Sonora Guitar Intensive Reviews 44

I am impressed. What stands out relative to other online courses is the personal attention you receive and the dedication of the teachers. It really is like a well-run music school, the difference being that it is online. That's OK, because the online tools available today plus well-designed software make the experience seamless even though you're not sitting in class. Yes, it's expensive, and I read the reviews complaining that one can learn the fretboard on your own with books like Fretboard Logic, etc. But a single book like that doesn't have anything close to the mentors, instruction, tools, and the commitment value you create for yourself from ongoing interactions that happen in this course--like a good music school. And my mentor is both a great player and a fantastic teacher. Just for background, I played guitar as a kid, completely self-taught, became a serviceable around-the-campfire guy and decent finger picker, but I never learned the fretboard well enough to transfer my musical chops to the instrument. Thirty years later, this course is gonna fix that issue.

The best part about Sonora is that they are constantly improving their programs. They have my favorite e-learning program for guitar, and are have great communication. There's a ton of material to go through!

I'm really happy with this program, everything I learned made me become the better guitar player I always wanted, now I'm excited to play guitar every day, and have mastered the tools I need to learn all my favorite guitar solos. I highly recommend, this is the best for learning how to shred like a beast however you want

Well folks. I spent about an hour with a very nice guy who asked very typical questions that you'd expect from someone who is attempting one to enroll in an online academic program by way of a Zoom or Google Meet introduction.
There are several firms utilizing similar strategies.

Cutting right to the chase, I was quoted a special anniversary promotional price for two lessons per month with someone who supposedly is a highly experienced recognizable former professional famous to whatever degree touring artist mentor. I was also offered lifetime access to some specialized guitar software program that I know nothing about and have never heard of. I was quoted $4600 for 3 months in the program, with lifetime access to this special software.

Can we talk? First of all. I asked the guy "who is this amazing accomplished mentor?" I was provided his name. Subsequently, I "Googled" and the results yielded a plumbing company and various links to this plumbing company. I had to scroll down a lot to see this "mentor's "name appear in conjunction with a local but good band's name that he played with. Is this instructor/mentor good? Is he like a wow, a nationally recognized guitar wizard? Well, he is a good player, but seemingly, more recognized on another instrument. There is not enough out there on him to make a fair assessment.
I would absolutely not say that he matches the description of this amazing accomplished former touring artist known for his craft. Would he not then have a more significant appearance online?

To be clear, I do play guitar professionally and have carved out a successful career as a solo acoustic player, and have done so for more than 30 years with over two thousand performances across North America and parts of Europe. If you Googled my name, the results go on for a very long time on various platforms. I am every so often looking to explore additional styling within my skillset and look into what some folks are doing to present educational programs within a profession that I am so thankful for and passionate about.
This Sonora school triggered my curiosity so I contacted them. The opportunity to receive coaching by renowned mentors is also intriguing,

I approached this Google Meet introduction with an interest in working with an artist along the likes of a Tommy Emmanuel who I have performed with, Leo Kottke and Jorma Kaukonen, both whom I've been compared to during my career.

$4600 for 3 months gaining two one-on-one online lessons per month with access to this "mentor" so they say on as as needed basis, equates to over $760 per one- on-one lesson!

I have mentored many guitar players and have coached countless people both emerging and advanced during my career, often at no charge. I make my living through performance, not teaching. I am honored and flattered that someone would approach me for help. I would expect to have the same or greater Internet search response when searching a mentors name, as my own. Not to say that this person is not an accomplished musician, but $760+/lesson?

In summary, You TRULY do not have to pay these exurbanite fees to become a good guitar player to what ever extent you so desire.
My professional advice would be to ask around as to who is a reputable and experienced "coach" who can offer one-on-one sessions. You might want to check out YouTube as there are just so many great instructional videos offered by prominent players that could be beneficial.

As much as the skill, your connection with the instrument, performance environment, audience and music selections are paramount. One can study all sorts of charts, tabs and diagrams all day long. That is not what makes a great performing artist. It can't hurt to incorporate an understanding, but I'd focus on "being" not technically doing. Be your music. Dive into it. Make it mean something not just sound like something. Project your own spin.

Another online advertiser that I would be weary of is Zoom Guitar. They charge $7,800. Unreal folks. Truly. You can't blame these organizations and entrepreneurs for launching a business in education because education does indeed sell. As a matter of fact, Youtube videos that offer instruction or "how to" play a song, quite often receive a higher response rate than performances of the song performance itself.

