Program Overview
The guitar program at Musicians Institute (MI) is the cornerstone of our institution. Since the establishment of the Guitar Institute of Technology in 1977, we have remained dedicated to teaching contemporary music and fostering a deep passion for the instrument. While our campus resides in Hollywood, the heart of the entertainment industry, we are thrilled to bring our world-class curriculum to aspiring musicians worldwide through MI Online.
Our renowned guitar program continues to provide the essential skills necessary for a successful and exhilarating music career. Our online guitar classes are led by active professional players who impart comprehensive knowledge and expertise in guitar fundamentals. From performance techniques to advanced skills, ear training, melodic soloing, and diverse contemporary styles, our instructors guide students in mastering the essentials.
At MI, we firmly believe that the immersive experience offered in our virtual classrooms sets the stage for remarkable success after graduation. By immersing yourself in our guitar degree program, you gain firsthand knowledge, practical skills, and the confidence needed to excel in the music industry.
Embark on an extraordinary journey at MI Online and join our thriving community of passionate guitarists. Our curriculum, taught by industry professionals, will equip you with the expertise required for a rewarding music career.
Curriculum Highlights
GUIT-024 – Guitar Gear Mastery
GUIT-088E – Acid Jazz Guitar
GUIT-156E – Melodic Soloing
GUIT-062E – Metal Guitar
Degree by the Numbers
From 10 weeks to 3 years, there’s an option for you!
BACHELOR OF MUSIC – 12 Quarters
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS – 6 Quarters
CERTIFICATE – 4 Quarters
MI SELECT (Individual Course) - 10 Weeks
The MI Difference
Fully Immersive Curriculum
Although not on campus, online guitar students will be taught by our industry-experienced instructors, where they’ll learn how to demonstrate stylistic depth, creative maturity and professional competence in preparation for careers in today’s music industry. Some highlights include:
- Contemporary guitar skills, with core classes including Guitar Technique, Guitar Performance, Guitar Reading, Harmony/Theory/Ear Training.
- Develop performing skills and guitar tricks in contemporary styles from blues, jazz, and fusion to country, rock, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, reggae, funk, R&B, and hip hop.
Private Lessons with Instructors
MIO instructors are also successful musicians and working professionals, bringing their experience into the classroom every day. Students have the unique opportunity to have one-hour private lessons with instructors, who can offer more personalized instruction and advice on their classwork and beyond.
Learning Community from Anywhere
MI Online students will receive MI’s unique and innovative curriculum taught in an online environment that is designed to be flexible and engaging, and allows students to study, practice, and learn while managing their work and family obligations.
We understand that it is important and beneficial for MIO students to feel like they are part of a learning community. The MIO learning methodology includes students taking part in discussions with their peers each week and critiquing the classmate’s performance. Additionally, students may be placed in groups to collaborate on group projects.
Tuition Savings
MIO tuition is 18% cheaper than our on-campus tuition, as the online students do not have access to our Hollywood facilities. Students also save because they will not incur any relocation costs, which means more flexibility and cost savings to work from and build their own home studio.
Industry Partnerships
As an MIO student, you become part of a global network of arts, entertainment and educational companies. These partnerships and affiliates can offer students direct access to the music industry and help with their careers after graduation, including but not limited to internships, job placements, gear discounts, and more.
For a full list of our industry partnerships, please visit our ARTIST & CAREER SERVICES page.
MI ONLINE 4-WEEK SHORT COURSES
Flexible 4-week online courses designed to provide focused, real-world training without the commitment of a full program.
View Short CoursesYOUR NEXT CHAPTER
Connect with
Admissions
Tell us what you’re interested in. Our admissions team will help you find your path at MI.
Prefer to call? 866-695-0631
"*" indicates required fields
Faculty
Musicians Institute hosts a highly skilled faculty with extensive experience in the world of contemporary music.
