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Specialty & Technique Guitar Classes

Go beyond the basics and learn the nuts and bolts of music.

If you can already play guitar, now it's time to get into the groove. With the guidance of our expert teaching artists, expand your skills and repertoire to open the wide world of guitar beyond the basics.

For intermediate players and beyond, open to students who have completed the Guitar 2 level and above. (If you're not sure where your skills fit in, visit our placement quiz.)

We suggest all guitar students consider starting with Guitar Fingerboard Theory, if you want to work on lead guitar or eventually write your own songs. It's a great primer into a wider world of musicianship.

Class Schedules and Availability

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Fingerstyle Workshop Series with Michael J. Miles: Moon River by Henry Mancini & Johnny Mercer with Michael Miles

$25 ($23 members)

06/12/2023 (1 meetings)

Monday · 8:00 PM – 9:15 PM · Online

This series of workshops include detailed instruction, professional tablature, and audio. These one-off workshops are intended for intermediate players who can read tablature and have experience with fingerstyle guitar. Each workshop will concentrate on a single tune. Take them all or choose the ones you want.

Fingerstyle Workshop Series with Michael J. Miles: Night and Day by Cole Porter with Michael Miles

$25 ($23 members)

06/19/2023 (1 meetings)

Monday · 8:00 PM – 9:15 PM · Online

This series of workshops include detailed instruction, professional tablature, and audio. These one-off workshops are intended for intermediate players who can read tablature and have experience with fingerstyle guitar. Each workshop will concentrate on a single tune. Take them all or choose the ones you want.

Fingerstyle Workshop Series with Michael J. Miles:It's Too Late by Carole King with Michael Miles

$25 ($23 members)

06/26/2023 (1 meetings)

Monday · 8:00 PM – 9:15 PM · Online

This series of workshops include detailed instruction, professional tablature, and audio. These one-off workshops are intended for intermediate players who can read tablature and have experience with fingerstyle guitar. Each workshop will concentrate on a single tune. Take them all or choose the ones you want.

Fingerstyle Workshop Series with Michael J. Miles: Come Together by The Beatles with Michael Miles

$25 ($23 members)

07/17/2023 (1 meetings)

Monday · 8:00 PM – 9:15 PM · Online

This series of workshops include detailed instruction, professional tablature, and audio. These one-off workshops are intended for intermediate players who can read tablature and have experience with fingerstyle guitar. Each workshop will concentrate on a single tune. Take them all or choose the ones you want.

Fingerstyle Workshop Series with Michael J. Miles: Strawberry Fields Forever by The Beatles with Michael Miles

$25 ($23 members)

07/24/2023 (1 meetings)

Monday · 8:00 PM – 9:15 PM · Online

This series of workshops include detailed instruction, professional tablature, and audio. These one-off workshops are intended for intermediate players who can read tablature and have experience with fingerstyle guitar. Each workshop will concentrate on a single tune. Take them all or choose the ones you want.

Fingerstyle Workshop Series with Michael J. Miles: Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers with Michael Miles

$25 ($23 members)

07/31/2023 (1 meetings)

Monday · 8:00 PM – 9:15 PM · Online

This series of workshops include detailed instruction, professional tablature, and audio. These one-off workshops are intended for intermediate players who can read tablature and have experience with fingerstyle guitar. Each workshop will concentrate on a single tune. Take them all or choose the ones you want.

Fingerstyle Workshop Series with Michael J. Miles: Black Magic Woman by Carlos Santana with Michael Miles

$25 ($23 members)

08/07/2023 (1 meetings)

Monday · 8:00 PM – 9:15 PM · Online

This series of workshops include detailed instruction, professional tablature, and audio. These one-off workshops are intended for intermediate players who can read tablature and have experience with fingerstyle guitar. Each workshop will concentrate on a single tune. Take them all or choose the ones you want.

Guitar 4Ever with Holstein with Ed Holstein

$248 ($228 members)

06/24/2023 – 08/12/2023 (8 meetings)

Saturdays · 11:00 AM – 12:20 PM · In-Person @4544 N Lincoln Ave

A shoo-in for "Longest Running Class Taught by the Same 1970s Folk Icon". Eddie has been doing this one for years, and still keeps it new, interesting, and fun: Finger Pickin', Blues, Rag, Dylan, Prine, the American Songbook, and an occasional odd-ball tuning all arranged by Eddie! Among other things, this is the class where Eddie tries out tunes before he takes them on stage! Come join the fun for Eddie’s songs and stories.

RPA Ensemble with Steve Dawson

$217 ($200 members)

06/29/2023 – 08/10/2023 (7 meetings)

Thursdays · 8:30 PM – 9:50 PM · In-Person @4544 N Lincoln Ave

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

Blues Fingerstyle 1 with Chris Walz

$248 ($228 members)

06/19/2023 – 08/07/2023 (8 meetings)

Mondays · 6:30 PM – 7:50 PM · In-Person @4544 N Lincoln Ave

Learn regional fingerpicking styles from East Coast Piedmont, the Mississippi Delta, and Texas. You’ll get a taste of Blind Boy Fuller, Tommy Johnson, Mississippi John Hurt, and others. Straight blues, ragtime, and “Dead Thumb” skills will be covered. This class will prepare you for the second level in this series offered next session – Blues Fingerstyle 2, which focuses on slide guitar.

