Explore the wide world of guitar music.
Learning guitar is a great way to delve deep into a variety of musical styles! Our guitar students can choose any genre they wish to study, including rock, folk, blues, and fingerstyle. We teach students ages 8 years old through adult, and modify our approach to meet each student at their individual level. Depending on the style of music, guitar students are encouraged to sing along while playing.
Our Approach
Rhythm & Chords
A fundamental part of our guitar lessons is rhythm and chord practice. Chords are taught in a way that makes sense to the student, through songs the student is familiar with. Rhythm and strumming patterns are integral parts of learning the guitar and are a major focus of lessons from the very beginning. More advanced students can choose to study fingerpicking technique as well as more complex strumming patterns.
Technique & Tone
A variety of guitar techniques are covered in depth in our lessons. Students learn chord inversions and arpeggios, picking technique, alternate tunings, hammer-ons and pull-offs, and tapping, to name a few! For those interested in rock music, pedals and tonal exploration are taught alongside popular rock songs.
Improvisation
Improvisation is key to mastery of the guitar. Students are always encouraged to be creative and make up their own riffs and songs in relation to songs the student is practicing. Being creative with music helps students have a sense of ownership over the skills they are acquiring, and makes learning the guitar even more fun!
Meet the Teachers
Stephen Agustin
Background in Performance & Composition
Owen Kelley
BA in Film Production
Start Learning!
We’re offering in person lessons for adult and young students. Register now, or contact us to learn more about why Vesper is the right fit for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time should students practice each day?
For beginning guitar students we recommend 15 minutes per day of focused practice time. Practice time gradually increases as skills develop, so we recommend most intermediate students practice 20-30 minutes each day. We encourage adult and advanced students to practice 5-6 days per week for at least 20 minutes.
How do guitar students know what to practice?
Our teachers write practice notes in students’ Vesper binders in their weekly lessons. Students can see exactly what to practice each week in a detailed and organized format. Our teachers also email personalized video tutorials and notes for students, and students can message teachers with questions regarding their assignments.
What kind of guitar do I need?
This depends on the age of the student, as well as the musical style you are studying. Beginning students should purchase an acoustic, steel string or classical guitar that is the correct size for them. Guitars can be purchased at music stores such as Trade Up Music on SE Division St, where they can also help you choose the correct size instrument.
Do I need to purchase a tuner?
Students are taught how to tune their guitar by ear with the help of a digital tuner. Clip on tuners work great, as do standalone digital tuners. We don’t recommend using smartphone tuning apps unless students do not have access to a digital tuner.
Do I need to purchase music books?
As our curriculum is tailored to each student, we will occasionally recommend students purchase music books. Much of the guitar music we teach is from chord charts that students can download for free.
What kind of amp should I get?
You only need to purchase an amp if you play electric guitar. Amps are quite varied in size and price, so ask your teacher what amp they recommend for you!