“With Chris Cotter’s training and mentorship I released my first full-length album when I was only 17 years old, and then played for a 2,500 audience count show at the end of the following summer. then packed up and headed for a prestigious and selective conservatory in New York City. Chris Cotter is the only teacher that has given me the tools it takes to succeed at not only playing the guitar but in all of areas of learning; some that I asked for and some that I didn’t even know I needed. Chris has a vision for each of his students that surpasses their own goals and drives them toward a greater goal - personal progress. His lessons hit hard in areas much more valuable than musical ability: commitment and discipline that expands creative minds. My guitar guru is Chris Cotter, he has inspired me to take on the methods I’ve learned with him in his lessons in my everyday life as a scholar, as a writer, as a musician, and as a friend.”
~ Hayley Restivo
Private Guitar and Group Class Student
Songwriting and Creative writing; double conservatory major at SUNY Purchase
Recording artist, film composer, vocalist, and lyricist
My experience at Guitar Lessons Jamestown have been very positive. Chris has shown and taught me a lot. I really enjoy going to all of my lessons. He has set up a very unique program. If you are interested in learning to play guitar you owe it to yourself to go talk to him!
~ Paul Shreckengost
Private Guitar and Group Class Student
"They have a multitude of different lessons, classes and courses that you can take through this program, all geared towards your personal goals and making you a better guitarist, no matter the final goal.
I've been a student here for a while, and I can tell you that I've been nothing but happy with my results. If you take the material seriously and make the most out of your time here, you could never be disappointed. The teachers have a flexible schedule and they want to see you succeed. Never have I once been disappointed."
~ Elliott Jackson
Private Guitar and Group Class Student
"Without Chris Cotter's guitar lessons, my guitar playing would be what it was before we began: Boring. Because of Chris' teachings, I can call myself a "smart" guitar player. I feel more versatile and effective in all scenarios. Chris helped me to develop not just a knowledge of the guitar, but a better understanding of music in general. All in all, Chris Cotter just gave me a voice. I know what I sound like, and I know how to make those sounds possible, all thanks to our lessons together."
~ Caelan Register
Private Guitar Student, Professional Guitarist
"GL Jamestown taught me not only how to shred on a guitar in a way catered for me , but they helped me with my songwriting, provided me useful skills that transferred to other elements of my life, and constantly provided support and encouragement even when picking up the guitar was the last thing on my mind.
I would recommend them to anyone."
~Alex Simmons
Private Guitar and Group Class Student
“I rate my experience a 10/10 because Chris has bent over backwards to help me achieve my goals. The quality of the lessons is great, and I continue to get the material that I feel is taking me in the right direction.”
~Dan Schroder
Private Guitar Student
"To become just an ordinary guitarist, you really only need an ordinary teacher. But when given the chance for instruction from Chris Cotter, you are not only inspired and trained to play the guitar effectively, but gain a true mentor."
~ Garrett Zimmer
Private Guitar Student
"Taking electric guitar lessons from Chris Cotter was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I don't know where I would be today without my music and my beloved band mates. Without Chris, I can honestly say that I probably would have quit music all together. 3 years ago I never would have thought that I had the potential to be what I am today: a top musician and lead guitarist in a badass rock and roll band. So here's a shout out to my inspiring teacher and close friend, Chris, who taught me not only how to understand the guitar, but also to not give up on myself just because of a frustrating riff. He taught me that I have the potential to be exactly what I want to be. You don't need luck and you don't need talent. You just need to want it and put forth the effort. So thank you, Chris, for teaching me that valuable lesson.
~ Ana Pellerito
Private Guitar and Group Class Student
Awesome studio, great teaching, and I love noticing my improvements on guitar every day! Highly recommend it whether you want to play songs by the campfire or you want to be a rockstar. Definitely a must!
~ Jared Drocy
Private Guitar and Group Class Student
Every guitar player has to answer an innumerable amount of questions throughout their career: first of all, do they want a career? What are their goals, where do they want to be down the road? What can they learn and how do they learn it? But the biggest move they can make as musicians is to find a teacher. So what type of teacher do you need? You need someone who has experience, someone who’s done what you want to do. You need who’s been taught how to play and, perhaps more importantly, how to teach. Someone who knows what you need even when you don’t know. I found all of these things with Chris Cotter. Chris knows how to find what his students need, and he knows how to teach them. He’s been in bands all over the East Coast and internationally. Chris is a teacher with experience; he knows how to be a rock star and he knows how NOT to be a rock star. And, not only as a teacher who took my playing and understanding of music to incredible new levels, but also as a close friend, I have a lot of things to thank him for. The most important thing Chris taught me was how playing music and living your life are inseparable from one another.
~ Joshua Reuter
Private Guitar and Group Class Student
"An inspiration to my son Austin. You have helped my son achieve a personal goal by winning Chautauqua's Got Talent 2014. He won with his voice and exceptional guitar talent with your help. Thank you!"
~ Connie Wynn
Parent
“It has been a great experience for Kailen. He is progressing very well after only a few months and he really enjoys his lesson time. It is great to have a format that allows us the flexibility to work with my work schedule. I have already referred people to you.”
~Nickole Kinne
Parent
“We are having an excellent experience. Ben is excited about learning and cannot wait until his next lesson. Scheduling is awesome and flexible and really works for us. Your enthusiasm and excitement is contagious. We love it.”
~ Chad and Patty D’Angelo
Parents