The 10 Best Guitar Lessons Near Me (for All Ages & Levels) (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way for an older person to learn guitar? ›

Adult guitar students are best served by taking weekly 45-60 minute private lessons with an experienced teacher and practicing for at least 20 minutes every day (or nearly every day). All things considered, this isn't a burdensome time commitment, and you will learn how to play the guitar quickly!

Guitar lessons generally cost between $40-$90 per hour*, but costs can vary widely depending on the teacher's education and performing level, the location, lesson length and whether they are in-person or online. The average price for a one-hour guitar lesson is $70.

For most students, the best age to learn guitar is around age 7. But it's important to note that all students are different, so there really isn't a best age to start guitar lessons. Realistically, students can start guitar lessons as soon as they can comfortably hold a small-scale guitar and press down the strings.

The average price for a one-hour guitar lesson in Houston is $70. Live online lessons using Zoom or Skype charge between $25-50 for a half hour lesson. Local private one-on-one guitar lessons range from $35-50 for a half hour lesson, while in-person group lessons can cost $25 for a half hour lesson.

While it's never too late to learn how to play guitar, there can be factors that make playing more of a challenge as an older adult. If you have arthritis or limited manual dexterity, it can be harder to press the strings down, position your hands correctly and move your hands quickly to play different notes.

The Basics!

I always start every first guitar lesson with: the body parts of the guitar, the open string names, basic fretting technique and basic strumming technique. These fundamentals are extremely important to get right in the beginning to then build upon later down the track.

On average, it can take a dedicated student several months to a year to develop a basic proficiency on the guitar. However, some students may be able to play simple songs within a few weeks of starting lessons, while others may take several years to reach a similar level of skill.

In this research, most musicians believed that peak performance on their musical instrument was reached before 30 years or between the ages of 30 and 39, and that performance starts to decay later (Gembris and Heye 2014) .

And while you may have passed up the chance to be a child prodigy or teen heartthrob, it is never too late to start. Ask any teacher. Cathy Fink tells about a favorite student who picked up guitar at 55. “I went around the room and asked all the beginners what they were doing in the class,” she recalls.

A guitar teacher can give you many good opportunities that you can't easily get on your own. An experienced guitar teacher has so many more music industry connections, because they are already in the music business (some more than others) and that can make a big difference in your musical life.

How often should a beginner take guitar lessons? ›

The fastest and most efficient learning will happen with weekly lessons and regular practice. The people who can do this will see the fastest improvement in their playing skills. Daily practice would be preferable but even 20 minutes of focussed practice 3 or 4 times per week will make a big difference.

I have been asked several times by readers of the site if I think they can take up classical guitar study at a later age. The resounding answer is yes. There really is no limit to what each one of us can achieve, and in many respects age is no restriction.

Over the years I've worked with hundreds of beginners from all ages, but most of my students discover the guitar at 50 and over. Many students state: “… I've always wanted to play an instrument but never had the time, now that I've retired, I thought I'd try it…”

On average, it can take a dedicated student several months to a year to develop a basic proficiency on the guitar. However, some students may be able to play simple songs within a few weeks of starting lessons, while others may take several years to reach a similar level of skill.