The Guitar Academy
Learn to play over 100 kumzitz songs
Unlock your creative potential
Become the guitarist you know you could be
Suitable for all skill levels.
191 On-demand lessons • 25 Hours • 2 Years Access
Both versions, Yiddish & English, included with purchase
"I clearly remember as a child lying on the cold stone floor listening to my first cassette tape. The music fills the room, it fills my heart. It is mesmerizing and hypnotizing.
One day, as I'm listening, a very distinct sound catches my attention. I remember asking my father, 'What is that sound?'
'That's a guitar,' he answered.
The guitar amazes me and pulls at something in my heart. I dream of playing the guitar. I have a deep desire to create those sounds on my own."
You might have a musical neshama and share that desire to create beautiful music of your own. To move an audience with your guitar.
And yet...
Aspiring Beginner
You've been wanting to learn but you're not sure where to begin
Overwhelm
With so much to learn, the journey ahead feels daunting. Where do you turn? How do you start?
Lack of focus
You might be tempted to jump around from one skill to the next, without ever acquiring anything lasting.
Started and Stopped
You learned the basics but lost motivation and momentum
Lack of structure
Flooded with excitement and commitment when they first start out, most players find they hit a motivational plateau.
Lack of motivation
What happens after the initial excitement and commitment wears off and a motivational plateau sets in?
Good, Not (Yet) Amazing
You know you could be playing at a different level
Lack of confidence
You still don't feel 100% confident playing in front of others or composing your own music. There's more in you waiting to come out!
Lack of time
All the pieces are there, but life has a way of getting in the way, even of important things.
And more than that.
You won't learn from just anyone, in just any way.
You want to learn from a high-level musician in a way that honors your values and sensitivities.
That's exactly why we're here.
An immersive experience that will build your skills and nurture your passion in environment that feels right.
"So many ‘aha’ moments"
As someone with some background in music, I was looking for a course that could push my skills further. This guitar course exceeded my expectations! I had so many ‘aha’ moments… it covers so much more than kumzitz strumming.
- M. Greenfield
Learn guitar in a way that makes sense for you.
Skip the overwhelm
Everything you need to know, from beginner through expert. No more sifting.
Renew your motivation
Professional video content will help reignite your commitment for learning.
Follow a path
Each lesson builds on the previous one to methodically strengthen your skills.
Feel inspired
Nachman plays and teaches straight from the heart. And his passion is contagious!
Gain confidence
Structured commitment will improve your skills and give you newfound confidence.
Get feedback
Post questions and upload videos or audio tracks and get personalized feedback.
Learn at your own pace
Watch and rewatch at your own pace, whenever convenient for you.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
By the End of This Course, You Will Be Able to:
Confidently play 100 of the most popular kumzitz songs
Master a wide range of songs and styles
Understand the fretboard and navigate it with ease
Express yourself creatively through improvisation
Compose original music
Play solo or along with a band
Bring joy to others with your music!
Course Includes
25 Hours of self-paced content
20 Course modules
2 Guest Instructors
191 On-demand video lessons
Downloadable workbook
Detailed equipment buying guide
Personal feedback and responses
MP3 jam tracks + kumzitz tracks
2 Years unlimited access (online or USB)
Requirements
No prior knowledge or experience required
Guitar (detailed buying guide included, with budget-friendly options + gear recommendations from Nachman)
Strumming Techniques
Bar Chords & Transposing
Introduction to Music Theory
Famous Riff & Solo Breakdowns
Guitar
Anatomy
Jazz
Progressions
Pentatonic & Advanced Scales
Advanced Guitar Theory
Electric Guitars & Amplifiers
Finger Dexterity Exercises
Tricks to Enhance Your Playing
Advanced Strumming Patterns
Pedal Power: Deep Dive into Guitar Effects
Songwriting: Tap into Your Creativity
Developed with professional curriculum experts to ensure you master the guitar with confidence and ease.
