Guitar Lessons in Oakville

Learning guitar doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With 35+ years of teaching experience, custom lessons that match your goals, and a proven step-by-step methods, you’ll stay inspired, build lasting skills, and play songs you love.

Book your free Guitar lesson

About Oakville Guitar Academy


Since 1988, Oakville Guitar Academy has guided thousands of students through tens of thousands of lessons, fostering a lifelong love of music. A highly experienced and passionate instructor will craft tailor-made lessons that keep you fully engaged, blending essential skills with personal musical enjoyment. Our approach ensures that each student remains engrossed in the learning process while building a strong musical foundation and developing the independent learning abilities necessary for a lifetime of musical exploration.

About Oakville Guitar Academy

Guitar Lessons Tailored by Age & Interest.

At Oakville Guitar Academy, we offer lessons tailored by age, experience level, and musical goals. From young beginners to serious teens and motivated adults, every student gets a clear path, expert guidance, and the support to grow with confidence.

Energetic young kid playing electric guitar at an guitar lesson in Oakville.
Kids 8+ – In-Person or Online
  • Classical Guitar – Royal Conservatory Guitar Examinations
  • Acoustic Guitar Lessons
  • Rock Guitar Lessons
  • and more
A woman enjoying her hobby of playing electric guitar indoors.
Kids 11+ – In Person or Online
  • Classical Guitar – Royal Conservatory Guitar Examinations
  • Acoustic Guitar Lessons
  • Rock Guitar Lessons
Adult Guitar Lessons
  • Classical Guitar – Royal Conservatory Guitar Examinations
  • Acoustic Guitar Lessons
  • Rock Guitar Lessons

Testimonials

“I love that my guitar teacher is so confident in me! It gives me great motivation!” Marcus

  • Learn Guitar in a way that works for you.

    Taught in a way that works for you. I enjoyed learning through songs that I enjoyed learning. Every song was chosen because I loved it and had a new component to it that made my playing better.
    Matthew Nasato
    Musician and Med Student!

  • I Learned Guitar Through the Music I Love

    The lessons revealed my love for music and the guitar. With personalized lessons, you learn the songs you love while being taught correct technique. The guitar has allowed me to further express my love for music, and have now been performing live for many years.
    Chris Readshaw
    Musician – Businessman

  • I Learned to play guitar to a high level

    I learned to play guitar at a high level, gaining improvisational skills and a strong repertoire to jam and play in various bands throughout my university years. A positive attitude and ability to get results made every lesson very enjoyable and undoubtedly allowed me to follow my musical passions.
    Dr Christian Carlucci
    Scientist and Musician
  • Guitar student playing guitar

    Effectively catered to My musical interests

    Effectively catered to my musical interests and skill level with genuine care and approachability, while keeping lessons fun and interesting. A great mentor towards me growing up. Sparked my interest in learning the guitar, which led me to study music in university, and attend teachers’ college. 
    Matthew Reid
    Teacher
  • James-Faulkner

    I Became a better musician

    Helped me become a more rounded musician. Being able to play guitar confidently in multiple styles is a key factor in being a working musician. The lessons were motivating and fun. Learning to play the guitar has been an integral part of my life. This both as a profession musician and music teacher.
    James Faulkner
    Musician and Music teacher

  • I Enjoy Learning the Guitar

    I never imagined the guitar would bring me so much joy and fulfillment in life today. The lessons brought out my love for music with a unique lesson experience. No matter what avenue my musical curiosity went down, the teacher always had the answers and the means to let that curiosity flourish.
    Graham Mallany
    Musician
  • Mathew- Goulet

    Passion for Music was contagious

    The passion for music was contagious, and it eventually led me to my arts high school, my University of Toronto bachelor of music performance, my artist diploma at the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music and my entrance to the National Youth Orchestra of Canada.
    Matthew Goulet
    Music Teacher and Musician

Blended Learning

Accelerate and Support Your Learning with Digital Tools

With blended learning, you get the best of both worlds — in-person guidance and powerful digital tools. Interactive notation synced with real performance video lets you see and hear exactly how the music is played. You can loop tough spots, slow things down, and practice at your own pace between lessons. It makes learning faster, more fun, and more effective, so you stay motivated and make real progress every week.

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See and Hear Every Note

Notation scrolls in perfect sync with audio or teacher demo video.

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Loop Selections

Focus on tricky passages by looping a few notes or bars.

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Slow it Down

Practice at your own pace — speed it up only when you’re ready.

Questions

While the average age range for starting guitar lessons is around 8-9 years old, every child is different. If your child expresses an interest in music and is eager to start learning, it may be worth trying guitar lessons as early as age 7. If they won’t wait until they’re 8 or 9 years old the Suzuki guitar program is specifically designed for children as young as 5 years old.

No. We provide a limited amount of guitars for students to use for free. Local music stores also rent instruments at very reasonable rates.

The best guitar for a beginner child depends on both their musical interests and their physical size. At Oakville Guitar Academy, we guide families in choosing the right instrument so young students can start off with confidence and comfort.

