Where do you start?
Support for every stage of learning
Lessons are shaped around each student’s experience, musical interests, and individual goals. Here is how the journey tends to unfold.
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Stage one
Beginning the Journey
No previous experience is required. Our teachers help beginners develop strong technical habits, musical understanding, and confidence from the first lesson. |
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Stage two
Developing Your Skills
Continuing students build on the basics as they gain comfort and confidence on their instrument. They refine technique, expand their repertoire, and explore applied theory like scales, chord shapes, and patterns across the fretboard, connecting what they play to why it works. This is also where students prepare for ensembles, performances, or exams if those are goals they want to pursue. |
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Stage three
Deepening Your Artistry
Experienced players have the skills and curiosity to make music their own. Students pursue deeper study in theory, harmony, and technique to support their own creativity and musicality. Depending on the student’s interests, this can also open up options like self accompaniment, songwriting, and creating original music. |
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Guitar at SAM
At SAM, guitar learning is about much more than learning songs. We focus on building well rounded musicians with the technique, musical understanding, and creative confidence to play for life. Students gain understanding of how music works, expand their musical vocabulary, and are encouraged to find and develop their own musical voice.
Musicianship, not just repertoire
Long term musical development alongside real technique: rhythm, fretboard fluency, tone production, and articulation, always taught in the context of real music making.
Personal voice and creative identity
Students move beyond replication into interpretation, improvisation, and expression, with support for songwriting, arranging, and stylistic exploration.
Stylistic breadth
Instruction spans pop, rock, classical (RCM aligned), jazz, folk fingerpicking, and contemporary sing and strum, so students can specialize or explore widely.
Performance as a learning pathway
Regular studio recitals and informal showcases build toward community performances, with professional gig opportunities for advanced students.
Collaborative, community centered musicianship
Students build the listening skills and musical language to play in ensembles and bands, reflecting music as a shared practice rooted in connection.
Music you love
Students are motivated when the music they are learning feels meaningful to them. At SAM, instructors work with students to understand their interests, identify personal goals, and choose repertoire that supports both enjoyment and long-term development.
A student’s goal might be learning a song they love, improving chord changes, playing and singing at the same time, preparing for a recital, understanding harmony, joining an ensemble, or becoming more confident on stage. Our teachers connect those personal interests with the technical and musical skills each student needs to keep progressing.
Our guitar teachers
We believe that great guitar teachers do more than teach chords, scales, and songs. They help students build confidence, develop creativity, and discover the joy of making music.
Our guitar instructors are skilled musicians with strong technical foundations and a passion for teaching. They bring experience working with students of different ages, abilities, and musical interests, whether a student dreams of playing around a campfire, joining a band, composing their own music, preparing for examinations, or pursuing advanced study.
We seek guitar teachers who
- Demonstrate strong proficiency on the guitar and a solid understanding of music theory, technique, and musicianship
- Are comfortable teaching a variety of styles and genres, including those that inspire today’s students
- Adapt lessons to meet each student’s goals, interests, and learning style
- Balance technical development with creativity, self expression, and enjoyment
- Communicate clearly and professionally with students, families, and colleagues
- Foster confidence, independence, and a lifelong appreciation for music
- Value collaboration, community, and personal connection
- Believe that musical growth is possible for every student
- Contribute positively to our welcoming and supportive academy culture
Private lessons or group classes?
One student, one teacher, and a plan built around your goals and pace. Ideal for focused progress on a regular schedule.
Learn alongside other guitarists, keep time together, and feel the energy of playing in a group. Ideal if you enjoy learning with others.
Student journeys
Every student’s path looks a little different. Learn about two of our guitar students and their paths at SAM.
Rob
Rob, seven years toward jazz guitar
Joined as an adult with prior experience, aiming to grow as a jazz guitarist.
Today
Madeleine
Madeleine, from group singing to stage
Today
Guitar Lesson Pricing & Registration
Guitar lesson fees vary by lesson format and program. Students can choose from private lessons, group classes, ensembles, and shorter seasonal programs when available. Bursary support is available for eligible families through the Community Access Music Project Society. Ask us for more details.
For current fees and lesson details, visit our Private Lessons page or contact the SAM office.
Guitar lesson FAQs
What makes guitar lessons at SAM different?+–
SAM focuses on more than weekly instruction. Students learn within a supportive music community where curiosity, creativity, personal goals, collaboration, and confidence are part of the learning experience.
How do SAM teachers personalize guitar lessons?+–
Teachers work with students to understand their goals, interests, and learning style. A student may want to learn a favourite song, understand chords, prepare for a recital, join an ensemble, or simply feel more confident playing at home.
What guitar programs are available in a group setting?+–
Group guitar programs give students the opportunity to learn with others, develop ensemble skills, and experience the energy of making music together. Students practise listening, keeping time, responding to other musicians, and contributing to a shared performance.
Programs may include beginner guitar classes, guitar skills groups, ensembles, and options for different ages throughout the year. Schedules and availability may change by season, so families can explore the latest programs or contact SAM for help finding the right fit.
