Classical guitar lessons in Victoria, BC, Canada. All ages and levels are welcome. i offer one-on-one lessons, ensemble coaching, and masterclasses or group coaching sessions. Lessons are positive, productive, and professional. All students learn to read music notation, play with a refined musicality, gain an appreciation of music and history, and use proper technique. Although I specialize in teaching classical guitar I aim to create students who are well rounded musicians overall.
Availability and Contact
Join my waitlist for lessons in September 2025 or if you prefer or I can recommend a perfect teacher for you in Victoria in the meantime. Email: brad@bradfordwerner.ca
All Ages and Levels
I enjoy teaching a variety of students from youth, career-path emerging professionals, to hobbyist adults. I taught at the Victoria Conservatory for over 16 years, in Victoria for 20 years, and have been playing for over 30 years. I’ve adjudicated festivals, exams, and masterclasses for a variety of organizations including The Alberta Provincials, Mount Royal University, Calgary Guitar Society, Camosun College, VCM examinations, and many more. Learn more at my About Page.
My Online Publications
- This is Classical Guitar – My classical guitar site for pro videos, lessons, and more.
- Werner Guitar Editions – My sheet music store with video performances and lessons.
- My Online lessons
- Videos of professional guitarists
- Sheet music for classical guitar via the blog
- Weekly email newsletter for classical guitar to keep you inspired and learning
Info on Classical Guitar Lessons
I primarily teach and perform on classical guitar. The classical guitar is a nylon string instrument played with the fingers and has a musical history ranging from the Renaissance era to modern times, Latin and Spanish music, and many cross-over styles. Students of the classical guitar learn all the same things that pianists, violinists, and other orchestral musicians learn. It is likely the most versatile musical instrument in terms of styles and eras of music. My classical students also learn some popular music, chords, and improvisation as well. In the end, my classical students learn everything. I don’t require my students to focus on “classical” music necessarily, once they have the skills of a good musician they can choose what styles or genres they wish to pursue. The educational benefits of the classical guitar teaching route create solid musicians that can read music, perform, and tackle a variety of musical styles and situations.
Teaching Philosophy
I teach using progressive methods that ensure the student successfully completes one goal before moving to the next. This creates happy and productive students. I’ve created my own books and materials so we can clearly track progress and achievement in an enjoyable and educational environment. This is common practice in piano and string lessons but more rare in guitar pedagogy. It’s important that both the student and teacher can see completed goals and track progress because that is what makes lessons exciting and successful in the long-term. Another major element in my teaching is to ensure the student develops positive and successful practice habits. Students need to practice well but they also need to enjoy practicing so the experience is rewarding, enjoyable, and encouraging. These are life lessons that can help students in many other areas of their life from study habits, schoolwork, and employment. I’m also particularly proud of how all my youth students present themselves in respectful, positive, and confident ways during lessons and public performances.
Adjudication and Exams:
I regularly act as an examiner for the Conservatory as well as adjudicate festivals such as the Alberta Provincial Festival, Mount Royal University Conservatory, Medicine Hat Festival, Northwest Music Festival, and many festivals in Western Canada over the past 10 years. Also, many of my students take both VCM and RCM exams between the levels of Grade 1 to ARCT. My students have, on numerous occasions, come in 1st place at the Victoria as well as the BC Provincial Festival competitions.
Also see my guitar blog (thisisclassicalguitar.com) for online lessons or quotations from students and parents.
“Brad’s smile of confidence, calm presence, and congratulatory word says it all. He quietly mentors, giving our intrepid now-teenage daughter inspiration in both a creative and practical sense. What would we do without him? He knows how to steer the ship, without appearing at the helm!” – Susan Donnecke (Parent)
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