+ Electric Guitar – Great for Rock, Pop & Blues
If your child is interested in modern or energetic styles like rock, pop, or blues, an electric guitar is a great option. Electric guitars are lighter to play, have thinner necks, and use low-tension steel strings, making it easier for small hands to press down. For children between ages 6 to 10, we typically recommend a 3/4-size electric guitar for a comfortable fit.


+ Classical Guitar – Ideal for Fingerstyle & Classical Techniques
If your child enjoys more melodic, structured playing or wants to build a strong technical foundation, a classical guitar with nylon strings is ideal. The softer strings are gentler on young fingers, and the wider neck helps beginners learn proper finger placement. A 1/2-size classical guitar is great for kids ages 5–8, and a 3/4-size suits ages 8–11.


+ Acoustic Steel Strung Guitar – Best for Strumming & Song Accompaniment
For children who are drawn to acoustic or strumming-based styles, a steel-string acoustic guitar is a good fit. These guitars are better for rhythm and chord playing, though they do have higher string tension which can be a bit harder on young fingers. A 3/4-size acoustic guitar is a suitable choice for most children under 12.

Finding the Right Fit
Choosing the right size and type of guitar makes all the difference in helping your child enjoy learning and progress smoothly. At Oakville Guitar Academy, we offer in-person guidance to ensure your child is matched with the right instrument based on their age, hand size, and musical preferences.
Serving students in Oakville, Burlington, and Mississauga, we’re here to help your child take their first step into music with the right support.

Yes, we follow structured, goal-oriented curriculums—but they’re designed to be flexible depending on your goals, time, and level of commitment. You’re never left guessing what to do next, but you also won’t be locked into a one-size-fits-all program.

Our Classical Guitar Course follows the prestigious Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) curriculum. It’s our most academically structured program, complete with graded levels and optional practical and theory exams. This path is ideal for students who enjoy a clear, step-by-step progression and may be interested in earning recognized certification along the way.

For those more interested in Acoustic or Rock styles, we offer a modern curriculum that’s organized but adaptable. Students still follow a logical sequence of skills, songs, and techniques—but you set the pace, and the focus can shift based on your musical interests (whether that’s fingerpicking, strumming popular songs, or playing lead guitar).

Whether you’re a dedicated learner or simply playing for personal enjoyment, we’ll help you build real skills while keeping the experience motivating and tailored to your lifestyle.

Lessons are typically 30 or 60 minutes once a week. Advanced or motivated students may opt for longer or more frequent sessions.

We teach Classical, Acoustic, Electric, Blues, Jazz, Fingerstyle, and Rock guitar. Students can start with foundational skills and then explore the style they’re most drawn to.

The time required to make progress between weekly lessons can vary based on various factors such as the complexity of the subject matter, individual learning speed. However, a general guideline is to allocate at least 2 hours per week for review, practice, and consolidation of the concepts learned in the lesson. Any additional time investment will help reinforce the knowledge and skills gained during the lesson and contribute to steady progress over time.

Yes, guitar lessons can help improve your guitar playing skills and technique. They provide structured guidance, personalized feedback, and the opportunity to learn from an experienced instructor. Lessons can help you develop proper playing techniques, learn music theory, expand your repertoire, and overcome any challenges or roadblocks you may face in your guitar journey.

When looking for a guitar teacher, consider the following criteria:

1. Experience and Qualifications: Look for a teacher who has extensive experience in playing and teaching the guitar. Check if they have any certifications or formal training in music education.

2. Teaching Style: Determine whether the teacher’s teaching style aligns with your learning preferences. Some teachers may focus on specific genres or techniques, while others may have a more generalized approach.

3. Communication and Interpersonal Skills: A good guitar teacher should be able to effectively communicate instructions, concepts, and feedback. They should also be patient, encouraging, and able to create a positive learning environment.

4. Curriculum and Lesson Structure: Inquire about the teacher’s curriculum and lesson structure. A well-organized and progressive curriculum will ensure that you learn guitar skills in a logical and systematic manner.

5. Track Record and Student Reviews: Ask for references or look for online reviews from previous students. Positive feedback and success stories can indicate a teacher’s ability to effectively teach and develop their students’ guitar skills.

6. Flexibility and Availability: Consider the teacher’s availability and flexibility with scheduling lessons. Ensure that their availability aligns with yours and that they are willing to accommodate any scheduling constraints you may have.

7. Cost: Finally, consider the cost of lessons and compare it with your budget. Keep in mind that expertise and quality of instruction can vary, so balance cost with other factors to find the best value for your investment.

Remember to prioritize your specific goals and preferences when choosing a guitar teacher.

Free Trial Guitar Lesson

We believe in the power of a great first impression. That’s why we offer a free trial lesson for all new students. This initial session allows you to meet your instructor, experience our teaching style, and get a feel for what our lessons are all about.

Book a Free Trial Guitar LEsson