Sonora Guitar IntensiveReviews of learnwithsonora.com

I set up a call with a sales rep and he never showed up to the call. He said he was in the room though messaging, but I got in the room and was not let in. I'm not sure what happened there and they did not give me the opportunity to reschedule.

Well folks. I spent about an hour with a very nice guy who asked very typical questions that you'd expect from someone who is attempting one to enroll in an online academic program by way of a Zoom or Google Meet introduction. There are several firms utilizing similar strategies. Cutting right to the chase, I was quoted a special anniversary promotional price for two lessons per month with someone who supposedly is a highly experienced recognizable former professional famous to whatever degree touring artist mentor. I was also offered lifetime access to some specialized guitar software program that I know nothing about and have never heard of. I was quoted $4600 for 3 months in the program, with lifetime access to this special software. Can we talk? First of all. I asked the guy "who is this amazing accomplished mentor?" I was provided his name. Subsequently, I "Googled" and the results yielded a plumbing company and various links to this plumbing company. I had to scroll down a lot to see this "mentor's "name appear in conjunction with a local but good band's name that he played with. Is this instructor/mentor good? Is he like a wow, a nationally recognized guitar wizard? Well, he is a good player, but seemingly, more recognized on another instrument. There is not enough out there on him to make a fair assessment. I would absolutely not say that he matches the description of this amazing accomplished former touring artist known for his craft. Would he not then have a more significant appearance online? To be clear, I do play guitar professionally and have carved out a successful career as a solo acoustic player, and have done so for more than 30 years with over two thousand performances across North America and parts of Europe. If you Googled my name, the results go on for a very long time on various platforms. I am every so often looking to explore additional styling within my skillset and look into what some folks are doing to present educational programs within a profession that I am so thankful for and passionate about. This Sonora school triggered my curiosity so I contacted them. The opportunity to receive coaching by renowned mentors is also intriguing, I approached this Google Meet introduction with an interest in working with an artist along the likes of a Tommy Emmanuel who I have performed with, Leo Kottke and Jorma Kaukonen, both whom I've been compared to during my career. $4600 for 3 months gaining two one-on-one online lessons per month with access to this "mentor" so they say on as as needed basis, equates to over $760 per one- on-one lesson! I have mentored many guitar players and have coached countless people both emerging and advanced during my career, often at no charge. I make my living through performance, not teaching. I am honored and flattered that someone would approach me for help. I would expect to have the same or greater Internet search response when searching a mentors name, as my own. Not to say that this person is not an accomplished musician, but $760+/lesson? In summary, You TRULY do not have to pay these exurbanite fees to become a good guitar player to what ever extent you so desire. My professional advice would be to ask around as to who is a reputable and experienced "coach" who can offer one-on-one sessions. You might want to check out YouTube as there are just so many great instructional videos offered by prominent players that could be beneficial. As much as the skill, your connection with the instrument, performance environment, audience and music selections are paramount. One can study all sorts of charts, tabs and diagrams all day long. That is not what makes a great performing artist. It can't hurt to incorporate an understanding, but I'd focus on "being" not technically doing. Be your music. Dive into it. Make it mean something not just sound like something. Project your own spin. Another online advertiser that I would be weary of is Zoom Guitar. They charge $7,800. Unreal folks. Truly. You can't blame these organizations and entrepreneurs for launching a business in education because education does indeed sell. As a matter of fact, Youtube videos that offer instruction or "how to" play a song, quite often receive a higher response rate than performances of the song performance itself. If you can take a weekend and really want to accelerate your skill and performance, Look into Jorma Kaukonen's (Hot Tuna & Jefferson Airplane), Fur Peace Ranch in Ohio. True mentors by world renown touring artists. I have nothing to do with the program, but have been aware of it's reputation for decades. I am not sure of the cost but I can assure you that it is significantly less than these internet solicitations. Look up the names of the artists that have provided coaching there. Yes, mentors for sure.

Pretty huge waste of my time. Found it cheap and unprofessional. They bait you in with the classic “see if you qualify for our select program” which makes you fill out your information. Then they tell you to schedule an interview and an assessment of your playing. I was interested because it sounded like a free lesson where I could get some feedback on my playing. (I’m self taught so I wanted to work out some kinks in my bad habits) start the interview and right away it’s classic marketing techniques. They start off by being condescending of your practice techniques and try to convince you your routine is inadequate. “Only a serious musician plays everyday” despite what your work schedule or situation is. Trying to make you open up about your desires and passions, while they try to manipulate into thinking this is the best program and only program that’ll make your “dreams come true” they try to seek you on that “premier access program” which is nothing more than some cheap videos on the CAGED system and a few group Skype calls once a week. They mentioned that this was “state of the art” software and how the founder was a musician and coder too. When I saw the “software” I immediately could tell something was fishy about all of this. They proceeded to tell me that they recommend playing with a mentor for a few months. Finally I asked for the details and price and was appalled. $6000 if you want a mentor for 3 months! Plus “lifetime access” to videos you could find on YouTube and some chat rooms you could find on Reddit. Anyway they then said it was $3,800 for just the videos and lessons then $4,200 on an extended payment plan which takes a year. They then ask if you think that price is fair. And “can you put a price on your dreams?” I told them it’s out of my budget and they proceeded to do the cheapest unprofessional tactic I have ever seen. They ask you what your credit score is and then proceeded to show me how to sign up for a credit card online. Keep in mind this card was not through their store or anything related to them it was like a “Wells Fargo card” or something. They proceeded to insult my intelligence and explain how I can see if I qualify in seconds etc. lol I have my own credit cards I’m not going to apply for some card just because you want my money now. They then proceed to ask when you will be able to afford it and you must pay to achieve your dreams sooner than later. They came off deceptive, desperate, and really kinda disgusting. Nothing more than a money grab. Sell you something you don’t need and waste your time. , they start by pressuring you to do an “exclusive interview” without revealing the details too soon. (Classic marketing technique “we won’t tell you until you come on”) (just like a military recruiter) lol. Once you’re there they hook you by making you feel insecure about your playing. They have you open up about your motivations and desire to steer your emotions against you. Then they make them selves the only solution, and finally they try to pressure you with urgency to make the deal as soon as possible. Desperate by resorting to making you use credit cards and whatever it takes. They don’t take no for an answer and proceed to try to schedule follow on interviews of “when can you afford this?” And etc. Save your money. Learn how to read tab. Study the caged system on YouTube. Then sign up for ultimate guitar tabs premium use the tab pro to play along to your favorite songs. It’ll save you $4000 and save an hour of your time wasted on a cheap interview. I highly doubt Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, or other greats got good by playing along to stupid videos costing thousands of dollars. They probably played by ear; their heart; and hours of self reflection seeing what works and didn’t. Dont fall for their lies.