Blues Fingerstyle 3: Decades of Acoustic Blues with Chris Walz

$248 ($228 members)

06/19/2023 – 08/07/2023 (8 meetings)

Mondays · 8:00 PM – 9:20 PM · Online

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.

Classical Guitar Basic Repertoire with Jacob Sweet

$248 ($228 members)

06/19/2023 – 08/07/2023 (8 meetings)

Mondays · 6:30 PM – 7:50 PM · In-Person @4544 N Lincoln Ave

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.

Fingerpicking Repertoire with Randy Morris

$248 ($228 members)

06/24/2023 – 08/12/2023 (8 meetings)

Saturdays · 1:00 PM – 2:20 PM · In-Person @4544 N Lincoln Ave

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.

Introduction to Jazz Guitar with Tony do Rosario

$248 ($228 members)

06/25/2023 – 08/13/2023 (8 meetings)

Sundays · 1:30 PM – 2:50 PM · In-Person @4545 N Lincoln Ave

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

Jazz Guitar 1 with Tony do Rosario

$248 ($228 members)

06/25/2023 – 08/13/2023 (8 meetings)

Sundays · 12:00 PM – 1:20 PM · In-Person @4545 N Lincoln Ave

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

Jazz Guitar 1.5 with Tony do Rosario

$248 ($228 members)

06/19/2023 – 08/07/2023 (8 meetings)

Mondays · 7:30 PM – 8:50 PM · Online

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 Guitar 2 with Tony do Rosario

$248 ($228 members)

06/21/2023 – 08/09/2023 (8 meetings)

Wednesdays · 6:30 PM – 7:50 PM · In-Person @4544 N Lincoln Ave

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 Guitar 2 with Tony do Rosario

$248 ($228 members)

06/24/2023 – 08/12/2023 (8 meetings)

Saturdays · 10:00 AM – 11:20 AM · In-Person @4545 N Lincoln Ave

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 Guitar 4ever with Tony do Rosario

$248 ($228 members)

06/21/2023 – 08/09/2023 (8 meetings)

Wednesdays · 8:00 PM – 9:20 PM · In-Person @4544 N Lincoln Ave

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

Flatpicking 1 - Rhythm with Chris Walz

$217 ($200 members)

06/20/2023 – 08/08/2023 (7 meetings)

Tuesdays · 6:30 PM – 7:50 PM · In-Person @4544 N Lincoln Ave

Bluegrass guitar depends on solid rhythm. This class will help you develop strong right hand rhythm techniques in bluegrass guitar. We will cover the correct pick grip, pick control, runs, and rhythm licks. Proper tone, use of the capo, and playing in different time signatures, keys, and tempos will also be covered.

Acoustic Blues Guitar Repertoire with Paul Kaye

$217 ($200 members)

07/01/2023 – 08/12/2023 (7 meetings)

Saturdays · 1:00 PM – 2:20 PM · Online

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!

Crash Bass for Guitarists with Harlan Terson

$25 ($23 members)

07/15/2023 (1 meetings)

Saturday · 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM · Online

Guitarists are everywhere, but a good bass player is not easy to find... Learn how to be a good bass player by applying the skills and musical knowledge you have as a guitarist. Find the groove and make them move!

Guitar Solos for Beginners with John Mead

$217 ($200 members)

06/20/2023 – 08/08/2023 (7 meetings)

Tuesdays · 8:00 PM – 9:20 PM · In-Person @4545 N Lincoln Ave

Think you can’t play a guitar solo? Wrong, anyone can! This class will teach you the fundamentals of soloing to get you started. based on a hands-on approach that will enable you to understand how, and WHY, to develop your skills while using a very blues/rock/R&B-based approach to playing the guitar.

Playing by Ear for Guitarists with John Mead

$217 ($200 members)

06/20/2023 – 08/08/2023 (7 meetings)

Tuesdays · 6:30 PM – 7:50 PM · In-Person @4545 N Lincoln Ave

This essential skill has been tragically neglected in the 21st century, but every guitar player you love learned this way. It’s a learnable set of skills, and we will explore strategies to get you there.

Simple Guitar Fills with Barbara Silverman

$188 ($168 members)

06/22/2023 – 08/10/2023 (8 meetings)

Thursdays · 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM · Online

Nothing fancy here, we’ll just learn some very simple fills that embellish a song you’re singing — how to go from one sung phrase to the next with tasteful and easily executed walks, fingerpicks or a fancy strum or two. Ballads, swing tunes, country hits—we can do them all!”

Strumming Rhythms with Barbara Silverman

$217 ($200 members)

06/20/2023 – 08/08/2023 (7 meetings)

Tuesdays · 10:00 AM – 11:20 AM · Online

How do you do a simple strum? How do you make it a little fancier? How do you know which kind of strum goes with which song? We will answer all these questions as we learn basic rhythm patterns good for the beginner and good for those who already play a little guitar.

Taylor Swift for Beginners with Deanna Devore

$188 ($168 members)

06/21/2023 – 08/09/2023 (8 meetings)

Wednesdays · 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM · Online

This class delves into Taylor Swift's mighty song catalogue. We'll be featuring some of her hits, old and new. Come and learn to play "Lover," "Delicate," "All Too Well," "Cowboy Like Me," "Blank Space," "Shake It Off," and many others. Song requests are also welcome. This class is perfect for beginning level, 1 rep + above guitar players with a basic knowledge of open chords and simple strum patterns.