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

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.

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!

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!