If you can take a weekend and really want to accelerate your skill and performance, Look into Jorma Kaukonen's (Hot Tuna & Jefferson Airplane), Fur Peace Ranch in Ohio. True mentors by world renown touring artists. I have nothing to do with the program, but have been aware of it's reputation for decades. I am not sure of the cost but I can assure you that it is significantly less than these internet solicitations. Look up the names of the artists that have provided coaching there. Yes, mentors for sure.

I saw an ad for Sonora on Instagram and decided WTH, I've been in a rut for a while. So I booked a time to chat with a rep. They asked some good questions and booked a time for me to chat with an instructor. A couple of days later I met with him and again, answered some relevant questions. Then he had me play for a bit and said I think we can help you, but understand that time to practice and budget are considerations. So instead of trying to get me to pay for lessons that may or may not have helped he instead sent me some free resources to address some of my gaps BEFORE taking customized lessons, which blew my mind! It's obvious they care about people learning the instrument and loving it as opposed to just getting people on the hook for a payday. Once I'm where I need to be Ill be back!

The quality of the Sonora program has far surpassed my expectations. The staff at Sonora have a sincere passion for sharing the joy of playing music. The outstanding mentors provide custom-tailored support with each student’s specific goals. Kelly is a fantastic administrator who made sure I was able to get the most out of Sonora. The program has been so transformative for my relationship with music that I’ve decided to enroll for a second year. If you’re looking for a personalized way to learn guitar, Sonora is the best choice.

I took part in the mentorship program and I just want to say that Spencer is amazing! Just a really good dude. He is generous and really wants you to receive the benefit and value in the program. The teachers in this program are really really great, (some of the best musicians I have ever heard). They all really want to see you improve. Many thanks to the team at Sonora!!

Great program. The lesson videos are short and to the point with just enough information to be worthwhile but also easy to grasp and take notes. As a dad I found Sonora very useful, you can watch a 2 minute video get up and come back without missing any important information. They provide a game plan with a goal to get you to with their program which is more than a lot of traditional teachers can say. While the entry price seems steep, In the long run Sonora is a valuable tool that will save you money compared to years of traditional guitar lessons. They also have a whole community outside of the program to help you along with lessons going into specific genres and techniques. Overall I would take Sonora over a traditional lesson any day of the week.

These are real people, doing amazing things for real people! Kelly especially went the extra mile to make sure I could afford this program and listen attentively to who so was inside guitar intensive and outside. Very intuitive, compassionate and unconditional love coming from this whole program. I couldn’t be more grateful!

I've been playing guitar for over 20 years, have never had formal music training, and have always felt like I just don't understand theory enough to take my guitar playing to the next level. I'm about 2 1/2 months into the program now, and I honestly can't say enough great things about both the curriculum and the support Sonora gives its students. Due to my personal schedule, I've not been able to take advantage of many live group lessons yet, and I am not a mentored student (too expensive for me right now), but I can say the curriculum is outstanding, and I'm seeing a lot of growth in myself. I can see where the program is taking me, and I'm really excited. I highly recommend this program. I just can't imagine having a much better experience.

Sonora is absolutely awesome. I thought I loved guitar when all I could do was read tabs, but now that I’m actually learning the instrument the love is real! I had some questions regarding the contract, prices for mentorship, etc., and Kelly answered all of them and more. He’s a great employee at an awesome organization. Let’s go!!!

Pretty huge waste of my time. Found it cheap and unprofessional. They bait you in with the classic “see if you qualify for our select program” which makes you fill out your information. Then they tell you to schedule an interview and an assessment of your playing. I was interested because it sounded like a free lesson where I could get some feedback on my playing. (I’m self taught so I wanted to work out some kinks in my bad habits) start the interview and right away it’s classic marketing techniques. They start off by being condescending of your practice techniques and try to convince you your routine is inadequate. “Only a serious musician plays everyday” despite what your work schedule or situation is.

Trying to make you open up about your desires and passions, while they try to manipulate into thinking this is the best program and only program that’ll make your “dreams come true” they try to seek you on that “premier access program” which is nothing more than some cheap videos on the CAGED system and a few group Skype calls once a week.

They mentioned that this was “state of the art” software and how the founder was a musician and coder too. When I saw the “software” I immediately could tell something was fishy about all of this.

They proceeded to tell me that they recommend playing with a mentor for a few months. Finally I asked for the details and price and was appalled.

$6000 if you want a mentor for 3 months! Plus “lifetime access” to videos you could find on YouTube and some chat rooms you could find on Reddit. Anyway they then said it was $3,800 for just the videos and lessons then $4,200 on an extended payment plan which takes a year.

