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!

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

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!

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.

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

Anyone who's ever picked up a guitar can learn to play solos—and so can you! In this class, we’ll focus on building your vocabulary and instincts, emphasizing the tactile nature of guitar playing over theory and scale exercises. It’s simpler than you might think. Come give it a try!

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.

Electric Guitar Styles Overdrive is an ongoing class for those intermediate guitarists who have the desire to play electric. Our focus will be on advancing technique, rhythm, speed, and tonal control of the instrument. Songs will be presented and taught with consideration to enhancing and harnessing the techniques needed to make each song sound as much like the original as possible.

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.

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

Build up your flatpick skills with advanced fiddle tunes, and learn note for note solos by some of the bluegrass greats. Tunes played by Norman Blake, Doc Watson, Tony Rice, Clarence White and others will be covered. Techniques for increasing your speed and improvising will also be covered. 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 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.

Join us this December for a 90-minute jam session that’s all about bringing warmth and energy to the cold winter nights! This session will dive into groove-heavy styles like funk, soul, and blues, offering participants a chance to experiment with rhythm, improvisation, and jamming in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Whether they’re beginners or seasoned players, we’ll explore funky grooves, soulful licks, and bluesy riffs that get everyone moving and feeling right at home. Hosted by: Bill Brickey & Bear Williams, both masters of rhythm and groove. Bill and Bear will guide the session, offering tips on locking in with the rhythm section, improvising, and maintaining high energy. Together, they’ll help participants develop their unique sound while playing in the pocket.

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!

Get ready to plug in and explore the soulful and electrifying world of Texas Blues! Over the course of this 8-week class, you'll dive deep into the electric blues traditions of the Lone Star State, learning the signature riffs, rhythms, and techniques that made Texas blues legendary. From the smooth, swinging style of T-Bone Walker to the fiery, soulful solos of Stevie Ray Vaughan, you'll explore the influences of iconic artists like Freddie King, Albert Collins, Jimmie Vaughan, and Billy Gibbons. Whether you're a seasoned player or a passionate beginner, this class will help you unlock the essence of Texas blues guitar and take your playing to new heights. Join us for this exciting journey through one of the most electrifying styles of blues music!

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.

Move beyond basic strum patterns and learn to play with true freedom—assertive, relaxed, and confident. In this class, we’ll focus on developing your rhythmic feel through technique and practical exercises, helping you play with more groove and expression. While the class is geared primarily toward acoustic guitars, electric players are welcome too!

"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!

Discover the art of electric slide guitar in this engaging 8-week course taught by Donna Herula. Learn essential techniques to elevate your slide playing, including volume control, pedal options, achieving great tone, and mastering right- and left-hand damping for clean notes. Explore songs from legendary slide guitarists such as Elmore James, Hound Dog Taylor, Duane Allman, Johnny Winter, ZZ Top, George Harrison, and Jack White. Special emphasis will be placed on soloing, improvising, and lead slide guitar playing. You’ll delve into: Vibrato techniques for expressive playing Right- and left-hand damping for clean, precise notes Playing single-string melodies and multi-string slides Open G, Open D, and standard tunings with slide Lead slide playing and improvisation Achieving great tone and mastering volume control Whether you're new to slide guitar or ready to take your skills to the next level, this class will equip you with the tools to make your playing shine.

“Neil Young & Jeff Tweedy are top-shelf songwriters with expansive catalogs. In this ONLINE class we alternate freely between the two artists. We’ll explore popular songs as well as deeper album cuts. The class features close-up breakdowns of accompaniment techniques, tips on alternate chord voicings, some lead/melody playing and much more. This is an intermediate class taught on acoustic guitar, but open to electric players as well."

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!

Let’s dive into the art of strumming! We’ll start by mastering basic rhythm patterns, from straight beats to swing. You’ll learn a simple strum and how to add rhythmic flair, along with tips on choosing the right pattern for your song. Whether you're a beginner or already playing, this class will help you build a solid foundation in essential strumming techniques. From simple folk songs to more intricate rhythms, you'll gain the skills to bring groove and style to your playing across multiple genres!

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.

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.