Drew is the real deal. I took lessons from Drew over the span of several years in my mid-high school days and through college. He is a top notch player with a refined and eclectic taste in music that reflects in his playing. He draws from a formal music education, years of experience recording and playing in the local music scene, and a passion to continue his own learning. What makes him such a valuable teacher is the fact that he can boil this knowledge and skillset to meet you exact where you are musically. He is patient, insightful and encouraging. Now that I have graduated from college, I plan to be getting into the local music scene myself. I owe a good bit of where I am at today to Drew! I couldn't recommend him more strongly. - Steve Fey
Drew Bentley is a master. I picked up the guitar after not playing for many years and he knows exactly what I enjoy playing and he teaches me at the right pace. I look forward to my guitar lesson each week. You can't get this from any Internet type service. I strongly recommend you look into signing up for lessons. They're very reasonable for the years of experience they bring to the table. - John Q.
I have been taking guitar lessons with Drew Bentley for over 5 years now, and he is one of the all around best teachers I have ever had. He has helped me to become a much better guitar player and I have learned so much in my time taking lessons. He has a great way of explaining difficult concepts and is an unbelievable musician who can help you grow as a guitarist and musician and reach your goals. For anyone looking for a guitar instructor, look no further.
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I started taking guitar lessons from Dante when I was in 7th grade. It was the best decision I ever made as a kid. Basically 10 years later I've recorded numerous albums with the bands I've been in, and played hundreds of shows. I have no intention of stopping just yet either. The instruction here is affordable, top notch, and motivating. The people here will not only teach you how to play an instrument, but will help you reach your goals and support all your musical endeavors no matter what genre you play. - Anthony S.
My son had guitar lessons with Drew Bentley for several years. Drew made the lessons engaging and fun. My son definitely looked forward to the lessons. Under Drew's instruction and encouragement, my son was motivated to practice and definitely improved. Drew encouraged him to perform in front of others which wasn't easy. Now my son is very comfortable in front of an audience and is in a band that performed at some very impressive venues. Drew does a wonderful job and was a very positive influence on my son's confidence and mastery . I strongly recommend Drew Bentley. - Joanna Mittereder
I have been a student of Drew Bentley studying guitar for about 2 years now. I am an adult student and have had a chance to observe Drew in his teaching style for both adult and children as I take my lessons both at Harrison City and the Irwin locations. Drew is an excellent teacher, patient and positive, yet challenging his students to stretch and reach their goals. I have never seen him less than enthusiastic and supportive. His standards are high but he loves to patiently show and explain the techniques so they seem less intimidating for new students. The other thing I have noticed is that unlike some teachers who just plow through the standard book and method they use, Drew tailors the lessons and materials to both the specific interests and skill level of the student. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of a lesson but one that makes the subject fun and a challenge at the same time. If a student loves country, jazz or rock guitar, Drew can teach the skills and finger work necessary for all styles so that as the student moves from basic techniques to actual songs, they can learn the songs they love and enjoy and that makes students happier to practice because they can relate their own interests to what Drew is showing them. This is true for adult students as well and the first thing Drew asked me was what kind of music did I like and what did I want to play, what were my favorite tunes and what were my goals. His lesson plan then was based on making my skills improve so that I can accomplish my goals with solid technique and musical expression. I plan to stay with Drew as long as he is teaching and give him my highest recommendation. - Dave Iwinski
Irwin School of Music is such a professional place to take music lessons! It is a clean and organized business with wonderful music instructors. Each music teacher is above and beyond qualified and you get more than just an amazing instructior you build a friendship as well. I have know Drew Bentley for years and he strives for the most professional and fun learning experience. I strongly recommend going to Bentley and Romito Prof. Music lessons!- Brent W.
I've always wanted to learn to play guitar and following retirement decided it was about time. My first challenge was to find someone well versed in several styles of music who was willing to be patient with a "not so quick" learner who literally only knew how to play a 3 or 4 very basic chords. Lucky for me, I was given Drew's name by a friend. Along with being a great musician and guitar instructor, Drew has a way of explaining music theory in simple terms. I've seen students of all ages and levels waiting for and leaving lessons with various Bentley & Romito instructors. From my conversations with them, all are very pleased. I've also had the opportunity to meet some of the other instructors and to hear them play. These guys are really good. I highly recommend this organization for any student of music at any level of experience. - Jack B
I was fortunate enough to be one of Drew's long time students. His dedication to his craft, as well as his personable demeanor, influenced my guitar playing to be not something I do on occasion, but my primary stress reliever and favorite hobby. Drew's ability to adapt to the individuality of each and every student is something that sets him far above other teacher-musicians. Further, his musical ability, in all aspects of playing, is uncanny and incredibly beneficial to anyone who learns from him. I have always, and will continue to, recommend this business for anyone who wants to learn the beauty of music. There are no other better people to be influenced by this art than Drew and his colleagues. - bullit-917
Drew is a super great teacher, I'm 16 and I've been taking lessons for a little less than a year and I've already learned so much on the guitar. I went in just knowing the basic chords and maybe a scale, but now I know several scales, I can improvise more confidently, and learning songs has gotten so much easier. It's great because Drew has such an extensive and vast knowledge of all styles of music, so he can teach you anything you want. In the time I've been there he's taught me some rock, some blues, some jazz, and also just techniques that work in every style. It's a super personal experience and he tailors each lesson to the specific student and their learning style, plus it's just flat out fun! I can't wait to see what we'll be doing for the years to come. - J.D.Slatt
was a student at Irwin School Of Music shortly after they opened their PT location nearly 10 years ago! (Hard to believe it's been so long) Dante taught me everything I know about the guitar and all of the great experiences that come with it. Although I was Dante's student, I was able to sneak in some time with Drew who taught me a lot as well. It's been years since I have taken lessons there as I have moved out of the area but I recommend them to anyone who is seeking a new hobby, or if you just want to spend an hour or so jamming. They still have the location in PT and they have another location in Irwin for those who live closer to that area. They are a 5 star review for sure... I am hoping I can make my way back to the area to jam with them again. Good luck guys! - Vince M.
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Well educated and very professional musicians. I took guitar lessons from Drew for about 6 years. I learned invaluable skills such as jazz, improv, reading music, technique, and much more. My mentorship from Drew over the years influenced who I am as a person and a guitar player in a very positive way. -Matthew Cimino
You won't find lessons like you do here at Bentley & Romito. The instructors are incredibly talented musicians who will get you on the perfect path to success in whatever instrument you're learning. If it wasn't for the lessons I took here, I wouldn't be where I am today in terms of music. Thanks to these guys, I've become quite knowledgable on guitar, in turn enabling me to tour in two successful bands and find a potential career in music. Here you'll be able to find the most down to earth people, top notch lesson plans, and the perfect start for any instrument you may pick up. Highly recommended! - CJ M.
I am a 66 year old Retired (2015) Mechanical Engineer that started playing Guitar in 2010 (Bucket List). I can truly attest that Drew Bentley is an exceptional teacher and very professional. Drew is patient and truly understands the type of music the student is interested in learning. I personally recommend Bentley and Romito to anyone wanting to learn music, you will not be disappointed. - Rich G.
I took guitar lessons with Drew Bentley for over eight years. Drew is a well rounded guitarist and teacher. I learned to read music and studied several styles of guitar playing. I also learned a lot about music theory from Drew which helped me better understand what I was playing on the guitar. Anytime I was confused or thought something was too difficult Drew was patient and helped me work through it. I was also able to participate in several recitals which gave me some experience performing. Drew always inspired me and gave me the drive to continue learning. This is why I decided to pursue music in college and I feel like I was well prepared. - Dean C.