Home Faculty Dmitry Novokhatskiy

Dmitry Novokhatskiy is a dedicated guitar teacher and seasoned musician who brings energy, creativity, and decades of experience to his guitar lessons at Pleasanton Academy of Music. He specializes in both acoustic and electric guitars, offering private guitar lessons to students of all ages and every skill level—from beginner guitar lessons to advanced coaching.

Originally from Novosibirsk, Russia, Dmitry’s musical journey began with piano, but he quickly discovered his passion for guitar playing. He wrote his first song at age eleven and formed his first band by seventeen, touring and performing rock and metal across Eastern Russia. These experiences, along with years of teaching music and working in studio production, have shaped his dynamic approach to guitar instruction.

Now based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Dmitry teaches both in person and through online lessons, working with new students on basic skills, rhythm, techniques, and building a solid foundation in music theory and performance. Whether you’re learning a few chords, working on a particular style like rock, metal, or jazz, or exploring how to play the guitar for the first time, Dmitry helps each student progress at their own comfort level.

His lessons are tailored to individual goals—whether a child wants to have fun with a new instrument, a teen dreams of performing on stage, or an adult hopes to revisit guitar classes after a few years away. He teaches students how to practice, how to play songs they love, and how to express themselves through guitar and music.

Dmitry’s background includes four full-length albums with his band and two solo records, where he served as the writer, guitarist, and vocalist. He has also created self-paced songwriting courses to help students learn guitar and explore their creativity.

Known for being the perfect teacher for those looking to build skills and grow in various styles, Dmitry combines passion with structure, giving his students the tools they need to succeed—whether they’re taking lessons for fun, performance, or professional development.