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5 Best Guitar Lessons in Jacksonville to Start Strumming 

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Instructor Qualifications: I checked each teacher’s training and playing experience. After all, you want someone who knows the theory and can actually play. Curriculum Flexibility: I favored lessons that bend to your goals and music taste. One rigid method doesn’t fit every guitarist. Scheduling Convenience: I looked for flexible lesson times and online options. Busy weeks shouldn’t derail your progress. Cost and Value: I compared rates, fees, and trial lesson options. Good instruction should hit the right notes without sneaky extras.

My best pal recently started singing lessons, which means I’ve somehow been recruited as her future guitar accompaniment. Apparently, friendship now comes with chord practice!

So I went looking for the best guitar lesson in Jacksonville before I embarrassed us both. A good teacher can make those first awkward strums feel a lot less painful.

Whether you’re learning for fun, confidence, or an impromptu duet, the right lessons can make a huge difference. And if I can keep up with my friend’s vocals, I’ll call that a win.

How much does a guitar lesson cost in Jacksonville?

Private guitar lessons in Jacksonville typically cost $34 to $40 per hour.

National chains charge around $112 for four 30-minute lessons. Four 60-minute sessions can cost about $220.

Independent local academies generally charge $100 to $140 per month. This usually covers weekly 30-minute lessons.

Private and peer-to-peer tutors average around $34 per hour. Rates can vary based on the instructor’s experience and lesson format.

1. Morris Music Academy

morris-music-academy

Website

Address: 2602 Isabella Blvd, Suite 50

Contact: (904) 853-5049

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 9 PM | Saturday, 9 AM – 4 PM | Sunday, 10 AM – 3 PM

Morris Music Academy makes guitar lessons feel less like homework and more like something you’d actually look forward to. 

Teachers mix fundamentals like chords and tablature with songs students genuinely want to play.

The instructor roster is reassuring too, with degreed music educators and seasoned professional musicians on staff. That balance can help beginners build proper technique without sucking the fun out of learning.

I like that enrollment runs month to month, so you’re not signing your life away to a semester-long commitment. Zoom lessons give you another escape hatch when getting to Jacksonville Beach isn’t convenient.

The main catch is the missed-lesson policy, since credits and make-ups generally aren’t guaranteed for student absences. 

There’s also a $45 registration fee, and you’ll need to budget for your own instrument and learning materials.

Pros

  • Lessons combine fundamentals with songs students actually want to play
  • Instructors include degreed music educators and experienced professional musicians
  • Month-to-month enrollment with no semester-long commitment
  • Zoom guitar lessons available for added flexibility
  • Structured but personalized instruction

Cons

  • Make-up lessons and tuition credits aren’t guaranteed
  • $45 one-time registration fee
  • Students need to provide their own instrument and learning materials

2. George’s Music

george-s-music

Website

Address: 1238 Beach Blvd

Contact: 904-270-2220 | 904-337-4828 (Text) 

Hours: Monday-Friday, 11 AM – 8 PM | Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM | Sunday, noon – 6 PM

George’s Music keeps guitar lessons refreshingly flexible, with plans shaped around your goals instead of a one-size-fits-all workbook. 

That’s a nice fit if you’re learning for fun, brushing up old skills, or finally tackling that song you’ve butchered for years.

The $25 trial lesson makes it easy to test the waters before committing. Instructors are background-checked, and you can choose between in-store sessions and Zoom lessons.

I like that there’s no long-term contract hanging over your head. Weekly lessons start at $155 per month for 30-minute sessions, with longer options available.

The catch is that ongoing lessons use automatic credit-card billing. 

There’s also a $29 family registration fee, and missed lessons generally need at least 24 hours’ notice to qualify for a makeup.

Pros

  • Customized learning plans based on students’ goals
  • $25 trial lesson before committing
  • Background-certified instructors
  • Choice of in-store or Zoom lessons
  • No long-term contract required
  • Suitable for both beginners and returning players

Cons

  • Ongoing lessons require automatic credit-card billing
  • $29 family registration fee
  • Missed lessons need at least 24 hours’ notice for a makeup

Customer Review

Friendly Staff and Multi-Instrumental Fun

I was pretty nervous, considering I am very shy when it comes to playing music. I had my first session with Sage, and it was awesome! Fast forward, and I’ve now tried guitar, piano, and ukulele. The staff is extremely friendly and chill, and I always look forward to going there. The instructors are very understanding and helpful and know how to crack a couple of jokes. Overall, a great place to be.

3. A1A Guitar Studio

a1a-guitar-studio

Website

Address: 2102 Sawgrass Village Dr, Ponte Vedra Beach

Contact: (904) 568-3835

Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 3 PM – 9 PM | Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM

A1A Guitar Studio is a solid pick if you like learning from someone who’s been around the fretboard for decades. 

Instructor Tommy Bush brings more than 45 years of playing experience and a strong grounding in music theory. Bush graduated cum laude from Jacksonville University, which adds some academic weight to all that hands-on experience.

His lessons cover everything from jazz and blues to rock, metal, country, and classical. I like that the theory side is there without making every student follow the same musical path.

