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On Chord Academy

Music Education For All Ages

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On Chord Academy

November Student Performance


Saturday, Nov 16th

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Since 2013...


On Chord Academy has taught music lessons in Layton, Utah.

We love helping aspiring musicians, future performers, and dedicated hobbyists in Davis County develop their understanding and deepen their love of music.

Our students enjoy individualized lessons from experienced teachers, live performance opportunities and extracurricular events to deepen their musical understanding.

We Believe...


A music student needs 3 things to succeed:

  1. A Progressive Curriculum to challenge them appropriately.
  2. Experienced Teachers who adapt to students' learning styles.
  3. Performance Opportunities to solidify what they've learned.

Music Lessons We Teach

You want to play guitar because it’s “cool?” You’re not wrong!

Guitar is an extremely expressive and fun instrument to play. We love helping beginning to advancedstudents learn how to play guitar. Our experienced teachers create an enthusiastic and supportive environment, using tools and approaches that can be adapted to the individual student's strengths and abilities.

Our guitar students enjoy:

  • Multiple performance opportunities each year
  • Monthly "Listening Parties" to expand their interests
  • Intermediate & advanced student bands
  • Exclusive access to our Guitar Certificate Program

On Chord Academy Guitar Certificate Program

We are the only guitar studio to offer the On Chord Academy Guitar Certificate Program: a four-tier, progressive curriculum designed to take a student from their first day all the way through auditioning for collegiate-level guitar programs.

This program provides a clear path for learning guitar through four certificate levels, broken down into achievable units. Once a student demonstrates sufficient mastery—by attending a Guitar Jury—they are awarded the certificate and an exclusive color guitar strap that matches their level.

Guitar Lesson Info
  • Lesson Type: 30 min., Weekly, One-on-one
  • Lessons Per Month: 4
  • Lesson Fee: $109 /mo
  • Free Trial: Yes
Guitar Lessons in Progress

Voice lessons to develop pitch, range and performance.

On Chord Academy's voice program focuses on learning technique, like correct breathing and voice placement, while learning warm-ups and songs that help students progressively increase their control and range. Voice students learn how to prepare songs for performance and develop a personal style and presence that enhances overall performance.

Meet Our Voice Teacher Jill Wilhelm

Jill has a passion for singing which she developed through years of study and performance. Jill draws on decades of teaching, coaching and performance experience to craft voice lessons that help students develop their voice as well as their confidence.

Jill started piano at the age of four, took opera lessons from the world-renowned Eugene Masluk, and sang Mozart and Verdi arias throughout California. In addition to forming the Celtic rock band, Pladdohg, Jill founded and currently runs JAKS Youth Theater Company, a non-profit group producing numerous musicals and performances throughout the year.

Voice Lesson Info
  • Lesson Type: 30 min., Weekly, One-on-one
  • Lessons Per Month: 4
  • Lesson Fee: $109 /mo
  • Free Trial: Yes
Guitar Lessons in Progress

The only music lesson that lets you hit stuff. But…musically.

From your first drum lesson you will begin working on rudimental drumming, stick contreol, and developing tempo. Over your first few months you’ll learn beats and grooves on the drum kit while learning to read and interpret written music notation.

On Chord drum Academy students focus on four key areas in drum lessons:

  • Rudiments: Rudiments create the language that all drummers speak.
  • Beats: These are the backbone of music and change depending on a song’s genre and feel.
  • Fills: Drum fills can serve as transitions between sections or as miniature drum solos.
  • Notation: Learning to read music notation specific to drumming.

Meet Our Drum Teacher Nathan Chappell

Teaching drumming is important because I have seen too many drummers who don’t have proper eduction and struggle due to lack of technique. I would rather our young musicians receive the right instruction so that they can make quality music and actually make art.
—Nathan, Drum Teacher
Drum Lesson Info
  • Lesson Type: 30 min., Weekly, One-on-one
  • Lessons Per Month: 4
  • Lesson Fee: $109 /mo
  • Free Trial: Yes
Guitar Lessons in Progress

Perfect for smaller hands, or anyone who just likes smiling.

From the beaches of Hawaii to an ocean of acoustic covers on YouTube, no other instrument as seen as dramatic an up-swell as the ukulele. Its smaller size, affordability, and relative simplicity make it a great first instrument.