They then ask if you think that price is fair. And “can you put a price on your dreams?” I told them it’s out of my budget and they proceeded to do the cheapest unprofessional tactic I have ever seen. They ask you what your credit score is and then proceeded to show me how to sign up for a credit card online. Keep in mind this card was not through their store or anything related to them it was like a “Wells Fargo card” or something. They proceeded to insult my intelligence and explain how I can see if I qualify in seconds etc. lol I have my own credit cards I’m not going to apply for some card just because you want my money now. They then proceed to ask when you will be able to afford it and you must pay to achieve your dreams sooner than later. They came off deceptive, desperate, and really kinda disgusting.

Nothing more than a money grab. Sell you something you don’t need and waste your time. , they start by pressuring you to do an “exclusive interview” without revealing the details too soon. (Classic marketing technique “we won’t tell you until you come on”) (just like a military recruiter) lol. Once you’re there they hook you by making you feel insecure about your playing. They have you open up about your motivations and desire to steer your emotions against you. Then they make them selves the only solution, and finally they try to pressure you with urgency to make the deal as soon as possible. Desperate by resorting to making you use credit cards and whatever it takes. They don’t take no for an answer and proceed to try to schedule follow on interviews of “when can you afford this?” And etc.

Save your money. Learn how to read tab. Study the caged system on YouTube. Then sign up for ultimate guitar tabs premium use the tab pro to play along to your favorite songs. It’ll save you $4000 and save an hour of your time wasted on a cheap interview.

I highly doubt Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, or other greats got good by playing along to stupid videos costing thousands of dollars. They probably played by ear; their heart; and hours of self reflection seeing what works and didn’t. Dont fall for their lies.

I saw the Sonora Guitar Intensive ad on Facebook and contacted them. We scheduled an interview. The interview was pleasant and the young man explained the program very well. I have played guitar for over 20 years and am very proficient. After he saw me play, he was questioning why I would need their program. I explained that it would be to fill in gaps in my theory and playing. I wanted to master the instrument and wanted to play freely anything that I heard in my head. He felt that 6 months would be enough for me in their program. I did not want to rush the experience, so I asked for a price for 1 year. He quoted $13,800 for 1 year with an online private mentor. I did not enroll because I felt the price could never be justified in my usage. He did offer a paid in full discount which lowered the price to $11,800. He also mentioned financing options. I recorded the whole interview.

I ordered a lot of courses but this one is by far the best ever... It's the way they teach you. I can never remember things I've learned in other courses but this delivers a technique that really works for memorization

I've been a Sonora student for over a year and I have definitely progressed a lot using their resources. It's pretty pricey, but they deliver great instruction and a step-wise curriculum that appeals to me.

5 Stars

Sonora doesn't just offer you a course and then leave you to your own devices. From the very beginning they have been very involved in my progress. Even before I started working with my mentor, I still had a Sonora rep (Mike) checking in on me very regularly.

I can't speak highly enough of my mentor Robb Cappelletto. I feel like Robb is the teacher I've always been looking for. He has the perfect juxtaposition of technicality and musicality. He has a music first approach that I greatly appreciate but is able to teach the technicals in a way that makes them usable.

As an intermediate player for decades I had stagnated in my guitar playing, practicing and learning. Sonora has provided a variety of tools, resources and endless opportunities to learn and expand my horizons. After my initial interview and assessment I was matched up with mentor Michael Wynar who shares a my musical tastes and sensibility. Michael is an excellent instructor who helps unlock new levels of the instrument and overcome obstacles. Michael truly cares about seeing his students learn, grow and make progress toward their goals. I have a new excitement for learning and feel fully supported in my lifelong journey of being a musical artist.

Sonora Guitar Intensive rocks!!!

I have learned so much from Michael. Mostly, he has given me the confidence that I need to make it to where I want to be as a guitar player. You would think that in this day and age, you could accomplish that with YouTube, however, there's nothing like the real deal.

A person that will analyze your playing, that will give you feedback, that will let you know when you are doing something wrong and when you are doing something right, and support you with enthusiasm every step of the way.

I highly recommend giving Sonora Guitar Intensive a try. I have been doing it for 9 months now and my guitar playing reflects it.

This course is great! You can learn at your own pace, and the instructional videos are very helpful. These folks clearly know their stuff, and the bite-sized lessons are great for people like me with crazy schedules. I really like that with the revised curriculum each new technique is followed by a practical application in a song.

Can't recommend this program enough!! I have been playing for almost two decades but there was a point where I got stuck and was not improving much. I was stuck at that plateau for over 5 years and almost quit playing. But join this program has revived my love for guitar playing and in helping piece together elements that I learned was missing. Trying to get better one day at a time.