Practice and Theory

The dedication to learn

Everyone has their own reasons for wanting to play, but that does not change our level of commitment to their progress. Some people have had a guitar or a piano for many years and think to themselves "it's about time to learn how to play that thing". Some students come to us with many years of playing experience who want to fill-in the blanks with music theory and their understanding how music is created. Some people got interested in learning to play the real thing after they got good at playing a popular video game. Many pros know that you can never stop learning something new or stop improving your technique. Famous artists know the importance of keeping a regular training schedule with a coach. Your instructor is your music coach. That's why a regular weekly lesson keeps the momentum moving forward and learning on track. That lesson time is your musical personal training session!Have patience with yourself, and we will grow your inner musician!

why theory is important

An extreme example could be about your doctor. Do you want her to only know what to do, or to know what and why to do it? It is one thing to memorize a move without a clue what you are doing (is that a G seventh chord or do you just call it "the claw" like Phoebe on NBC's Friends?) and another to understand the notes, scales and chords that are in the "KEY" of the song you want to play. Once you know the key, everything falls into place. The pros know theory, you should too.

Keep your gear in shape

Out of tune and rusty strings don't lend to a student's desire to play. A keyboard with a busted key and dried soda stains might not either. Keep your gear in good shape.

At American Rock School (formerly Tampa Guitar School), we teach using both standard notation, tablature (TAB) and chord charts. We'll teach you scales, reading rhythm, arpeggios, speed drills and exercises, sweep-picking, chord progressions, how chords are formed, what intervals are, fancy cool-sounding "tricks" that pros use, ear training, picking and right-hand finger technique, and more. We give you examples in styles like rock, blues, metal, punk, country, jazz, classical, reggae, folk and more. Our expert instructors will demonstrate first-hand how to play. They'll slow it down for you and explain the technique and the theory. Once you understand that, it's only a matter of practice!