Testimonials

Students and parents like our style of music instruction, and had the following to say about us:

  • "Caleb has been taking guitar at the Colburn School of Performing Arts in downtown LA, so my expectations of a music school are high. Those expectations have been met at Peninsula School of Music. The instructors are serious about music and Caleb loved to participate in the semi-annual jam/recital session."
    - Sharon Collins

  • "My kids have been enjoying the (piano) lessons with their instructor and I really appreciate the service you have provided!" - S. Kim

  • "I went from knowing barely how to play anything to playing my favorite songs in just a few weeks." - Nick Jones (17)

  • The following testimonial is from Brent Canter who is entering the UCLA jazz program (full scholarship) Fall 2004:

  • "As a student with Mark Fitchett for over seven years I have grown as a musician and enhanced my knowledge of theory and technique in a number of styles. From my early days playing the blues and Green Day to my present jazz studies, Mark has always challenged me and kept me interested as he introduced new ideas into my musical vocabulary. From chicken pickin' to Coltrane substitutions, I have never had a dull lesson which is why I have continued to see Mark every Sunday for as long as I can remember. Mark has helped me foster a work ethic and an open mind which helped me in my school jazz band and in various other performance groups. Even when I began playing with my own group at the various clubs on Sunset Blvd, Mark instructed me in how to best run rehearsals and work in the music business. I would definitely recommend Mark Fitchett to any individual interested in picking up the guitar and learning something new."

  • "I really enjoy my lessons each week and my instructor always knows how to adapt to my interests and keeps me motivated to playing! I'd highly recommend the school to anyone that wants to learn to play guitar." - Rob Sherman

  • "You've got a very positive and motivating way of encouraging the students." - Renita Smith

  • "Thank you for helping  me prepare for Certificate of Merit exams, and thank you for helping me get into the State Convention!" - Caroline Smith, age 9

  • "The lessons have helped me get into playing after so many years. It has also me to understand further in detail how things are put together." - Sergio Terlato (44)

  • "Now let me throw a sales pitch at you for music theory. When I first started in the 7th grade I taught myself mostly, and made some progress. I got down hammering and pulling from guitar magazines and eventually tapping. The first two years were physical conditioning. Then I began taking lessons from Mark Fitchett in Redondo Beach and that's when it all came together. Not only did I learn what I had been playing for the past two years, but how to organize it, add to it, and combine it. Man, I'm telling you, once you know theory, there's no end to what you can do. I might not know all the names for everything, but I see how its fits together in my head. And once it comes time to prove yourself in an improv jam or something, you start using everything you've learned subconsciously. Also, take any music classes you can if you're in school. I took a high school music class and it taught me how to read music, understand modulation, and all sorts of things. " - Eric Hagen (www.guitartricks.com)

 

  • "It's very difficult to find a piano teacher who teaches both standard classical repertoire and jazz. That's why we were interested in the school. . .Jacob has made huge progress in a very short amount of time. . ." - Jordan Clay

  • "Good atmosphere and instruction!" -Tom Nisbet

About Ford Timberlake, 11 years old. As of 8/24/04 he had been taking lessons for six months:

  • "Ford started from nowhere, and now he can play-pretty well. Sometimes Ford has a lot of stuff going on and can't practice, but his instructor has been understanding and professional and goes with it. This is a great little operation and the staff, all of em'-are just too cool. I would recommend Guitar School to anyone.Especially if they are just starting out. - Scott Timberlake

  • "What I like about your method is that you provide the girls with specific assignments that are very clear. Whereas the other teacher had them working on things from all over the place, you give four assignments that they can focus on during the week. They put down their tally marks when they are practicing and are keeping track of their own work."
    . . . my older daughter says she feels like now she is learning real piano." - Eunice Choi

  • "Great fun. Learning a lot of cool stuff with David" - Kelly G. ("old guy")

  • "I think it's fun because you get to pick which songs you want to learn. Also, it's kind of easy to learn the guitar. - Ryan Silva (14)


  • "My 13 year old son has been a student for almost a year. His experience has been nothing but positive... his teacher being an amazing role model. Rather than walking around the house saying he is bored, my son now spends his idle time working on suggestions made by his teacher. Two years ago, we had enrolled Jake in another music school. We see the difference between the love of art and relaxed atmosphere displayed at the Guitar School, and highly recommend this studio to anyone interested in learning guitar." 

          Respectfully Submitted, Lisa Larson (Parent of Jake Larson)

  • "We have had a wonderful experience with your method of instruction. The boys have had the freedom to choose the songs and type of music they wanted to study and it has made all the difference. Playing and perfecting familiar tunes has given them the desire to practice regularly. They are eager to learn more of what they choose and have gained much confidence. Thanks" - Barbara Proudfoot

  • "I think this is the best guitar school ever, because I've learned so much and my guitar teacher is great! I would encourage everyone out there to start playing an instrument." - Megan Stokes (12)

  • "Excellent teaching skill. Mark has helped me enjoy my guitar playing more with customized lessons from theory to helping me figure out my favorite songs." Thanks Mark. - Joaquin Santana (Adult student)

  • "Tim inspires Marshall (age 11) to learn and practice. In two months Marshall is playing several chords, reading music better, understanding rhythm and tonal quality and having fun while attending the lessons. When Marshall played his first song it boosted his confidence and encouraged him to practice more! Tim and the Guitar School have provided Marshall with a highly attentive, focused and enjoyable learning environment.
  • "Over the years (4) that Mark Fitchett has taught me, he has been patient and vitally helpful in pushing me through frustrating plateaus. I consider myself a person without much musical talent, however, Mark has instilled me with strong skills that we continue to work on as we go. It has been very rewarding for me." - Stan Barankewicz (39)

  • "I liked the fact that my daughter (age 9) would learn the style of music she enjoys. This has kept her interested and committed. She feels comfortable because of the asual, no pressure atmosphere. She's able to learn at her own speed. Her instructor gives her lots of positive  feedback, which leaves her anxious for the next lesson. I am very impressed with my daughter's progress. " - Melissa Marbut

  • "Brandon has made great progress and looks forward to his lesson each week." - The Pritzkats

  • "So far I have enjoyed my lessons and have gained a lot of experience from my teacher. The environment is friendly, and I am learning new things every lesson." - Andrew Ratley

  • "Jenny Oetzell really likes her guitar teacher and taking lessons at the Guitar School.  Everyone is very friendly, patient and interested in MUSIC!  Jenny doesn't feel pressured.  She wants to enjoy taking lessons and she does.  It's relaxed and fun.  Thank you for your great school!" - Jenny's mom

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