Our Ukulele Lessons focus on 3 main areas:

  • Chords: Learning to read chord diagrams and use proper fingerings.
  • Strumming: Ukulele students learn strumming patterns which progressively increasein complexity to make playing ukulele songs more interesting and enjoyable.
  • Note Reading: Our ukulele students also learn to read standard music notation, so they can read and play melodies, as well as to develop into well rounded musicians.

Meet One Of Our Uke Teachers Chis Aguilar

I love helping people understand why music is so awesome. Music has enriched my life. It’s brought me from low moments to high moments and I love being able to share that with people. Being able to give somebody, whether it’s a hobby or a life, something that they are going to do for the rest of their life.
—Chris, Guitar & Uke Teacher
Uke Lesson Info
  • Lesson Type: 30 min., Weekly, One-on-one
  • Lessons Per Month: 4
  • Lesson Fee: $109 /mo
  • Free Trial: Yes
Guitar Lessons in Progress

Bass: the most important harmonic & rhythmic force in a song.

The hardest musicians to find, no matter where you are, is a good bass player. That’s why taking bass lessons gives you a competitive advantage. Bassists who are versatile, experienced and passionate always have a band to join and a gig to play.

On Chord Academy bass students learn the 3 P's of versatile bass playing:

  • Pitch: The right notes at the right time. Part of learning music is knowing scales, patterns, and progressions.
  • Pocket: If you don’t develop an internal sense of rhythm, playing bass, or any other instrument, just wont be as fun.
  • Performance: Knowing how to play through a mistake is a learened skill.

Meet Our Bass Teacher John Chatelain

As a multi-instrumentalist, I love learning music. Whether it's a new instrument, new techniques, genres, songs...I love it all. And that's probably why I love teaching so much too. Helping my students find their own love for music by developing a critical ear, experimenting with songwriting and recording, or finding their internal sense of rhythm.
—John, Bass Teacher
Bass Lesson Info
  • Lesson Type: 30 min., Weekly, One-on-one
  • Lessons Per Month: 4
  • Lesson Fee: $109 /mo
  • Free Trial: Yes
Guitar Lessons in Progress

About Us


From the beginning, we set out to create the music learning experience we wish we had had when we were starting out. We love trying new things and exploring the best ways to engage our students. We are proud of what we have developed so far, and our students' progress.
— John Chatelain, Co-Founder & Teacher
Our goal is to create a complete educational experience. We focus on the individual through private lessons, performance opportunities, ongoing music workshops, as well as a band program. We’ve created a very in-depth and unique educational experience.
— Jordan Olsen, Co-Founder & Teacher

Location & Hours

Where We're Located

OCA Map
  • Address:

    360 S. Fort Lane, Suite C-110
    Layton, Utah 84041

  • Conveniently located right off the Layton Parkway Exit of I-15, in the Fort Lane Plaza, in the second building on the left.
  • Driving Instructions: Youtube Video

When We're Open

OCA Map
  • Teaching Hours:
    • Guitar, Ukulele, Bass Lessons:
      • Monday - Thursday: 3pm-9pm
    • Voice Lessons:
      • Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 3pm-9pm
    • Drum Lessons:
      • Monday - Thursday: 3pm-9pm
    • Student Bands Program:
      • Wednesday: 6pm-10pm
  • Administrative Hours: (June '24)
    • Monday: 4:00pm-6:00pm
    • Wednesday: 5:00pm-7:00pm
    • Thursday: 4:00pm-6:00pm

Get To Know Us


Meet A Teacher

Jordan Huston

  • Years Teaching Guitar: 11 yrs.
  • Years At On Chord: 8 yrs.
  • Years Playing Guitar: 22 yrs.
  • Education:
    • University of Utah
      • B.A. Music Composition
  • Fun Fact:
    • Jordan enjoys bird watching.
  • Teaching Statement:

    You can achieve whatever you like, if you're willing to put the time into it. Any of my students can play anything they like, it will just take a variable amount of time.

Read Reviews

Rating:

I have taken lessons at many music schools, but On On Chord Academy is by far the best place I have ever taken lessons from! All of the teachers are outstandingly hard working and have tremendous patience with each student. They have made it a positive and safe learning environment where you can actually enjoy jamming out.

