ROCKSTAR GUITAR ACADEMY
Real Riffs, Real Learning
rock your way to real results!
In-Studio Lessons
Step away from the stress and into the music! Our in-studio lessons give you a chance to unwind, have fun and make real progress, without all the frustration!
online lessons
No commute, no hassle—just great lessons! Get the same expert instruction as our in-studio program, all from the comfort of home. Just log in, plug in, learn & play!
hybrid program
No time for lessons? This program is for you then. submit weekly video check-ins for feedback, then book a flexible monthly coaching session at your convenience.
meet your mentor
My Guitar Journey & How I Can Help You
I started out just like many others, maybe like you also. I would start taking lessons, quit lessons, restarted, quit again… until I finally decided to get committed. I wanted to play for real!
I even had the incredible opportunity to study with Alex Skolnick (Testament, Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra), which meant long weekly trips to Manhattan—but totally worth it!
Later, I went on to study at the Harford Conservatory of Music and the Atlanta Institute of Music and ultimately developed a teaching approach that’s all about playing, not just learning chords & scales.
So what’s different about my lesson program? It's built around you. You’ll learn by playing real music, jamming with backing tracks and getting just enough theory to understand what you’re doing.
All without getting overwhelmed & discouraged. Are your ready? Let's Rock!!!
Don Parkhurst Jr.
Founder & Instructor
Experience the "VIP"
All Access Pass
"We're dedicated to our students success here at the studio!"
We created this free all access session to ensure a perfect match between you and our unique program, setting you up for success from the start.
Welcome to Our Studio
We'll meet each other, discuss your goals and musical interests, and give you a chance to ask any questions.
Explore Our Program
Learn about our programs, the curriculum we use and the tools available through our online school.
Mini Jam Session
At the end, we'll work on a riff, a lead lick, or improvisation so you have something to start your journey with.
BOOK YOUR FREE BACKSTAGE PASS NOW
Fill in the Form Below
Take the First Step! Provide your info below to book a free intro session.
Check Your Inbox For Next Steps
Your session confirmation will been sent with all the details you need!
We Meet, Chat and Jam!
This session is all about you! We’ll talk, go over your goals, interests and jam a little.
Starting guitar lessons for the first time at the age of 50 was a daunting and often humbling experience, but Don was the perfect teacher to patiently teach me the basics and channel my love of rock music into a focused curriculum. Don is a skilled teacher, understanding the highs and lows that accompany learning an instrument.
Rob Poudrier
guitar student
a new way to think about lessons
More Than Just Lessons:
A Complete Learning Experience!
The JamZone
JamZone keeps practice fun with backing tracks, lessons, and tools that keep you motivated.
Private Community
Have questions? Need motivation? Our community is here to support you every step of the way.
Virtual Band
No more boring practice! Jam with pro backing tracks, slow them down , loop parts and lock in your timing.
Leveled Song System
Our leveled song system lets you play killer rock songs at a pace that’s right for you.
Mastermind Sessions
Join a mastermind session, ask questions, get feedback & get the help you need to move forward.
Online Recording Studio
Record, review and refine! Record your parts and experience the energy of playing with a full band.
Don is very good at breaking things down to meet the student at his/her level, and works methodically and systematically with students to build their essential skill base. There is no substitute for experienced teaching!
Troy Stetina
Troy Stetina Music Academy
tsmusicacademy.com
FAQ – Your Questions, Answered
I'm a complete beginner, will I be able to keep up with the lessons?
Definitely! Our programs are crafted to suit learners at various stages, including complete beginners. We actually specilize in teaching beginners. The learning pace is flexible and your instructor is here to guide you every step of the way, even between lessons.
I'm a bit older and looking to rekindle my passion for guitar. Is this program suitable for someone like me?
Absolutely! Our program is crafted with adults in mind. Whether your looking to reignite an old hobby from years past or a fun escape from the pressures of daily life, we have a program designed specifically for you. And no, it's never too late to fuel your passion for music!
I’ve taken lessons before but didn’t stick with it. How is this different?
A lot of students have been in the same boat! The difference here is that lessons are designed to keep you engaged by focusing on playing music first, rather than overwhelming you with theory. Plus, you’ll have access to the Practice Zone, backing tracks, video support and a community, so you’re never left feeling alone and stuck.
Is Practice Really Necassary?
Absolutely! Practicing your guitar at home isn't just encouraged; it's crucial for your musical growth! Picking up your guitar between lessons is where the magic happens—it's the cornerstone of your progress. Remember, without practice, you won't see the progress you're hoping for. The effort you invest at home directly translates to the results you'll achieve. You don't have to practice every single day for two hours; but rather focused, regular practice. I would rather see 5 days of 20 minutes then 2 days of two hour sessions.
