Music makes life better at any age. Helping people discover that is my life's work.
I'm Tomas Michaud: recording artist, guitar teacher, and founder of Starland School of Music in Alameda.
A Better Way to Learn Guitar as an Adult
Real Guitar Success is my online membership for adult learners: a clear path, practice that fits your life, and patient encouragement that respects where you are. Try it free for 14 days and see how it feels.
"I have to say I've learned more from your intro 14 day trial than I have at my other two attempts."
James Dumas, Sandy, Utah
years teaching guitar
albums of original music
students at Starland School of Music
YouTube views
How Can
I Help?
Free guitar lessons to help you overcome the common frustrations, questions, and roadblocks that come with learning as an adult.
Starting Guitar (Or Starting Again)
Clear first steps that respect your intelligence, whether this is your first day with a guitar or your third fresh start.
View Lessons ➞
Playing Songs From Beginning To End
Turn the chords, strumming patterns, and song sections you already know into music you can play with confidence.
View Lessons ➞
Smoother Guitar Chord Changes
Learn the focused practice that helps adult players move past one of the most common early roadblocks.
View Lessons ➞
Play Spanish Guitar
Explore lessons and pieces inspired by the warm, expressive Spanish and flamenco-style guitar you hear in my music.
View Lessons ➞
Browse All Guitar Lessons
Every free lesson and article, in one place.
Explore Free Resources ➞
Watch My Most Popular Videos
Hi, I'm Tomas
I've been playing and teaching guitar for more than 40 years, but I didn't start out as one of those naturally gifted musicians who seemed to pick everything up easily.
In fact, I struggled for years.
I took lessons, practiced diligently, and still had trouble playing anything that sounded like real music. Eventually, I discovered something that changed the direction of my life: difficult skills become much more manageable when they're broken into the right steps and practiced in the right way.
That sparked a lifelong curiosity about how people learn.
Since then, I've studied classical guitar, become a performing musician, built Starland School of Music, and recorded seven albums of original guitar music. Along the way, I've spent years exploring how people learn and turning those ideas into practical ways to help my students.
Maybe that's why I connect so well with adult learners.
If you've ever felt frustrated, overwhelmed, or wondered why your hands and brain aren't cooperating quite as quickly as you'd like, you're in familiar territory here.
I believe adults can become very good guitar players. With a clear path, intelligent practice, patience, and enough small successes, you can make more progress than you may think.
Listen to My Music
I've written and recorded seven albums of original instrumental guitar music, with Spanish guitar at the heart of it all. American pop melodies, flamenco rhythms, and touches of Middle Eastern influence come together in a sound that's warm, melodic, and distinctly my own.
I created this music to be lived with: something to play during a quiet morning, over a good meal, or on an evening with people you care about.
Subscribe to Guitar Nuggets
Join more than 4,800 guitar players.
A short, practical guitar lesson and a little encouragement to help you practice more effectively and keep moving forward.
No spam or constant promotions. You can unsubscribe anytime, and there'll be no hard feelings.
Thanks for stopping by. Whatever brought you here, I
hope you leave with a little more music in your life.
Tomas