I'm 69 years old and always wanted to play the guitar but never had the time, patience or right instructor. I'm now retired and have been playing the guitar for one year thanks to Brian. He's the perfect compliment to me as an instructor. A person with talent, great musical acumen, and most of all patience. He has given me confidence and the ability to learn at my own pace and comfort. I used to go to his house weekly but with the COVID 19 containment I now have my lessons with Brian on Zoom. We haven't lost a beat being online! Hahaha! Young or old (like me) I highly recommend Brian, if you want the pleasure of learning to play the guitar. - Bob A
Hi, my name is Nathan and I’m 12 years old, and I’ve played the guitar for 3 years. When I turned 9, my parents decided to get me a guitar, but of course, I needed an instructor to learn it. So, they brought Brian Murphy to help. He is a brilliant instructor, with amazing skill, and he is very patient. Every Friday, he would come to my house and teach me things like songs, scales, and how to solo. Even when we had to switch to Zoom meetings, we still kept at it at the same pace. I feel like thanks to him, I was able to move at a quicker pace than most people when it came to learning how to play the guitar. I would highly recommend Brian Murphy to anyone who wants to learn the guitar.
Brian goes above and beyond to ensure that my online lessons are as effective as my in person ones. At a time when so many of my activities have been taken away, I am happy that I am able to still continue my guitar lessons. Brian is very reliable and extremely flexible. I look forward to my lessons every week! - teenage student
“The Obi-Wan Kenobi of guitar teachers”
-parent of 14 yr old.
“Phenomenal teacher”
- unsolicited referral, Nov. 2013
I took guitar lessons for several years when I was a kid but dropped it to concentrate on a career. My wife gave me lessons with Brian as a Christmas gift when I was in my 40’s. After the last 7 years of taking guitar lessons with Brian I can truly say that I did not really learn how to play until he became my teacher. Whether it is musical theory or playing, he always finds a way to get the light bulb to go on so that you understand the subject matter or can play what is necessary to get you to the next level and to reach your goals. He clearly loves his craft which comes through in the lessons.- John, Adult student.
"My 11 year old son has been taking guitar lessons with Brian Murphy for six months. When he started with Brian, there were gaps in my son’s playing that had been left by other teachers. Brian immediately went to work identifying, and filling in those gaps. Brian covers theory, note literacy, chords, scales, improvising, and styles in every lesson. This comprehensive approach is Brian’s greatest asset. He will make you or your child into a complete player and musician. Brian also has an excellent rapport with my son. He is direct and focused, yet kind. I am a musician and teacher myself, and I whole heartedly recommend Brian Murphy."
—Andy, musician parent of 12 year old student
“I’ll learned some much in just the three lessons I had with Brian than all the hours on YouTube. “ - adult student on Skype
"Brian is hands down the best guitar teacher out there! Our daughter picked up the guitar for the first time this September and within a few short weeks Brian has taught her how to play many songs. He is professional, knowledgeable, reliable and makes her lessons fun. " - parent of 15 yr old.
Hi Brian! I know it's been quite a while. I wanted to contact you about starting lessons again for Evan. Evan has taken lessons on and off since he was your student and to be honest, you by far had the most influence. The approach you provided is what Evan really needs to advance and to grow as a musician. When we talk to Evan about the real foundation of playing it always comes back to what he learned from you, such as scales, modes, etc. All he has been doing is copying songs and not learning anything about what he is actually playing. We were wondering if you would take Evan back as a student starting in September?
Thanks!
Jody
"Brian Murphy is an amazing guitar teacher who has helped instill in our sons a lifetime love of making music. His enthusiasm and personality makes lessons fun and complement his extensive knowledge of music theory. He is patient and flexible, makes sure to tailor his lessons to the pace appropriate for each individual student and has helped our kids learn music and guitar skills at a much faster pace than we had thought possible."
Bruce & Beatrice Mattaway, Bardonia NY
Adult student talking to my daughter at the Stony Point Fest.
"Never had a good guitar teacher till I started taking lessons with your father."
