Specialty & Technique Guitar Classes

Approach music theory from a guitarist’s perspective. Examine intervals, chord and scale construction, inversions, and progressions in the context of traditional and pop genres. It is highly recommended that all students of the guitar make it a point to enroll at some point in their musical journey. Leave this class with enough material to keep you busy for years. Whether you want to write your own songs, become a hot lead guitarist or just increase your musical vocabulary and ability to jam and make music with others - this is the class for you!

Approach music theory from a guitarist’s perspective. Examine intervals, chord and scale construction, inversions, and progressions in the context of traditional and pop genres. It is highly recommended that all students of the guitar make it a point to enroll at some point in their musical journey. Leave this class with enough material to keep you busy for years. Whether you want to write your own songs, become a hot lead guitarist or just increase your musical vocabulary and ability to jam and make music with others - this is the class for you!

Approach music theory from a guitarist’s perspective. Examine intervals, chord and scale construction, inversions, and progressions in the context of traditional and pop genres. It is highly recommended that all students of the guitar make it a point to enroll at some point in their musical journey. Leave this class with enough material to keep you busy for years. Whether you want to write your own songs, become a hot lead guitarist or just increase your musical vocabulary and ability to jam and make music with others - this is the class for you!

Approach music theory from a guitarist’s perspective. Examine intervals, chord and scale construction, inversions, and progressions in the context of traditional and pop genres. It is highly recommended that all students of the guitar make it a point to enroll at some point in their musical journey. Leave this class with enough material to keep you busy for years. Whether you want to write your own songs, become a hot lead guitarist or just increase your musical vocabulary and ability to jam and make music with others - this is the class for you!

Approach music theory from a guitarist’s perspective. Examine intervals, chord and scale construction, inversions, and progressions in the context of traditional and pop genres. It is highly recommended that all students of the guitar make it a point to enroll at some point in their musical journey. Leave this class with enough material to keep you busy for years. Whether you want to write your own songs, become a hot lead guitarist or just increase your musical vocabulary and ability to jam and make music with others - this is the class for you!

Approach music theory from a guitarist’s perspective. Examine intervals, chord and scale construction, inversions, and progressions in the context of traditional and pop genres. It is highly recommended that all students of the guitar make it a point to enroll at some point in their musical journey. Leave this class with enough material to keep you busy for years. Whether you want to write your own songs, become a hot lead guitarist or just increase your musical vocabulary and ability to jam and make music with others - this is the class for you!

We play and sing Rock Pop Acoustic, with a lot of laughter thrown in. Being one of 15+ guitars and a rhythm section will help you Relinquish Performance Anxiety. You may love it so much, you'll be Reluctant to Plan Activities that would keep you away. If you're Ready to Play Along, join us on Thursday nights. You'll have a great time while improving your technique and building your repertoire. "mysteriously named ... totally charming...a serious musicianship class masquerading as a social club.” - No Depression Magazine

We play and sing Rock Pop Acoustic, with a lot of laughter thrown in. Being one of 15+ guitars and a rhythm section will help you Relinquish Performance Anxiety. You may love it so much, you'll be Reluctant to Plan Activities that would keep you away. If you're Ready to Play Along, join us on Thursday nights. You'll have a great time while improving your technique and building your repertoire. "mysteriously named ... totally charming...a serious musicianship class masquerading as a social club.” - No Depression Magazine

Aprende los estilos, ritmos y música de todo Latino América, México, Centroamérica, Sudamérica y también de España. Esta clase requiere traer una guitarra clásica de cuerdas de nylon.

Are you a beginner guitarist eager to dive into the world of Chicago blues? This class is your first step toward learning the essential skills needed to join a live blues band. Rooted in the legacy of folk-blues legend Big Bill Broonzy, who helped bring urban electric blues to the world, this course will introduce you to the core techniques used by the iconic players of Chicago blues, including Muddy Waters, Magic Sam, Jimmy Reed, and many others. In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn: Essential blues chord progressions and rhythms to build a solid foundation Lead techniques like bends, slides, and simple licks that form the backbone of Chicago blues solos Comping techniques for rhythm guitar, including double-stops and chord voicings used by the greats Intros, turnarounds, and endings that capture the feel of classic Chicago blues An introduction to playing with others in a jam session setting, getting you ready for the group dynamics of a live performance By the end of the session, you’ll be ready to step into a blues band live program and eventually perform at the Graduation Party at Rosa’s Lounge, showcasing your new skills to a live audience. Whether you're strumming rhythm or taking your first steps into lead playing, this class will prepare you for the ultimate blues band experience. Come join us and get ready to let the good times roll!

