Business Details
Electric Crown Guitar School - Learn Rock Guitar the Fun Way
At Electric Crown Guitar School, we specialize in transforming motivated beginners into confident rock guitarists through a unique, results-driven approach. Our program combines the RockStar Guitar Method with gamified learning systems to accommodate busy schedules, allowing meaningful progress in as little as 10 minutes daily. The JamZone platform provides interactive tools including full-band backing tracks, video guides, and real-time instructor support to keep students engaged and progressing. With over 40 years of playing experience and 20 years of professional teaching, founder Don has perfected the art of breaking down complex techniques into accessible, enjoyable lessons tailored to individual learning styles. Our curriculum focuses on real rock songs and riffs from iconic artists, ensuring students develop practical skills while staying connected to the music they love. Whether you're a complete novice or refining existing skills, our structured yet flexible approach helps students overcome frustration and achieve measurable growth. We emphasize consistent practice as the foundation for success, offering personalized guidance through virtual rock band experiences and performance recording opportunities. Our method has earned recognition for its effectiveness in building strong technical foundations while maintaining the fun and creativity at the heart of rock music. Located in Lebanon, CT, we serve both local and online students seeking to unlock their full musical potential through immersive, instructor-supported learning experiences.
Services
Guitar Lessons
Rockstar Method
JamZone Access
Performance Coaching
Song-Based Learning
Virtual Rock Band
Skill Assessment
Progress Tracking
Technical Training
Music Theory
Served areas
- Lebanon Ct, Colchester ct, Hebron Ct, Norwich Ct, Willimantic CT and all surrounding towns.
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of professional guitar experience guiding our teaching methodology
- Gamified learning system tracks progress through song-based achievements
- Personalized instruction tailored to individual learning styles and goals
- Interactive JamZone platform with full-band backing tracks and practice tools
- Performance recording opportunities with expert feedback and awards
What people say
Patient teacher
Tailored lessons
Methodical approach
Rapid progress
Engaging curriculum
Questions
What makes your guitar academy different from traditional lessons?
We focus on learning through real rock songs rather than academic theory. Our gamified system tracks progress through song mastery and awards, making practice more engaging while developing practical skills.
Do I need prior guitar experience to join?
No prior experience is required. Our program specializes in teaching beginners through structured lessons that build from basic techniques to full song performances at your own pace.
How much practice time is required?
We recommend at least 10 minutes daily practice. Consistent short sessions yield better results than sporadic long sessions. The program is designed to accommodate busy schedules while ensuring steady progress.
What age groups do you teach?
Our program focuses on adults and teens who connect best with rock music. We offer specialized instruction for various skill levels while maintaining age-appropriate teaching approaches and repertoire.
Can I try the program before committing?
Yes! We offer a free All-Access Pass for prospective students to experience our teaching methods, meet the instructor, and determine if our approach aligns with your musical goals.
What equipment do I need?
You'll need a guitar and internet access for digital resources. The program works with electric or acoustic guitars. We can provide guidance on selecting appropriate instruments for beginners.
Videos
Reviews (20)
Melinda Jones
Mar 17, 2022
Report
Don is a great teacher with a lot of knowledge and experience. He is patient and positive and works very hard to create a personalized curriculum to maximize progress while also keeping it fun and enjoyable. My son has been taking lessons with Don for a few years and has had a terrific experience. I would definitely recommend lessons with Don regardless of prior knowledge and skill.
Jared Lee
Feb 16, 2022
Report
The lessons are fun and geared towards the music the student likes to listen to so more inclined to keep at it. Don is knowledgeable and explains things well.
Jason Ciaciura
Oct 23, 2021
Report
Don is the master of the online guitar lesson! He provides a teaching atmosphere that rivals in-person lessons, while we must be socially distant, through both online lessons and the use of practice applications. Through the online lesson, he is able to quickly identify the areas you need to improve on as if you were sitting right there in his studio. While there are many guitar lesson options available through the internet, nothing rivals having an instructor creating a lesson plan tailored to you while providing immediate feedback of your performance.
Although Don has transitioned back to an option of providing in-person lessons, I live to far away from the studio to make this option practical and Don is such a great instructor that I couldn't imagine having to find a new instructor just to have an in-person experience.
Although Don has transitioned back to an option of providing in-person lessons, I live to far away from the studio to make this option practical and Don is such a great instructor that I couldn't imagine having to find a new instructor just to have an in-person experience.
Jason Rhodes
Sep 14, 2021
Report
I found Don after years of playing and trying to teach myself but never progressing. Immediately Don assessed my abilities, and where I wanted to go with my guitar playing and within the first week we had a great curriculum started with my needs as priority. I recommend Electric Crown and Don very highly. Great teacher, awesome player and good experience. Check him out and you will be moving forward with your playing.
Karina Ramos
Jul 11, 2021
Report
Don was a great teacher for my 12 year old son, he really enjoyed the lessons and learned a lot. I felt that he was professional and attentive to my son's interests and level. The online platform he used, Muzie was easy to use and Don posted practice videos that my son could play along with. He held high expectations for my son in terms of practice minutes, and I felt that my son learned a lot. I would highly recommend Don to anybody looking for lessons.
Erika McCormack
Jul 02, 2021
Report
Excellent experience with Don. He is patient even when I wasn't I played guitar as a child, as life would have it, stopped playing. During COVID it was a great time to pick it up again. Don did a great job introducing me to the principles of guitar playing, I learned Riffs, Cords and timing. Work in person started up again, so I had to take a break, but will continue to practice with the hopes of returning when time is a little easier to come by. If you are considering guitar lessons, I highly encourage you to try Don, you will love it.