— Parker, Guitar Student & Student Band Member
Rating:

Love this school!!! Three of my kids take guitar lessons here and have not only learned how to play the instrument, they’ve gained a greater appreciation for music in general. The instructors at On Chord are amazing! They create a fun and challenging environment that keeps my kids motivated...and the instructors want each child to grow and succeed in their music journey.

— Cindy, Proud Parent
Rating:

The reason I think On Chord is way more fun than other places is because I get to pick the music that I learn. My friends who go other places have to learn really lame songs that their teacher picks out for them...I can honestly say that On Chord is the best!!!!

— Daisy, Ukulele & Guitar Student

See Students Perform

Contact Us

Get In Contact With Us

We'd love to hear from you! Please let us help you with any questions you may have. You can use information below to call and leave us a message or send us an email. We'll do our best to reach back out during our next adminstrative period.

  • 360 S. Fort Lane,
    Suite C-110
    Layton, UT 84041

Free Workshops, Trial Lessons, and Sign-ups

Beginning Guitar Workshop

Everything You Need To Learn Before Starting Lessons

On Chord Academy's Beginning Guitar Workshop is a 90-minute lesson primer designed for true beginners. During the workshop, we cover critical foundational curriculum and technique needed to start properly learning to play the guitar.

Workshop students learn:

  • Basic music notation & counting
  • Guitar orientation
  • Open string names
  • Proper hand techniques
  • Guitar tablature
  • A simple song applying everything they've learned.

The Beginning Guitar Workshop is a great, no-commitment, way to check out our studio, meet one of our great teachers, get a feel for how we teach. It's also a great way to gauge your (or your child's) interest in continuing with on-going music lessons.

Workshops are separated by age group: 8 - 12 and 13 - Adult. The content is the same in both ages groups, but the approach is adapted to different learning styles.

  • Workshop Days: Saturday mornings.
    See linked calendar for specific dates.
  • Workshop Times:
    • 8-12 yr-olds: 11am-12:30pm
    • 13 yr-olds-Adult: 1pm-2:30pm

Request a free trial lesson for Guitar, Voice, Drums, Ukulele, or Bass

Meet with a teacher and learn about lessons before enrolling

At On Chord Academy, we take teaching music lessons seriously which iswhy we offer a free trial lesson for anyone who wants to learn to play guitar or start singing lessons. We want students to know what they are committing to when they sign up. Free Trial Lessons are a great way to exerpeince music lessons before you enroll.

What to expect at a trial lesson:

  • You will meet with one of our talented teachers and get to know them
  • You can familiarize yourself with our Layton location
  • You experience the one-on-one lesson format
  • You can ask any questions about teaching apporoach, skill level, necessary tools, etc.
  • Get opinions on gear—either your own or gear you are looking to purchase
  • You can set goals with the teacher for your immediate and long term learning plans

Guitar Lessons in Progress

During the trial lesson, teachers will introduce themslves, talk about their background. Music teachers will also ask you questions about your prior experience, as well as your musical interests. Together you will start to develop long term goals, and the teacher can explain some possible steps on the way.

How to schedule a trial lesson:

Fill out the form below to let us know you are interseted in music lessons. Our Student Services Coordinator will then reach out to you with some options for trial lesson dates and times. Once you agree ona time we will let the teacher know to expect you.

  • Trial Lesson Days: Will depend on teacher avialbilty. Most instruments are taught Mondays through Thursdays, except for Voice lessons which are taugh Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
  • Trial Lesson Times: Once again, the times will depend on availbility. Our standard teaching hours are between 3pm and 9pm.

Guitar Certificate Jury

The final step to prove your guitar-level mastery.

As part of our one-of-a-kind Guitar Certificate Program, Students who wish to achieve their certificate, and pass on to the next level of expertise, must first "sit a jury".

Similar to how college-level music programs function, a jury is a panel of On Chord Academy teachers who will ask you to demonstrate your knowledge of certificate requirements. The jury will grade your presentation and will determine if your mastery of the information is sufficient to earn your respective certificate.

  • Jury Dates: Guitar Jury's are typically held on the 2nd Friday of each month.
  • Jury Length: Between 25-30 minutes.
  • Jury Times: There are 4 open Jury slots every month from 5pm-7pm.