guitar & bass lessons in pennington, nj

learn to hear the music, not just how to play the notes

I help guitar & bass students develop musical awareness—learning to hear what's in the music, not just memorizing finger positions.

Whether you're four weeks or four years--or 40 years--into playing your instrument, my approach focuses on understanding how notes, rhythms, and chords work together to create the sounds you love most.

Students leave lessons inspired to explore and create, not just practice what they're told.

"With the patience of a saint, Mike keeps my 10-year-old engaged and asking questions. He even practices most days!" --Ken F., dad to Kenny

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why choose open string studio?

Most guitar lessons teach you where to put your fingers.

I teach you how to hear what you're playing.

Students learn to recognize chord progressions, feel rhythmic patterns, and understand how melodies work--not just memorize them.

You'll walk out of your first lesson hearing music differently, with tools to explore and create on your own.

"I never knew how excited I could be to do all of the difficult work required to learn this amazing instrument until I started studying with Mike. I seem to leave every lesson with yet another reason to be amazed and excited about playing music. Been with him for 3 years. Good stuff!" --Marty B.

meet your teacher

I’m Michael Celentana, a Berklee College of Music graduate (magna cum laude, ’99) with over 25 years of private teaching experience. I teach guitar and bass to students of all ages and levels — from first-time beginners to advanced players who feel stuck.

My approach treats music as a language. Instead of memorizing shapes and patterns, you’ll learn to hear what’s happening in the music — chord qualities, progressions, how notes relate to each other. I use jazz theory as a framework not because I’m teaching jazz, but because it’s the most complete system for understanding how all music works.

Lessons are responsive, not rigid. If you walk in with a burning question or a new song you’re excited about, that’s where we’ll go. The best learning happens when you’re engaged and curious.

Read more about my approach on my About page.

https://www.openstringstudio.com/about-open-string-studio/

I teach in-person at my studio in Pennington, NJ, and online for students anywhere.

"Definitely appreciate how Mike is always somehow able to pinpoint what's holding me back. Sometimes it's technical, sometimes it's a mental block, but his advice is always useful. He keeps my frustrations with the instrument in check and in perspective. Highly recommend him as a teacher." --Allison R.

start your journey