Our Services
1 hr 30 min
127 US dollars
Meet Your Instructor
At the guitar academy we specialize in elite instruction focused on speed, technique, phrasing, composition, harmony/theory and musicality. Personalized coaching for dedicated players. While Serge remains the owner and lead instructor, he has carefully hand-selected a team of exceptional musicians and educators who share his commitment to world-class instruction. Every instructor is chosen not only for their technical ability, but for their professionalism, teaching experience, and dedication to helping students achieve their goals.
Serge Droban
Owner/ Instructor
Andy Jones
Instructor
Guitar Lessons Built Around Your Goals
I don’t believe every guitar player should be taught the exact same way. Everyone comes into lessons with different strengths, weaknesses, influences, and goals, so I build my lessons around the individual player.
Whether you’re trying to clean up your technique, finally understand the fretboard, play faster with less tension, become a better improviser, or simply understand why the music you love works, we’ll identify what is actually holding you back and build a clear path forward. My goal isn’t to give you random exercises and licks every week. It’s to help you become a more complete and independent musician.
What You Will Learn
Depending on your goals and current level, lessons can cover:
Technique & Speed
Alternate picking, sweep picking, economy picking, synchronization, legato, relaxation, accuracy, and developing speed without sacrificing control.
Fretboard Knowledge & Music Theory
Understanding the entire neck, intervals, chords, scales, arpeggios, harmony, modes, and—most importantly—how all of these concepts actually connect.
Improvisation & Phrasing
Learning how to create musical ideas instead of simply running patterns up and down the fretboard. We can work on phrasing, melodic development, vocabulary, rhythm, dynamics, and developing your own voice.
Composition & Songwriting
For players interested in creating their own music, I can help with harmony, melody, arrangement, song structure, and turning musical ideas into finished compositions.
Reading & Musicianship
For students who want it, I also teach standard notation, rhythm, ear training, to even 17th century counterpoint and the broader musicianship skills that go beyond simply learning how to play guitar.
Performance
Technique, phrasing, and musicianship in action. Here’s my take on Marty Friedman’s legendary “Tornado of Souls” solo.
Online and Private Guitar Lessons in Tucson & Oro Valley Area
I offer personalized private guitar lessons for students online anywhere in the world as well as those who wish to study in person at my private studio in Tucson/Oro Valley Arizona. I work with players at different skill levels, from students who want to build a strong musical foundation to experienced guitarists who have hit a plateau and need a more focused approach to take their playing further to even students who are professional touring musicians and recording aritsts. My lessons are serious about the craft, but they’re also built around what you actually want to accomplish as a musician. You don’t need to be an advanced player to study with me—you just need to want to improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you teach beginners?
Yes. You don’t need years of experience or advanced technique to take lessons with me. In fact, learning the fundamentals correctly from the beginning can prevent a lot of bad habits and confusion later on. I’ll meet you at your current level and build from there.
Do you teach intermediate and advanced guitarists?
Absolutely. A large part of my teaching focuses on helping experienced players break through plateaus in technique, speed, theory, improvisation, fretboard knowledge, phrasing, and musicianship. If you already play but feel like something is missing, we can figure out exactly what that is.
Do you teach adults?
Yes. I work with adult students ranging from hobbyists who simply want to become better musicians to serious players pursuing advanced goals and even professional touring and recording artists. Lessons are personalized around your experience, available practice time, and what you actually want to achieve.
What styles of guitar do you teach?
My background covers rock, metal, blues, jazz, classical influences, neoclassical guitar, improvisation, and modern lead guitar technique. Rather than forcing every student into one particular style, I use the music you’re interested in as part of developing your technique and musicianship.
Do you offer online guitar lessons?
Yes. I teach students online as well as offering private lessons in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area. Online students receive the same individualized approach and lesson planning as my local students.
Do I need to know music theory?
No. If you already understand theory, we can build on it. If you don’t, I’ll teach it in a way that directly connects to the guitar and the music you’re actually playing. Theory should make music easier to understand—not more confusing.
What Students Are Saying
Read Google Reviews Here:
Ready to Take Your Playing Further?
If you’re serious about becoming a better guitarist and musician, I’d be happy to work with you.
Every student is different, so we’ll start with where you are now, figure out where you want to go, and build the most practical path to get you there.