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!

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!

Fingerstyle Blues 3 classes will take a different decade each session. The classes can be taken individually, or as a series. Session 2 will start with the 1920's when the first Country Blues recordings were made. We will look at both men and women recording artists. Session 3 will be the 1930's Country Blues in the Depression. Session 4 will be the 1940's looking at some Library of Congress recordings. Session 5 will be the 1950's when many of the Country Blues players tried plugging in, yet played the same way. Ending in session 6 will be the 1960's when many of the early Blues artists were re-discovered.

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 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

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.

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

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 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.

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!

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

Ready to take your guitar playing to the next level? Whether you’re jamming along to your favorite songs or looking to add some edge to your playing, this 8-week class will teach you iconic guitar riffs and licks from rock, blues, pop, and beyond. Designed for guitarists who already know their way around the fretboard, this class focuses on building technique, developing muscle memory, and learning to play riffs that are instantly recognizable. In this class, you’ll: Master riffs from classic and modern songs Learn techniques like bending, sliding, and palm muting Practice building speed and precision Improve your rhythm and timing while playing with others Gain confidence in your ability to improvise and play along with recordings By the end of the session, you’ll have a collection of riffs under your belt and the skills to start playing them effortlessly. This class is ideal for anyone who already plays some guitar and is looking to have fun while building their skills in a supportive and relaxed setting.

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.

This workshop will focus on the music of influential English folk artist, Nick Drake, and his unique alternate tunings and fingerstyle playing. Some experience with fingerstyle playing recommended. There will be a lot of re-tuning so please have a clip-on tuner and a capo. Songs will include “Which Will,” “Pink Moon,” “Fly,” “Time Has Told Me,” and others as time allows.

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

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.

What’s Going On? Join Albert Martinez and Lewis Kostiner for an exploration of meaningful and socially significant songs from before 1975, alongside modern works that carry similar messages. Together, we’ll examine music that addressed the major issues of its time—Vietnam War protests, civil rights, women’s liberation, the environment, labor movements, and more.  Lewis will lead historical and cultural discussions of each song, including its origins, context, and lasting impact. Albert will guide the group in learning the music, providing charts for instruments and voices. No prior musical experience is required—everyone is welcome to join the conversation and, if they wish, the music-making.  We’ll listen to recordings, analyze lyrics, and ask:  What did this song mean in its time?  Does its message still resonate today?  How might it speak to contemporary audiences?  The 2 songs we'll focus on for the November workshop will be:    - You Don't Own Me, by Lesley Gore    - Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, by The Shirelles  The 2 songs for the December will be:    - I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-To-Die Rag, by Country Joe and the Fish    - I Ain't Marching Any More, by Phil Ochs 

What’s Going On? Join Albert Martinez and Lewis Kostiner for an exploration of meaningful and socially significant songs from before 1975, alongside modern works that carry similar messages. Together, we’ll examine music that addressed the major issues of its time—Vietnam War protests, civil rights, women’s liberation, the environment, labor movements, and more.  Lewis will lead historical and cultural discussions of each song, including its origins, context, and lasting impact. Albert will guide the group in learning the music, providing charts for instruments and voices. No prior musical experience is required—everyone is welcome to join the conversation and, if they wish, the music-making.  We’ll listen to recordings, analyze lyrics, and ask:  What did this song mean in its time?  Does its message still resonate today?  How might it speak to contemporary audiences?  The 2 songs we'll focus on for the November workshop will be:    - You Don't Own Me, by Lesley Gore    - Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, by The Shirelles  The 2 songs for the December will be:    - I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-To-Die Rag, by Country Joe and the Fish    - I Ain't Marching Any More, by Phil Ochs