Classical guitar lessons in Victoria, BC, Canada with Bradford Werner. All ages and levels are welcome. I offer one-on-one private lessons for children, teens, adults, hobbyists, university preparation, and advanced performers. I also offer ensemble coaching, masterclasses, and group sessions. I teach students from throughout the Greater Victoria area including Oak Bay, Saanich, Esquimalt, Langford, Sidney, and surrounding communities.
Lessons are positive, productive, and contain a caring plan for your personal development. All students learn to play with a healthy technique and a refined musicality. They also learn to read music notation and gain an appreciation of music, theory, and history. Although I specialize in teaching classical guitar I aim to create students who are well rounded musicians overall.
I have 25+ years of teaching experience, taught at the Victoria Conservatory for 16 years, and I’m regularly hired as a festival adjudicator and judge. I also have 110,000+ YouTube subscribers, 16 million+ video views and have had many students go on to professional careers in music. I’m also a published author with a huge library of sheet music and method books. Learn more about me here or just google me as I’m very well known.
Availability and Contact
I am happy to meet with students anytime throughout the year in order to offer you a spot in my studio or recommend the perfect teacher to match your individual needs. I strongly believe that finding the right teacher is essential to your success and enjoyment. Please don’t hesitate to contact me as I always enjoy meeting new students. See details at the classes and ensembles page.
Contact me, Bradford Werner (he/him) at this email: brad@bradfordwerner.ca
Lessons FAQ
How much do classical guitar lessons cost?
Lessons are $35 for 30mins, $47 for 45min, and $60 for 1 hour lessons.
Where do lessons take place?
I have a studio space at my home in Saanich near Playfair park with a private entrance, waiting area, and bathroom. Parents are welcome to sit in the waiting area during lessons which is directly adjacent to the teaching studio. It’s a beautiful and quite neighbourhood and street with lots of parking and nice walks if you like.
What age should students begin classical guitar?
You can start classical guitar at any age and there are benefits that we can utilize for each age group from youth to adult.
Do you teach adult beginners?
Yes, I enjoy having a balanced studio with students from a variety of ages and levels.
Are lessons inclusive and supportive?
Yes, I want to make all my students feel welcome and supported. My studio is very positive and encouraging and I also expect students to treat each other in this way. My studio is an inclusive and supportive environment for all students and is LGBTQ2S+ friendly.
What about illness?
The spread of illness is discouraged through lesson cancellations and rescheduling to respect the needs of students, teachers, and immunosuppressed students and family members. If you are sick or even have a lingering cold from a past week you are to cancel your lessons. I’m far too busy to get sick so I’d prefer students simply cancel their lesson.
Do I need my own classical guitar?
Yes, you will need a standard nylon string classical guitar. I can help you find the right instrument for your age and size.
How often are lessons?
Lessons are weekly unless otherwise agreed upon. You are paying for a spot in my busy schedule. Irregular random lessons are available for an increased fee.
Can you help prepare for university auditions or RCM exams?
Yes, I had students win gold medals in the RCM and have had many students successfully enter into university programs.
Do you take every student?
No, I am selective based on whether I think you will enjoy and succeed in lessons with me. I am happy to meet with students anytime to either offer you a spot in my studio or recommend the perfect teacher to match your individual needs. I strongly believe that finding the right teacher is essential to your success and enjoyment.
I am always impressed by the dedication Brad shows to his students, and his care and creativity in teaching them. Fortunate students indeed, to study with such a fine mentor and musician. – Dr. Jamie Syer
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. The educational benefits of the classical guitar route create solid musicians that can read music, perform, and tackle a variety of musical styles and situations.
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 in 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)
My Approach to Classical Guitar Instruction
I teach using progressive methods that ensure the student is successful but also have healthy challenges. 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 learn to enjoy practicing so the experience is rewarding 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 adjudicator and examiner for festivals such as the Alberta Provincial Festival, Mount Royal University Conservatory, Medicine Hat Festival, Northwest Music Festival, and many festivals in Western Canada and beyond.
Also see my guitar blog (thisisclassicalguitar.com) for online lessons or quotations from students and parents.
Photo Gallery
Additional Resources: