The Music Factory

Ari and Scott do a Solid Job. My 11 year old son likes coming to hangout and play. I make this a priority for him.

Recently, I joined an 18 piece jazz band as their guitarist before realizing I was in way over my head. The speed and complexity of the chord changes were bit too much for me even though I have been playing at home for some 40 years and now I’m in my 50s. Freaking out and not wanting to be a quitter, I decided to ask for the best jazz guitar instructor in Seattle so that I could learn whatever I could in two months (our first gig.) I was told that Ari at The Music Factory would be a great match for me. I sent them an email and received a response the same evening with the days and times that they could fit me into his schedule. What a relief, I thought, and began to relax.
Sitting down with Ari, I realized how much I didn’t know about music theory and the guitar fret board and decided to begin lessons twice per week initially. It’s been just over a month now I cannot believe how much sense music theory and the guitar fret board makes to me right now. Ari has really laid it out a good foundation so that I can see how everything fits together like never before. Ari not only understands jazz guitar, but he also knows how to teach according to the way a person learns. Recently, I’ve graduated to a once per week level and the stress of playing with a big jazz band has gone away.
After talking with several other students in The Music Factory who were waiting for their lessons to begin, I learned that this was a really great place to come for all sorts of music lessons, including piano and voice. And everyone seemed very pleased with their instructors. I’ve have been to other guitar instructors in the past and I will highly rate The Music Factory, and particularly Ari for jazz guitar, a solid 5 stars.

My kids had great lessons with Scott. It would be great if they could soundproof the drumming room if not all the rooms. Or schedule the really noisy instruments away from some of the quieter lessons. Scott managed to make it work. Other employees were helpful as well. A friendly, quirky place with a definite love for music and teaching evident. I think is a very approachable place for anyone nervous about improving their musical skills.

I took guitar lessons last year. I wasn’t much of a Unilocaler then… I had a great time and all… I guess that was back then. I was taking voice lessons from ⁴⁄₄ music school and I was taking guitar here because it was a tad bit affordable at that moment. Now a week or two ago I don’t even remember I sent a form saying I am interested with both voice and guitar… What pisses me off is it was like it took forever for them to reply… I guess they don’t want to make money ’cause it’s been days since I had someone emailed me. I am so done with them. If you are interested to take lessons. I will suggest ⁴⁄₄ music school or somewhere else. Customer service is very important to anyone… it just shows how important your customers are to you… this is one thing they obviously have no clue about.

Ari Joshua does a good job of teaching this adult student music theory and clever jazz guitar voicings. Ari has a nice way about him and his calm demeanor makes the learning experience nonthreatening and enjoyable. Ari’s background and current music career outside of the school also impressed me and I have seen him play live on a number of occasions which is also inspiring to this frustrated musician! Who says «those who can’t do, teach»? Ari does both exceptionally well.

My son has been taking guitar lessons from Ari at The Music Factory for four years and he loves it. It’s amazing to see a kid continue to be motivated about something that requires hard work and dedication and I truly credit Ari with his talent as a teacher for inspiring my son. Ari moves kids at their own pace and with just the right amount of pressure — not too much, not too little. He says that hard work is more important than talent and I think he’s right. He’s also just a hip kind of guy and my son likes hanging out with him. We’ve seen Ari play live and we have his CD’s — he is incredibly talented. Ari continues to inspire my son and keep him excited about guitar even though he is in high school now and has a lot of other stuff going on — he never wants to miss a lesson no matter how tired or busy he is.

As many people have commented this place is laid back and the instruction is of high quality. I took advantage of a groupon or something along those lines and took a series of piano lessons with Matt who was fantastic! He was knowledgeable and easy to communicate with. He has a knack and breaking things down to help me with the tips and tricks I was looking for to learn the gist of pieces more quickly. They were also flexible with my schedule offering weekend and later appointments.
While I do think they could use some adult size chairs in the waiting room and parking isn’t my favorite in the area, the overall experience was very positive and I would recommend them if I knew someone was looking.

Here’s why I dig The Music Factory. The atmosphere is casual, personable and relaxed, but the instructors are real professionals who know what they’re talking about and don’t just give you Green Day tabs (unless you’re into that, I’m sure). I’ve taken all kinds of music lessons with all kinds of folks in all kinds of places and settings and what I learn at The Music Factory is comparable to what I could get at any serious school without the pretentiousness.
My ukulele lessons with Kimo have been illuminating. I totally appreciate his willingness and ability to work through my various neuroses with patience, grace and clarity. Kimo brings a refreshing combination of content knowledge, adaptability, professionalism and humanity to his instruction – the cherry atop my Tuesday evening parfait.

I began taking singing lessons with Bridgid at the music factory from an online coupon and had a great time. My voice got consistently and measurably better and I felt like I was given quality instruction at the lesson as well as good ideas for practicing at home.
Bridgid is laid back and friendly and a great instructor. Thank you!

My guitar lessons with Kimo were fun, friendly, and productive. As soon as I have time for music lessons again, I’m going right back to the Music Factory.

If only this fit into my lifestyle better. I had lessons for several months with Ari and he proved to not only be an outstanding teacher but a gentleman and a scholar. They’re flexible with schedules and can certainly accommodate if a weekly lesson isn’t possible. If you see another groupon/​living social come up for this place, don’t hesitate. Get as many as you can!