Where Beginners Become Musicians.
Every musician remembers their first chord. That’s where every journey begins
Every Musician Has a Beginning.
Some begin at six. Some at sixteen. Some at sixty. Some dream of performing on stage. Others simply want to play a song for someone they love.
Wherever your journey begins… Every musician remembers one thing. Their first chord. That’s why we’re here.
Our Story
The First Chord wasn’t created because someone wanted to open another music school. It was created because music changed a life.
Long before The First Chord existed, there was simply a young guitarist who fell in love with playing. No degrees. No shortcuts. Just countless hours with a guitar in hand.
Three months after picking one up, songs were becoming reality. Six months later, solos and riffs that once felt impossible became second nature. Not because of talent alone. Because of curiosity, persistence and a genuine love for music.
Over the years, Eric taught at several music schools across Bangalore while continuing to perform with bands and live musicians.
Then COVID changed everything.
As performances stopped and classrooms closed, a dream that had existed for years finally had the opportunity to become reality. The First Chord was born. Not simply as another music school. But as a place built around a different philosophy.
Why We Teach Differently
During years of teaching, one thing became impossible to ignore. Many music schools measured success by how long students stayed. The longer a student remained enrolled, the better the business performed.
At The First Chord, we see success differently. Our goal isn’t to create students who depend on teachers forever. Our goal is to create musicians who can continue learning long after their lessons end. That’s why we teach music through the songs our students love. We explain theory when it becomes useful. We encourage curiosity. We answer questions. Most importantly… We teach students how to learn, not simply what to learn.
Because the greatest compliment we can ever receive is hearing someone say:
“I’m so glad I learned here. Now I can continue learning on my own.”
Music Changed My Life
Music never asked for a certificate. It never asked where I studied. It never asked whether I had a degree. It asked only one question.
Can you play?
As someone who left college early, music became proof that passion, dedication and consistent practice could create opportunities that qualifications alone never could. That lesson shaped not only my career… It shaped this school.
At The First Chord, we believe your passion matters far more than the paper hanging on a wall.
Why “The First Chord”?
Before there was a school… There was a band called The Final Chord. When it came time to name the academy, the answer had been there all along.
Every musical journey begins somewhere. Not with the final chord. With the first one. That first chord might feel awkward. It might buzz. It might not sound perfect. But it’s also the moment everything begins. And that’s the moment we exist for.
Our Mission
Helping people experience the joy of playing music—one student, one story, one first chord at a time.
Our Vision
To create confident, independent musicians who continue learning long after their lessons end, while building a community recognized for creativity, performance and a genuine love for music.
Our Values
Learn with Purpose
Every lesson should help students become more independent.
Play with Confidence
Music is meant to be experienced, not feared.
Create with Curiosity
Questions are encouraged. Exploration is celebrated.
Grow Together
Great musicians grow through community, collaboration and shared experiences.
Enjoy the Journey
Music isn’t a race. It’s something to enjoy for life.
Meet Our Team
At The First Chord, every teacher shares one belief. Music should inspire. Whether you’re learning guitar, keyboard, bass, ukulele or art, our instructors focus on creating an encouraging environment where students feel comfortable exploring, making mistakes and growing with confidence.
Meet the Founder
Eric Vivian Rodrigues has spent most of his life surrounded by music. From performing live and playing with bands to teaching students across Bangalore, his passion has always remained the same—helping people discover the joy of playing music.
Today, that philosophy continues through The First Chord Method™, where students learn through the songs they love while developing the confidence to become independent musicians.
His greatest reward isn’t simply seeing students perform. It’s watching them continue making music long after the lessons are over.
Looking Ahead
The First Chord has never been about becoming the biggest music school. It’s about becoming one that people remember. A place where beginners become musicians. Where families become a community. Where students discover confidence. Where creativity is encouraged. Where learning never truly ends.
Because once you’ve played your first chord… The rest of the journey is yours.
Ready to Begin?
Every musician starts somewhere. Maybe your first chord is waiting.
Book Your Free Trial Class
Continue Exploring
🎸 Learn