Studies show that children who don't learn to play a musical instrument often try to eat one. Save your offspring from an awkward doctor's visit with today's Groupon: for $69, you get one month (four lessons over the course of four weeks) of guitar or piano lessons at California Music Academy, good at either the Tarzana or Westlake Village music centers (a $163 value, including the registration fee).

Catering to adolescent pluckers and chord bangers, California Music Academy equips children with solid foundations in piano and guitar performance. Through four 30-minute lessons of music theory, ear training, sight-reading, and other skills, students acquire the tools to continue learning on their own or appropriately pound out "Crocodile Rock" during college entrance interviews. Piano lessons offer noticeable results quickly, making them a possible gateway to other types of instruments or general music appreciation. Six-string students follow a personalized curriculum based around their choice of classical and contemporary styles on acoustic, electric, or double-necked axes.

A host of encouraging, university-trained instructors guide budding Bachs and B.B. Kings, drawing insight from their professional careers and love of music. Both music centers feature private rooms and a sitting area for parents to relax in during their progeny's lessons. Keyboards and guitars are available at the centers, but students should have instruments at home so they don't waste time whittling harpsichords out of soap for regular practice.