unleash your inner rock god

more then lessons. join the experience.

Ignite Membership

Fuel your passion, sharpen your skills, and stay motivated with expert guidance, structured lessons, and a community that keeps your progress on fire.

"VIP" ALL-ACCESS PASS

Meet with Don to talk goals and interests, explore how the program works, and find out if RockStar Guitar Academy is the right fit for you. It's 100% FREE!!!

THE MOTIVATED MUSICAN

Discover your “why,” define your goals, and create a clear, personalized plan to keep your playing focused, consistent, and inspired.

Your Musical Journey, Your Pace

So, Who Exactly is Don???

Here is a brief overview, check it out!


Over 40 years of guitar experience and 20 years of teaching.
Creator of RockStar Guitar Academy — a program built for busy adults who want to rock.
Attended the Hartford Conservatory and classes at Atlanta Institute of Music.
Official Troy Stetina Music Academy Coach and creator of The Motivated Musician course.
Studied with many incredible teachers including Alex Skolnick (Testament, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Savatage etc...)
Specializes in classic rock and heavy metal, focusing on real songs, recording, and developing your chops through music that actually inspires you.

What people have to say about don

Don is a pro and a very patient teacher. I never played an instrument before picking up the guitar much later in life and Don taught me a lot from basics and lessons were tailored specifically towards me. I highly recommend Don and Rockstar Academy!

MaryEllen Geragotelis

I found Don after years of playing and trying to teach myself but never progressing. Immediately Don assessed my abilities, where I wanted to go with my guitar playing and within the first week we had a great curriculum started with my needs as priority. I recommend Don very highly. 

Jason Rhodes

Don is very good at breaking things down to meet the student at his/her level, and works methodically and systematically with students to build their essential skill base. There is no substitute for experienced teaching!

tsmusicacademy.com


"Want a behind-the-scenes look at how our program works?

Book your VIP All-Access Pass below and check it out for yourself.

Real Riffs, Real Learning
rock your way to real results!

a new way to think about lessons

Got questions?
Don has the answers

Ready to embark on your musical adventure but have a few questions first?   We're here to provide answers and get you ready to hit the right chords. 

What makes the "RockStar Guitar Academy" different from traditional guitar lessons?

Our approach focuses on learning guitar through real songs and riffs, allowing students to connect directly with the music they enjoy. It's a hands-on, engaging approach that focuses on learning practical skills rather than deep diving into more academic, college-level studies. We're here to jam!"

However, if you're ready to crank it up a notch and uncover the secrets behind those iconic riffs and licks you can't get enough of, we also have you covered. We're here to guide you through every pulse-pounding note!

Is Practice Really Necessary? 

Absolutely! Practicing your guitar at home isn't just encouraged; it's crucial for your musical growth! Picking up your guitar between lessons is where the magic happens—it's the cornerstone of your progress. Remember, without practice, you won't see the progress you're hoping for. The effort you invest at home directly translates to the results you'll achieve. You don't have to practice every single day for two hours; but rather focused, regular practice. I would rather see 5 days of 20 minutes then 2 days of two hour sessions.

For those seeking a more casual experience with their instrument, merely attending lessons without any further engagement at home, our program would not be the best fit for you. But if you're ready to dedicate even a small slice of your week, even as little as 10 minutes a day, then you're exactly where you need to be.

In short, the only real requirement here is that you show some effort and you're ready to rock!!!

What is the Digital Learning Hub? How does it work?

The JamZone is your one-stop platform, packed with resources to enhance your guitar journey. This platform provides tailored assignments, video guides and full band backing tracks for a real band feel, more on that below. Stay motivated with the handy practice tracking tools and ongoing teacher support between lessons, all designed to make your musical journey both fun and inspiring.

The Virtual Rock Band is a feature where you can jam along with full band backing tracks, which include or omit the guitars based on your preference. You can also slow down or speed the band up, even loop sections! It provides a realistic and immersive experience, helping you hone your skills in a fun and engaging way.

I'm a bit older and looking to rekindle my passion for guitar. Is this program suitable for someone like me?

Absolutely! Our program is crafted with adults in mind. Whether your looking to reignite an old hobby from years past or a fun escape from the pressures of daily life, we have a program designed specifically for you. And no, it's never too late to fuel your passion for music!

I'm a complete beginner; will I be able to keep up with the lessons?

Definitely! Our programs are crafted to suit learners at various stages, including complete beginners. We actually specilize in teaching beginners. The learning pace is flexible and your instructor is here to guide you every step of the way, even between lessons. 

I have a younger child interested in learning guitar. Is this program suitable for them?

Our program is primarily designed for adults and teens. We focus on genres like classic rock, metal, grunge, punk etc... which generally resonate more with these age groups. For younger children, we recommend seeking a program specifically crafted for that age to provide them with the most suitable learning experience.

IGNITE MEMBERSHIP WITH PRIVATE COACHING

The Ignite Membership includes private coaching with Don Parkhurst Jr., full access to Rhythm Guitar Mastery 1 & 2, The Motivated Musician, and a private community of players who push you forward. Build powerful skills, set clear goals, and stay motivated with expert guidance and group support that keeps you fired up to play! 

THE FACE MELTER MEMBERSHIP

The Face Melter Membership includes Rhythm Guitar Mastery 1 & 2, The Motivated Musician, Troy’s Master Mechanics, and access to a private community of players who push you forward. It’s your complete system for mastering the fretboard, training your ear, and learning to play what you hear — with power, confidence, and control.

Fretboard Firestarter with Rob Mills of Diamond Head

Led by Rob Mills, former lead guitarist of Diamond Head, the band that inspired and helped shape Metallica’s early sound, this bonus lesson series delivers short, powerful exercises that lock technique into muscle memory. Build precision, stay relaxed, and keep practice fun while adding time on the instrument and igniting your fretboard skills without the burnout.

Rockstar guitar academy - COPYRIGHT 2026 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED