The number of lessons indicated next to each course below acts as an indication of how many lessons are comprised in each course; they are not meant to imply that any contract must be signed or that all lessons in a given course are to be paid in advance.  For more information on how classes are paid for, please see our enrollment section.

Beginning Steel String Guitar (One-on-One)

Learn the basic chord structures, fingering techniques, picking styles, and orient yourself with the fretboard.  This course provides the foundation for fingerpicking, flatpicking, folk, and electric guitar.  This course will also cover the basic maintenance of the instrument, including playability, sonority, and intonation.  This is intended as a beginner’s course only; experienced players should enroll in more advanced classes.

Intermediate Folk Guitar

This course places special emphasis on relationships between chords, the fundamentals of songwriting, flatpicking and fingerpicking techniques, major and minor scales, and vocal delivery.  Students are expected to have a minimal amount of experience with the guitar, and some singing background.

Intermediate Fingerstyle Guitar

While exploring the traditional techniques of American finger-style guitar, this course puts special emphasis on the use of the guitar as an integrated instrument, capable of making music in many different ways.  Students will be introduced to arpeggiation and tremolo techniques.

Intermediate Flatpicking Guitar

This course places an incredible emphasis on rhythm.  Students who enroll in the intermediate flatpicking class are expected to own and use a metronome to facilitate their education in the art of timing.  Scales and chord structures will also be heavily emphasized.

Intermediate Electric Guitar

After learning first with the acoustic guitar, students are taught how to make the most of the electric guitar’s capabilities as a solo and rhythm instrument.  While some emphasis will be placed on the ability to alter the electric guitar’s voice with effects, the majority of the course will be spent learning the chords, scales, and techniques to bring out the best tone from the instrument.

Advanced Curriculum

The advanced curriculum employs the fundamentals learned from previous courses to further the art of making music as an individual and as a member of a group.  Modes, structure, improvisation, and ear training receive greater focus.  Students enrolled in the advanced curriculum have the option to train at a variety of instrumental styles during their term of study.  The aim of the advanced curriculum is to polish and refine emerging musicians.

Classical Guitar

Classical guitar students will be taught using the methods championed by Frederick Noad.  Emphasis will be placed on accurate fingering and the ability to sight-read musical notation. Because of the intensive nature of this course, Classical Guitar will only be taught in Billings on a weekly basis, and only two Classical Guitar pupils will be enrolled at any time.

Beginning Mandolin

This course is a perfect primer for learning the fundamentals of the Mandolin.  Emphasis will be placed on rhythm, accurate picking and fingering, and traditional and innovative chording techniques.

Bass Guitar

Bass guitar students will enjoy a diverse course of study, with emphasis on proper technique, rhythm, and context in different genres.  These genres include (but are not limited to): Rock, Reggae, Funk, Alternative, Motown, and much more.