Scott Henderson
Dean Brown
Dan Gilbert
Artur Menezes
Alumni Success Stories
KELLY APPLETON Sam Smith, Tricky, Florence & The Machine
GUITAR PROGRAM
I was fascinated by the L.A. music scene…all the big touring acts seem to recruit in L.A., it just seemed like the logical place to be and MI the best launching pad.READ KELLY'S STORY
MATEUS ASATO Silk Sonic, Tori Kelly
GUITAR PROGRAM
I had a teacher [at MI] that changed my whole life, Dale Turner, and he had a class called Jimi Hendrix Rhythm Guitar. That changed the whole thing.READ MATEUS' STORY
DAVE ELLEFSON Megadeath
GUITAR PROGRAM
I came here to Hollywood, specifically to the Musicians Institute because this was at the epicenter of everything cool.READ DAVE'S STORY
PAUL GILBERT Racer X, Mr. Big
GUITAR PROGRAM
When I was 17, I went to G.I.T (MI)…That was really helpful for learning to apply music theory to the guitar fingerboard, and I was really inspired by all the great teachers and students.READ PAUL'S STORY
JUSTIN DERRICO Pink, NBC’s The Voice
GUITAR PROGRAM
I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for MI.READ JUSTIN'S STORY
International Students
International students make up nearly one-fourth of MI’s total student population, representing more than 50 countries throughout the world. The International Student Office is dedicated to making the transition from each student’s home country to MI’s Hollywood campus as smooth and easy as possible.
International Student ResourcesCareer Development
Artist & Career Services
Artist & Career Services (ACS) is an extensive resource center designed to offer students and alumni active professional & personal development to succeed in today’s competitive entertainment industry.
ACS provides help in career development like resume building, workshops, industry mentors, discounted gear, internships and more.
Accelerate Your CareerScholarships & Financial Aid
Don’t let finances get in the way of your dreams. MI has a range of scholarships available for incoming students of all kinds. Scholarships available to Guitar students include:
MUSICIANSHIP SCHOLARSHIP
Musicianship Scholarships are available to new and current instrumental students enrolling in the Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Composition, Associate of Arts, or Certificate in Performance Programs.
D’ADDARIO WOMEN IN GUITAR SCHOLARSHIP
D’Addario Music Foundation, was created to assist advanced, stylistically diverse female guitarists with their educational development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MI Online's Guitar program?
MI Online’s Guitar program traces back to the Guitar Institute of Technology, founded in 1977, and delivers the same performance, technique, ear training, and melodic soloing curriculum online, taught by active professional guitarists.
How long does MI Online's Guitar program take?
It’s offered as a Certificate (4 quarters), Associate of Arts (6 quarters), or Bachelor of Music (12 quarters), with 10-week MI Select courses also available.
What will I learn in MI Online's Guitar program?
Coursework covers Guitar Technique, Performance, Reading, and Harmony/Theory/Ear Training, plus contemporary styles from blues and jazz to rock, funk, and hip hop, with electives like Acid Jazz Guitar and Metal Guitar.
What can I do with an online Guitar Performance credential?
Graduates pursue work as performers, studio or live accompanists, arrangers, songwriters, music supervisors, and transcribers.
Is there a scholarship specifically for online Guitar students?
Yes. Online Guitar students can apply for the Musicianship Scholarship and the D’Addario Women in Guitar Scholarship, the same as on-campus Guitar students.
Can I study Guitar on MI's Hollywood campus instead?
Yes. MI’s on-campus Guitar program adds in-person access to MI’s practice studios, Concert Hall, and a Master of Music option not available online.
Ready to start your Guitar journey?
The first step in applying to our on-ground or online program is to complete an Application for Admission, and get started with the best music college!
Study In Hollywood
Want to study Guitar in Hollywood? You can enroll in our on-campus Guitar program in the heart of the music industry!
Study In HollywoodUpcoming Events
ON CAMPUS OPEN HOUSE
Find out for yourself why thousands of musicians from all over the world have made MI the launching pad for their careers.
MI ONLINE INFO SESSION
Meet the MI Online team as they guide you through the MIO platform, the diverse program offerings, and the steps needed to apply.
FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION
Learn about the financial aid process, key documents, and funding sources to help you manage costs.