The Guitar Department of the Peabody Preparatory is proud to offer a robust selection of learning opportunities for adult students of all experience levels and musical interests.  In addition to our unique programming for adults at Summer Guitar Intensive and Fret Fest, we offer private lessons in classical, electric and Jazz guitar.  Adult students are welcome to take part in our yearly Jury exams well and encouraged to participate in performance opportunities at the Adult Guitar Student Gathering and the Peabody Plus recital. We also offer the following group class opportunities for adult students:  

Guitar for Adults Level 1

This course will focus on building a solid foundation of skills that will allow an adult student to learn music on their own time. Skills emphasized will include basic chords/strumming, warm-up and technique routines, and an introduction to guitar tablature notation. Class will meet 16 times per semester; 15 weeks will be at regular listed time and one meeting will be at the adult guitar student event held downtown at the end of the semester.

New students can enroll starting Spring Semester in Howard County, please contact instructor Thomas Creek at [email protected] for additional information.

Guitar for Adults Level 2

This year-long course expands on the skills and concepts learned in Guitar For Adults Level 1. Level 2 will build on the fundamentals by expanding the chord library, using more intricate fingerpicking and strumming patterns, and introducing basics of music theory and harmony, musicianship, and improvisation.

Pre-requisites for this class are participation in Guitar For Adults Level 1, and/or a familiarity with open position chords, reading notes in first position, and basic fingerpicking/strumming. Adults with at least one year of playing experience are encouraged to enroll. For any questions, please reach out to instructors Sean Brennan ([email protected]) or Thomas Creek ([email protected]).

Class will meet 16 times per semester; 15 weeks will be at regular listed time and one meeting will be at the adult guitar student event held downtown at the end of the semester.

Adult Classical Guitar Performance Workshop

This once-a-month course is designed to give adult students of classical guitar an opportunity to familiarize themselves with different aspects of preparing for a solo performance. In a supportive and encouraging environment, students of all experience levels will be guided by instructor Franco Platino through different strategies for successful, confident performances. Students are encouraged to participate by performing pieces or sections of music they have ready as well as provide an audience for their fellow attendees.

Here’s what you can expect from our monthly sessions:

1. Performance Preparation: We will focus on the art of getting ready to perform, helping you feel more prepared and confident when playing for people.
2. Practical Tips:You will learn valuable tips and tricks to enhance your practice routine. Please note that it is not necessary to have complete pieces ready to perform.
3. Supportive Environment:You’ll have the chance to perform in a friendly, non-judgmental setting where you will receive constructive feedback to help you improve. 
4. Continuous Improvement: Whether you repeat the same repertoire or try something new, this workshop is all about learning from your experiences and growing as a player.
5. Connect with Fellow Musicians: Joining this workshop is an excellent way to connect with like-minded adults who share your passion for the classical guitar.

Performance is a powerful tool that can enhance various aspects of your musical journey, including identifying areas for improvement, strengthening your memorization skills, setting clear and realistic practice goals, and making your practice time more efficient and rewarding.  Learning the skills needed to perform well elevates your entire journey of mastering our instrument and will enable you to confidently take the stage at more significant events.

If you are currently enrolled in private lessons at the Prep, this workshop is free.  Current Preparatory students should contact instructor Franco Platino for class registration information.

If you are not currently enrolled in private lessons, enroll for all eight classes for $248, or drop-in for $35 per class.

Please note the schedule listed below. For 2023-24, the first two classes will meet at 6:00 pm

6:00 pm – 10/19, 11/16
7:30 pm – 12/7, 1/4, 2/8, 3/7, 4/11, 5/2

Registered students should complete this form  before each class (ideally 24 hours) to share information about what they intend to play. For questions, please email [email protected]