Michael O'Grady

I first saw AC/DC when I was 12 years old and I was instantly hooked on guitar! 15 year experience of playing live on guitar, drums, and piano. Professional touring musician. Earned Associates Degree from Guitar Institute of Technology at Musicians Institute. Former guitarist for pop band North Of Nine managed by Randy Jackson (American Idol). Currently an Instructor at School Of Rock (Fairfax) for guitar, drums, piano, & vocals. 

I currently live in Los Angeles, California and have been here for 8 years. When I am not on the road I gig around town with some of LA's best performers and writers. (i.e.) Hotel Cafe & "Sessions" at Sayers Club.  In 2015 I performed on THE TODAY SHOW in NYC with pop band North of Nine. From 2016 to the present I've toured and performed with such artists as Amy Guess, Leah Capelle, Fletcher, Loren North, & Hudson Thames.

Music is what I do and it's my passion. I enjoy it the same way someone into cars likes to take care of their vehicle, take it apart, dissect it, put it back together, and understand how it works. That's how teaching is for me. I've been very lucky to have had teachers who've made music all the more worth while for me and I hope I can do the same for others that are passionate about music.

From Justin Bieber to Led Zeppelin over the years I've taught a wide range of styles and approaches. Simply just learning the notes of how to play a song like Thunder by Imagine Dragons or the finger picking of Blackbird by The Beatles. I also have a great selection of gear that I use and can teach how to know what guitar to use, effect pedal, or hand/picking technique that is used in the song you are trying to learn. 

If you're wanting to learn MUSIC THEORY it is something I use all the time in my profession.  It helps with learning material and for me how to add more colors to a song. Also with songwriting. You have to learn the rules in order to break them!

We can go over scales, scale exercises, ear training, patterns, improvisation, knowledge of gear and effects and how to use them.