"Get to the music" is a turn of phrase used to describe the practical as well as contextual application of the LA Music Academy method. In the Guitar Department specifically, we focus on teaching on three levels: Fundamental, Practical and Conceptual. The Fundamental element being the core curriculum and the backbone of a solid musical education including musicianship, harmony and theory, ear training, etc. The Practical element is essentially where the "rubber meets the road." We strive to use real world examples and context to prepare the student for the rigors of surviving in the contemporary music scene. We employ a talented group of hand-picked teachers that are working professionals and provide insight into what really works and what's going to be asked of the aspiring guitarist outside the school. We also address the Conceptual element of education, which provides exercises and assignments for further study and to stimulate creativity. It's my plan to make sure that the students get an unusually high level of material they can use immediately (or that night on the gig), along with the usual material they can use for the rest of their careers.

First of all, there is no education that is more effective than playing in real time with real musicians. One truly unique feature of the LA Music Academy experience is that you — the student — get to play. We have Ensemble Workshops every day in which students get to play with and get advice from established professional musicians in the Los Angeles music community. Not only does this provide invaluable experience, but it also provides for real world learning like no other.

Secondly, the LA Music Academy has a warm, friendly atmosphere with a boutique feel. As I mentioned earlier, we employ a hand-picked team of professionals who are committed to teaching. And with a student to teacher ratio of about 3:1, we can provide a personalized and comprehensive learning experience for our students.

Also, a unique feature of the LA Music Academy experience is the holistic way in which our curriculum has been developed. We have taken painstaking efforts to make sure that the students get a full and well-rounded education. The program not only includes the fundamentals of musicianship and performance, but also style analysis and technique. In addition, we have a strong elective system that allows for specialization. All of these elements combine for a powerful system that we feel is unparalleled.

Having done as much varied music as I have in my career, I think that I have a very clear understanding of what is expected of the professional guitarist. This includes everything from practical musical skill sets to audition and networking techniques. I like to think that the LA Music Academy was founded by professional musicians for aspiring professional musicians.

I've always been fascinated by guitar education. Although I attended the Berklee College of Music, and studied privately with a number of prominent educators, I've always felt primarily self-taught. I have sought out the best and most efficient ways of learning and teaching material, and I love having the opportunity to share that with our students. Also, my father was a lifelong educator, my mother was a counselor, and my wife has her Masters Degree in Education, so I'd have to say that I've got teaching in my blood.

Completely. There is more happening in popular music in Los Angeles than in any other city in the world. LA has become the new capital for the touring industry. In addition, LA has managed to maintain its status as the leader in film, TV, and recorded music. There is no way to describe the experience of being in that environment and being truly challenged by the best of the best every day. Also, there is nowhere else in the world where there are more opportunities to get involved in the music industry on such a high level.

There's so much new stuff going on at the LA Music Academy every day — it's amazing. The school is growing by leaps and bounds while still maintaining its boutique feel and family atmosphere. We take very seriously our responsibility to train the next generation of musicians and continue to develop programs and build facilities towards that end. We have new and more specialized electives and study programs to more actively meet our students' needs. We're incredibly excited about the new developments and couldn't be more optimistic about the direction of the school.

To read about Tariqh joining the LA Music Academy team, please click here or visit his website at www.tariqh.com!