"...share the joy of making music..." 

 Where can people learn to play Guitar in Auckland? 

 

All major universities have Guitar courses as part of their Bachelor of Music degrees and Music diplomas. These include the University of Auckland and AUT which offer three-year and four-year courses. Fees are due before lessons actually start and students need to make a substantial commitment of time and resources to successfully complete three and four-year study. 

 

Prospective guitar students can also study guitar with other smaller businesses and private music studios. For example, the Rudd School of Rock employs several teachers providing one-to-one lessons in multiple locations while ABC Studios' Central Guitar Studio offers long-term courses ranging from a single term course of nine weeks to one-year courses in Jazz, Classical and Contemporary Guitar. 

 

Do all teachers offer free lessons? 

 

No. Some teachers offer free introductory lessons with an option to enrol from the second lesson. Other require payment up-front on the first lesson. Students considering a course of lessons should consider the teacher's qualifications and experience. Students planning a guitar course should consider the time commitment and need for regular daily practise to learn successfully. 

 

What styles of music can I study with one-to-one tuition? 

 

Most teachers offer customised lessons based on a student's prior learning and interest. Some courses are based on internationally recognised courses such as the English Rockshool and Trinity,  Australian ABRSM, or the USA Berklee School of Music. Most teachers localise lesson content to cater to the local performing community needs, such as Pasifika, Folk Music, Jazz venues and Pub music. Courses also cater to music as leisure, personal interest and music for relaxation.  

 

What kind of Guitar should I use when learning? 

 

Many teachers recommend the Nylon-string classical style guitar for beginners. The nylon-string is available in half-size and three-quarter size models for students as young as seven or eight-years. Steel-string 'Acoustic' guitars are harder to play although some teachers will recommend the acoustic guitar with light-gauge strings for beginners. Electric guitars such as the Fender Stratocaster cost substantially more and need amplifiers, pedals and cables which increase the total expense. Electric guitars are very popular especially with intermediate-level and more advanced students. 

 

How do I choose the best studio for lessons? 

 

Location is important. You should find a teacher in your area if possible. Sometimes to study with a good teacher you might need to travel further.