No instrument shaped popular music in the twentieth century more than the guitar, and there is no sign of its influence diminishing in the twenty-first century. The rhythms, chord patterns and melodic inflections of the guitar have defined most of the many different genres of North American popular music from early Blues up to the present. It is the heart and soul of Rock music, Folk music and Country Music. For many of us, music played with an amplified electric guitar is the first music that we are truly passionate about and that really seems to express something in us. The electric guitar can be loud, brash and rebellious and it can also be sweet, melodic and expressive. The steel stringed acoustic guitar can be strummed with a guitar pick or played with the fingerpicking technique. Simple strumming techniques make it the ultimate accompanist for campfire singalongs and advanced styles such as flamenco keep the instrument endlessly challenging. The classical guitar is played with nylon strings and there is a substantial and diverse repertoire for this beautiful solo classical instrument.

Normally we accept guitar students at least nine years old. Beginner level guitar students learn the basics of guitar playing technique. This includes how to hold the guitar correctly, hand position, tuning the guitar and the basics of the fretboard. In the early stages students primarily play melodies, often of their own choosing, in order to learn their way around the fretboard and to get the feel of the guitar pick on the strings. Elements of music theory are introduced as needed.

Beyond the basics students are introduced to chords on the guitar and they may learn techniques such as fingerpicking. Many students learn to improvise in various styles and they may explore electric, acoustic and classical guitar each with their own techniques, possibilities and challenges.