Latest

Video

GGS students featured with Halsey for Billboard’s Women in Music Awards airing on Lifetime TV Dec. 12.

GGS welcomed pop singer-songwriter Halsey to our studio last week. The private mentoring session was captured on film for Billboard’s upcoming Women Music Awards which will air on Lifetime TV Monday, Dec. 12 where Halsey will be given the “Rising Star” award. The show won’t air until next week,  but you can see a sneak preview of it here:

 

Halsey met with GGS students to answer questions about the music industry and song writing among other things. A few GGS students even got a chance to play for the special guest. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to welcome Halsey to our studio and thank her for taking the time to stop by and share her experience and insight with us.

Behind the scenes:

I would like to extend my personal thanks to Halsey, Jessica Rovniak and Billboard for bringing this inspirational opportunity to GGS students. Welcome to our small but mighty tribe of girl guitar goodness, Halsey. Keep doing what you’re doing and know the girls at GGS got your back. We hope to see you again soon. – October

***

To find your own inspiration on the guitar, email us at girlsguitarschool@gmail.com to schedule a lesson in person or online.

Be sure to check out the GGS YouTube channel, too! : http://www.youtube.com/user/girlsgtr

Follow us on Twitter @girlsgtrschool or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/GirlsGuitarSchool

Advertisement

New classes for teens and adults at the Community Center of La Canada Flintridge begin January 12

Happy New Year! Did you get a guitar during the holidays? Or maybe you’ve made the resolution that 2016 will be the year you finally learn how to play guitar. If so, we’ve got great news for you, especially if you live in the Glendale, La Canada Flintridge area. We’ve partnered with the Community Center of La Canada Flintridge to offer group classes for teens and adults throughout the year. These classes are open to both women and men. The first session begins Tuesday, January 12 with The Power of Three and Thursday, January 14 with Guitar 101. All classes are taught by GGS founder, October Crifasi.

For class information and to register, please see:

The Power of 3 Chords (3 weeks)

Guitar 101 (6 weeks)

Instruments are not provided.

The Girls Guitar School program has shifted to private, semi-private instruction both in the studio (Sherman Oaks location) and via Skype. Please contact us at girlsguitarschool@gmail.com or (818) 903-7763 for rates and availability.

2015 saw our first collaboration with the legendary McCabe’s Guitar Shop in Santa Monica for a one-day workshop on the stylings of Taylor Swift. We are in the midst of planning more female-centric workshops and classes with McCabe’s for 2016 so be sure sign up to receive our updates to ensure you get a seat.

Going to NAMM at the end of the month? Stop by the Lessonface booth on Thursday and say howdy.

As always, please feel free to contact us with your questions, and have a wonderful and musical new year.

October

Fall workshops in Glendale, Ukulele 101 launches at Clockwork Couture & more!

AniGCover

We know it has a been a quiet summer for GGS announcements and wanted to let you know that while  GGS group class program is currently on hold  our private studio is open and currently accepting new students.  Days with most availability are Mondays-Wednesdays. For rates and scheduling information, please call (818) 903-7763 or email us at girlsguitarschool@gmail.com.  Don’t live in the Valley?  October Crifasi is teaching private and group instruction online at LessonFace.com. Click here for more information about LessonFace and October’s current availability .

October will also be leading several group classes through the Glendale Community College Community Services Education program beginning October 11.  Classes are open to teens and adults as listed, to register click link.

Blues 101  for Adults:

Dates: October 11-25, 2014
Meets: Sa from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, 3 sessions
Hours: 4.50
Location: Garfield Campus, Tropico Building TR 204
Instructor: October Crifasi
Fee: $59.00

Students will learn the rhythms and chords used to play and write a standard 12-bar blues song, using open chords, a simple blues shuffle and more. Each week will introduce a new group of chords and rhythms that can be used together to create an original composition by week three. Acoustic and electric guitars are welcome (instruments not provided, bring your own). Beginners and intermediate players welcome! A $10 materials fee is payable to the instructor at first class meeting.    Register

The Power of Three course has been cancelled.

