Guitar
Guitar lessons at Charlotte Academy of the Arts are built around you; your goals, your style, your pace. Whether your child is dreaming of playing rock anthems or you’re an adult who’s always wanted to strum around a campfire, we’ll match you with a teacher who gets it and help you make real progress from day one. We teach acoustic, electric, and bass guitar across every style from classical, rock, and pop to jazz and beyond. We welcome students ages 6 and up, year-round, at our studio in Matthews, NC.
What to expect
Before your first lesson, we match you with the teacher best suited to your goals, experience level, and preferred style. We also work around your schedule to find a weekly time that fits. This goes for everyone: kids, teens, and adult students alike. Whether you’re a parent enrolling your child or an adult finally ready to pick up the guitar, your teacher will get to know you: your musical interests, any prior experience, and what you’re hoping to accomplish.
Our guitar lessons are entirely personalized. Want to learn classical fingerpicking? Rock power chords? Acoustic pop? Jazz? Our teachers work across all of it, building real technique while keeping students playing music they actually love.
Why you'll love it
Our guitar faculty are experienced educators as well as skilled musicians. They know how to make lessons engaging and effective for students of every age and ability from a child learning to hold a pick to an adult working through their first full song. Lessons are built around each student’s goals: some students want to perform; others just want to play for themselves. Both are equally welcome here! When students are ready and interested, they can participate in optional performance opportunities including casual studio concerts, formal recitals, and other special events throughout the year. Every opportunity is opt-in, and your teacher will help you decide what makes sense for you.
Class details
Guitar lessons are held once per week on the same day and time so it becomes a natural part of your family’s schedule. We offer three lesson lengths to fit different ages, attention spans, and goals:
- 30 minutes $39
- 45 minutes $58.50
- 60 minutes $78
Our lessons run year-round, which keeps students progressing consistently and avoiding the regression that comes with breaks in their schedule. We will help you choose the best lesson length at enrollment, and it’s easy to adjust as your student grows.
What’s included
Our guitar students receive one-on-one instruction, weekly practice assignments, and access to all optional performance opportunities. As a CAA student, you’ll also have first access to our special events throughout the year including PopArts Kids Night Out, holiday events, and exclusive performance opportunities that go beyond the lesson studio. New students are welcomed to the Charlotte Academy of the Arts family with a tote bag upon enrollment.
FAQs
What age can my child start guitar lessons?
We generally recommend ages 6 and up for private guitar lessons, as younger students benefit from having a bit more hand strength and coordination. That said, every child is different so please reach out to discuss.
Does my child need prior experience or know how to read music?
Not at all. We welcome complete beginners at every age. Learning to read music and tablature is part of what we teach.
What kind of guitar does my child need?
It depends on their age, size, and the style they want to learn. Younger students typically start on a smaller-scale acoustic guitar; older students and adults may start on a full-size acoustic or electric depending on their goals. Your teacher will make specific recommendations at your first lesson so you don’t buy the wrong thing.
Do students have to perform in recitals?
All performance opportunities are completely optional. Some students love sharing what they’ve learned; others prefer to keep music personal. We support both and encourage — but never pressure — students to perform. That said, we hope you’ll develop a love for sharing your music with others!
Can adults take guitar lessons?
Absolutely. Many of our students are adults picking up a guitar for the first time, returning after years away, or finally learning that song they’ve always wanted to play. It’s never too late, and such a gift to give yourself.
What styles of music do you teach?
Our guitar teachers are experienced in classical, rock, pop, jazz, country, and more. We find the music that motivates each student and build strong technique from there.
What if my child misses a lesson?
Your teacher will share their makeup and cancellation policies with you upon enrollment. If you need to cancel, please reach out to your teacher as soon as possible.
Where is Charlotte Academy of the Arts located?
We’re located in Idlewild Market, Matthews, NC, just off I-485, an easy drive for families throughout the area. We serve students from Matthews, Mint Hill, Indian Trail, Harrisburg, Weddington, Stallings, Monroe, Charlotte, and across both Mecklenburg and Union Counties. If you’re looking for guitar lessons in the southeast Charlotte or Union County area, we’re likely closer than you think. Our CAA families enjoy making the most of lesson time by buying groceries, getting their nails done, or even getting in a workout right in our shopping center.
