitar out the door, began swearing, tore up the monthly lessons check and threw it at my son, and raised his fists to challenge him to fight. Thankfully my son had the presence of mind to just leave and get away from him. He came home early from his lesson very distraught. We did call the police to make a report. Apparently Mark's justification for this behavior is that my husband and I didn't talk with him enough about how the lessons were going. He never called us to report anything. Unfortunately we had no idea there was any sort of expectation for us to communicate, and even if there were I can't imagine that reason ever justifying threatening and yelling at a student. I'm so shocked by the end of this years long interaction we've had with Hunt Valley Music, but feel like I absolutely must warn people. He is clearly not a safe person to be teaching children.

Strong efforts to improve a wide variety of musical talents for a wide variety of ages.read more

Probably more difficult than figuring out which guitar to buy when I decided to pick it up was…read moredeciding on a teacher. The internet is filled with many instructors with impressive credentials. What I noticed about Dave's website is that, unlike others who focused on what they know, Dave focused on how he would teach a student. There is that big, big difference between knowing something and teaching it, and Dave was focused on helping the student to learn. I have been with Dave for two years this month and am very happy with my choice. Yes, of course he knows how to play, and knows this intricacy of the fretboard and that intricacy of theory. But anyone teaching should know those things anyway. What I like about Dave, and why I highly recommend him, is that he is interested in getting me to play that way, and will go over a piece, or even a measure, as many times as necessary to get me there. Thankfully, he not only knows how to teach, but also possesses that most important attribute for someone in the field: the patience of Job.

I've been taking lessons weekly with Dave for over a year now. When I started, I'd never played an…read moreinstrument before--except for the trombone back in 4th grade band. Dave worked with me to help me learn how to read standard notation and tabs, get familiar with the fretboard, and begin developing as a guitar player. Dave's got an amazing depth of knowledge of styles and theory. He's helped me with flatpicking and fingerpicking styles, and I'm now able to play some rudimentary versions of Doc Watson and Rev. Gary Davis tunes. I want to emphasize that his help has allowed me to get there in just a year of playing--friends of mine who've been playing for years are surprised by my playing, and I give full credit to Dave. His greatest assets as a teacher, without a doubt, are his patience and encouragement. There's been hundreds of times when I've flubbed notes and chords over and over, and he's never once shown any frustration, but just said, "that's all right, take your time." He's passionate about the music he teaches, and that enthusiasm definitely inspires me to practice, practice, practice! Dave is friendly and knowledgeable, a calm and patient teacher, and an amazing guitar player. You won't regret picking Dave to teach you how to play!

They treat others like you can not even read a single sign. I tried to go in to see if they sell…read moreany strings and how much the repairs are for at least 4 guitar. The sign said no restroom I read that and was not going in there for that. White lady said no lesson? It says No restroom and approached furiously in their store giving us nasty look after repeating no restroom multiple times and pointing to the sign .Did not even let us speak for question. Can not tell if she was owner but def not going in, I didn't even get to check the inside. How rude!

I went here when I was younger in like middle school and it helped my voice mature so well. I'm…read moreeven thinking about bribing my child here now !! Mia was the best!!

We LOVE our music classes with Ms. Betina, Ms. Joanna and Mr. Bryce. My son loves the various…read moreinstruments that come out each week and the predictable flow of the class.

its Groovy Baby has a been wonderful experience for my child. He looks forward to attending class…read moreeach week.

My daughter started at 8 yo, here after telling us for 2 years she wanted to play the drums. They…read morewere so great with starting her in challenging and fun ways, and she always looks forward to her lessons! Their band program adds a great performance dimension, and keeps the kids "accountable" in a fun and engaging way. The teachers and owners treat everyone in a warm and pleasant way, and you feel this great balance between challenge and support. It's a great learning environment for musicians!

Update 08/2018: My daughter is still attending Columbia Rock School (renamed from LTBRS a while…read moreago). She is doing great, loves it and has no plans to stop anytime soon. Original Review: My daughter started almost a year ago at LTBRS and she loves it. Her instructors (band and private lessons) are wonderful and she has learned so much. She started with singing and we have added piano. She is also part of their band program which is a great experience for the kids. When I was first researching singing lessons in our area I did look at a similar school right across the street to us but wasn't sold on it as it felt very corporate with a program that didn't feel at all flexible in my personal opinion. My daughter can work on the songs she chooses alongside the songs she sings for the band program at LTBRS and there are also opportunities for her to perform at Open Mic Nights as well. Something she really looks forward to. As for the piano it was something that took a while to get going, as learning the basics can sometimes be boring for kids, but her instructor has done a fantastic job moving her along and keeping it fun. She is now practicing all the time on her own as well which is great to see. The atmosphere and the owner is great. I'm glad we chose this school over the other options in the area.

Jorge is an excellent coach and teacher. His approach is very professional and he truly cares about…read morehis students. From the first lesson on I knew this was the type of teaching I've always wanted. His studio is also always clean and impeccable. Highly recommend Zen Guitar Studios!

It was on my bucket list to return to piano. I have not had lessons since age 12 or played much…read moresince age 20. Now in my mid-sixties, I signed up for weekly lessons for the two months I was off during the summer. My fingers are clumsy, I do not have an ear, had forgotten how to read music, have forgotten what I used to know, and do not learn as easily as I did at 12! Since I perform so badly, my teacher, Lafayette Gilchrist - a working jazz musician and a tower of patience and diplomacy - cannot know how far he has brought me in only seven weeks! My goals were to read music again and eventually accompany elementary school students who sing. Thanks to Lafayette, I have achieved a modest level of literacy; I can recognize, choose and attempt to play music of a level appropriate to where I am now. I understand some notation I didn't know before and am no longer intimidated by anything that looks like I should be able to learn to play it. I can see myself accompanying children one day. Much unlike my 12-year-old self, I now enjoy practicing. I see all of this as a boost in my quality of life. I can't thank Lafayette or the Music Workshop enough and hope to return the next time I have a chunk of time off.

My son has taken lessons now for three years, the past 9 months virtually, and he LOVES his…read morelessons. He looks forward to them, and practicing during the week is not a chore for him (far different from when I was a kid!) Lafayette makes learning fun; Jim, the owner, is wonderful; and Sue at the front desk is friendly and helpful. We miss seeing all of them in person so much, but we are happy that Zoom lessons have worked out so well, and will keep doing it until we can all get back together safely!

This place is great! The best teachers ever! They teach a wide range of instruments. From the…read moreukulele to the drums. Brendan is my teacher for guitar. He is great! he teaches you fast. And In a few lessons he'll have you playing songs! If you're looking for a great place to learn an instrument fast come to stages!!! Charles ( the manager ) comes around a lot and peeks into your lesson. He is so nice. I've known Charles since I was 3 or 4 years old. All the employees here are amazingly friendly and are ready to help you at any time!!!