Armand Melnbardis of Hollywood Violin & Piano Academy works out of Musonia School of Music in North Hollywood, a space well known to studio musicians and those trying to break into the industry. The quadrilingual, personable Melnbardis, originally from Latvia, is a noted heavy-metal violinist who toured extensively in Europe. He teaches an array of instruments and skills, including violin, guitar, piano and keyboards, as well as composition, arranging and writing. Get a feel for his basic philosophy by checking out his highly entertaining Facebook page. Tutoring runs $35 an hour — and expect to pick up some stagecraft, because Fabian look-alike Melnbardis has an exotic accent and rock-star flair, and the school itself is set in a charming building that names among its past instructors and students Randy Rhoads, Rudy Sarzo, George Lynch, Kelly Garni, Brent Woods and Monty Pittman. 12111 Tiara St., N. Hlywd. (323) 682-8467, vio7.com. —Norm Jenssen

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