For those seeking a more casual experience with their instrument, merely attending lessons without any further engagement at home, our program would not be the best fit for you. But if you're ready to dedicate even a small slice of your week, even as little as 10 minutes a day, then you're exactly where you need to be.
In short, the only real requirement here is that you show some effort and you're ready to rock!!!
I have a younger child interested in learning guitar. Is this program suitable for them?
Our program is primarily designed for adults and teens. We focus on genres like classic rock, metal, grunge, punk etc... which generally resonate more with these age groups. For younger children, we recommend seeking a program specifically crafted for that age to provide them with the most suitable learning experience.
Do I need any special equipment to get started?
All you need is a guitar and a way to tune it! If you're taking in-studio lessons, you'll also get to jam through state-of-the-art amp stacks, effects pedals, and pro-level gear, giving you an amazing playing experience right from the start.
For online lessons, we use a platform designed specifically for music lessons, featuring high-quality audio and video players, interactive sheet music markup tools, and more, so you can get the best possible learning experience—no tech headaches, just smooth, effective lessons.
Here's What Others Are Saying About Us
Every RockStar has a story and at RockStar Guitar Academy, our students successes speak louder than words. Check out what real students have to say about their journey with us—you might just find the inspiration to start yours!
Jason Rhodes
Guitar Student
I found Don after years of playing and trying to teach myself but never progressing. Immediately Don assessed my abilities, 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 Don very highly.
Courtney Michelle
Guitar Student
One of the best teachers I've ever had. Donnie is passionate about what he does and you can't help but get excited, too. Taking lessons with him has been a really wonderful experience for me.
academy hours
Monday-Friday 4-8pm
Location: Lebanon Ct.
Online lessons available
Got Questions? we got answers!
© 2025 RockStar Guitar Academy. All Rights Reserved
What to Expect from Our Online Lesson Program
Get the full experience of in-studio lessons, without ever leaving home! Our online lessons give you the same personalized instruction, song-based learning and high-quality backing tracks as our in-studio program, but with the convenience of learning from anywhere.
We use Doozzoo, a cutting-edge platform that allows us to hear each other playing along with the backing track in perfect sync, with crystal-clear audio. No lag, no messy audio, just great music and real-time feedback. You’ll still get the same graded song system, full-band backing tracks and hands-on guidance to help you refine your skills and keep progressing.
The best part? No traffic, no commute, no stress! Just head to your desk, fire up your computer and we’re jamming! Whether you're at home, in the office or even traveling, you can stay on track with your lessons and keep improving consistently.
If you’re looking for a fun and effective way to begin learning or improving on the guitar, this is it. Let’s crank it up! Click the yellow button below my bio to get started!
What to Expect from Our Hybrid Program
A busy schedule doesn’t have to keep you from learning guitar! Our hybrid program is designed for maximum flexibility, making it easy to fit guitar lessons into your life—no matter how unpredictable your week may be.
Each week, you’ll submit a video check-in, allowing me to assess your playing, offer feedback and keep you moving forward. This keeps you on track without the need for a set lesson time every week.
To make sure everything is progressing smoothly, you’ll also get one live lesson per month, which you can schedule at your convenience—either in-studio or online. This session allows us to fine-tune your technique, go over new material and make sure you're staying on the right path.
Just like our other programs, you’ll also have full access to our online community and JamZone, where you can track your practice time, jam with backing tracks, watch video lessons and reach out for guidance whenever you need it.
If your schedule is unpredictable but you still want to learn, improve and stay on track, this program is the perfect fit. Click the yellow button below my bio to get started!
What to Expect from Our In-Studio Lessons
Learning guitar should be fun, inspiring and something you look forward to, not just another task on your to-do list. That’s exactly what our in-studio program is designed to give you!
Each week, you’ll come in for your lesson, where we’ll go over your songs and assignments, introduce new concepts when you're ready, and most importantly, keep you progressing in a fun, no-pressure environment. Most of what we do involves playing music, often with high-quality backing tracks, which not only makes learning more enjoyable but also helps you develop better timing, accuracy, and confidence—so you can learn songs faster and play them with ease.
We use a graded song system featuring professionally recorded original and cover tunes, complete with full-band backing tracks (both with and without guitars). This allows us to find songs that fit your skill level perfectly, so you're always challenged but never overwhelmed. We also record your playing along the way, giving you a chance to analyze your playing, refine your skills, and create a final recording. If you’re up for it, we can even capture a video performance to showcase your progress.
Between lessons, you’ll have full access to our online community and JamZone, where you can track your practice time, jam along with backing tracks, record yourself in the Online Bandlab Recording Studio, watch video lessons, and reach out for support whenever you need it.
If you're looking for a guitar program that keeps you motivated, makes learning fun, and helps you improve faster, this is it. Let’s make music together—Click the yellow button below my bio to get started!