What is the difference between private lessons and group guitar classes?+–
Private lessons provide individualized instruction, personalized goals, and focused support from a teacher. Group classes and ensembles give students opportunities to listen, collaborate, keep time with others, and experience the energy of making music together.
Who teaches guitar at SAM?+–
Guitar students learn with knowledgeable instructors who help them build sustainable technical habits, musical understanding, and confidence. Our teachers balance technical development with creativity, self expression, and enjoyment, and communicate clearly and professionally with students, families, and colleagues.
SAM instructors support student led learning by helping each guitarist identify goals, choose meaningful repertoire, and develop the skills needed to move forward, fostering confidence, independence, and a lifelong appreciation for music. Our teachers value collaboration, community, and personal connection.
What instruments do your guitar instructors teach?+–
Our guitar instructors teach a range of instruments including acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ukulele, and electric bass. Individual instructors vary in their areas of focus. We encourage you to connect with our admin team, we’ll help match you with the instructor whose strengths and experience best align with your goals.
What styles do your guitar instructors teach?+–
Our guitar instructors work across a wide range of styles including rock, pop, folk, blues, classical, and contemporary music. While each instructor brings their own strengths and experience, all are comfortable teaching in multiple styles and adapting to student interests. We recommend speaking with our admin team so we can help match you with an instructor whose experience best aligns with what you’d like to explore.
Can I study classical guitar using the Royal Conservatory of Music approach at SAM?+–
Yes. Students are able to study classical guitar using the RCM framework at SAM.
While instructor availability for classical guitar may vary depending on staffing, we actively work to ensure we have qualified teachers on staff who can support RCM classical training. We recommend speaking with our admin team so we can confirm current availability and match you with the right instructor.
Are there performance or collaboration opportunities?+–
Students have opportunities to perform at least two times per year. They may also have additional opportunities to collaborate with other musicians, learn from peers, participate in masterclasses, and work with guest instructors.
Does SAM offer bursaries or financial support?+–
Squamish Academy of Music partners with the Community Access Music Project Society for bursary support for eligible families. Our team can explain the application process.
How much do guitar lessons cost?+–
Guitar lesson fees vary by lesson format and program. Private lessons, group classes, and ensembles may have different registration details. For current group lessons, visit the programs and lessons page. For private lesson fees and availability, please visit the Private Lessons page, or contact the SAM office.
How do I find current guitar lesson availability?+–
Availability, schedules, and group programs can change throughout the year. Visit the current Guitar Programs listing or contact the SAM office for help finding a suitable lesson time or class.
What age do you recommend starting guitar lessons?+–
We typically recommend starting guitar lessons around age 8. The guitar can be physically challenging for younger children due to its size and the finger strength required at the beginning stages.
For students under 8 who are very interested in learning guitar, we often suggest starting with ukulele as a great first step, or using a smaller sized guitar with lighter, easier to press strings. If you’re unsure, our admin team can help you decide what would be the best starting point for your child.
Are guitar lessons suitable for complete beginners?+–
Yes. No previous experience is required. SAM instructors are experienced in helping beginners develop healthy technique, musical understanding, confidence, and effective practice habits from the first lessons.
Do you sell or rent guitars?+–
We sell ½ size and ¾ size acoustic guitars for beginners. For other purchases or rentals, we recommend Long and McQuade or Tom Lee Music. Their team can help you find an instrument that works for you and assist with setup.
Marketplace and Craigslist can also be good options for finding a second hand instrument. Let us know if you’d like advice on purchasing one.
Do you sell guitar accessories?+–
Yes. We sell guitar strings, picks, capos, tuners, and cables.
Do I need my own guitar and amp?+–
Guitar students are required to have their own guitar. Students will use their own guitar in lessons and for home practice. Electric guitar players should have their own amp for home practice. Students may use their own amp, or one of ours, in their lessons and performances.
What should I bring to my guitar lesson?+–
Bring your instrument, since guitars, ukuleles, and basses are not provided by SAM. Bring any music book you are currently working from, and your teacher may recommend additional books or print music, which can be purchased independently or through SAM.
Your teacher may also suggest a few extra materials, such as a notebook, a pencil, or a tuner.
Can I learn to strum and sing at the same time?+–
Yes. Lessons can include chord changes, strumming patterns, rhythm, vocal coordination, and strategies for combining singing and guitar playing. Your teacher can break these skills into manageable steps.
Do you provide services such as tuning, stringing or setting up a guitar?+–
We do not standardly provide these services. However, your instructor will teach you how to tune and properly upkeep your instrument during your lesson time.
Can my teacher help me restring my guitar?+–
Teachers can help students understand basic instrument care and discuss restringing during a lesson. Contact the office or speak with your instructor if your guitar needs maintenance before your first class.
Do you offer guitar lessons for adults?+–
Yes. Adult students are welcome at every level, including complete beginners, experienced musicians, and people returning to guitar after a break. Lessons are adapted to each student’s pace, interests, schedule, and goals.