Just added! A special eight-week introduction to the Ukulele for teens and adults at the fabulous Clockwork Couture in Burbank.

Unfamiliar with this wonderful store and community?  Well, look no further: www.clockworkcouture.com  October will be teaching this introductory class on Saturdays from October 11 – November 29, 3:30 – 4:45 p.m.  Tuition is $150 is paid in full, $20.00 per class. Instruments not provided.  Email girlsguitarschool@gmail.com to reserve a spot.

And last but not least,  be sure to pick up the current issue of Acoustic Guitar Magazine.  Not only does it include a wonderful interview with guitarist and songwriter, Ani DiFranco, but it also includes an introduction to using Bandcamp.com.

As always, please feel free to contact us with questions or to schedule a lesson in our private studio.  Happy playing.

Registration for Chicago Workshops Now Open

Registration is officially open for the upcoming Chicago workshops the weekend of March 22.  All workshops will be held at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4545 N. Lincoln. Ave., Chicago, IL.
 
The Power of Three Chords for Teens
March 21; 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. $20
 
Learn to play songs by masters of three-chord rock like the Ramones and Joan Jett with guitarist and founder of the Girls Guitar School in Los Angeles, October Crifasi.  Class will cover three-chord combinations in several keys as well as the open and movable power chords and octave shapes used in rock. Students will then write their own version of the perfect three-chord rock anthem. This class is perfect for beginner and intermediate students.  Picks are encouraged and electric guitars welcome (amps not provided, students must provide their own).   
Level: Advanced beginner; open to guitar and bass players
Prerequisite: Knowledge of open chords and simple strumming.
 
Songwriting and Guitar Intensive for Women with October Crifasi
Saturday, March 22 & Sunday, March 23
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. each day
$110 ($100 OTS members)
 
Join founder of the Girls Guitar School in Los Angeles (and former OTS instructor), October Crifasi, for this special two-day immersion in the sound and style of female-crafted rock n roll, L.A.-style .  Learn to play and craft tunes based on music by L.A. bands like the Donnas, the Like,  Dum Dum Girls, The Dollyrots, The Runaways, and more.  This class is for advanced beginner and intermediate guitar and bass players. 
 
Knowledge of open, power and partial F chord required.  Electric guitars welcome, but not necessary (amps not provided, students must provide their own).  Workshop will culminate in casual in-class performance of songs learned and created over the course of the weekend. 
Level: Intermediate; open to guitar and bass players
Prerequisite:  Knowledge of basic open chords, power chords, partial F and B chords, and basic strumming.
 
Also performing at Old Town School of Folk Music that weekend:
Peggy Seeger, March 22, 8:00 p.m. http://www.oldtownschool.org
Holly Near, March 23, 3:00 & 8:00 p.m. http://www.oldtownschool.org
 
And GGS advocate, Johnette Napolitano , will also be performing in Chicago Sunday, March 23 at the City Winery.  Tix available here: http://www.citywinery.com/chicago/tickets/johnette-napolitano-of-concrete-blond-3-23.html
 
Please contact us with your questions and Happy Women’s History month! 

GGS Takes it On the Road

We are thrilled to announce that GGS is picking up and taking it on the road (for a few days). Chicago, Illinois we’ve got you in our sights next month.

In partnership with the Old Town School of Folk Music, GGS founder, October Crifasi, leads a two-day songwriting intensive workshop for women the weekend of March 22, 2014 and a workshop for teens on Friday, March 21. Registration opens March 1.

Tuition and registration information will be posted in the next few days, so please check back or see
http://www.oldtownschool.org/workshops .

Also making its debut this month is October’s first column for Acoustic Guitar Magazine, with the article, “It’s a Family Affair”. Culled from feedback during GGS Parents & Practice Nights, the article suggests several ways guitarist parents can encourage their daughters to play.  This article is a part of the “Here’s How” section of the magazine and will continue to have October at helm for the rest of the year.