1.1 Meet the Guitar
1.2 Meet the Strings & Tune the Guitar
1.3 Major Scale and its Chords
1.4 A minor
1.5 Intro to Strumming
1.6 D minor
1.7 Strumming Part 2
1.8 Song: Orech Yamim
1.9 Song: Yisrael Betach BaShem
1.10 Fingerpicking
1.11 Song: Dov Ber
1.12 A minor/ D minor Transition
2.1 E major & E 7th
2.2 Strum DDUDDU
2.3 Song: Tzama Lecha
2.4 Strum 3/4 and DDUDU
2.5 Song: HaNeshamah Lach
2.6 Song: Lulei Sorascha
2.7 Strum DDUUDU
2.8 Song: Hashem Melech
2.9 Song: Vesaiareiv
3.1 C major
3.2 Song: Barditchever's Niggun
3.3 Strum DDDU
3.4 Song: Pnei L'elbon
3.5 G major
3.6 Ki Karov
3.7 Fingerpicking
3.8 Song: Lecha Dodi
4.1 F major
4.2 Song: V'afilu Behastara
4.3 E minor
4.4 Song: Shir Lamaalot (karduner Esa Einai)
4.5 Mute Strum
4.6 Song: Shir Lamaalot with Mute Strum
4.7 Song: Rachem Bechasdecha
4.8 Song: Vezakeini
5.1 The Keys of the Major Songs
5.2 Song: Hamalach
5.3 D major
5.4 A major
5.5 Song: Yachad
5.6 Venehapoch
5.7 Song: Veshavu Banim
5.8 Song: Hashem Oz
5.9 Song: Shomrim Hafked
6.2 Transpose A minor to E minor
6.3 B7th
6.4 Song: Vechol Mi Sheoskin
6.5 Song: Besheim Hashem
6.6 Return Again
6.7 B minor Bar Chord
6.8 Song: Tov Lehodos
7.1 Using a Capo
7.2 Bar Chords: E major & E minor Form
7.3 Bar Chord: A minor Form
7.4 Bar Chord: A major Form
7.5 Strum: UM-PA
7.6 Medley in Phrygian Dominant A major
8.1 Palm Mute
8.2 Power Chords
8.3 Hammer on Chords
8.4 Embellished Chords
9.1 Open Chords: C major
9.2 Open Chords: E major
9.3 Open Chords: A-B-C#-E
9.4 Open Chords: B minor
9.5 Jazz Progression 2-5-1
9.6 Simple Fingerpicking
9.7 Advanced Fingerpicking
10.1 Songwriting
10.2 G-C-D-G
10.3 G-D-Em-C
10.4 Am-Em-F-C or G
10.5 C-G-Am-F
10.6 Am-Dm-F-G
10.7 D-C-G
10.8 Em-G-D-C
10.9 C-G-Am-F-G
10.10 Em-Am-F-G
10.11 Am-Em
10.12 Dm-Am-F-G
10.13 Am-D-Fmaj7-G
10.14 Rhythm Summary
11.1 Intro to all kumzitz songs
11.2 Mimkomcha
11.3 Baal Shem Tov Niggun
11.4 Eili Ata Chabad
11.5 Shifchi Kamayim
11.6 Lulei Sorascha
11.7 Torah Hakdosha
11.8 Ani Maamin
11.9 Esa Einei
11.10 Ana Hashem
11.11 Vahaviosim
11.12 Acheinu
11.13 Prok Yas Anoch
11.14 Chamol
11.15 Kol Hanachalim
11.16 Ani Maamin
11.17 Ani Maamin
11.18 Ani Maamin
11.19 Ani Maamin
11.20 Ach Leilokim
11.21 Avinu Malkeinu
11.22 Al Tastir
11.23 Hoshia es Amecha
11.24 Min Hameitzar
11.25 Veata Banim
11.26 Eilecha
11.27 Modeh Ani
11.28 L'maan Achai
11.29 Vehoyu Limshisa
11.30 Ko Ribon Olam
11.31 Baruch Hashem
11.32 Hashiveinu
11.33 Menucha Vesimcha
11.34 A Haim
11.35 Vehi Noam
11.36 Simcha Leartzecha
11.37 Vehi Sheamda
11.38 Higaleh Na
11.39 Mi Haish
11.40 Im Eshkachech
11.41 Besimcha
12.1 Elul Niggun
12.2 Ki Karov
12.3 Barach Hu
12.4 Lemaancha
13.1 "Eitan and Nachman Kumzitz
14.1 Dovy and Nachman Kumzitz
15.1 Intro to Lead Guitar
16.1 Introduction to the Pentatonic Scale
16.2 Pentatonic Pattern 2
16.3 Pentatonic Pattern 3
16.4 Pentatonic Pattern 4
16.5 Pentatonic Pattern 5
16.6 Pentatonic Scale Patterns Across the Fretboard
16.7 Exercise 1
16.8 More Pentatonic Exercises
16.9 Blue Notes
17.1 Bending
17.2 Vibrato Techniques
17.3 Hammer-ons & Pull-offs
17.4 String Skipping Exercise
17.5 Slide-up
17.6 Slide-up 2.0 Bridging Patterns
17.7 Tapping
17.8 Tapping 2.0
18.1 Intro to Jewish Riffs
18.2 Asher Bara-Piamenta
18.3 Asher Bara-Piamenta
18.4 Sim Shalom-Dovid Gabay
18.5 Yoya-Kaveret
18.6 Gelt-Lipa Schmetlzer
18.7 Havei Mekabel-Yeedle
18.8 Maaminim-MBD
18.9 Rotzah-Dedi
19.1 Modes
19.2 Ionian Mode
19.3 Dorian Mode
19.4 Phrygian Mode
19.5 Lydian and Mixolydian Modes
19.6 Aeolian and Locrian Modes
20.1 Intervals
20.2 Octaves
20.3 Arpeggios
20.4 Arpeggios and Lead Integration
21.1 Pedals
22.1 End of Course Video
INCLUDES
2 Guest Instructor Modules
Gain technical proficiency and get a glimpse of the artistry that drives top-tier performers
Eitan Katz and Dovy Meisels.
Guest Instructor: Eitan Katz
Eitan Katz offers special insight into songwriting techniques, drawing from his extensive experience as a songwriter and performer.
Eitan also shows you his signature fingerpicking style and percussive guitar strumming, where the guitar takes on the function of the drums.
