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The benefits of guitar lessons 

Enhances musical knowledge. In guitar classes and lessons, an array of musical genres will be explored such as classical, rock, pop, and jazz. Kids’ basic musical knowledge (rhythm, tempo, and pitch) grows as a result. Guitar class is an exemplary way for children to get introduced to and deepen their understanding of the complexity and diversity of musical expression.

Builds community and confidence. In a world that favours science and technology, the arts are too often overlooked. As a result, kids shy away from extracurriculars or programs dedicated to topics like creative writing, visual art, theatre, and music. Kids in guitar classes find themselves surrounded by others who crave a creative outlet and enjoy music. They gain confidence in their own interests and form a supportive community.

Encourages self-expression. Harnessing their musical ability helps kids understand and express themselves better. Self-expression leads, in turn, to personal satisfaction and a sense of freedom. Musical expression draws kids’ minds away from personal stressors, as they focus on the beauty and richness of music.

Uniquely exercises the brain. Guitar gives kids hands-on experience, as they learn technical components such as chords or strumming patterns as well as basic music skills including tempo, rhythm, and pace through the use of the guitar. This is far more stimulating than other more typical screen-based activities that are often entirely passive. 

Creativity unleashed. Guitar lessons encourage kids to express their creativity. With practice and dedication, they learn how to confidently improvise with the guitar and compose their own songs. Classes provide kids with the proper tools needed to achieve these skills such as playing chords, strumming, and picking. 

What will your child learn in guitar lessons?

Technical guitar skills. Reading guitar tabs, understanding strumming patterns, and learning notes are some technical skills kids learn in guitar lessons. As they progress through levels, this becomes more sophisticated. Learning music in-depth has implications for their understanding of mathematics, for example, which in turn, can help them in other academic areas. 

Improvisation and composition. As they grow in confidence, kids develop the ability to put together chord progressions and develop these into songs. This is is the real joy of guitar: learning to build on your own and/or jam with others, as they begin to dream of being in a band and making their own music. 

Collaboration. Working with others and gathering feedback plays a critical role in learning the guitar. Kids in guitar lessons also showcase their skills in front of their peers and others, and receive positive feedback in order to improve their playing. Of course, they also learn from their fellow musicians and peers in the program. Through this interaction with others, they develop skills and practice in communication and grow in both awareness of others and self-awareness.

Patience. Learning guitar takes hard work and dedication. Kids make mistakes and teachers patiently guide them into learning from them. A byproduct of any kind of musical lessons is that kids learn values like perseverance and patience. 

Self-discipline. Like any skill, guitar must be practised. The amount of time it takes to do so varies between musicians. Enrollment in guitar lessons requires kids to dedicate themselves to the instrument, practice for a set amount of time regularly, and learn theory assigned. Through lessons, kids take ownership of their progress, and doing so, they gain confidence.

Setting goals. Like most skills, guitar takes time to master. Along the way, there are small and big goals for learners to achieve. Through setting and achieving goals, they learn the value of goal setting, an important life skill they can carry throughout the rest of their lives. 

Concentration. With social and other media eroding kids’ ability to focus, concentration is an increasingly rare skill. Guitar requires many particular skills to be mastered, including tempo, pitch, fingering, and strumming, with each of these practised individually. When students pull all these together, it requires heightened concentration, an excellent skill with applications for both academics and later career development. 

Questions parents should ask about guitar classes

Before enrolling their child(ren) in guitar lessons, here are some essential questions parents should ask:

1. How much practice does the instructor recommend per day/week?
2. What genres of music will be covered?
3. What experience does the instructor have with playing the guitar?
4. How much freedom or musical creativity is granted? At what stage?
5. Are recitals or examinations required?

Related camps and programs

OurKids.net lists hundreds of different kinds of kids’ camps and programs. Explore a world of potential learning and personal growth opportunities on our site. For those who love guitar, here are some related camps and programs that can help you branch out. 

Music lessons include a border selection of instrument training that may include other string instruments and more. Classes that are more specialised include singing lessons and piano lessons.

Music camp includes summer conservatories and other programs that offer kids a week-long (or longer) immersion in music, surrounded by friends with an enthusiasm and love for music. 

Performing arts camp is ideal for young performers who love the spotlight and want to expand their horizons into related arts areas like dance and acting. Music theatre camp is also closely related but more focused on this specialised art form. 

Sources and further reading

10 Benefits of Learning to Play the Guitar. mjpguitartuition.co.uk
14 Lead Guitar Skills Learners Should Acquire. learnguitarmalta.com.
Self-expression values. Google Arts & Culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Guitar lessons are there?
There are 10 programs specializing in Guitar. In addition, there are 12 programs offering guitar as an activity. Use the filters to narrow by age and program type, then click on matched programs to see daily activities, dates, rates and registration information.

What are the fees to attend Guitar lessons?
Fees for Guitar lessons range from $30 to $1,501 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.

What age do Guitar lessons start at?
There are programs available for children aged 3 through 19.

Where can parents meet with Guitar lessons?
Meet with program directors and staff at the Our Kids Camp & Program Expo. The Expo is held annually in February, and is a fun and informative day for parents, kids, and teens. Find event details and free tickets here.