Take the fingerpicking, deep boogie rhythms, and regional styles of the country blues you’ve learned in level 1, and concentrate on open tunings and bottleneck slide. Spend four weeks in open D tuning and four weeks in open G tuning, which will be taught in class. Tunes by Blind Willie McTell, Charlie Patton, Robert Johnson and others will be covered. Students will become comfortable in both Open G and Open D tunings and advance their slide lead playing and improvisational skills. Bring a slide to class

Ever dreamed of playing classical guitar but seemed daunted by the word "classical". Fear not, this class will introduce you to the basics of classical guitar through simple exercises and short pieces. Nylon string guitars and ability to read music ARE NOT REQUIRED. All songs will be presented in tab. This class is a hybrid offering - students may attend either in person or by Zoom.

This class will be offered in a hybrid format. Students can choose to participate online or in person. Use your fingers to bring out melody and harmony in your approach to playing guitar. This class will broaden your understanding and application of melody and chord theory as well as help you develop a rich repertoire in this style. Learn to bring your ring finger into the mix. Styles and alternate tunings will be examined including, blues, traditional folk, Celtic, singer-songwriters, and classical music.

In this class, we explore a wide repertoire of fingerstyle instrumentals from popular songs, blues, Celtic, classical and maybe a song or two. Some material will be in altered tunings. The class material will include tablature, audio and sometimes video files. Students must be comfortable with tablature and have some fingerpicking experience. This class will be offered in a hybrid format. Students can choose to participate online or in person.

In this class, we explore a wide repertoire of fingerstyle instrumentals from popular songs, blues, Celtic, classical and maybe a song or two. Some material will be in altered tunings. The class material will include tablature, audio and sometimes video files. Students must be comfortable with tablature and have some fingerpicking experience. This class will be offered in a hybrid format. Students can choose to participate online or in person.

We will use the genre of jazz to explore general fretboard theory. This class is for any guitarist that is interested in understanding their instrument and fundamental music theory in a deeper manner. No matter what genre of music you play this class will help you become a stronger musician, not just a guitarist. Class topics will include: chord theory, scale/mode application, basic rhythmic concepts, and chord progression. THIS CLASS IS A PREREQUISITE to Jazz Guitar 1. Contact Tony Do Rosario with any questions at tdorosario@oldtownschool.org

This class is a continuation of Introduction to Jazz Guitar. At this level, we will work on a bebop blues, bebop rhythm changes, and select standards from the American song book. We will use bebop melodies to develop our rhythmic vocabulary. Come explore the basic frameworks of improvisation and accompaniment over classic jazz progressions. REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED INTRO to JAZZ GUITAR. Contact Tony Do Rosario with any questions at tdorosario@oldtownschool.org

A class designed to bring your jazz guitar skills to a higher level. We welcome those who have taken Jazz Guitar 1 and are ready to increase their musical vocabulary in terms of harmony and melody. We’ll concentrate on great American Standards as well as variations of Blues. REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED INTRO, JAZZ GUITAR 1. Contact Tony Do Rosario at tdorosario@oldtownschool.org It’s a lifelong journey and we invite you to repeat level as much as necessary before moving on to Jazz Guitar 2.

A class designed to bring your jazz guitar skills to a higher level. We welcome those who have taken Jazz Guitar 1 and are ready to increase their musical vocabulary in terms of harmony and melody. We’ll concentrate on great American Standards as well as variations of Blues. REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED INTRO, JAZZ GUITAR 1. Contact Tony Do Rosario at tdorosario@oldtownschool.org It’s a lifelong journey and we invite you to repeat level as much as necessary before moving on to Jazz Guitar 2.

