The best guitar lessons for kids in NYC

Sharpen up those chords—New York Guitar Academy is ready to help kids and teens to reach their full musical potential. All levels, ranging from absolute beginners to advanced, are invited to explore a variety of genres. Rock out, enjoy the blues, tackle classical pieces—whatever your kids' hearts desire. Young students are invited to join drop-in classes, semester courses, summer camps and even online courses if schedules get too busy. Ages 8 and up. Midtown (nyguitaracademy.org). 

If you have a rock star in the making, venture to New York City Guitar School and prepare for some major shredding. With locations all over the city—most notably in Midtown—the school welcomes young instrumentalists of all levels to try their hand at private lessons, group lessons and camps. Guitars are available for free in class, and if your little rocker is still getting accustomed to playing, you can rent an instrument for $21/month before purchasing your own. Various locations (nycguitarschool.com). 

Ready to rock 'n roll? Staten Island School of Rock will prep kiddos to take center stage and dominate. Little guitarists (or vocalists, bassists, pianists and drummers) can learn the fundamentals in one-on-one lessons before participating in one of several exciting programs, including Band Camp, a two-week session that lets kids see what it takes to make original music—just like their favorite artists. Staten Island (sischoolofrock.com). 

Dividing the year into three semesters, Queens Music Academy provides ample opportunities for young musicians to explore all of their possibilities with the Suzuki and Shirley Given methods as their guides. For those who are tossed between instruments—guitar, piano, violin, trumpet, flute, drums—trial lessons are available, but those who want to dive right into their studies, one-on-one instruction and group lessons are at the ready. Rock Band lessons are also available for kiddos who have mastered their skills and want to channel their favorite groups. Woodside (queensmusicacademy.org). 

The Bronx Conservatory of Music is an accessible program that allows young musicians residing in the borough to learn the fundamentals of their instrument of choice—guitar, bass, violin, drums and so on. After semester-long training, students are encouraged to use their skills to enrich the Bronx musical community. Bronx (bronxconservatory.org). 

Kids and teens can choose either an electric guitar or acoustic guitar when signing up for in-studio lessons at Riverside Music Studios. Students can opt for 30, 45 or 60-minute lessons, depending on age and how comfortable they feel tackling new challenges. If you can't make it into Manhattan, in-home lessons are also available. Upper West Side (riversidemusicstudios.com).