While I no longer run Musical Way Academy, I am currently offering guitar and music theory lessons both online and in-home around the area of Mountain Top, PA!
If you are interested in lessons, feel free to reach out via the Contact Page.
Teaching music and watching other musicians grow has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my musical journey. Whether that is learning a new song, discovering how a certain chord works, or learning a new scale to improve a solo, I absolutely love those a-ha moments when a concept clicks for a student.
My core belief has been that every student is different in what they want to learn and how they can best get there. While some students prefer to work through books, 99% of my teaching has been done with custom lesson plans and curriculum that I develop myself, including songs, chords, scales, theory, songwriting, and improv!
Check out what current/former students & Musical Way Academy instructors have had to say!
II’ve had the privilege of working with Jon in a multitude of musical faculties. We have shared the stage, studio, and educational space together.
As a musician, I can say that Jon is one of the best I have ever worked with and played with. His listening sensitivity and ability to make others around him better speaks volumes to his musicianship. I’ve witnessed it many times.
When it comes to education, Jon displays many exceptional qualities. I was fortunate enough to work along side him as a fellow teacher with his private music lesson school, Musical Way Academy. Jon built a place where the student took ownership of what they learned. He is meticulous with building lesson plans to foster student grown both with music, and in life. Teaching at Musical Way Academy is a major highlight of my career as both a professional music, and an educator.
When you choose to study music with Jon, you are choosing excellence. He is a top notch musician, and a stellar human being. I can say with 100% confidence that studying with Jon will help you achieve your musical goals, and much more!
I proudly endorse Jon Dufore!
Kyle Tupper
Music Producer
Touring Musician
Nashville, TN
I had the chance to work for and with Jon when he started his business “Musical Way Academy” back in 2014. At that point, Jon had just returned from receiving a degree from the Musician’s Institute and was sharing what he had learned with the North Country.
Meeting Jon was particularly influential for me at that time, because Jon embodied and embodies what I believe the true spirit of Music to be: openness. Openness to sharing and working with anyone who is hungry for knowledge. Openness to playing, learning, and growing.
Openness to providing opportunities for the people around him to learn and grow. This openness, and the sort of selflessness that is built into that, is necessary to be an effective educator.
In my experience working with Jon directly over those years, I saw one of the most hard-working and dedicated instructors whom I had ever met – that remains true to this day. I can tell you with no pretense that working for Musical Way Academy under Jon’s tutelage helped shape me into the Musician and Instructor that I am today. Jon showed me the practical value of Music Theory without a lot of the ego and nonsense that can accompany that pursuit. He provided a different picture of what a guitar lesson could be than I had been
If you are considering lessons with Jon, this part is for you: Jon is one of the most gifted educators I have met in terms of seeing where a student is at and prescribing them the necessary set of instruction and materials to help them advance toward their goals. There is no nonsense; no fluff. Here is how to get where you would like to go on the guitar in as clear and concise a way as possible. If he were only* capable of that, that would likely be enough for anything. But, he is also deeply invested in the growth of the people he works with as students, musicians and people.
Mark Lyon
Music Instructor
“I’ve been very pleased with Jon’s guitar lessons for my eleven year old. He’s very organized, and I can count on him completely. He has really thought through everything that needs to be done to be a good music teacher–from the music side to the pedagogy side to the business side. Most importantly, my daughter looks forward to her guitar lessons with Jon, she’s grown as a musician, and she’s been inspired to practice regularly.”
-Parent Laura
“I would like to recommend Jon Dufore, my daughter’s music instructor, for any future
lessons you may be considering. Jon has been instructing my 14 year old daughter in
guitar, and l could not ask for a more compassionate, knowledgeable instructor!
Jon’s flexible schedule and payment plans are more than we can ask for. He always goes
above and beyond to make sure we are accommodated on every level of instruction. He
not only is patient and humorous with the students, but also incorporates the parent into
the lesson plan and provides great feedback. He is honest and sincere in his approach to
teaching and it is very pronounced through his instruction his passion for music.”
-Parent Brenda
“I definitely recommend Jon as a music instructor. He teaches my son guitar, and he is organized, flexible and professional. He is also patient with a pre-teen, which isn’t always easy! Most importantly, Jon has a comprehensive knowledge of guitar, and he keeps his lessons fresh and interesting by incorporating my son’s interests. My son looks forward to his lessons, which I think says a lot about an instructor.”
-Parent Jennifer
“If you’re looking to further your music education and musical experience, Jon Dufore is a great choice. Jon is exceptionally talented, and presents in a way that makes learning fun and interesting. His way with a guitar would make anyone long to be better. When you see what’s possible, it makes you want to learn and practice. He’s one exceptional instructor. Highly recomended!!!”
-Student Wayne
“If you are looking for music lessons for your child, look no further! Jon has been patiently teaching drum lessons to my son, who just turned five, for most of the past year. Many may think music lessons for a child that young would be silly and would have limited long-term impact. However, I think that the individualized approach Jon takes with our son is perfect! He has learned so much and loves to demonstrate his skills. My son even listens to music differently after having lessons – always listening carefully for the drum beats. He looks forward to Jon’s arrival (always prompt!) each week. Jon is always very professional and FUN!”
-Parent Michelle
“Jon is an amazing guitar teacher. He makes the learning fun. He is always organized, prepared, and always a few minutes early. I highly recommend him for a fun learning experience.”
-Student Grace
Jon Dufore Music 