Roberts Music Institute

In my opinion Roberts Music Institute (RMI) is by far the best place for all ages and skill levels wanting to learn to play guitar (other instruments and voice as well). Nothing compares to its quality of instruction and opportunites to perform monthly in «real» band venues (e.g., Bake’s Place, Boxely’s, and Hard Rock Café).
There are several factors that separate RMI from other music schools:
First, Jay Roberts (the proprietor) is not only a world-​class musician (of which there are a very small handful in the area) but he has attracted several talented professional musicians/​teachers to RMI as well. They know their stuff from theory to its application in all styles of music.
Second, probably most importantly of all is RMI’s approach to learning. It is based on the seminal music instructional techniques utilized all over the world created by Jay’s father Howard Roberts (Google Howard Roberts and you’ll see what I mean).
As one of RMI’s important differentiators — the instructors (Jay, Chris, Scott, Brandon — to name only a few) have an in-​depth understanding of «how we learn» and «how to practice.»
This has been invaluable to me to more quickly learn passages, songs, etc. This is something you will not find on YouTube!
Third, The Players Club is a blast to be a part of and an extremely unique opportunity to perform with other students in public venues. The bands are well matched with those of a similar age and skill level ranging from children to older individuals like me. These bands are coached and led by the various RMI instructors.
I am a member of the Southern Rock band, which is coached by Scott Elsberry. He brings decades of experience to our rehearsals and performances — every time we get together I am not only having a blast and «living my dream,» but I am also learning a lot from the «band experience.» Like all the RMI instructors he really cares about what we are doing and gives it his all to maximize everyone’s experience and fun!
Fourth, The school has a very supportive and fun vibe. You will notice this the minute you walk in the door. Sometimes learning can be frustrating. This «vibe» helps me persevere when I hit those inevitable difficult patches. The result is that I always looking forward to my lessons or rehearsals wether I am frustrated or excited about my progress.
In summary, the quality of RMI instruction and instructors, supportive and fun environment, and the ability to perform live with my peers is a second to none experience.
To Jay and your team… thank you for your gift to my «late in life» music education and for what you are doing for your students and community!

Ahhh Jeese! This is the place you want to go to learn to play jazz, rock, country… heck just about anything. After playing the guitar for many years I decided to try to really learn. It’s so great to be in the hands of great players. Jay, Scott, Lucien, Brandon, Rob and all the rest of them are so supportive and friendly you won’t regret going there. If you are looking for a place for a young rocker or you’re retired and looking to live your fantasy of performing your favorite surf tunes look no further than RMI.
Did I mention that they’ll teach you to sing, play guitar, bass, drums or keyboards?

Roberts Music Institute is the best place around for players to go for any aspect of furthering their skills, whether they are a beginner or a seasoned player. They have the best teachers around & everyone is so cool! I’ve gone there for years for different things & every experience has been priceless to me. This is where you want to be if you want to get great.

Great place for music lessons, and the teachers are great.

I love this place, after 3 years of playing here, switching around my interests and songs I wanted to learn they were ALWAYS understanding and helpful. I get frustrated when playing instruments and they were always patient with me, Lucian was my teacher for a while and boy is he talented! This whole institute is like a family to me, I don’t go here anymore because I moved but my step brother does and I am always happy to come in and have a conversation with the man at the front desk, Rob, who is extremely friendly and outgoing! They are all very nice men who only want to help you succeed and continue in your passions! Miss them all dearly!

This is a great place to take music lessons. Great environment, great instructors, they make it fun while learning.

I have been taking bass lessons (with Scott) for over a year now and cannot say enough good things about RMI. They are very flexible with how you want to learn and learning to play the type of music that works best for you. Plenty of opportunities to play with others (it’s encouraged!) and even to play in public as part of the student showcase. And I always have fun!
I also really like learning to play by playing real songs, not by doing exercises. I had tried to learn different instruments years ago and that was discouraging for me. I was amazed how quickly I was playing real music after starting lessons here. Definitely the right way to go.
No matter your age or level of experience, I think you will enjoy learning to play at RMI :)

These guys are great. Can’t say enough about them. The instructors are all top notch, all seem to really enjoy teaching. They have been flexible when one of the kids is sick. It is more like family there, than going for a 30 minute lesson, and they really care about you making progress.
They also teach in a way that starts with «what kind of music do you like? What are your favorite songs?» And then you start from there, learning things you care about until it all comes together.
If that wasn’t enough, you have the ensembles… Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Clapton, Santana. What better way to learn than putting together a band for 10 weeks?
But again, that isn’t enough. How about pushing your comfort zone, and having you and your little band (and all the other little bands, etc.) perform at a local restaurant?
Our whole family (5 of us) now takes lessons there, and definitely better than anywhere else I have been. I just wish they offered a family discount :)