A class designed to bring your jazz guitar skills to a higher level. We welcome those who have taken Jazz Guitar 1 and are ready to increase their musical vocabulary in terms of harmony and melody. We’ll concentrate on great American Standards as well as variations of Blues. REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED INTRO, JAZZ GUITAR 1. Contact Tony Do Rosario at tdorosario@oldtownschool.org It’s a lifelong journey and we invite you to repeat level as much as necessary before moving on to Jazz Guitar 2.

A class designed to bring your jazz guitar skills to a higher level. We welcome those who have taken Jazz Guitar 1 and are ready to increase their musical vocabulary in terms of harmony and melody. We’ll concentrate on great American Standards as well as variations of Blues. REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED INTRO, JAZZ GUITAR 1. Contact Tony Do Rosario at tdorosario@oldtownschool.org It’s a lifelong journey and we invite you to repeat level as much as necessary before moving on to Jazz Guitar 2.

Jazz is an American folk music. Play it yourself on the guitar. In this repertoire driven class, hone your skills by learning both traditional standards and modern compositions. We are learning a musical language that is spoken throughout the world. Students are invited to repeat this class as much as they desire. REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED INTRO, JAZZ GUITAR 1 & JAZZ GUITAR 1.5. Contact Tony Do Rosario at tdorosario@oldtownschool.org

Jazz is an American folk music. Play it yourself on the guitar. In this repertoire driven class, hone your skills by learning both traditional standards and modern compositions. We are learning a musical language that is spoken throughout the world. Students are invited to repeat this class as much as they desire. REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED INTRO, JAZZ GUITAR 1 & JAZZ GUITAR 1.5. Contact Tony Do Rosario at tdorosario@oldtownschool.org

An ongoing class in the advanced study of Jazz for the guitarist. We will build repertoire, further develop improvisation skills and advance rhythmic variations. Participants should have gone thru Jazz Guitar 2 several times or should audition with the instructor tdorosario@oldtownschool.org

Melodies. Focus the rhythm techniques learned in Flatpicking 1 into a solid foundation for single note playing. The pick hand mechanics are the same, but instead of playing all six strings you play one at a time. Emphasis will be on down-up pick strokes, tone, and timing. Worksheets and fiddle tunes will be the materials used to build your skills. Tunes tabbed out will be provided.

This intermediate level class introduces the music of traditional blues’ great artists. From the ragtime/blues style of Rev. Gary Davis and Blind Blake to the Delta/Chicago grind of Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters. Learn such techniques as: fingerpicking (ragtime, shuffle rhythm), open tuning, bottleneck slide, basic improvising, and more. This is some of the most satisfying music steel string pickers can get their fingers on!

This intermediate level class introduces the music of traditional blues’ great artists. From the ragtime/blues style of Rev. Gary Davis and Blind Blake to the Delta/Chicago grind of Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters. Learn such techniques as: fingerpicking (ragtime, shuffle rhythm), open tuning, bottleneck slide, basic improvising, and more. This is some of the most satisfying music steel string pickers can get their fingers on!

This class covers how to play the minor and major scales across the entire fingerboard, various modes and exotic scales, technique building exercises, how to decipher musical notation on the guitar, explanation of how to play “jazz chords”, writing songs in minor keys, and of course, the theory of the universe.

This class covers how to play the minor and major scales across the entire fingerboard, various modes and exotic scales, technique building exercises, how to decipher musical notation on the guitar, explanation of how to play “jazz chords”, writing songs in minor keys, and of course, the theory of the universe.

This is part of an ongoing curriculum in which I’ll teach you everything I know; first we’ll start with some basic knowledge—how to get past Cowboy Chords and big barre shapes and turn them into riffier parts—how to combine your knowledge of chords and of lead patterns and boxes in a way that will unlock the fretboard forever.

The lament of the guitarist after the first couple of sessions: ARGGHH!! Barre Chords! Have no fear, there is hope! Learn how to play barre chords, develop the muscles and theory to play them across the neck, and how to move fluidly from open chords and other chord forms. Learn the partial barre forms so you can play your favorite songs while you're developing your technique. Barre chords without frustration!