Don’t live in Los Angeles and would like to get private instruction? GGS has partnered with LessonFace.com to offer one-on-one private lessons via the internet. Please contact us for details or see http://www.LessonFace.com .  Read a recent review from mom Renee Bergeron of A Baker’s Dozen and Apollo XIV by clicking here http://bakersdozenandapolloxiv.com/2014/02/26/lesson-face-review/

Happy Spring, Everyone.  Updates on GGS local programming coming soon.

Free Intro Guitar Class and Open House, Sunday, October 20 at 1:00 p.m.

GGS students rocking at the Sherman Oaks Street Fair 2012

GGS students rocking at the Sherman Oaks Street Fair 2012

Join us this Sunday for our Fall Open House & Free Intro to Guitar class.  No prior experience necessary, all you need to bring is the guitar.  Girls will learn parts of the instrument, how to read a chord chart, how to play three simple chords and leave with a song they can play at home.   All that in just 45-minutes!  Our classroom space is limited, please send us an email at girlsguitarschool@gmail.com to reserve a seat.

Class starts at 1:00 p.m.

Stay after class and meet current students and families of both the private and group programs.  There will be student performances and light refreshments, too. Outside the store, the Sherman Oaks Street Fair will be going strong, so please, join us for a fun day of guitar playing and community.

We are located inside Baxter Northup Music, 14534 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA, just look for the pink GGS banner once inside the store.  Guitars and related accessories are available for purchase before and after class.  Parking can be limited during this event, please plan travel times accordingly.

Other upcoming events

November 3

Fall Session 2 gets underway with Guitar 101 for Teens at 2:00 p.m. and Guitar 102 for Girls Ages 8-10 at 3:15 p.m.

November 6

Parents & Practice Night 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

November 9

Girltopia, Los Angeles Covention Center, October and current girl scout students will be in the Leadership Cafe to talk about playing music and how to empower other girls to do the same. More information www.girltopiala.com  times TBA

Have questions?  Please feel free to contact us at girlsguitarschool@gmail.com or by phone at (818) 903-7763.  See you in class!

 

Fall Session Starts Sunday, September 8

School is back in session and so are we! Six-week classes run Sept. 8 – Oct. 13.  Tuition is $180.00. Please contact us at (818) 903-7763 or by email at girlsguitarschool@gmail.com for more details or to register for classes.

Guitar 101 Sundays, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. The perfect class for absolute beginners.  Girls will learn simple chords, strumming and melody playing songs they know and songs they create together.  No prior experience necessary.

Guitar 102 Sundays, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.  This class picks up where Guitar 101 left off, with more complex strumming, simple leads and introduction to reading music.  Some prior experience with chords and strumming required.

GGS Girls Guitar Ensemble (Photo: Frank Guttler)

GGS Girls Guitar Ensemble  (Photo: Frank Guttler)

Our classroom and private studio are located in Sherman Oaks, CA at 14534 Ventura Blvd.   Limited private, Skype and semi-private lessons on guitar and ukulele also available year-round.

Did you know that practicing a musical instrument increases brain function and enhances learning? According to the Children’s Music Workshop, “Recent studies have clearly indicated that musical training physically develops the part of the left side of the brain known to be involved with processing language, and can actually wire the brain’s circuits in specific ways. Linking familiar songs to new information can also help imprint information on young minds.” Click link to read more from the PBS article: The Benefits of Music Education .

Happy playing, we’ll see you at the studio!

Upcoming Events:

Fall Session, September 8 – October 13 (see schedule above)

Free Intro Guitar Class

Sunday, October 20, 12:30 p.m.  All ages welcome.

Sherman Oaks Street Fair – Strum Along and Performance

Sunday, October 20, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Join us for an afternoon of outdoor student performance and strum-along.   We’ll be outside of Baxter Northup Music playing our favorite female-created music and answering your questions about the GGS program. Come meet our students and make some music (or just learn more about what we do and how you can become involved).

