Welcome to Ann Arbor Music Academy, your premiere Ann Arbor Music School!
Welcome to Ann Arbor Music Academy, your premiere Ann Arbor Music School!
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Our Ann Arbor guitar teachers are well trained in rock, blues, country, metal, and classical styles and ready to share their expertise with you. Whether you are a beginner or advanced player, our skilled instructors will help you reach your playing goals on your acoustic or electric guitar.
Are your instructors qualified?
Yes! Our instructors are educated musicians with Music Education from Berklee School of Music, University of Michigan, Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, University of Illinois, Eastern Michigan University and more. Many of our instructors are professional musicians with regular performances. Some have national and international tours under their belts as well. In addition, Our reputation matters to our community and so Ann Arbor Music Academy has a strict hiring process which includes background checks and references.
What will I learn?
The Ann Arbor Music Academy admits students of all skill level. Depending on skill level, students may learn how to tune the guitar, strumming patterns/rhythm, basic chords, how to read tablature, bar chords, how to play melodies/lead, and many more advanced techniques! No experience necessary as our instructors will assess your skill level and help you from there. Learning a new instrument takes time and that's why our instructors are there to keep you having fun on the musical journey.
What ages are your guitar students?
The Ann Arbor Music Academy admits students of all ages and skill levels. Guitar lessons are reserved for students ages 5+.
Do I need to buy an instrument?
Yes, Students must buy their own instrument. We are currently working out a program to acquire instruments to loan to students and we will update you once that program is established.
Whitaker Fineberg
For as long as I can remember music has been a compass guiding my path through life. When I was five years old, my older brother helped me write my first song during a family vacation. I watched him grow-up, form bands and tour the country and it inspired me to follow a similar path.
I started playing cello in fifth grade. Though I loved the timbre of the instrument, the somewhat rigid pedagogy that accompanied it did not resonate with me. I was mostly interested in songwriting and self-expression, which led me to begin learning guitar.
I did not take formal guitar lessons until I was older. Instead I picked up bits and pieces from my older brother and taught myself the skills I needed to play the songs I was writing.
This indefatigable fascination with songwriting eventually pushed me into a more rigorous study of music. I began taking theory and choir classes at my high school and would leave halfway through the day to take additional music classes at Washtenaw Community College. At this time I also decided to pursue a college education in music and began taking private lessons in preparation for my upcoming auditions.
I spent a few years at the Chicago College of Performing Arts studying jazz guitar, but ultimately encountered a similar frustration to what I had felt while learning cello. I was disappointed with the number of hours I was spending in the practice rooms versus the number of performance opportunities available to me.
I left Chicago and returned to Michigan where I began writing songs and touring with several local bands. We played throughout the midwest and east coast and released several records.
During this time I also began teaching guitar at a local music store in Ann Arbor. I instantly found teaching extremely fulfilling. I loved the opportunity to work with prospective musicians and artists one on one, and engage them in a way that met their individual needs and interests.
When I reached my mid-twenties I began contemplating settling down and took a desk job selling recording gear. This was a really bizarre change of pace and it quickly became clear that this was not a sustainable trajectory for me.
With the recording gear I’d amassed during the time at my job, I left the company and built a home studio, called Square Lake Sounds. I also began teaching again and teamed up with the fantastic Ann Arbor Music academy to offer my services.
I am excited to meet you, wherever you are in your musical journey, and collaboratively create a pathway toward your musical goals!
Larry Sumner
Larry Roy Sumner Jr. is a singer, songwriter/composer, multi-instrumentalist, music educator, music director, and band leader from South Central Michigan. He gave his first public performance at age three and has been making music ever since! He currently serves as the Minister of Music at United Peoples Community Church, the Music Director for the Concord Area Players, a teacher at the Ann Arbor Music Academy, and leads his own band, B!G L & CODE BLÜ. He also plays with the Jack Pine Savages and Mixed Flavors. A huge fan of musical theatre, Larry has served as the vocal director/pit orchestra conductor for a variety of shows including Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Balancing Act, The Drowsy Chaperone, Spring Awakening, Shrek the Musical, The Sound of Music, The Addams Family, The Music Man, Fiddler on the Roof, and many more! Larry Teaches Jazz Piano/Keyboard Techniques, Guitar, and Bass.
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