The studio’s 2023 local music-lesson award is another nice vote of confidence.

The trade-off is that weekday lessons don’t start until 3 PM either, so morning availability is basically off the table. Studios are closed on Sundays and Mondays, too.

Pros

  • More than 45 years of playing experience
  • Strong music theory background
  • Covers jazz, blues, rock, metal, country, classical, and more
  • Lessons can adapt to different musical interests
  • Instructor graduated cum laude from Jacksonville University
  • Won a local Best Music Lessons award in 2023

Cons

  • No weekday morning slots, with lessons starting at 3 PM
  • Located in Ponte Vedra Beach rather than Jacksonville proper
  • Limited operating days, with the studio closed Sundays and Mondays

Customer Reviews

Musical Adventures and Custom Guitar Lessons

Tommie is a great guitar instructor! My son has been taking lessons from him for about 2 years. My son hears songs on the radio or even TV, and Tommie will write the music to my son’s level. This allows him to play the songs he enjoys listening to. Every week is a new musical adventure. Tommie has a great way to break the music down to fit any level, so the student has interest in the song he/she is playing.

Comfortable Environment for Beginner Guitar Players

As a beginner-ish guitar player, I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor than Tommy! From day one, he made me feel comfortable and confident.

Tommy is patient, encouraging, and always willing to answer any questions I have, no matter how basic they may seem.

What sets Tommy apart is his passion for music and genuine desire to see his students succeed. He goes above and beyond to provide resources and guidance outside of lessons, whether it’s recommending practice routines or suggesting songs to learn based on my interests.

4. Wind of Change Academy

wind-of-change-academy

Website

Address: 14180 Beach BLVD #10 

Contact: (904) 452 3916 (New students) | (904) 896 6048 (Existing students)

Hours: Monday-Friday, 3 PM – 8 PM | Saturday, 8 AM – 5 PM

Wind of Change Academy is handy if guitar isn’t the only instrument on your radar. Students can explore guitar alongside piano, drums, voice, strings, and plenty more under one roof.

I like that beginners can start with an introductory lesson before signing up properly. 

There’s no long-term contract or registration fee either, which keeps the commitment feeling fairly light.

Lessons are tailored to the student, and the academy covers both foundational skills and songs they actually want to play. If you don’t own a guitar yet, rentals for home practice are available for $1 a day.

The main drawback is scheduling, since standard weekday hours don’t begin until 3 PM. 

Renting a guitar can add up over time too, so regular students may be better off getting their own.

Pros

  • Wide range of instruments taught under one roof
  • Introductory lessons available for beginners
  • No long-term contract
  • No registration fee
  • Lessons are tailored to individual students
  • Guitar rentals available for home practice at $1 per day

Cons

  • Standard weekday hours don’t begin until 3 PM
  • Daily guitar rental costs can add up for long-term students

Customer Reviews

Highly Recommended Music School for Families

Our family highly recommends Wind of Change Academy. We have three children who participate in piano/guitar lessons there. The entire staff is professional, friendly, and courteous, and they are accommodating when make-up lessons need to be arranged. All three of our children are progressing well in their abilities to read and play music. We recently attended our children’s music recital and were also very impressed with the talent showcased by the other students who also study music there.

Peaceful Atmosphere with Kind Staff

The atmosphere is so peaceful. Yanis, the owner, is so kind! Our daughter’s electric guitar teacher, Daniel, is Really Good at teaching and planning for her growth. Excellent place, and an answer to a year-long wish.

5. Jacksonville School of Music

jacksonville-school-of-music

Website

Address: 12192 Beach Blvd

Contact: 757-717-7187 | [email protected] 

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 8 PM | Saturday, 9 AM – 9 PM

Jacksonville School of Music makes trying guitar feel pretty low-pressure, thanks to its free private trial lesson. Parents can sit in too, which is reassuring if you’d rather see the teaching style firsthand.

Lessons are handled by experienced instructors and can be shaped around each student’s goals and musical interests.

 Advanced players can even get ensemble experience, with some student bands going on to compete locally.

I like that lesson lengths aren’t one-size-fits-all, with 30-, 45-, and 60-minute options available. That gives beginners and more serious players a bit more room to find their groove.

The downside is that missed lessons generally aren’t refunded, credited, or guaranteed a makeup. You’ll also need to give 30 days’ notice if you decide to stop lessons.

Pros

  • Free private trial lesson
  • Parents can sit in and observe lessons
  • Experienced instructors
  • Lessons can be tailored to students’ goals and musical interests
  • Ensemble opportunities for advanced students
  • 30-, 45-, and 60-minute lesson options

Cons

  • Missed lessons generally aren’t refunded, credited, or guaranteed a makeup
  • 30 days’ notice is required to stop lessons
  • Closed on Sundays

Customer Review

Building Confidence Through Singing and Guitar

My kids and I have been students of the Jacksonville School of Music.  We love all of the teachers and have enjoyed the confidence it brought to my kids in singing.  My kids learn vocals through Ms. Reade, and they always look forward to their lessons. I learn guitar with Greg Lanza, and I really enjoy playing the guitar and my new ability.