Guitar + Ukulele Lessons at Kalamazoo Music School
Our guitar instructors teach rock, blues, metal, country and classical styles on both electric and acoustic guitars. Beginners work on chords, simple songs and melodies, sight reading and theory. Each lesson will challenge you with a new technique or music theory, and ends with something fun – such as your favorite riff or song. We employ a variety of guitar method books based on student needs and preferences, and encourage students to bring smartphones or CDs to their lessons to learn their favorite tunes.
Our guitar and ukulele instructors are warm and friendly, and get to know each student and parent on a personal level. We work with each individual or parent to craft a lesson plan that fits the student’s unique needs and favorite type of music. Whether you're playing in local bands, a seven year old taking their first lesson, or a fifty year old returning to the guitar after many years, our teachers will share their love for the guitar and help you set goals to achieve your musical aspirations.
WHAT STYLES OF guitar DO YOU TEACH?
We teach all styles, from rock, pop, jazz, and blues to metal, country and classical guitar – on electric and acoustic guitars.
WHAT ARE PRIVATE guitar LESSONS LIKE?
learn the fundamentals of sight reading, technique and theory, and incorporate your favorite songs into your lessons
take 39 weekly private lessons (in 30, 45, or 60 min sessions) in our September to June School-Year Session; plus an optional 8 week Summer Session (you can also enroll mid-year)
perform in 3 stage concerts (w/ professionally recorded video) in December, March, and June
stay focused + track progress in your dedicated practice binder
access rewards, prizes + encouragement all year long through our KMS Practice Challenge
get your professional photo taken at our annual photo shoot in April
HOW QUALIFIED ARE KALAMAZOO'S guitar TEACHERS?
Our teachers have received their education from prestigious institutions such as Manhattan School of Music, Eastern Michigan University, and of course Western Michigan University. Many of our instructors have performed nationally as soloists or as part of touring bands and have over 25 years of professional performance and teaching experience combined. In addition to their teaching credentials, our teachers have warm personalities, are extremely friendly, and strive to get to know each student (and their parent, if younger) on a personal level.
DO I HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO READ MUSIC?
No. Beginners are welcome!
DO I NEED A guitar TO LEARN THE INSTRUMENT?
To practice at home, you will need a guitar. We will help you find an instrument for beginners if you’d like some help!
Meet Our Guitar Students
Meet Our Guitar Faculty
We had a sneak peak into a beginning guitar lesson with our teacher Cynthea! Here's a hand exercise for making sure your hand and wrist position are correct.
Here’s another clip of Cynthea teaching a beginning chord: E minor. We think she’s great!
Reviews from our guitar students:
“My daughter has been attending Kalamazoo Music School for 2 years and she could not love it more. Our experience began in person with lessons on the piano, but as time went on the faculty noticed my daughters passion for learning the guitar. They helped guide us into the decision of switching to the guitar and my daughter was so happy she did. The faculty is so personal and make you feel comfortable whether you are there in person or doing virtual lessons. Their ability to adapt to the current situations to keep their students and teachers safe has been a true reassurance they were a great decision for us. Cynthea has especially been an incredible guitar teacher, leaving my daughter wanting more time with her every week. She has taught my daughter to love and respect the instrument, while having the most fun she possibly can. I would recommend Kalamazoo Music School to everyone who is looking for a great all around experience, in a friendly and family oriented atmosphere.” - Charles Brandt
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