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October 2023 by Joanna Hernandez
Art is wonderful and very patient with my son!
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April 2023 by Backup C.
I practiced electric guitar with Art for 8 months and it was always a great and fun learning experience. He was always flexible if my schedule changed and keeps his patience. He knows how to play like I've never seen before. He can be more than a guitar teacher as well, he gave me life advice and would pick me up if I was feeling down a little bit. His teaching style is laid back but makes sure if notices the slightest thing you can improve on, he'll bring it to your attention. I had a unique request to learn a mix of rock and rap style of guitar. He made a specific learning plan for me and it was exactly my taste. He even gave me notes right away to a song that I asked for on the spot. I genuinely highly suggest Art as a teacher, and a mentor in a way. Yall will have fun and learn a lot. Thanks, Art. I miss jamming out, learning, and having some laughs with ya. -Aspen Plummer
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January 2022 by Hailey Laine Johnson
I began taking music lessons with Art Villarreal when I was 10 years old (in 1997! Where did the time go?). I had no idea that when I walked into his studio with my Fender acoustic guitar bought at a thrift store that I was meeting one of the greatest teachers I would ever know in my lifetime.I am a lifelong student of music because of Art. His pedagogical methods are extremely strong. His methodologies are a mixture of discipline and discovery, employing classical techniques suffused with creativity and vitality. He is a giant in his field, but I never felt small or insignificant when I learned with him. He is the kind of person that genuinely wants to see his students flourish and knows how to guide students towards their personal goals.Art is an exceptional teacher and he exemplifies the heart of music education. He is a dedicated musician on every level. He is a technician as well as an artist. He is an expert in every sense of the word. Graced with talent, he is also graced with a heart that is full of kindness and he genuinely loves teaching, which comes through in every lesson. Never once, in over a decade of taking classes with him, did I ever feel that he wasn’t 110% engaged and invested in my education as a student.When choosing a music teacher it is important not only to look for qualifications, but to know about things which aren’t easy to quantify on paper. Art’s talents as a teacher extend beyond the delivery of material. He is a mentor to each and every student that crosses his path. My favorite part of adolescence was Friday afternoon after school because I knew I had guitar lessons to look forward to. I was always excited to go to class— not just because I loved playing the guitar, but I loved seeing my favorite teacher. He taught me the importance of practice and self-discipline, how to remain humble and thirsty for knowledge, and how to be resilient in the face of struggle.I have never known anyone in my life that is more dedicated to his students— at every age, at every place in life, at every level of ability— than Art. His passion for music is genuine, as his passion for education.When you work with Art there is no ego, despite his qualifications and experience. When you study with him you have access to decades of his expertise not only in playing music but as a member of the music industry.As I grew up and became an adult I continued to work with Art. He is the rare example of someone who can teach both children and adults, and can adjust his methodologies effortlessly to match his student’s abilities, interests, and curiosities.I don’t recommend Art for those reasons alone— I want to bring up something more significant. Art has been a part of my life for a quarter of a century at this point. He taught me to love music and how to play it, a skill that lasts a lifetime— but he also taught me how to never stop growing, to never give up on myself, how to smile in the face of adversity, how to see the sun on my darkest day.He taught me skills that weren’t just applicable to music, but to my entire life. He is truly, truly, one of the greats. His lessons last a lifetime and are infused with value that extends beyond dollars and cents— Art changes lives for the better. He is the greatest educator I have ever known.
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November 2021 by Thea Lyssy
My son has been taking guitar lessons with Art at the Music School of Universal City for several months and the difference in his skill level and confidence in playing is obvious. Our schedule can be hectic at times and Art has always been willing to flex and reschedule our lesson, even on short notice, which is greatly appreciated. Highly recommend! You won't find a more experienced and skilled guitar teacher, especially for a budding rocker! :)
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November 2021 by Adrienne Cox
Art is a phenomenal instructor. He is patient and thorough and my kids have learned so much. There isn't anything he can't teach; he has an extensive catalogue of music and he has helped my children master acoustic and bass guitars. We highly recommend Art.
