Ari Elfasi
Guitar, Songwriting
Ari Elfasi is a Washington, DC–area guitarist, performer, and music educator offering guitar lessons for students of all ages and skill levels at Takoma Music School. With over 12 years of experience performing across rock, blues, metal, funk, jazz, and Latin music, Ari brings an energetic, versatile, and student-focused approach to teaching that helps students develop both strong technique and creative confidence.
Teaching Style & Approach
Ari’s lessons are designed to help students build practical musicianship while staying connected to the music they love. His teaching emphasizes:
Guitar fundamentals and technique
Chords, scales, and improvisation
Rhythm and groove development
Songwriting and creative expression
Ear training and musical listening
Performance confidence and stage presence
Ari works with beginner through advanced students and tailors lessons to each student’s individual goals, whether they are learning their first chords, preparing to perform live, or developing their own musical voice.
Performance & Musical Background
Ari has become a prominent performer throughout the Washington, DC and Maryland live music scene, performing regularly with a wide range of groups and projects. Over the years, he has opened for nationally touring acts such as Steel Panther and collaborated with Grammy-nominated producers Gantt Mann Kushner and Eric Taft.
He currently performs with:
Quantum Leap — a high-energy Top 40 and 80s cover band
America Yanay — a Latin ensemble performing cumbia, salsa, and bachata
Velvet Divide — an original alternative rock band
Velvet Divide recently received a Washington Area Music Award (Wammie Award) for Best Rock Song, recognizing the band’s contributions to the DC-area music scene through the Washington Area Music Association.
Ari also releases solo material under the name Tyler Thorn, available on major streaming platforms.
Beyond Music
Outside of performing and teaching, Ari serves as the Financial Director for a nonprofit organization supporting underserved families throughout the Greater Washington Area. His work in both music and nonprofit leadership reflects a strong commitment to creativity, community, and mentorship.
Who He Teaches
Ari teaches:
Beginner and intermediate guitar students
Advanced players developing improvisation and songwriting
Kids, teens, and adult learners
Students interested in rock, blues, funk, jazz, and Latin styles
Aspiring performers and songwriters
His lessons are welcoming, flexible, and designed to help students grow both technically and creatively as musicians.
