Dave Curtis Music Academy

I’ve been taking guitar lessons at DCMA and also doing the Ensemble and Improv programs for 2 years now. A year ago, my now 14 year old daughter also joined to sing in the Ensemble program and take singing lessons.
Dave’s approach to lessons is perfect. You spend a little time figuring out your current level, then you start right in with learning a few things that will let you quickly progress to making music. No learning old songs you don’t know or have no interest in. It is totally geared at what you want to learn & play, and Dave will find a way for you to learn what you need to learn while playing songs you enjoy.
Also, he is more than happy and capable of delving as deeply into music theory as you might wish to go. I have found this the perfect learning environment, and the Ensemble program is great. You get to form up a band with other students, learn 4 to 6 songs as a group, then put on a performance with all the other DCMA student groups for the public at a great venue like the Sagebrush Cantina.
My daughter started off as a singer in the first ensemble, and loved the experience. For the second ensemble, this fall (2015), she asked to add guitar lessons so she could play and sing. I was amazed at how much guitar she picked up so quickly. As soon as the second ensemble was over in November 2015, she asked if she could also add in drums & keyboard for the next one (we settled on just adding drums for now!)
So if you want to have fun learning to play an instrument, particulary guitar & drums & singing for blues & rock, DCMA is the only place you should spend your time & money.

My son Greg has been taking music lessons from Dave Curtis for about two years. It has been a fantastic experience. Dave’s methods have kids really making music right away and his ensemble program gets kids to perform and jam together. It is a welcoming atmosphere. This year my son has AP tests and SAT test but won’t cut back on his music lessons. I would recommend Dave Curtis Music Academy to anyone who wants to learn.

Awesome instructor! My 12 year old daughter has for the most part learned to play the guitar through youtube videos but her confidence and knowledge has improved dramatically with just a few lessons with Dave. He is a good teacher and makes his students feel comfortable. I strongly recommend him.

I searched for guitar lessons and ultimately found Dave on a Groupon deal. My daughter started taking his class and tells me that he made her feel very comfortable. I stood in for one of the lessons and I must say that the guy knows how to teach. I will continue to bring my daughter and I recommend Dave.

Dave is a terrific teacher! I was a bit reticent to begin singing lessons in my 50s, but it has been a dream of mine. I could not be happier that I chose to go to Dave. He is encouraging, patient & knowledgable. I highly recommend him!!!