Guest Instructor: Dovy Meisels
Dovy Meisels contributes unique perspectives on kumzitz energy, the essential ingredient in creating unforgettable group experiences.
He'll guide you as you explore the intricacies of rhythm, improvisation, and group dynamics, enhancing your ability to connect with your audience.
ALSO INCLUDES
Songwriting Module
Jam Tracks & Kumzitz Tracks
Course Workbook
"This course is different"
I've had two in-person guitar teachers in the past but always lost motivation and somehow didn’t grasp it. This course was different; I was able to see exactly what Nachman was doing and learn at my own pace. These lessons are effective. I’m making progress!
- Duvid H.
WHO YOU'LL LEARN FROM
Meet Your Instructor
Nachman Dreyer is one of the foremost guitarists on the Jewish music scene today.
With over 20 years' experience, he plays in-studio alongside top industry musicians and is the lead guitarist for the Freilach Band.
Nachman has a passion for teaching, a clear teaching style, and a deep understanding of the guitar.
With this unique combination of talents, he has helped countless students unlock their creative potential and express themselves through music.
What can I expect from this course?
This course is for anyone with a desire to play guitar better tomorrow than they do today.
It's suitable for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, and is designed to take you from the basics, through the intermediate building blocks, and ultimately, to complete mastery.
(Of course, we can't practice for you, but we'll give you everything you need to succeed, and more!)
A lot! While we do start with the basics, we quickly move on to intermediate and advanced techniques to improve your ability to express yourself on the guitar.
Since our approach is practice-based (rather than theory-based), you'll benefit from tailored exercises that help you improve your skills in real time.
You may especially enjoy the option of submitting videos and receiving constructive feedback that will take your playing to the next level.
It's up to you! You can work through the on-demand video lessons as quickly or slowly as you like. But we do recommend setting aside at least 5 minutes a day for practicing the exercises. The more consistently you practice, the sooner you'll see results.
Just drop your question in the comments section beneath the video and get notified as soon as a reply is posted.
Yes. Your enrollment gives you access to all course content AND personalized feedback and responses for 2 full years, for both the online and USB access tracks.
If you've chosen the online track, we can extend your access for an additional 6 or 12 months upon request. Just reach out and let us know! Unfortunately, we are not able to extend access for the USB access track.
After the deadline, enrollment will be closed and you will not be able to sign up for the course until it re-opens. (You can email us if you'd like to be added to the waiting list.)
No. The next time enrollment opens, the price for the Guitar Academy will be higher. We don't know numbers yet, but we do know this is the last time it will be offered at the current price.
Yes. You have the option of a 1-time payment or paying in 2 monthly installments.
Unfortunately, since this is a digital product, we do not offer a money-back guarantee.
No. USB contents are programmed to self-destruct after 2 years.
Definitely. You can contact us via email at info@daass.com and a member of our team will get in touch with you. You can also always reach out to us via text or WhatsApp at 718-400-9877.
HOW YOU'LL LEARN
Designed to Inform and Transform
The Guitar Academy has been carefully curated by professional curriculum advisors to ensure you come away from this course on a measurably higher skill level than when you began.
SUCCESS-FIRST APPROACH
Success on Day One, Day Two, and Every Day After
We use a "success first approach" built on proven educational methods to take you from the basics to advanced techniques.
You'll play a complete song on day one and continue to experience success and satisfaction as you work through the modules and simple exercises of this course.
By the end, you'll be playing over 100 of the most popular kumzitz songs, and much more!
REAL-TIME SKILL ACQUISITION
Uplevel, at Any Level
This course uses a variety of learning pathways to ensure you uplevel your skills in real time.
For example, when you learn famous riffs and advanced scales, you won't just watch passively as Nachman has all the fun.
You'll get:
- The notes in your workbook
- Downloadable audio backing tracks
- Finger dexterity exercises
...all to help you acquire mastery of even highly advanced skills.
"Every new technique felt like an exciting challenge"
Before this course, I had never held a guitar, but now, I'm strumming away to my favorite songs! The lessons were structured in such an engaging way that every new chord and technique felt like an exciting challenge rather than a hurdle.
- Sarah R..
WHERE YOU'LL LEARN
Work through the course at your own pace.
Leave questions and comments as you watch and get personalized responses.
What Happens After You Sign Up?
Complete Checkout
You'll get redirected to our secure payment page where you can complete your checkout.
Log In
You'll receive an email with a link and password for the Guitar Academy. (You'll receive a separate email for the Yiddish version after Pesach. Both versions are included with your purchase.)
Start Learning!
You'll get immediate access* so you can start learning at your own pace right away!
*Note that if you choose the USB option, your access will not be immediate.
The USB key will be mailed to you after Pesach as detailed below at checkout.
You can always opt for online access, then request to switch to USB at a later date.
Get Immediate 2-Year Access to the
Guitar Academy
WHY DAASS?
A DAASS Course is Unlike Any Other Course
DAASS is committed to bringing you industry excellence and an immersive learning experience. In every DAASS course, including this one, you will:
Access your full potential.
Become the guitarist you know you could be.
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