ROCKSTAR GUITAR ACADEMY 

Real Riffs, Real Learning
rock your way to real results!

Your Journey Begins!

Whether you're just starting out or ready to take your playing to the next level, our program is focused on building skills through songs and riffs you’ll love to play!

Your Questions Answered

Got questions? We've got answers! Check out our FAQ section for everything you need to know about lessons, programs, who we teach etc...

Ready to Shred???

Join the Troy Stetina Music Academy to study with Troy, myself or Rob Mills from Diamond Head, the band who inspired Metallica!

Inside Our Program

The RockStar Guitar Method is crafted to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule, allowing you to make real progress, even with just 10 minutes a day.
The RockStar Experience: No kiddie songs here! You'll learn badass Rock & Metal songs, rehearse them along with the virtual band and then we'll record your performance. 
The JamZone: Crush your assignments with the JamZone! Play along with full band tracks, follow video guides and stay connected with Don — he's just a chat away!

Who we Rock With

Why This Program Works: Designed for busy adults & teens, the program helps you make progress in as little as 10 minutes a day. Want to improve quicker? Add more 10 minute blocks. 
Whether you're a beginner or looking to refining your skills, our guitar program builds a strong foundation using rock songs and riffs you love, helping you push past frustration and moving forwards, towards your goals.
Unlock Your Inner Rock God! We'll record your songs, fine-tune your playing, and shape them into finished recordings. Want a performance video to share? We can make that happen too!

Metal Rhythm Guitar

Master the Core of Heavy Music: Build unstoppable rhythm guitar skills by digging into real rock and metal riffs. You’ll learn how timing, technique, and groove come together, using pro recorded backing tracks
Turn Songs Into Projects: Go beyond just learning songs. You’ll break them down, work on right-hand precision, palm muting etc... tighten your playing until we record final versions of your song, just like the real rockstars do! 
Own the Power of Rhythm: In metal and hard rock, rhythm guitar is king. This program is all about making your playing hit hard, stay tight, and carry the weight of the music—lead may shine, but rhythm brings the fire.

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. 

meet your mentor

Bringing 40 plus years of playing experience & 20 years of guitar teaching experience. 
Completed 2 years at Hartford Conservatory of Music along with additional theory and performance classes at Atlanta Institute of Music. 
Studied with Alex Skolnick ( Testament, Trans-Siberian Orchestra) along with many other talented teachers. 
Former columnist for the Stetina Digital Magazine, which included artist such as Mark Tremonti (Creed, Alterbridge) & Micheal Angelo Batio.
Asides from his private guitar programs, Don is also the instructor for the Rhythm Guitar Mastery Program on Troy Stetina's Online Music Academy. 
"I’m committed to helping you break through any challenges holding you back. , I’ll work with you step by step to find the right approach. I’m patient, adaptable, and dedicated to making sure you see real progress. No pressure, no frustration—just solid guidance to get you where you want to be."

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

FAQ – Your Questions, Answered

What makes the "RockStar Guitar Academy" different from traditional guitar lessons?

Our approach focuses on learning guitar through real songs and riffs, allowing students to connect directly with the music they enjoy. It's a hands-on, engaging approach that focuses on learning practical skills rather than deep diving into more academic, college-level studies. We're here to jam!"


However, if you're ready to crank it up a notch and uncover the secrets behind those iconic riffs and licks you can't get enough of, we also have you covered. We're here to guide you through every pulse-pounding note!

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'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'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 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.

Ready to crank up your skills and shred like a beast?

Elite Guitar Coaching with Troy Stetina

Troy Stetina is a renowned guitarist and educator, whose Metal Rhythm Guitar, Metal Lead Guitar, and Speed Mechanics for Lead Guitar series have helped millions of players master rock and metal techniques. 

His structured, hands-on approach has influenced top artists like Mark Tremonti (Creed, Alter Bridge) Rob Mills (Diamond Head) and shaped guitarists worldwide. 

Check out Troy's Academy: tsmusicacademy.com

Rob Mill's (Speed Mechanics & More...)

Rob Mills is a seasoned guitarist and educator, best known for his tenure with the British heavy metal band Diamond Head, who's early work heavily influenced Metallica, who covered their songs like Am I Evil, Helpless etc..

Currently, Rob offers an online guitar program called "Speed Mechanics Elite Coaching" on Troy Stetina's Music Acadmey. 

Check out Rob's Course: tsmusicacademy.com

academy hours

Monday-Friday 4-8pm

Location: Lebanon Ct.

Online lessons available

RockStar Guitar Academy

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Inside Our Program

The RockStar Guitar Method is crafted to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule, allowing you to make real progress, even with just 10 minutes a day.
The RockStar Experience: 
No kiddie songs here! You'll learn badass Rock & Metal songs, rehearse them along with the virtual band and then we'll record your performance. 

We build your skills like the rockstars do, by playing, learning, analyzing and refining riffs & songs. It's all about having fun, becoming a better player and rockin' out as hard and loud as you can! \m/
The JamZone: Crush your assignments with the JamZone! Play along with full band tracks, follow video guides and stay connected with Don — he's just a chat away!
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