Welcome to 6 String Academy: Where Every Guitarist’s Journey Begins

I’m Patrick Jordan, founder of 6 String Academy—and I believe that learning guitar can change your life.

My journey began over 30 years ago, when I taught myself how to play guitar during a childhood filled with challenges. Guitar became my anchor, my creative outlet, and often my closest friend. Whether I was facing loneliness or celebrating life’s highs, music was there. That’s why I created 6 String Academy: to give others that same grounding, confidence, and joy—no matter their age or experience level.

As Psalm 33:3 says, “Play skillfully on the strings.” That’s my goal for every student here—to develop true skill and artistry over time, in a nurturing environment built around their unique needs.

🎯 Why I Started 6 String Academy

Before starting my own academy, I taught guitar at Rosendale’s 88 Keys Academy. When that school closed, I saw an opportunity to bring my own dream to life—a place that specialized in guitar and gave every student a custom-tailored experience. That’s how 6 String Academy was born.

Today, I teach students ages 10 to 60 and hope to soon work with even more young musicians. Eventually, I’d love for 6 String Academy to become the go-to guitar program in the Sacramento area—with a wide network of highly qualified instructors offering every style imaginable.

📚 My Teaching Philosophy: One Student, One Approach

I don’t teach from a set book. Why? Because every student is different. What clicks for one person might not work at all for another. So, every lesson I give is tailored to the individual.

Over the years, I’ve studied classical, flatpicking, songwriting, and more. I also came close to a minor in voice at Clemson University, where I earned my degree in Production Studies in Performing Arts. That background shapes my holistic teaching style—every lesson blends:

• Rhythm guitar

• Sight reading & theory

• Singing & vocal training

• Creativity through songwriting

Yes—even beginners sing in their first lesson! Our voice is an instrument too, and everyone can be trained to sing with confidence.

🎵 A Typical First Lesson: Chords, Confidence, and Connection

For most beginners, we start with a familiar tune like The Lion Sleeps Tonight—popularized again by the Madagascarmovies. It’s fun, and it introduces three essential chords: G, C, and D.

We’ll go over basic strumming patterns, sing a little, and touch on sight reading. That first lesson sets the tone: low-pressure, musical, and hands-on. From the very beginning, students are invited to play and express themselves.

👶 Teaching Little Fingers: Guitar for Young Kids

I’ve worked with kids ages 5 and up through programs like The Little Gym and a Christian Performing Arts Center in South Carolina. With younger kids, we keep lessons shorter, sillier, and more adaptable.

• We gamify everything: “Make a chord before the guitar explodes!”

• We use storytelling (like King and Queen E to teach string names).

• We might even bring in harmonica to help train their ears.

And I’m not afraid to be a goofball. My goal is to create a warm, encouraging environment where kids feel safe to be creative—and parents feel confident they’ve chosen the right place.

👪 The Role of Parents: A Scientific Key to Success

Here’s the truth: If you want your child to succeed with an instrument, your involvement matters.

I always say—You wouldn’t expect a kid to master math by studying once a week. Music is the same. That’s why I encourage parents to sit in on lessons, learn some chords, and even let their kids “teach” them. It’s fun, and it reinforces learning.

This isn’t just opinion—it’s backed by research:

“Parental involvement in lessons and at-home practice correlates with higher musical attainment and motivation.”
— Knott, MusicScience.net

“Children of highly involved parents showed greater musical achievement and long-term engagement.”
— Eric.ed.gov

It takes a village to raise a young musician—and at 6 String Academy, parents are part of the team.

📅 Lesson Format & Real-World Goals

We meet for one 30-minute lesson each week. For practice, I recommend starting with just 10 minutes a day. It’s not overwhelming, and it’s far more effective than longer, less frequent sessions. As consistency builds, so will confidence and skill.

As students progress, we go beyond lessons. I help them:

• Perform in public (at coffee shops, restaurants, or busking spots)

• Earn tips (a HUGE motivator for young players!)

• Explore music as a profession (wedding gigs, publishing, teaching)

Whether it’s rhythm guitar, fingerpicking, or songwriting—we’re preparing students not just to play, but to thrive.

🌟 Who Thrives at 6 String Academy?

The short answer? Kids with supportive parents.

I’ve seen it over and over—when parents care, kids care. Kids reflect what’s modeled for them, and when music is valued at home, practice becomes a habit instead of a chore.

If you want to give your child a gift that lasts a lifetime—not just guitar, but creativity, confidence, and expression—your involvement is key. And I’ll be with you every step of the way.

💛 Music That Heals, Music That Grows

At its heart, 6 String Academy is about more than music. It’s about connection—between teacher and student, between parent and child, and between a person and their God-given creativity.

For me, guitar has always been a healing force. I want to pass that on.

If you or your child are ready to begin this journey, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

Let’s play skillfully—and let’s do it together.

—
Patrick Jordan
Founder, 6 String Academy
🎸 Personalized Guitar & Vocal Training | Ages 5 to Adult
📍 Serving the Sacramento Area