Adult Student Spotlight: Raffi Aharonian

From First Guitar to The Troubadour

When Raffi Aharonian picked up a guitar for the first time more than a decade ago, he never imagined it would one day lead him to perform on the stage of one of Los Angeles' most iconic music venues.

Married with two sons and working in an analytical, numbers-driven career, Raffi was looking for a creative outlet when his wife, LeAnn, surprised him with a guitar and lessons as a birthday gift. Those lessons, which began with Jason Land before Guitar Ninjas became the community it is today, sparked a passion that continues to grow.

"I wanted something creative that would challenge me in a completely different way," Raffi says. "Music gives me that opportunity and keeps me motivated to get a little better every time I pick up the guitar."

Over the years, Raffi worked his way through the Guitar Ninjas program, eventually earning the coveted Black Pick. Reaching that milestone wasn't always easy, but the experience taught him that perseverance pays off.

"At times, I thought the day would never come," he recalls. "But once I finally climbed to the top of that mountain, it felt so rewarding."

Today, Raffi continues to push himself beyond what he once thought was possible. On August 29, he'll perform at The Troubadour with Raffi & The Rippers, celebrating the music of the '90s in what he describes as the biggest and most challenging performance of his musical journey.

"When I first picked up the guitar, I thought it would just be a fun hobby," he says. "I never imagined I'd be playing live shows, let alone at a venue like The Troubadour. It's high stakes and a lot of pressure, but it's been an incredible experience putting it all together."

For Raffi, the evening is about more than just the performance. It's about bringing together a community of musicians who encourage one another to keep growing.

"Guitar players are a community unto themselves," he says. "I hope this event inspires others to continue their own guitar journey and pursue the challenges that excite them."

His advice for fellow adult students is simple:

"Have a vision and go for it. Set a goal, build toward it, and don't let imposter syndrome stop you. Every performance builds confidence for the next one."

The concert, appropriately named The Be FREE Tour, reflects Raffi's personal philosophy:

Family. Rock 'n' Roll. Everything Else.

As part of that "family," Raffi hopes to see the Guitar Ninjas community come together for the first Adult Student Night Out before the show. It's an opportunity to celebrate not only his journey, but what's possible when passion, commitment, and community come together.

We hope you'll join us at The Troubadour as we cheer on one of our own and kick off what we hope becomes a new Guitar Ninjas tradition.