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November 2021 by Hailey Laine Johnson-Kelly
I began taking music lessons with Art Villarreal when I was 10 years old (in 1997! Where did the time go?). I had no idea that when I walked into his studio with my Fender acoustic guitar bought at a thrift store that I was meeting one of the greatest teachers I would ever know in my lifetime.I am a lifelong student of music because of Art. His pedagogical methods are extremely strong. His methodologies are a mixture of discipline and discovery, employing classical techniques suffused with creativity and vitality. He is a giant in his field, but I never felt small or insignificant when I learned with him. He is the kind of person that genuinely wants to see his students flourish and knows how to guide students towards their personal goals.Art is an exceptional teacher and he exemplifies the heart of music education. He is a dedicated musician on every level. He is a technician as well as an artist. He is an expert in every sense of the word. Graced with talent, he is also graced with a heart that is full of kindness and he genuinely loves teaching, which comes through in every lesson. Never once, in over a decade of taking classes with him, did I ever feel that he wasn’t 110% engaged and invested in my education as a student.When choosing a music teacher it is important not only to look for qualifications, but to know about things which aren’t easy to quantify on paper. Art’s talents as a teacher extend beyond the delivery of material. He is a mentor to each and every student that crosses his path. My favorite part of adolescence was Friday afternoon after school because I knew I had guitar lessons to look forward to. I was always excited to go to class— not just because I loved playing the guitar, but I loved seeing my favorite teacher. He taught me the importance of practice and self-discipline, how to remain humble and thirsty for knowledge, and how to be resilient in the face of struggle.I have never known anyone in my life that is more dedicated to his students— at every age, at every place in life, at every level of ability— than Art. His passion for music is genuine, as his passion for education.When you work with Art there is no ego, despite his qualifications and experience. When you study with him you have access to decades of his expertise not only in playing music but as a member of the music industry.As I grew up and became an adult I continued to work with Art. He is the rare example of someone who can teach both children and adults, and can adjust his methodologies effortlessly to match his student’s abilities, interests, and curiosities.I don’t recommend Art for those reasons alone— I want to bring up something more significant. Art has been a part of my life for a quarter of a century at this point. He taught me to love music and how to play it, a skill that lasts a lifetime— but he also taught me how to never stop growing, to never give up on myself, how to smile in the face of adversity, how to see the sun on my darkest day.He taught me skills that weren’t just applicable to music, but to my entire life. He is truly, truly, one of the greats. His lessons last a lifetime and are infused with value that extends beyond dollars and cents— Art changes lives for the better. He is the greatest educator I have ever known.
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November 2021 by stephanie collett
We have had several instructors for our son, but none have compared to the education he receives at The Music School of UC. Art comments so well with our teenager. Asks him what his interests are and makes the learning fun and meaningful. Highly recommend.
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September 2020 by Shane O Mac USMC America
Art is a great instructor.
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June 2020 by Andrew Allan
Excellent instruction
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May 2020 by Arab Fashid
Art might be good but the piano teacher sits on his phone and says your playing the right note when your not
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May 2019 by Patricia K.
My boys have been practicing with Mr.Lopez for over a year. They are playing piano. The instruments are there at the studio (also have guitars, drums, etc). Mr.Lopez is an excellent instructor and works at their pace, with steady progress. We use as piano book weekly in guided lessons and Christmas book during the holiday. Mr.Lopez is open to new music outside the regular book. My older son loves watching piano YouTube videos or printing video game music sheets and they work on it the last few minutes of class. It has become a big motivator with keeping his interest and challenging him. They have had a few holiday recitals which helped them to learn to play in front of others. The lessons are affordable and appointments are flexible. My older son wanted to be participate in the school talent show and with the guidance/practice with Mr.Lopez it was a success. We will continue to be a long time customer and enjoy the relationship built as the boys continue their education in music.
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June 2013 by Tracy Borron
My 9 year old son has been taking lessons with Art for a couple of years. I am truly impressed with how much he has learned from him. I love Art's relaxed teaching style with my son. There is no pressure or stress, which has encouraged him to learn a lot and grow as a guitarist. The music they play together in the lessons, is very "cool" and it definitely keeps my son interested and excited about guitar! Art is also a very trustworthy person. I have three kiddos, so it is very nice to be able to drop my son off, and let him run in for his lesson, while I wait in the car. Art is accommodating to us, and I can say that in the 2 years we have taken guitar from him, he has NEVER canceled a lesson! My family absolutely loves him, we have recommended him to friends and I highly recommend him to you!
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June 2013 by Meg C
I have been coming here for guitar lessons for about 2 1/2 years. Honestly, I love the lessons so much that they are one of the highlights of my week. I get my lessons from Art, and, like I said, they are absolutely wonderful. Art allows you to play whatever music you like, and teaches songs in a way that is educational and fun. When learning to play a song that you pick out, you not only learn the song, but you also subtly learn music theory that you can apply to other songs, and it is certainly not boring. Seriously, if you need music lessons, then this is the place to come.
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December 2011 by Tony Ledbetter
As an adult I was intimidated at the possibility of starting lessons. Now, after over a year of lessons Art has me playing actual music! And that was no easy task, his patience and knowledge is second to none! I have also yet to stump him on a song, his repertoire is amazing, blues, jazz, country, metal, etc. I cant say enough great things about him and my experiences in learning guitar!