Piano, Guitar, Bass & Drum Lessons in Tempe, AZ – Music Lessons Arizona

Adult Jam Sessions & Music Coaching in Tempe, AZ

A New Kind of Music Program for Adults Who Want to Play, Jam & Connect

concert with students
If you’ve struggled to find reliable jam sessions or feel like you’ve hit a wall playing on your own — this is for you.

If you’re an adult guitarist, bassist, or drummer in Tempe, AZ and you want to improve your playing, you’ve come to the right place. Maybe you’re feeling stuck, unsure how to structure your practice time, or struggling to improvise and play with others. Whether you’re picking your instrument back up after a break or just want to take your skills to the next level, I can help.

I’m Matt Friedland, and I offer personalized music coaching and adult jam sessions that help you understand how music works, sharpen your technique, and jam more freely with other musicians in a relaxed, supportive environment.

For Adult Musicians Who Want More Than Just Lessons

Many adults try to improve their skills through YouTube, books, or the occasional lesson. But they still feel stuck when it comes to actually playing with others.

 

We offer something different: structured coaching inside a collaborative band setting. This is for players who want to jam regularly, get better, and be part of a musical community.

Check out our Students Performance and Experience

Ready To Elevate Your Music Skills? Contact Us And Take The First Step!

Who This Is For

Check Out What Our Clients Have To Say

"Matt is a multi-talented musician proficient in Drums, Bass, and Guitar. He is a very patient person. My wife takes lessons from him and prior to starting at MLA she hadn’t picked up a new instrument in over 20 years. He has given her confidence and skills she never had before. There are monthly jam sessions where students of all ages get to collaborate and enjoy popular songs together from multiple genres. Don’t be afraid to try something new!"

- James C.

"I've taken guitar lessons from Matt for about 1.5 years and I highly recommend him. His lessons cover different aspects of guitar playing including covering songs, music theory and creative songwriting. He also offers various programs such as group classes, seminars and jam sessions with other students. His thorough knowledge of music theory and vast experience with different styles of music should be able to help individual needs of students at any playing level. I cannot thank him enough for all the songs I've learned how to play as well as dozens of original songs I've wrote with his help."

- June P.

"I am lucky to have found Matt and to be able to take guitar lessons from him. Matt is a phenomenal and highly skilled instructor with super in-depth knowledge in many genres of music. Since I started guitar lessons here, my playing has improved significantly. I have a new sense of understanding of the information that the music was built on. Matt breaks down the music into bite sized pieces thus making it easier to see how the pieces fit and play together. Matt supports his instruction with very organized materials like chord charts, flow and form of the song , music sheets , tablature and how to read the music. This information is invaluable in the learning process regardless of individual skill level. I personally enjoyed the group sessions a lot. Interacting with other musicians is very rewarding. Since my lessons here, I have added quite a few songs to my library of songs that I can play. The journey has been gratifying and very satisfying. Thank you Matt for your support and guidance in helping me become a better Guitarist and being able to enjoy the journey."

- Roger M.

Ready to Start Jamming? Join our sessions and start improving your skills

The Performing Artist Program

The Performing Artist Program, designed by Matt Friedland, is a special and unique offering that goes beyond traditional music lessons. In this exclusive program, Matt formed a band with four of his students, and together they crafted a setlist of both cover songs and original music. The goal was to give students the experience of performing on a real stage at a professional concert venue.


As part of this unique journey, the band traveled to San Diego for a musical retreat, where they rehearsed, bonded, and immersed themselves in a positive, creative environment. The program culminated in a live performance at The Venue in Mesa, Arizona, showcasing their hard work and talent in front of a live audience.

While not part of our regular offerings, this program highlights the extraordinary opportunities and experiences Matt has created for his students, helping them grow both musically and personally.

What’s Included

Matt Friedland: Guitar Program Director

Guitar Program Director Matt Friedland

With a rich background in performing, teaching, and mentoring, Matt brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of music to his coaching sessions. His unique approach combines structured learning with practical experience, ensuring that each student not only learns but thrives in their musical journey.

Professional Experience:

Extensive experience performing as a guitarist, bass player, and drummer at restaurants, weddings, corporate events, private parties, resorts, music venues, churches, and festivals.

Matt’s Education and Credentials:

Areas of Study:

– Classical and Jazz Music Theory
– Arranging for Jazz and Contemporary Music Ensembles
– Jazz Composition
– Fretboard Harmony
– Jazz Drum Set
– Jazz Improvisation
– Jazz Combo Performing Ensembles
– Big Band Performing Ensembles
– Recital Performances
– Transcribing and Ear Training

Achievements:

– Album “Revelation” (2019): Composed, recorded, produced, and published, available on all major music platforms.

– Band Formation and Mentorship: Formed a band with 4 students, curated a set list of covers and originals, and organized a real concert performance in front of 120 audience members.

– Student Success: Guided each student in composing, recording, producing, and publishing an original song available on all major music streaming platform. Listen to their tracks below.

Matt Friedland, Guitar Program Director Playing Drums

Musical Highlights: Matt's Playing Portfolio

Matt and Sherin Play “Imagine” by John Lennon

“Crushed Ice” original composition by Matt Friedland

Matt performs “Affirmation” by Jose Feliciano

“Matryoshka Doll” original composition by JMP
Matt performs “Smatter” by Kenny Wheeler
JMP performs “Green Tea” by John Scofield
JMP Jam Session Highlights
Matt and his Students Perform “Sunflower”
Matt and his Students Perform “Red Baron”
Matt and his Students “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed”

Like what you hear? Let’s get you playing. Take the first step toward your own musical journey.

Matt’s album “Revelation” is available on all
major music platforms including

All music composed, arranged, performed and produced by Matt Friedland

Click the image to view the album on iTunes.

Real Stories From Our Students: What It’s Like to Play in a Group

Discover how group sessions helped our students gain confidence and elevate their musical skills.

Fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

Our student Joyce performing at the Performing Artist Program Concert
Our student Joyce performing at the Performing Artist Program Concert.

In the free consultation you’ll get:

Location & Instruments

Open to adult guitarists, bassists, and drummers

Students must have basic proficiency on their instrument

We group students based on compatibility and level

Ready to stop playing alone and start playing music with others?

If you’re ready to start jamming and improving with other musicians, let’s talk about what that could look like for you