Karina Ramos
Jun 20, 2021
Report
Don was a great teacher for my 12 year old son, he really enjoyed the lessons and learned a lot. I felt that he was professional and attentive to my son's interests and level. The online platform he used, Muzie was easy to use and Don posted practice videos that my son could play along with. He held high expectations for my son in terms of practice minutes, and I felt that my son learned a lot. I would highly recommend Don to anybody looking for lessons.
Marcie Mauro
Jan 25, 2021
Report
My eight year old son has been receiving lessons from Don for over 6 months and loves his lessons. He's having a lot of fun, building up confidence, and learning so much. Don is patient and encouraging, and incorporates modern music making it easier to learn. Would recommend!
Alane Apicelli
Apr 23, 2020
Report
My son has had such a wonderful experience taking guitar lessons at Electric Crown Guitar School. He looks forward to going to lessons every week! Don, the owner and teacher, is very organized with his lessons and patient with my son. He utilizes up-to-date teaching methods and technology to make lessons and practicing engaging and fun. I highly recommend the Electric Crown Guitar School!
John Aissis
Dec 04, 2019
Report
Two of my children learned to play guitar from Don. My son is currently still going to him and Don is teaching him a step by step guitar learning method and songs. Don tailors his lessons to the student so you learn songs that you like. I've been playing guitar most of my life but I could not teach another person to play, especially a child. Don has an ability to teach kids in a way that's fun and inspiring.
Richard Arsenault
Sep 12, 2018
Report
I started taking lessons with Don having NO guitar knowledge at all. I played piano for years, but never guitar, and he was able to start from the very beginning with the most basic information. He's excellent at tailoring lessons for your skill levels, so if you're afraid of taking lessons since you don't know anything - just go to Don and get started!
James Burdo Iii Jimi Jamz
Dec 09, 2017
Report
Don is a great and patient teacher. He is helping my further my music knowledge. I've been playing bass guitar for about twenty years and know a little of six string guitar. I started getting more interested and he is helping me dive in and learn ALL the techniques I need. His method is very modern as he works through the internet on days you aren't having lessons which has been really helpful and easy as well. I would recommend Don and the Electric Crown Guitar Studio to ANYBODY looking to start learning guitar from scratch or already knows some guitar and wants to learn some more methods and techniques.
Devon Ann Conover
Jun 08, 2017
Report
Don is a very good and patient teacher. I am a senior citizen who has picked up the guitar after many years and Don can taylor his lessons to an older adult learner and make it fun. Don puts many more hours preparing my lesson than what the weekly half hour lesson calls for. He is always positive, never negative. I highly recommend Don for the beginning student, since that is my level.
Joe Rubek
Nov 09, 2009
Report
A very patient teacher! I have always tried to understand how to play and tried other teachers before. I finally found a teacher that would take the time to explain things in a way I could understand.
Todd Guay
Don's an excellent teacher. He knows exactly what to do when you're having difficulty which is the mark of a pro. Highly recommend him for lessons.
Sean
Don is excellent at breaking music down and helping you learn something new at your own pace. I learned how to play along to a recording, then alongside another guitar player, and eventually started writing my own songs!
Thomas Gayle
As a fellow guitar teacher, I know Don Parkhurst as an experienced and dedicated teacher always looking to give great value to his students. He is an active and thoughtful contributing member of a guitar teacher's forum that I belong to.
John Aissis
When my daughter was eight years old, I tried to teach her to play guitar when she showed an interest. I had been playing for more than twenty-five years and thought it would be easy. It was not. I then looked for a teacher and found that most refused to teach a child that young. I luckily ran across Don and he agreed to teach my daughter. Within a month, she was playing a short tune.
Now, six months later, she is learning chords, reading music and loving her lessons. Don even uses a web site to communicate with his students and track their practice.
I don't even need to remind my daughter to practice; she does it on her own and records it on Don's website. Teaching music to children is an art and I would recommend Don to anyone considering having their children play guitar.
Now, six months later, she is learning chords, reading music and loving her lessons. Don even uses a web site to communicate with his students and track their practice.
I don't even need to remind my daughter to practice; she does it on her own and records it on Don's website. Teaching music to children is an art and I would recommend Don to anyone considering having their children play guitar.
Dan Jackson
As a guitar player for the last 8 years, but only seriously for the last 2, Don was an absolutely perfect fit into my guitar schedule. Being self taught for so long, I had seemingly hit a brick wall in my study of the guitar. Don immediately picked up where I left off, breaking up the material that had been so tough for me to learn on my own into smaller, bite-sized chunks that not only made the process easier, but also fun.
On top of his tremendous knowledge of theory and technique, arguably Don's best teaching quality is his ability to connect with his students. I can't begin to say how many times I've stayed well after my lesson was over, talking about everything from music to life in general. It is because of this connection that I thoroughly enjoy taking lessons from Don week after week. From the beginner to the more advanced player, it is clear that Don has a lot to offer, and I would highly recommend lessons from him to anyone who loves playing the guitar as much as I do.
On top of his tremendous knowledge of theory and technique, arguably Don's best teaching quality is his ability to connect with his students. I can't begin to say how many times I've stayed well after my lesson was over, talking about everything from music to life in general. It is because of this connection that I thoroughly enjoy taking lessons from Don week after week. From the beginner to the more advanced player, it is clear that Don has a lot to offer, and I would highly recommend lessons from him to anyone who loves playing the guitar as much as I do.
Connor D'Auteuil
Finding the right teacher to get you to where you want to be as a musician can be very hard. In Donny Parkhurst you will find a studious musician who is compassionate to the learning proficiencies and challenges of his students, and a fair, reasonable man, who goes above and beyond to accommodate all of his pupils. If you have a genuine love and appreciation of music, and have the drive and motivation to become a skillful guitar player, this is the man to come to.