Ostaga Music School – The sound of community.

Meet The Teachers

Gift Certificates: Give the gift of music.

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Our Approach

Music lessons tailored to each student.

A unique patient, positive teaching style.

Ostaga Music School instructors blend traditional music teaching methods with unique insights on creativity, human behavior, and philosophy. Lessons are tailored to the individual student's interests, goals, and learning style.

This flexibility optimizes what students take away from each lesson, and more importantly, enhances what they discover on their own time between lessons.

No matter the student's skill level or experience our teachers aim to foster independence and confidence in their students. One of the most important lessons is to realize how they can teach themselves things when the instructor is not around.

Fundamentals
Creativity
Ear Training
Technique

Lesson Options

Open to all ages and experience levels.

Single Session

Schedule a private music lesson (45 or 90min) on the music topic of your choice. These lessons are by appointment on a first come basis. Perfect for an adult or youth student looking for a refresher, or to ask a specific question.

Weekly

Weekly personalized music lessons at the same day and time each week. Paid monthly to secure a time slot and get a discounted rate. Choose between the Roots, Growth, or Harvest plans.

Packages

Specialty music lesson packages for the intermediate to advanced student. Themed intensive music lesson package built on 2-4 month programs.

Groups

We offer a variety of community music classes. Some we create and host at local public spaces. We also developed events with youth groups, organizations, employers, and private parties.

What students and parents have to say about Ostaga Music School.

“It has been a joy to see my daughter learn and grow. She has gained confidence in learning the music and in her voice. Her teacher’s style is to encourage, support, and understand. He has a relaxed manner that makes it fun and positive.”

Becky Cooley

Parent

“Michael has a deep knowledge of theory, and the chops to make that knowledge come to life in a very organic way. His consistent kindness and patience make him stand out as a teacher and mentor. With his guidance, you’ll make meaningful…”

Vaughn Faison

Guitar Student

“Michael is a solid guitar teacher. I had been playing for 20 years when I first starting taking lessons and I chose him due to his Jazz knowledge. Within a short time I was progressing through techniques and gaining more knowledge. He is great at …”

Aaron Rose

Guitar Student

“If you’re looking for a someone who can help bring out your inner musician, look no further! Michael has helped me take my basic knowledge of the ukulele and customized my lessons to learn not only what I was hoping for, but so much more…”

Caitlin Foley

Ukulele Student

“Michael taught private guitar, mandolin, and ukulele lessons at my store, Noisy Neighbor Music, for four years. During that time he was always professional…It was common for me to hear students say “he was the best music teacher they ever had.”

Larry Miller

Music Store Owner

“As soon as I received a ukulele for my birthday, I began searching far and wide for a uke teacher in the Finger Lakes area. What I found was a uke guru. Michael has a gentle and patient way of teaching that goes a long way for amateur musicians…”

Jane Donnabella

Ukulele Student

“As a parent, I have enjoyed seeing my son grow as a musician through Michael’s teaching. Michael is very patient and encouraging; he motivates his students to reach their higher potentials. He’s kept my son’s interest level very high while teaching… ”

Missy Horton

Parent

I am writing in reference to my music instructor, Michael Gonzalez. My lessons began with him as his first autoharp student. He has spent extra time researching the autoharp and has devised exercises to suit my instrument. Thanks to the personal…

Roberta Honcoop

Ukulele + Voice Student

“I have been a student of Michael’s for about 4 months, but I have known him much longer. Michael’s knowledge and translations of music are second only to his love for music. As a student with intermediate skills. Michael has helped me develop a much more significant…”

Michael Cecere

Guitar Student

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Latest news

Guitar Triads: Three Note Chords

What is a chord? A Chord is a group of three or more notes played together. Three note chords are called Triads. These basic triads are fundamental building blocks of harmony. The first note of the triad is called the Root Note (1). The root note is also what gives the chord its name. The Read more about Guitar Triads: Three Note Chords[…]

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Michael George (lead instructor)

About Michael George “Gonzo” Gonzalez “I have been active in music for most of my forty years on this earth. In my earliest memories, as a child, I remember singing with my Mother and often rummaging through her record collection. Around age nine I started playing trumpet in band and singing in chorus. Throughout my Read more about Michael George (lead instructor)[…]

Ukulele Lessons in the Finger Lakes

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Travis Picking

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New Student Openings

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Mandolin Lessons

Michael has been performing and studying music since he was eight years old. As a youth he started with voice and trumpet playing in various bands and choirs during his school years. In his early twenties he picked up the acoustic guitar and began to write songs and study music theory. For the past fifteen Read more about Mandolin Lessons[…]

Blues Guitar Lessons

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Blues Ukulele

Note Intervals on Ukulele

In this Blog lesson I will be exploring the basic concept of music note intervals. These are a universal concept of music regardless of what instrument you play. This lessons demonstrates how they come from the major scale, and how they are played on the ukulele. Major Scale: The Major Scale is a system used Read more about Note Intervals on Ukulele[…]

C-A-G-E-D Guitar System

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Beginner Guitar Packet

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Group Music Workshops

I’m developing some group clinics and workshops to be presented in 2014. These events will cover a variety of topics, instruments, and skill levels. This post is intended to show some of the ideas that are in the works. To help make these better I would love to hear some of your suggestions, ideas, or Read more about Group Music Workshops[…]

Funk Guitar Lessons

Michael has been performing and studying music since he was eight years old. As a youth he started with voice and trumpet playing in various bands and choirs during his school years. In his early twenties he picked up the acoustic guitar and began to write songs and compose chord progressions. For the past fifteen Read more about Funk Guitar Lessons[…]

Twelve Bar Blues

Each genre of music has certain characteristics that distinguish it from other musical styles. These familiar attributes can be found in the rhythms, chords, and notes. Blues music is based on a common song form with three basic chords. This form is commonly called the twelve bar blues because it contains 12 measures. Typically contains Read more about Twelve Bar Blues[…]

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