Guitar Lessons by Mike at Rock Street Music

09/03/2026

Student Spotlight!

Sarah has been taking guitar lessons for about two months now, but she’s no stranger to music - an incredibly talented singer and songwriter, Sarah is also a Musical Theatre student at Wilkes University in her senior year! Without a doubt, she has an incredibly bright future ahead of her.

Sarah began her lessons learning basic chords and strumming patterns, and quickly developed these skills into full songs, most recently completing “Stranger” by Olivia Rodrigo and also applying what she’s learned to her original music.

Sarah brings to lessons an incredibly diverse variety of interests in music - from soft folky acoustic songs to rock n’ roll to heavy metal, she is a true student of music who provides an excellent example of what students can do to get the most out of guitar/music lessons. She is open-minded and uses constructive criticism to continuously improve. She has an infectious positive attitude, and smiles through all the challenges thrown her way. Keep up the great work, Sarah!

08/13/2026

Student Spotlight!

Kyle is a relatively new student here, but in the short time he has taken lessons, he has made incredible progress thanks to his dedication, consistent practice, and asking great questions! Kyle started off learning the basic open chords, and quickly progressed to learning full songs, including his first guitar solo with Nirvana’s “About a Girl”. Additionally, he also learned “December” by Collective Soul and in our most recent lesson, began working on “Good Riddance” by Green Day. In spirit of his progress and obvious love of music, he just recently purchased his first electric guitar! Congratulations, Kyle! You’ve earned it and I have no doubt you’ll put it to good use. 🎸

Kyle is a great example of how guitar students should set themselves up to succeed. Within his first few weeks of lessons, he provided me with four pages worth of songs he’s interested in learning, effectively creating a roadmap and goals for our lessons to follow. He comes in each week and openly discusses what he does and doesn’t understand, giving us the opportunity to focus on areas he is having difficulty with. He asks great questions and understands the importance of consistent practice.

Welcome to Rock Street Music, Kyle! Your lessons have been a pleasure and I’m excited to watch you continue to progress. Keep up the hard work, you are making all of us proud!

08/10/2026

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07/31/2026

Hello all!

As you see, I haven’t made regular updates to this page in quite some time. I’m still here kickin’ at Rock Street Music! For almost 18 years now, Rock Street Music has been my musical home, both as a student myself and as a teacher for the past 9 years. With several new students jumping on board, I’d like to resurrect this page and introduce myself to new students, as well as prospective students who come across my page.

I started my own musical journey at age 16. About a year later, I began taking lessons at Rock Street Music, developing my skills in music theory, ear training, and music notation. Further down the road, I took college courses in Music Theory and Music History, as well as several music theory certification courses through Luzerne County Community College to continue furthering my education.

As much as I loved the idea of being in bands and playing shows, my primary interest had always been in teaching. I loved the idea of helping the next generation of musicians learn, develop their confidence, and find the joy in working hard towards a goal and succeeding. In 2015, I began teaching at the Perfect Harmony Center for the Arts in Kingston PA. In 2017, my journey came full circle when I began teaching at Rock Street Music in Pittston. To me, teaching here feels just like home as I remember walking into my first lesson here years earlier, unsure of where it would lead.

In addition to teaching, I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to perform in some amazing venues, such as the Scranton Cultural Center, River Street Jazz Cafe, Montage Mountain, Millennium Music Conference and Electric City music Conference. I’ve shared the stage with incredibly talented local acts, as well as national acts such as Lola Montez, Flora Cash and Spitalfield. Nowadays, I focus mainly on teaching, however you’ll catch me playing an occasional gig, usually in support of my current and former guitar students.

I specialize in teaching beginners and intermediate players, but also enjoy digging into theory and more complex techniques with established players. I’ve always had the philosophy that you can learn from someone of any skill level or age. I’ve often said that if I can teach my students a small portion of what they teach me, I view that as a success. I pride myself on developing real connections with my students and never treating a lesson like a business transaction. I don’t teach because I have to - I am here because I want to be here!

Teaching guitar has been one of the great joys of my life. I’ll never cease to be amazed at how a journey that starts with tinkering with an out of tune guitar can lead to the most incredible experiences. Watching students succeed, and become confident musicians and people is the best feeling. It’s an amazing journey and I appreciate everyone who has supported me and has come along for the ride!

01/25/2026

Next Saturday! Student and friend Colby Gashi will be making his debut at Appletree House Restaurant. And if that’s not good enough, his second single “Don’t You Think” will be released on all streaming services 1/30/26.

Check it out!

Enjoy a remarkable evening with Colby Gashi on Saturday, January 31, from 7 to 9 o'clock.

12/03/2022

5 years ago today, I started teaching guitar at Rock Street Music. It’s hard to believe. Through all the crazy life changes, seeing my guitar students each week has remained constant for all these years. I am very grateful.

To all the students who have sat in this chair, past and present, thank you for allowing me to do what I love! I hope you’ve learned as much from me as I have from you. 🎸

07/09/2022

Colby and Sammie Gashi debut at Gober’s Deco Lounge! It seems like just yesterday they were both playing their first show. I’m so proud of both of them for how far they’ve come in music and in life. Amazing job to Colby and Sammie!!

07/05/2022

Hi everyone! It’s not too often I post here nowadays, but we’re still doing our thing at Rock Street Music!

This Friday, 7/8/22, my long time guitar student Colby and his sister Sammie will be making their debut at Gober’s Deco Lounge!! I am so proud of them and all of their hard work. They are excellent role models for any young person who wants to take the plunge into learning music. If you have the chance, come see them live this Friday at 7:00!

Be safe and have fun today! This week we welcome Verbally Intoxicated Host and Wyoming Area’s Biggest Fan to guest call Thursday night’s Bingo from 7-9! Friday, a most talented sibling duo, The Gashis make their Deco Debut with Live Music from 7-10! Help us give everyone their big Gober’s welcome!

This week’s menu will bring us back to the Brauhauses and Biergartens of Bavaria for Kate’s Birthday: Ham & Cheddar Soup, Beef Gulaschsuppe, Giant Soft Pretzel with Düsseldorf B**r Cheese Dip, Bratwurst Sandwich with Warm German Potato Salad, Schnitzel with Bacon Mushroom Cream, Onion Spaetzel, & Red Cabbage.

07/17/2020

Congratulations to Rock Street Music!

Thank You All For 35 Years And Counting

04/26/2020

Hello everyone!
Hopefully everybody is staying safe and healthy through these strange times!

I’m missing all of my students and our guitar lessons, and hoping Covid-19 is soon a thing of the past. In the meantime, be safe and healthy!

Music On The Menu Podcast Interview #8 - RICHIE KOSSUTH Today's conversation is with Richie Kossuth of Rock Street Music. The company provides production and...