Building a Solid Musical Foundation

The Yellowstone Guitar Academy offers lessons for children and adults alike, from the very first lesson to advanced players. Children are generally ready developmentally by age 8, but sometimes younger. An introductory lesson, offered at no cost, is the best way to see if your child is ready to begin guitar lessons.

Curriculum

The curriculum for kids is a blend of age-appropriate guitar methods from Peter Nuttall, Roger Hudson, Tatiana Stachak, and others. Emphasis is placed on correct, classically-based technique and music literacy. As kids build solid foundational skills, they are introduced to a variety of musical styles including folk, blues, and classical, allowing them to explore and develop their own musical tastes. Parents are encouraged to attend their children’s lessons.

Lessons for adults include a mixture of guitar methods including those established by Julio Sagreras, Aaron Shearer, Andres Segovia, Scott Tennant, and plenty of others. These lessons are often more goal-driven, but still emphasize developing solid technique and musicality.

Ear training, rhythm, and theory are incorporated into lessons from the very beginning with games and exercises as age appropriate..

Lesson Formats

Lessons are offered in four primary formats:

  • Group lessons are structured with 2-3 kids of the similar age and skill levels. In addition to learning solo, this also allows them to gain experience playing guitar together. This is often the most beneficial format for kids.

  • Private 30 minute lessons can be a good option for kids who demonstrate more dedication to practice, those who learn more effectively one-on-one, or who are unable to attend a class due to scheduling conflicts.

  • Private 60 minute lessons are reserved for adults and kids who have progressed to a more advanced level.

  • Online lessons can also be arranged via Zoom. This works best with adults and kids who are a bit older (12+).

Scheduling

Lessons are held weekly at regular times, and tuition is paid monthly. Each quarter contains 11 lessons and 2 weeks off; some months may have more lessons than others but the tuition remains the same each month, evening out throughout the course of the quarter.

Lessons are offered in Billings on Monday and Tuesday, and in Powell on Wednesday and Thursday. Online lessons may be scheduled throughout the week.

Two weeks’ notice is required if a student intends to drop or pause lessons, otherwise the next tuition payment will be due.

Sports Schedules and Make Up Lessons

Throughout the year, many students will have other activities in addition to their lessons. I try my best to work with parents to find times that will work for their child, but on occasion a lesson may be missed. In this case I will try, but cannot guarantee, to schedule a make up lesson at an alternate time.

Recitals

Each year the guitar studio has student recitals in May and December. All students are encouraged to perform, regardless of their level. This gives kids experience practicing for a performance, a chance to listen to their peers, and an opportunity to perform in front of an audience. Having a goal to work towards is important when learning music and gives kids a sense of achievement. The recitals are fun and family friendly and are a wonderful chance to celebrate the hard work of the young guitarists!

Pricing & Payments

Group Guitar Lessons

$100.00/month

These lessons are great for most kids. The groups are small (2-3 kids) and students are placed with others who are of the same age range and skill level. Lessons are 30 minutes and meet weekly.

Private Guitar Lessons- 30 minutes

$130.00/month

Some kids are more suited to one-on-one lessons for various reasons, or may not be able to coordinate their schedule with group lesson times. Thirty-minute private lessons are also available for adults. Lessons are held weekly.

Private Guitar Lessons- 60 Minutes

$200.00/month or $50/lesson

One hour lessons are reserved for more advanced students and adults. Weekly hour long lessons require significantly more at-home practice time.

Payments

Payment is due at the first lesson of the month. A 10% discount will apply for full payment at the beginning of a quarter (3 month’s tuition). Payment may be made by cash, check, or Venmo. Refunds are only given in the case of instructor cancelation or extreme illness.