Brian has turned our son into a little rock star! His first lesson he learned a Beatles song! From there on: Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, The Animals, Nirvana, The Lumineers, Bob Dylan. No “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” in this guitar class. He’s made our son so cool- and he doesn’t even realize it yet! We are so proud! Thank you Brian Murphy!!- Nathan’s parent
Taking lessons with Brian Murphy really accelerated my playing. His knowledge with music theory gave me a better understanding of music. Throughout the lessons I took I always had a good time playing along with Brian. He set up a fun and exciting atmosphere to learn and play music. I greatly appreciate everything he did for me.-- Tommy, Adult student
I've been working with Brian Murphy for close to six-months and it has been a great learning experience. For myself I needed a knowledgeable talented teacher to be patient, yet strong to push my learning curve. After taking a long time away from studying formally I feel I was very fortunate to be back learning music theory and jazz guitar the right way with a great teacher. Finding a clear concise teacher; who brings positive energy to your time together, makes the music journey more rewarding and more exciting to look to the learning road ahead. - Mike K, adult student.
I have been working Brian for the past 6 months, His experience & back round is what did it for me, I am beginning guitar player. I find Brian to be very knowledgeable and patient. He finds what music you are interested in and helps achieve your goals of playing that music. I look forward to working with Brian in the future.- Arne, adult student
Hi Brian! I know it's been quite a while. I wanted to contact you about starting lessons again for Evan. Evan has taken lessons on and off since he was your student and to be honest, you by far had the most influence. The approach you provided is what Evan really needs to advance and to grow as a musician. When we talk to Evan about the real foundation of playing it always comes back to what he learned from you, such as scales, modes, etc. All he has been doing is copying songs and not learning anything about what he is actually playing. We were wondering if you would take Evan back as a student starting in September?
Thanks!
Jody
My daughter is 12 years old and has been taking guitar lessons with Brian for a little less than a year now and we’ve been very impressed by Brian’s ability to develop her musical ability in a very short period of time! He came highly recommended by a friend of ours whose teenage son has been taking lessons with Brian and was also very happy. From the very first session Brian was able to help us figure out which guitar was best for her, restring it and find out what type of music she likes. Caitlin was able to start learning songs immediately which was a huge motivator! Sometimes with so many other activities and homework it’s hard to figure out the time to practice but Brian gives assignments to be done every day that only take about 10-15 min. so it’s not overwhelming. He picks up the songs and the materials that she’ll need for each lesson which is a great help because I’m afraid if I had to go to the music store to pick them up myself I might never get there or would possible pick up the wrong thing. Brian also uses a computer to teach the music and he e-mail songs and backing tracks so that she is able to play her songs as if she’s the guitarist in a band. Theory is taught as a part of the songs instead of as a separate task that I’m sure she would have dreaded and possibly would have turned her off completely. He’s a excellent musician, very professional and has a ton of patience. We couldn’t be happier with her progress and can’t wait for summer band camp!! ---Mother of Caitlin, 12 yr. old Pearl River student
Check out Video Testimonials Here
Brian is a great teacher. The first lesson together he makes sure to focus on your likes/dislikes and you end up with a very custom session.
Whether you want to learn songs, increase technical skill, or compose your own material, Brian knows just where to steer you.
His relaxed and enthusiastic attitude creates a perfect environment to calmly increase your skills at guitar while having a great time in the process.
I've been incredibly pleased with the amount of progress he has helped with with in such a short time!
---Alex, Adult Stony Point Student
Brian Murphy is a great guitar teacher. He teaches you from the basics to those hard solos. He lets you chose the songs you want to learn and will help you every step of the way. You don't even have to go to him, he comes to you so you don't need too worry about getting there on time. If you have any problems he helps you with them. He has taught me from playing simple chords to playing songs like " Black Dog", "Iron Man", and "Hotel California". Brian is a great guitar player and teacher.
--John, Teenage Pearl River Student
"Elad's proudest moment this week was when he played (and sang!), over the phone, three songs he had learned to his grandma in Israel. Thanks, Brian. -- --Grandmother of Elad, 10 year old boy