Do barre chords leave you feeling frustrated? You’re not alone—but they don’t have to! In this 8-week class, we’ll take the mystery (and misery) out of barre chords with a step-by-step approach that builds both technique and confidence. Through an exciting mix of songs spanning different genres, you’ll learn to transition smoothly between open chords, barre chords, and other chord shapes. From rock to folk, pop to blues, you’ll discover how barre chords can unlock a whole new level of flexibility in your playing. We’ll also explore partial barre shapes and variations, helping you ease into the technique without the struggle. Whether you’re new to barre chords or looking to refine your skills, this class will empower you to play your favorite songs with ease while strengthening your overall guitar technique. Let’s make barre chords fun and approachable—come join us!

Do barre chords leave you feeling frustrated? You’re not alone—but they don’t have to! In this 8-week class, we’ll take the mystery (and misery) out of barre chords with a step-by-step approach that builds both technique and confidence. Through an exciting mix of songs spanning different genres, you’ll learn to transition smoothly between open chords, barre chords, and other chord shapes. From rock to folk, pop to blues, you’ll discover how barre chords can unlock a whole new level of flexibility in your playing. We’ll also explore partial barre shapes and variations, helping you ease into the technique without the struggle. Whether you’re new to barre chords or looking to refine your skills, this class will empower you to play your favorite songs with ease while strengthening your overall guitar technique. Let’s make barre chords fun and approachable—come join us!

No other blues guitarist in the past 20 years has been more celebrated and emulated than Stevie Ray Vaughan. Powerful guitar technique, gut wrenching vocals and strong adherence to his Texas roots gave his sound an urgency that had wide cross-over appeal. His brother, Jimmie Vaughan, is no slouch either! Some blues fans really prefer Jimmie’s musical taste, economy and feel.

Whether its open chords, barre chords, unusual fingerings or fast changes — transitioning from one chord to the other can be tough! Learn how to make those transitions easier! In this workshop, you’ll discover lots of easy strategies to minimize your frustration with chords to sail smoothly through your songs! Open to any level of guitarist or ukulele player, from beginning to advanced. All fretted string instruments are welcome.

Learn how to accompany Guitar 1 & 2 level repertoire with fingerpicking technique! We'll be playing easier chords so we can concentrate on the new skill. More advanced players who are looking for a structured approach to learning how to fingerpick are welcome. We'll start with your (picking hand) thumb which is keeping the beat; playing the most common strings based on the lowest note of the chord. Next, we'll add in the index and middle fingers; again plucking the most strings depending on the chord we are playing. Students leave Fingerpicking 1 - Song Accompaniment with the following skills: Keep the beat of the song with your picking thumb Add at least 2 fingers in order to play patterns like those heard in classic fingerpicking tunes (for example Landslide, Dust In the Wind) Learn at least 5 patterns that can be used to accompany songs in 4/4 time Learn at least 2 patterns that can be used to accompany songs in 3/4 time Develop good practice techniques Incorporate "simple" bass runs to connect chords

This workshop will focus on the unique guitar approach of beloved singer / songwriter, James Taylor. Some experience with fingerstyle playing recommended. Songs will include “Fire and Rain,” “Carolina in my Mind,” Something in the Way She Moves,” and others as time allows.

Learn power chords, riff and rhythm patterns specific to classic rock n' roll, and modern rock styles! Explore repertoire from iconic acts including Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and Cream. Students can plan to leave with the following skills: - Open E, A and D "power chords" and rhythm patterns - All "power chords" beginning on the 6th and 5th strings - Basic knowledge of the pentatonic scale - Ability to play basic riffs notated as TAB

Would you like to add slide guitar to your arsenal? This class is for acoustic or electric guitar players at the Guitar 2 Class Level or above. We will be learning chords and songs in Open G and Open D tunings and focusing on the following skills: • Playing clean notes on a single string and on multiple strings • Right- and left-hand damping techniques • Vibrato • Set up for slide on acoustic and electric guitars • Slide lead playing and improvisation The class will introduce the songs, styles and licks of blues or blues inspired slide guitarists including The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, Son House, Fred McDowell, R.L. Burnside and Robert Johnson.

