Private lessons with top Guitar instructors near Paradise Valley, AZ

By Andrew A. - Tempe Guitar Teacher

Are you an aspiring guitar student in the Paradise Valley or greater Scottsdale area? Do you enjoy live music, or even dream of someday starting a band of your own? Well, you're in luck, because you are in a great place for guitar players! There's a reason why well-known touring bands like Jimmy Eat World, Meat Puppets, and Gin Blossoms all got their start and thrived in the Phoenix metro area music scene - and it's just as strong as ever. Luckily, you don't have to travel far outside Paradise Valley to have a great, guitar-filled time!

Musical Instrument Museum

Regardless of your age or musical tastes, there are always great experiences available around town as you take guitar lessons in Paradise Valley. In fact, just outside the western border of Scottsdale is the Musical Instrument Museum, the largest museum of its kind in the world. Among the thousands of instruments on display are many unique guitars from various time periods and countries around the globe, including guitars from well-known musicians like Carlos Santana and George Benson.

In addition, the MIM hosts a number of concerts every year; some examples of past performances include the classical guitar duo SoloDuo, a finger-style guitar event featuring four different artists, and renowned jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan. Overall, the MIM is a great spot to experience different styles of guitar that you may not get to see every day, and it is a great resource to get inspired and take your guitar playing in new and exciting directions.

Local Colleges

If you're interested in the types of performances the MIM offers but you're not too keen on the price, there are still plenty of inexpensive options to take advantage of when taking guitar lessons in Paradise Valley. Both Scottsdale Community College and Arizona State University have excellent music programs with free student and faculty performances, including jazz and classical guitar. ASU also has many low-cost concerts featuring touring classical and jazz guitarists, most notably the winners of the annual Guitar Foundation of America classical guitar competition, one of the most prestigious events in the classical guitar world.

Nearby Music Venues

Maybe rock or country is your thing, and you're more interested in watching live bands in a bar setting. Luckily, there is a fantastic and varied local music scene for the 21 and over crowd. There are far too many venues to list, but some of the most notable options include Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row, a full-on country music bar and restaurant; Rogue Bar, a venue that hosts acts ranging from rock, metal, or even folk with a dive-bar atmosphere; Rockbar, a place that lives up to its name while boasting the ambiance of a sports bar; and Culinary Dropout, a trendy restaurant where the live music is meant to be in the background, making it a great social experience.

Whatever your tastes, it's easy to find a venue with bands that play your favorite kind of music, and it's a great experience to see talented, local guitarists up close and learn by watching and listening to them. It will encourage you to keep working hard if your goal is to be up on that stage one day!

As you can see, the Phoenix metro area has something to offer for every guitar student. Whether you just want to watch and learn from local or touring guitarists, see the guitar from different perspectives to get some inspiration, or you aspire to play in a gigging band one day, there is a wide variety of venues and events to enjoy.

Best of luck with your guitar lessons in Paradise Valley, and enjoy exploring the local music scene!