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Explore our blog for valuable guitar knowledge, stories, and advice from our expert instructor.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had a great lesson with Andrew! It was my first time playing the guitar and I wanted to find out if I liked it. Andrew made it a great experience and I am so excited to keep learning. - Mitchell Givens

Practice for Success

Practice for Success

Practice for Success

Music is Deeply Rooted in Mathematics

Music is Deeply Rooted in Mathematics

Music is Deeply Rooted in Mathematics

Recital Review

This past weekend, 518 Guitar hosted a special event that brought together students, friends, and family for a memorable afternoon of music, community, and fun. Held in the private room of Lynn's Uptown Pub in Albany, the event provided an incredible opportunity for students to showcase their talents, regardless of age or experience level.

Recital Review

Should I Leave my Guitar in the Car?

NO, no and no.

Should I Leave my Guitar in the Car?

Never Too Late: Why Adults Should Embrace Guitar Learning for Brain Health and Beyond

In a world where the pursuit of new skills often seems reserved for the young, it's easy for adults to

Never Too Late: Why Adults Should Embrace Guitar Learning for Brain Health and Beyond

Top Three Things Parents Need to Know About Music Lessons for Their Child

Music lessons can be a wonderful opportunity for children to explore creativity, develop discipline, and

Top Three Things Parents Need to Know About Music Lessons for Their Child

The Perfect Gift: A Guide to Buying a Guitar That's Just Right!

Hello there, gift-giving maestros! Are you considering gifting a guitar to a loved one, but feel a

The Perfect Gift: A Guide to Buying a Guitar That's Just Right!

Real Questions from Real Students!

The first question comes from guitar student Bill H. in California. He would like to start some ear training

Real Questions from Real Students!

5 Tips For Creating A Killer Guitar Practice Routine

Whether you are taking guitar lessons or teaching yourself, creating a structured practice schedule is

5 Tips For Creating A Killer Guitar Practice Routine

What sets apart guitarists who succeed?

What sets apart guitarists who hop between programs that “don’t work” and guitarists who become success stories wherever they go?

What sets apart guitarists who succeed?

Should My Left-Handed Child Play Guitar Lefty or Righty?

If your child is left-handed, you may be wondering if they should play a left-handed guitar or a right-

Should My Left-Handed Child Play Guitar Lefty or Righty?

3 Ways to Keep Your Guitar Humidified This Winter

If you live in a place that experiences dry winters, you know how devastating dry air can be to your

3 Ways to Keep Your Guitar Humidified This Winter

3 Essential Elements of Music to Help You Play Guitar Fluently

I’ve been teaching Albany, NY guitar lessons (and online) for many years, with over 8,000 individual

3 Essential Elements of Music to Help You Play Guitar Fluently

Get Your Guitar Groove On This Summer with Albany Guitar Lessons!

Get Your Guitar Groove On This Summer with Albany Guitar Lessons!

Get Your Guitar Groove On This Summer with Albany Guitar Lessons!

How to get your kid to practice more

How to get your kid to practice more

How to get your kid to practice more

Is Talent a Myth?

Many people assume that talent is something you're born with and therefore, some musicians have an advantage over others because of this gift from God, or good genetics.

Is Talent a Myth?

What You Need to Know Before Buying Your First Guitar 

Choosing your first guitar (or the first guitar for a loved one) can be difficult, especially if you're doing it without any background knowledge of guitars or playing in general.

What You Need to Know Before Buying Your First Guitar

What you need to know about your guitar in the winter

The dry winter air can be hard on your guitar, but there are some precautions you can take to make sure it doesn't get damaged.

What you need to know about your guitar in the winter

The FOCUS Method

Starting guitar as a hobby has never been so easy, engaging and fun! We live at an amazing time.

The FOCUS Method

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT - FREE COVID19 Guitar Learning Materials 

Isolation can be so difficult. However, as the world continues to do its best to staunch the effects of the pandemic, this is a unique opportunity for us to learn an instrument! We can be home among the safety of our families and maintain a healthy routine.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT - FREE COVID19 Guitar Learning Materials

Virtual Guitar Lesson 

When I was featured in our NPR affiliate's Midday Magazine this summer, (WAMC.ORG) I was able to outline some learning needs as we live through an unforeseen age.

Virtual Guitar Lesson

Aging and Guitar: How to Handle your Hands 

Have you experienced increasing hand pain in our age of reliance on technology? Has it affected your guitar (or other instrument) playing?

Aging and Guitar: How to Handle your Hands

Student Spotlight Episode 1: TRACE ELLIS 

I'm SO EXCITED that our first "Student Spotlight" is complete! In this episode, we focus on guitar student Trace Ellis. Trace is a

Student Spotlight Episode 1: TRACE ELLIS

Pandemic Practice Principles for Perfection! 

So. You've got the time. You've got your instrument. You've got a computer, tablet or smartphone with a great connection.

Pandemic Practice Principles for Perfection!

How to Shop for a Beginner Guitar - A Quick Buyer's Guide

What you Need Before Buying a Beginner Guitar There are a few things to know before going online or heading out in person to purchase your first guitar, whether for yourself or a loved one.

How to Shop for a Beginner Guitar - A Quick Buyer's Guide

Your First Guitar Lesson - How to Prep and What to Expect 

Your Guitar Lesson - How to Prepare and What to Expect Today we are going to discuss how to prepare for your first guitar lesson.

Your First Guitar Lesson - How to Prep and What to Expect

What to Know Before Buying A Beginner Guitar

My purpose here is to be your beginner guitar buying guide.

What to Know Before Buying A Beginner Guitar
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