Start Your Amps! Guitar 101 for Girls Ages 8 – Teen Kicks Off This Sunday (7/14).

Image

GGS private students warm up before the big recital. (Photo: Girls Guitar School, May 2013)

Beginner classes abound this Sunday with Guitar 101 for Girls Ages 8-teen.  Girls will learn chords, strumming and simple melody using songs they know and songs they create together.  Limited room available for the 8-10 age group.

Session runs 7/14 – 8/25, no classes on 7/21.  Tuition is $180.00 and is due in full by the first class.  Reservations via email at girlsguitarschool@gmail.com or by phone at 818-903-7763 recommended.

Guitar 101 for ages 8-10 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Guitar 101 for teen girls 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Coming up – our Parents & Practice Night, Weds., July 24 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.  Geared specifically to the questions and concerns of parents, this free class goes through how to tune a guitar, read a chord chart, inspire practice and other related topics requested by those attending.  Please r.s.v.p. at girlsguitarschool@gmail.com as seating is limited.

Did you know we also offer private lessons on guitar and ukulele all summer long Monday – Wednesdays and on Saturdays.  Please call us to find out availability.

See you at the studio!

P.S. We would like to extend our deepest thanks to Jen Levinson of Jen’s List for her help and support of our program.  If you found us through Jen’s List, please let us know.  Jen’s List is a fantastic resource for family activities and businesses in and around the Los Angeles area.  For more information, please click here Jen’s List .  Thank you, Jen!

Summer is Here. Let’s Get Playing! July 14 – August 25

In-store open house (Photo: Baxter Northup Music, Used with Permission) April 2013

In-store open house (Photo: Baxter Northup Music, Used with Permission) April 2013

Our summer session schedule is up.  New session starts July 14 with Guitar 101 for Girls and Teens. Please see Classes & Private Instruction for times.  Registration via email at girlsguitarschool@gmail.com or phone 818-903-7763 is recommended.  Tuition for six-week session is $180.00 and is due in full on first day of class.

We also offer private and semi-private lessons all summer long.  Discovered our website and don’t live in Los Angeles?  Have no fear – Skype is here!  We offer private lessons via Skype as well.  Please contact us for pricing and availability.

Coming this week – our recommendations for great summer reads, female bands/artists on tour and ideas to make this summer a rocking one. Stay tuned or follow us at @girlsgtrschool or http://www.facebook.com/GirlsGuitarSchool .

See you at the studio!

October

GGS Summer Session Starts Sat., June 1 – Uke 101, Learn-at-Lunch and More!

Image

Songwriting Workshop with special guest, Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde, April 2013 (Photo Ana Ramos/Girls Guitar School)

The new schedule is up! Check out the new Uke and Learn-at-Lunch classes.  Here’s a quick overview of the schedule. Registration via email at girlsguitarschool@gmail.com recommended.  Tuition is due in full on by first class of session.  All classes must meet minimum enrollment to run.  Guitars, Ukuleles and related accessories are available for purchase at Baxter Northup Music/Girls Guitar School prior to class.  Instruments are not provided.

Saturdays, 6/1/13- 7/6/13 *New*

1:00 – 1:45 p.m. Ukulele 101 for Girls Ages 8-10,  $135.00

Sundays, 6/2/13 – 7/7/13

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Guitar 102 for Teens (some playing experience required), $180.00

2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Guitar 101 for Girls Ages 10 – 11, $180.00

Mondays, 6/3/13 – 7/8/13 *New*

5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Teen Guitar Ensemble (prior playing experience and approval from instructor required),  $180.00

Tuesdays, 6/4/13 – 7/9/13  *New*

1:00 – 1:45 p.m.  Guitar 102 for Women (knowledge of basic open chords and strumming required, please contact us for more information). Tuition $135.00

Please contact us with your questions – we’ll see you at the studio!