Address: 204A West Patrick Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701
Phone: 301-639-3577
Email: Guitaracademy1@aol.com

1. Educational Background - How many years playing and how many years of formal study are always good questions to inquire with.

2. Reading Ability - Every music instructor should be fluent in sight-reading music.

3. Music Theory - Every music instructor should be competent in instructing music theory.

4. Does the Instructor know the CAGED System? - If the answer is no, you as the student will not understand your instrument as well as you would like to (especially if you wish to compose or improvise).

5. Teaching Experience - How many years has the instructor been teaching?

6. Performance Experience - Does the instructor play gigs on a regular basis, if not he/she is a hobbyist and is not a professional. Do not fool yourself, a hobbyist can never have the training and experience a professional has.

7. Price and lesson policy - Try to find the best deal that you can afford without cheating yourself of any proper training.

8. Ages and Levels accepted - Some instructors only teach from a certain age up, so if you are looking for lessons for a young child please mention this fact to the instructor. Also be sure to ask what levels (beginning, intermediate or advanced) the instructor is best suited for.

9. Genres or styles taught - Always match your goals with your instructor for the most success.

10. Is proper technique taught - If a student has poor technique pain will result, and this pain can result in future injuries.

11. Lesson Scheduling and Lesson Duration - This changes based upon the instructors and the area you currently live in. The majority of studies highly recommend that music lessons should be taken at least once a week for 30 minutes duration for the most rapid progress.

12. Defined Curriculum (based upon your goals) - Ask the instructor what method books he/she uses to instruct with and see whether they are suitable for your level and match the goals you have. An instructor with no methodology is most certainly not a professional.

Musical Styles Instructed at Maurice Arenas Guitar Academy

Musical Subjects Instructed at Maurice Arenas Guitar Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What levels do you teach?
A: This Music Studio is proud to teach all levels (beginning, intermediate and advanced) in a variety of styles and genres.

Q: What subjects are shown emphasis in the program?
A: The music program concentrates on various subjects side by side with the goals of the student that include:
- Sight Reading / Chart Reading
- Nashville Number System
- Music Theory
- CAGED System
- Improvisation
- Technique Refinement
- Performance / Accompaniment
- Fingerstyle / Pick style
- Rhythm Guitar Styles
- Lead Guitar Skills

Q: What is the recommended duration of music lessons?
A: Studies have shown that students have the most success with weekly music lessons of 30 minutes duration. The only exception is made to advanced students (upon approval of the instructor) who wish to study weekly for one hour.

Q: What is the price for music lessons at your studio?
A: Currently lessons are to be paid in advance of every month. The monthly rate is $80. (Please feel free to call or email the Music Studio if you have any further questions about our policy)

Q: Can you please tell me a little bit about your bass program?
A: The bass program incorporates and features these subjects in various styles and genres:
- Sight Reading / Chart Reading
- Nashville Number System
- Music Theory / Improvisation
- Fingerboard Knowledge
- Technique Refinement
- Performance / Accompaniment
- Slapping Techniques
- Rhythm and Groove Development
- Walking Bass Lines
- Stylized Bass Lines (Ex. Latin, Caribbean, Funk, etc...)

Q: What is the CAGED System and how important is it for a music student to know?
A: The CAGED System is an old system (developed by Studio Musicians) of fingerboard knowledge and is the most important information a student can utilize for his/her goals. The CAGED System shows the logic of how chords, scales and arpeggios are illustrated all over the guitar fingerboard and with this knowledge one can sight read, improvise and transcribe by ear much more quickly and efficiently. Sadly to note, many instructors today are unfamiliar with this invaluable method of instruction.

Q: What is the Nashville Number System and how important is it for a student’s progress?
A: The Nashville Number System, much like the CAGED System was developed by studio musicians as a rapid means to integrate and incorporate a standardized music theory method for today’s popular music. Knowing this system will aid the student:
- Learning Songs by Ear Quickly
- Composition
- Memorization
- Transposing Songs Quickly
- Improvisation
- Chord Knowledge and Chord Construction
- Knowledge of Major/ Minor Keys and Key Signatures
- Arranging Music

Q: What methodology do you use for music instruction?
A: The program and methodology used is based solely upon the student's long term and short-term goals. During the interview process the instructor defines this more clearly. This Music Studio has over 40 method books used in music instruction based upon the student's level and needs.

Q: Do you have a music preparatory program that wish to become musicians themselves?
A:  Yes, and the studios long track record of success is proof of this. The success ratio in our students attending the music institution of their choice is currently at 100%. This Music Studio tries its best to be as familiar and up to date with all the requisites and repertoire that is required for auditions and this Music Studio has specially developed tools and a formula to aid students in the college interview process as well.

Q: Do you offer a certification program for students?
A:  Yes, this Music Studio offers the MAGA (Maurice Arenas Guitar Academy) Certification Program. If the student wishes to participate in the program he/she can enroll. This Music Studio offers certification for all levels (beginning, intermediate, advanced and professional) and the jury and testing process insures that only the student who is totally proficient gets his/her certificate. This Music Studio does not sell certificates, and stresses that all certification must be earned.

We are conveniently located on 204A West Patrick Street in Downtown Frederick

 Maurice Arenas Guitar Academy
204 A West Patrick Street
Frederick, MD  21701

(301) 639-3577