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

Adult Music Program
Guitar Bass Drums

Do you feel stuck with your playing?

Would you like to know how to structure your practice time so you can achieve your musical goals and become the player you want to be?

Do you feel like no matter what you try, you're not making any real progress with your playing?

Would you like to understand how music works in more detail so you can play with freedom and confidence?

My name is Matt Friedland and I'm a music lover just like you. I've always wanted to play music since I was a kid but I failed at it three times. I didn't start playing until I was 18 but I quickly developed a passion for music.

Throughout my quest to reach my musical goals, I've tried just about everything and I know how frustrating it can be when you're not able to play the way you want to, no matter how much you practice.

I teach stuck guitarists, bassists and drummers how to practice effectively so they can have musical fulfillment and the confidence to play with other musicians.

When I started playing bass, drums and then guitar, I was mostly self taught but my musical education came from playing along with records and jamming with any musician I met. I didn’t know how to read music or any theory at the time but I could still create music from my heart and that’s what mattered most to me.  Eventually, I would hit a wall with my playing and I knew if I wanted to reach the musical levels I desired, I’d need help. I’ve studied with over 25 teachers in my career, some were great and some weren’t but I learned valuable lessons from each one.

 

If you’re a self taught musician or have taken some lessons here and there, I’d like to congratulate you on getting as far as you have. Most people don’t get to where you are now. Like I said earlier, I failed at music 3 times in grade school. Most people fail at learning an instrument and never get to fulfill their musical dreams but it’s not their fault. They just weren’t guided by the right teacher in a way that they could connect with.

 

I had always wanted to jam with other musicians and when I finally had success playing with others, it was one of the most fulfilling and satisfying things I had ever experienced. I wanted that feeling over and over again and began pursuing the knowledge so I could confidently jam with any musicians at any time. I feel fortunate to have experienced music in this truly rewarding way and I want to share that experience with you.

 

What I believe is at the core of musical success is sharing the musical experience with others and having great teachers guide you through the process of reaching your musical goals. That’s what makes it fun, motivating, gratifying and that’s how I finally achieved the musical success I aspired for so long. 

  

To help my students reach the same level of fulfillment I have, I’ve structured my program based on all the positive musical experiences I’ve had. From essential experience playing with other musicians to the key instruction I needed to develop my playing skills.

 

I definitely know how intimidating it can be to play with other musicians, especially if you don’t have much or any experience doing it, but playing with others is an essential component to my (and your) musical success and happiness. I’ve been through some tough times in my musical career, some that really crushed me, but my class is a structured environment where everyone is kind, supportive and friendly so you don’t have to go through the school of hard knocks like I did to enjoy playing music. 

 

Preview Some Class Performances

Jazz and Blues

Funk and Fusion

Pop

Rock

What Will I Gain From Joining This Program?

  • Confidence to jam with other musicians
  • Spiritual fulfillment through musical collaboration.
  • Skills to become the player you've always wanted.
  • Respect and admiration from others.

How Does the Class Work?

Classes are grouped by skill level, from Late Beginners to Early Advanced Players and musical interests so you’re in an environment that fits your needs. 

 

Class genres range from Jazz, Blues, Rock, Funk and Pop. Utilizing my song based curriculum, we workshop and rehearse popular songs within these genres. You will develop key musical skills and insights so you can become the player you’ve always wanted to be.

 

Class Topics include:

  • Rhythm and Technique
  • Chords and Scales
  • Improvisation and Theory
  • Song Structure and Song Writing
  • Elements of Reading Music. All sheet music and charts are provided in standard notation and tablature. No prior experience reading standard music notation is necessary.

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.

How do I know which class is right for me?

I offer a free Zoom consultation where I can learn more about your musical interests, goals and what you’d like to accomplish by working together. From there, I’ll assess your playing, provide strategies and solutions for the challenges you may be facing and devise a plan for how I can help you achieve your musical goals.

Take the first step towards your musical dreams and book your free consultation.  Visit the contact form now.

Take Me to the Contact Form