In person or online, people around Atlanta are loving our style of music lessons.  We teach beginning to advanced guitar, beginning to advanced piano, beginning and intermediate saxophone, and beginning bass, voice, mandolin, and ukulele lessons in our studio in Smyrna or from the comfort of your couch via video calls on your preferred platform.

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At DC, learning happens at your pace and is inspired by your style.  Your day and time are reserved for you, and lessons are paid upfront for the number of weeks in the month.  Super simple:  pick your day, pick your time, pick your instrument, and it's time to unlock your musical potential.

 

 

Aldo Cardenas is an Atlanta-based musician and educator. As a beginning musician, Aldo came across Dirt Cheep, which quickly turned into his first choice for musical equipment and advice. After growing up in Marietta and developing a general musical background on several instruments and musical styles, he attended Kennesaw State University, where he found his passion for teaching. Being raised in a Spanish-speaking household in Marietta heavily influenced his teaching methods. With DC Lessons, Aldo helps students identify their own goals and aspirations, while ensuring a solid foundation in musical knowledge. As a working musician, Aldo has the pleasure of working with established actors and artists alike, including Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, YG, and many more. Aldo frequently performs with the professional mariachi band, Mariachi Buhos de Oro. The group regularly plans and performs outreach events at schools in the greater Atlanta area.

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Aldo Cardenas es un músico y educador que vive en Atlanta. Como músico principiante, Aldo encontró la tienda Dirt Cheep, que rápidamente se convirtió en su primera opción para su equipo musical y consejos en el área de trabajo que le interesaba. Aldo desarrolló un talento musical general en varios instrumentos y estilos musicales, y decidió ir a Kennesaw State University, donde encontró su pasión por la enseñanza. El haber crecido en un hogar en la comunidad Hispana en Marietta influyó mucho en sus métodos de enseñanza. Con DC Lessons, Aldo ayuda a los estudiantes a identificar sus propias metas y aspiraciones, y al mismo tiempo garantiza una base sólida en el conocimiento musical. Como músico, el Sr. Cárdenas ha tenido el placer de trabajar con actores y artistas conocidos, incluidos Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, YG y muchos más. Aldo se presenta con la banda de mariachis profesional, Mariachi Búhos de Oro. El grupo planifica y realiza regularmente eventos de educación en las escuelas del área metropolitana de Atlanta.

 

 

Patrick Wood is originally from Houston, Texas but spent almost his entire life in Georgia. He has a wonderful and loving wife, three great kids, and a home that he's constantly renovating. Patrick loves everything music! He sings, plays guitar, piano, drums, bass, mandolin and ukulele. He writes and arranges songs and never seems to get tired of it! Patrick played soccer growing up and loves to watch his favorite team, Chelsea, playing on Saturday mornings. Patrick comments, "I love grilling and I can smoke a pretty delicious salmon! I sing and play in a local cover band (Flux Capacitor) frequently around town.  I also am the associate music minister and youth minister at Smyrna First Methodist Church.  I’m excited to teach here at Dirt Cheep!"

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. How much are the lessons and how long are they?

• All of our music lessons are $35 each for a 30-minute lesson. Most students find that 30-minute lessons provide them with enough focused time with the instructor and sufficient material to practice before the next lesson. However, 60-minute lessons are also available, depending on the player's level and schedule availability.

 

2. When are monthly lesson fees due?

• Your first lesson is paid in advance, and subsequent lessons are either paid in advance to keep your same schedule, or paid as you take if your schedule varies. Each month typically has four or five lessons, unless you are aware that you will be absent or your teacher needs to make alternative arrangements.  

 

3. What happens if I miss a lesson?

• Great question, because it happens, right? As long as we have 24 hours' notice of the cancellation, you can find a make-up lesson by coordinating with your teacher. When you sign up, your lesson day and time are reserved for you, and the teacher is there and ready to teach. Therefore, if you're late or fail to cancel with 24 hours of notice, that lesson time is forfeited and lessons are non-refundable.

 

4. Do I need to bring my own instrument?

• Yep, you do, but you don't have to buy it from us. Your instructor or another DC crew member will be happy to show you instruments that would be a good fit for you based on your level of experience, but feel free to show up with what you already have. If it needs adjustment or repair so that your learning experience is maximized, your instructor has the expertise to give you that feedback.