Guitar Programs for Kids 8-11

Kids Guitar Lessons in Oakville

Our kids guitar lessons are thoughtfully crafted to build interest, engage, inspire, and empower your child in their musical exploration. Learning guitar will be a fun and rewarding experience for them, helping to inspire in them a lifelong love of music.

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Energetic young kid playing electric guitar at an guitar lesson in Oakville.

“My son is really enjoying his guitar lessons at Oakville Guitar Academy! The teacher is amazing, so glad that we found him!”

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Fun, Structured Guitar Lessons for Kids

  • Private Weekly Lesson: In Person or Virtually.
  • Experienced Instructor: Your instructor will be a skilled musician and an experienced educator who knows how to connect with kids.
  • Kid Centric Approach: We tailor our kids lessons to suit your child’s age, skill level, and musical interests, ensuring they remain motivated and engaged.
  • Regular Progress Updates and Practice Guidance: Receive regular updates on your child’s progress along with clear recommendations for what they should focus on during practice.”
  • Progressive Enjoyable Curriculum: Our curriculum seamlessly integrates structure and fun, making learning both organized and enjoyable.
  • Popular Styles: Acoustic, Classical (Royal Conservatory of Music), and Electric Guitar Programs.

Guitar Programs and Lessons for Kids

Proven Guitar Methods That Inspire and Build Confidence

Whether your child is learning classical or popular styles, our structured programs—based on the Royal Conservatory or our own tested curriculum—make learning fun, motivating, and easy to follow, with no gaps along the way.

Our step-by-step acoustic program—designed to keep kids engaged while developing the confidence and habits of self-reliant, lifelong musicians. Created by an expert teachers for steady, meaningful growth.

Beginner to Advanced

Acoustic Guitar

  • 1:1 In-Person or Virtually
  • Kid Friendly
  • Learn at Your Own Pace

Help your child build confidence and creativity with our kid-friendly acoustic guitar program! Designed for young beginners, this course blends essential musical foundations with a fun, supportive environment that keeps kids engaged and excited to learn. Taught by experienced instructors, our step-by-step lessons make learning easy and enjoyable.

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Beginner to Advanced

Acoustic Finger-style Guitar

  • 1:1 1:1 In-Person or Virtually
  • Kid Friendly
  • Learn at Your Own Pace

Help your child build confidence and creativity with our kid-friendly finger-style acoustic guitar program! Designed for young beginners, this course blends essential musical foundations with a fun, supportive environment that keeps kids engaged and excited to learn. Taught by experienced instructors, our step-by-step lessons make learning easy and enjoyable.

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Our structured rock guitar program keeps kids excited about learning while building the independence and motivation needed for a lifetime of music. Designed by experienced instructors and trusted by families.

Beginner to Intermediate

Addictive Rock Guitar

  • 1:1 In-Person or Virtually
  • Kid Friendly
  • Learn at Your Own Pace

Help your child build confidence and creativity with our kid-friendly Rock guitar program! Designed for young beginners, this course blends essential musical foundations with a fun, supportive environment that keeps kids engaged and excited to learn. Taught by experienced instructors, our step-by-step lessons make learning easy and enjoyable.

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Our classical guitar students follow the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) curriculum—a trusted and nationally recognized program that provides a clear path for progress and musical development.

Beginner

Classical Guitar 1

  • 1:1 In-Person or Virtually
  • Online Course (September)
  • Blended (September)
  • Royal Conservatory of Music Preparatory and Level 1 Classical Guitar Examinations
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Beginner – Intermediate

Classical Guitar 2

  • 1:1 In-Person or Virtually
  • Online Course (September )
  • Blended (September)
  • Royal Conservatory of Music Level 2 and Level 3 Classical Guitar Examinations
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Intermediate

Classical Guitar 3

  • 1:1 In-Person or Virtually
  • Online Course (September )
  • Blend (September)
  • Royal Conservatory of Music Level 3 and Level 4 Classical Guitar Examinations
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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.

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FAQ’S

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.

It’s not mandatory to buy a guitar before starting lessons. We provide a limited amount of guitars for students to use for free. Local music stores also rent instruments at very reasonable rates.

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.

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.

At Oakville Guitar Academy, we use age-appropriate, proven teaching methods tailored to the style of music your child wants to learn—whether that’s classical guitar or popular styles like acoustic or rock.
🎼 For Classical Guitar, we follow the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Guitar Curriculum. This world-renowned program provides a structured, step-by-step approach that builds strong technique, musical literacy, and performance confidence. It’s ideal for students who enjoy classical music or want to pursue music exams and formal training.
🎸 For Acoustic and Rock Styles, we teach using our custom-designed guitar curriculum, developed specifically for young beginners. This method is sequential, engaging, and motivation-based, helping kids stay excited about learning while mastering essential skills without gaps. It blends technique, ear training, rhythm, and real songs in a way that makes learning feel fun and rewarding.
Our approach ensures that every student—whether they’re in Oakville, Burlington, or Mississauga—gets the right balance of structure, creativity, and progress, no matter their musical path.
If you’re unsure which program is right for your child, we’re happy to help guide you based on their age, goals, and interests.

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.