NYC Guitar Studio - World Class New York Guitar

T E S T I M O N I A L S

Mr. Hostfalt is one of the best NYC teachers of all time! He's patient, dedicated,
knowledgeable, plays a mean guitar, and pays a great deal of attention to his
student's development. Before studying with him, I had reached a musical plateau
in my own development as a guitarist and singer/songwriter. He took all of the smoke
and mirrors away when it came to jazz and guided me with material that I wanted to
learn . In a sense, I learned how to make music all over again, instead of just"playing"
music ( I had forgotten that making music takes time.) It was as if I was playing the
guitar for the first time, when in reality, I have been a guitarist for over 15 years.
He has been a tremendous benefit to me and to anyone who studies with him.
- Megan K. Astoria, NY ***** 5 star review on www.Yelp.com - 5/22/2009

I have been studying with here for almost a year, I started as a complete beginner.
I knew how to make a few chords, but couldn't make a song. I went home from my
first lesson play the verse of Lou Reed's "Sweet Jane" I told him I wanted to play
Your Touch by the Black Keys and the next lesson he a TAB transcription ready and I
learned it. The next week 12 bar boogie then Johnny B Good (Jimi style). What ever
songs I want to learn, he teaches me. I can play JS Bachs Partita in Bm. I can also play
bluegrass on Mandolin. I am working on Beethoven's #3 Sonatine for Mandolin. I can
sight read standard notation now . I can play anything written. Now I'm learning
technique and how to play what I hear. He has been trying to teach me that since the
beginning. You get that little by little and by playing. These lessons have been one
of the best things I have ever done for myself. I asked for Rod Stewart's "Cut
Across Shorty" This week I learned Eddie Cochran's ( the guy who wrote it )
and Rod's too. I am dying to go play my guitar - Kenny Y, Brooklyn NY
* * * * * 5 star review on www.yelp.com - published 5/15/2009

I was applying to a jazz guitar program at Western Illinois University. I had almost no
exposure to jazz guitar, as I had really only played the blues blues, not the jazz blues.
Luckily for me my research paid off and I found Sten and the NYC Guitar Studio. Sten
is a great teacher and maintains an incredible focus throughout each session. I was
exhausted by the end of every lesson, but man, oh, man did I learn a lot of stuff in a
hurry! I got into WIU and the program is very good, but I do wish that somehow I could
continue with Sten. Perhaps someday I will. Thanks, Sten. - Kevin M MacomB, IL
* * * * * 5 star review on www.yelp.com - published 6/1/2009

I recently took my first lesson. I bought a ukulele and thought I could teach myself using
YouTube videos, but that was an immediate fail. I played the sax in high school, but I never
touched a stringed instrument. After one 30 minute lesson I had learned to play (slowly) a song.
I'm now obsessed with practicing, and I've put in at least an hour every day. My next lesson is
next week, and I can't wait. It's relaxing and challenging and I'm probably making my neighbors
nuts. Highly recommended - Rachel K. - 4 star review at www.Yelp.com published 5/28/2010

Thanks so much for the sessions. I had a lot of fun and look forward to playing
more and more! Thanks again for everything. - Erin H. beginner NYCGS student

Thank You for being such a down to earth, patient and understanding instructor.
- Maria. M NYCGS beginner latin / spanish guitar student.

The material presented by mr Hostfalt as well as the rememberance of his intensive
and inspired pedagogical approach and musicianship is a continous influence and
inspiration that I imagine most of his alumnees carry with them for a lifetime!
- Steinar Aadnekvam, student at The Royal College Of Music, Stockholm 2004

Thank You for all you've taught me. You're a wonderful teacher
- Rebecca H. spring 2010 NYCGS classical guitar student

Thank You for amazing lessons and for having trust in my learning
abilities. You are a great teacher - you knew so fast exactly how to
help me. - Harper M, guitar student at NYCGS 2009 to present

I'm amazed by your commitment to your students and am really
glad to have found someone who would help me out like this -
You're on in a million. I can't even begin to tell you how much
I appreciate this. Very helpful. Thanks for your time and effort
- Mike S. advanced guitar concepts student at NYCGS 2007

I'm really loving this stuff. I'm curious about symmetrical scales in
in this context. This extended tonality based off of secondary modes
is awesome!! I think I'm getting the hand of this stuff. So far I've
learned them by your examples that you wrote down. I can't wait
to take this lesson further next time I see you. I'm really excited
about learning all I can from you. - Phil. O NYCGS student 2008

Just being in the presence of a master like Sten taught me
so much! - Alfred Yanone, regular NYCGS student 2006-08