"Blues is a Feeling!" In this class, you'll gain the skills needed to play the music and learn the styles and techniques of blues greats like Mississippi John Hurt, Big Bill Broonzy, Robert Johnson, and more. We’ll cover fingerpicking, ragtime and shuffle rhythms, blues chords, riffs, and chord progressions, as well as open tunings and slide/bottleneck styles. Prerequisite: Minimal fingerpicking experience. You should have successfully completed Core Guitar Level 3 or 4. Some written materials will be provided, including standard notation and TAB. Join us to dive into the rich world of blues!

Do you feel comfortable strumming chords, but feel less than confident with melodies, bass runs and riffs on the guitar? This workshop will enhance your tone production, speed, accuracy and overall technique with playing individual notes. You’ll also learn how to go back and forth between chords and melodies, bass runs and riffs seamlessly. Open to any level of guitarist or ukulele player, from beginning to advanced.

Want to play the songs you love? This class is all about learning and jamming to popular music from across the decades—rock, pop, indie, and beyond. We’ll focus on essential strumming patterns, chord progressions, and riffs that define the sound of pop music. Along the way, you’ll pick up techniques to make your playing more dynamic and expressive. What You’ll Learn: Common chord progressions found in hit songs Strumming and rhythm techniques for different styles How to play iconic riffs and melodies Tips for singing and playing at the same time Playing in a group and building confidence Expect a mix of classics and modern favorites—think The Beatles, Taylor Swift, Fleetwood Mac, Ed Sheeran, and more! No need to read music—just bring your guitar and get ready to play.

Want to take your rhythm guitar skills to the next level? In this 8-week class, we’ll focus on songs with distinctive rhythmic qualities and break them down using standard notation—think quarter notes, eighth notes, triplets, ties, and rests. You’ll explore rhythmic motifs from popular songs across a variety of genres, giving you the tools to improve your rhythm playing while deepening your overall musical understanding. In this class, you’ll: Break down complex rhythms using standard notation Learn how to play songs with catchy and unique rhythmic patterns Build a solid foundation in timing and groove Gain confidence in applying rhythms to your guitar playing and overall musicianship Develop a deeper understanding of rhythm in music beyond the guitar

Want to take your rhythm guitar skills to the next level? In this 8-week class, we’ll focus on songs with distinctive rhythmic qualities and break them down using standard notation—think quarter notes, eighth notes, triplets, ties, and rests. You’ll explore rhythmic motifs from popular songs across a variety of genres, giving you the tools to improve your rhythm playing while deepening your overall musical understanding. In this class, you’ll: Break down complex rhythms using standard notation Learn how to play songs with catchy and unique rhythmic patterns Build a solid foundation in timing and groove Gain confidence in applying rhythms to your guitar playing and overall musicianship Develop a deeper understanding of rhythm in music beyond the guitar

In this class, we’ll focus on simple and effective guitar fills that are easy to execute but make a big impact. Our approach will teach you how to connect phrases smoothly, enhancing both your sound and your singing. Whether it’s a walk, a fingerpick, or a catchy strum, you’ll learn how to add the perfect touch to your playing without feeling overwhelmed. From ballads to swing tunes to country hits, you'll discover how to bring your songs to life with these essential guitar fills!

In this class, we’ll focus on simple and effective guitar fills that are easy to execute but make a big impact. Our approach will teach you how to connect phrases smoothly, enhancing both your sound and your singing. Whether it’s a walk, a fingerpick, or a catchy strum, you’ll learn how to add the perfect touch to your playing without feeling overwhelmed. From ballads to swing tunes to country hits, you'll discover how to bring your songs to life with these essential guitar fills!

Continue to build your slide guitar skills and repertoire! This class will review blues, folk and American roots songs, styles, and licks. We will explore the following concepts to help your slide guitar playing get to the next level: • Playing clean notes • Vibrato • Right and left-hand damping techniques • Playing notes on a single string verses more than one string • Open G and open D guitar tunings • Dead thumb and alternating thumb • Licks and patterns for improvisation

This class delves into Taylor Swift's mighty song catalogue, using songs we love to expand our skills on the guitar. Each session features a new collection of songs pulled from across all the different “Eras”. Song requests are also welcome and influence what is brought in each session. This class is perfect for Guitar 2 level + above: guitar players with a basic knowledge of open chords (including F, Bm, and Dm) and simple strum patterns.