Lessons
Diego offers private music lessons in person and online — including in-home lessons throughout New York City — working with students from age 8 through adulthood across a wide range of experience levels.
Whether you're a beginner picking up the instrument for the first time or an intermediate or advanced player looking to deepen your musicianship, lessons are tailored to your specific goals, learning style, and musical interests. Instruction draws directly from Diego's active career as a performer, recording artist, and ensemble coach.
Instruments taught: Guitar (electric, acoustic & classical) · Bass · Ukulele · Mandolin · Irish/Tenor Banjo
Lessons available in English and Spanish.
What to Expect
Depending on your goals, lessons may include:
Fretboard fluency and technique
Harmony, rhythm, and music theory
Improvisation and stylistic vocabulary
Repertoire-based learning across jazz, pop, rock, blues, and Celtic styles
Performance preparation and audition coaching
Ensemble readiness and musical independence
Rates
30 minutes $60
45 minutes $90
60 minutes $120
Lessons are offered in monthly packages with a consistent weekly time slot. A complimentary 30-minute introductory meeting is available for all new students.
What Students Say
“Both my daughter and I wanted to learn how to play the guitar, and Diego was always patient and kind, finding the best learning methods for each of us. Although I eventually stopped lessons due to time constraints, my daughter continued until Diego changed locations. He was always the most polite and professional instructor we worked with. He was so wonderful that I even asked him to play at my wedding. I highly recommend Diego Retana to anyone seeking quality and integrity in the music industry.”
— Leanne M.
“Diego made the class very engaging and encouraging, and he tailored the lessons specifically to my goals.”
— Dan N.
“Diego is a natural teacher with a God-given talent. My daughter has only been taking guitar lessons for four and a half months, but her progress has been incredible. She learns something new each week and leaves every lesson with a big smile. Diego is kind, encouraging, and extremely knowledgeable, with a fun and diverse repertoire. I highly recommend him.”
— Alida W.
“Diego is a wonderful guitar teacher for our daughter. He has fostered a genuine love of music in her. She looks forward to her weekly lessons, and we never have to ask her to practice—she is always excited to continue what she started during the lesson.”
— Ellen O.
“Terrific guitar teacher. I was a beginner, but I’m confident Diego could help students at any level.”
— Jamie P.
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About
Diego Retana is a NYC-based guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, and studio musician whose work spans jazz, rock, pop, blues, musical theater, and Celtic traditions. With over two decades of musical experience and more than 15 years as a professional performer, Diego has built a versatile career performing, recording, and collaborating across a wide range of musical settings — from intimate acoustic performances to major concert halls and festival stages.
Born in Costa Rica and raised just outside Washington, DC, Diego began his musical journey through singing and saxophone before discovering the guitar at thirteen. Largely self-taught in his formative years, he developed his musicianship through deep listening, transcription, and extended daily practice. This ear-driven approach continues to shape both his playing and his teaching philosophy.
Diego pursued formal training at Frederick Community College before earning a Bachelor of Music in Jazz & Commercial Performance from Towson University. He has performed at venues ranging from local clubs and festivals to The Iridium, Birdland, the Kennedy Center, and Carnegie Hall, and his theatrical credits include pit work at Baltimore Center Stage, Montclair State University, Pace University, and The Dalton School, among others.
As a recording musician, Diego appears on multiple 2025 releases including Sam & Company (Sam Nasar), Espresso Depresspo (Mixed State), and (Be)Loved: The Live EP (PRIYA). He serves as Music Director for The Pilgrims of Deep Run, a Baltimore-based Celtic folk ensemble, and performs with Mixed State, a NYC-based jazz-fusion group.
In 2024, Diego received the Distinguished Artist Award from Frederick Community College, and returned in 2025 as a featured concert performer honoring the award.
He currently teaches private lessons and coaches ensembles at The Dwight School in New York City.
Videos
Also find Diego on
Instagram: @playdiegoplay
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@playdiegoplay
Ready to get started?
Schedule a free 30-minute introductory meeting to discuss your goals and find the right fit.
Email: Diego.E.Retana@gmail.com