Classical Guitar Lessons for Adults

Classical Guitar Lessons Detroit — For Adults, Since 1992

Looking for classical guitar lessons for adults in the Detroit area? Steven Dearing has been providing expert classical guitar instruction to Metro Detroit students since 1992. With a Masters degree in Guitar Performance, over 23 years as a university professor, and training in the Royal Conservatory of Music method, Steven offers conservatory-level classical guitar education for adult students out of his Farmington Hills studio.

Detroit’s Premier Classical Guitar Instructor — For Adults

Steven Dearing combines world-class credentials with patient, individually designed teaching. Located in Farmington Hills — convenient to all of Metro Detroit — Steven helps adult students, including adult beginners and returning players, discover the depth and beauty of classical guitar.

Why Detroit Adults Choose Steven Dearing

Steven Dearing brings unmatched classical guitar credentials to every lesson:

Masters Degree – Wayne State University, Classical Guitar Performance
University Faculty – Adjunct Professor, University of Windsor (1995-2018)
Royal Conservatory Method – Trained at Academy St Cecile using RCM curriculum
30+ Years Teaching – Professional classical guitar instruction since 1992
Award-Winning Performer – Detroit Music Awards, international performances
Orchestra Soloist – Performed guitar concerti with orchestras in Metro Detroit and Windsor
Published Recordings – Multiple critically acclaimed classical guitar albums
Community College Faculty – 7 years teaching at both Macomb Community College campuses

What You Get in a Classical Guitar Lesson

Royal Conservatory Method — Built for Serious Adult Study

Steven’s curriculum is classical guitar instruction using the Royal Conservatory of Music method, individually designed around each adult student’s pace and goals:

Progressive curriculum from beginner through advanced levels
Proper right and left hand technique from the first lesson
Music reading and theory integrated with playing
Repertoire spanning Renaissance to contemporary classical
Posture and ergonomics for healthy, injury-free playing
Tone production and fingernail care
Optional RCM examination preparation
One-on-one, weekly, in-person at the Farmington Hills studio

Classical Guitar for Adults — Including Adult Beginners

Adult Beginners Welcome

It is never too late to start classical guitar. Most of Steven’s beginning students are adults — some have always wanted to learn, others are returning to the instrument after decades away.

Fulfill a lifelong goal of playing classical guitar
Cognitive benefits and mental stimulation
Creative expression and structured personal time
Self-paced progress in a supportive one-on-one environment
Many adult students achieve impressive results with consistent practice
Retirement enrichment and personal fulfillment

Returning Players

Played years ago and ready to come back? Steven helps adults rebuild technique on a proper foundation and often take their playing further than ever before.

Not Currently Accepting Children

The studio is dedicated to adult instruction. Families looking for children’s lessons are best served by a teacher with a children’s program — the methods, lesson length, and parent communication needed for a 7-year-old are different from the conservatory-style instruction Steven offers adults.

Conveniently Located for All of Metro Detroit

Steven’s classical guitar studio in Farmington Hills is centrally located and easily accessible from Detroit and all Metro Detroit communities:

Easy Access from Detroit

Detroit – Convenient via I-96, M-10 (Lodge), or Southfield Freeway
Dearborn & Dearborn Heights – Quick access via Michigan Ave or I-96
Southfield – Adjacent to Farmington Hills
Redford – Short drive via Grand River
Royal Oak & Berkley – Easy access via I-696
Livonia – Minutes away via local roads or I-96
Novi & Northville – Nearby via Grand River or I-275
West Bloomfield & Bloomfield Hills – Adjacent communities

What Makes Steven’s Classical Guitar Instruction Different?

University-Level Expertise

Instruction by a professionally trained classical guitarist with a Masters degree and over two decades of university teaching experience. This level of expertise is rare in private instruction.

Proper Foundation from Day One

Steven teaches correct technique from your very first lesson, preventing bad habits that limit progress and cause injury. A proper foundation accelerates your development dramatically.

Individually Designed

Every adult student receives a curriculum tailored to their goals, schedule, and musical interests. No cookie-cutter program, no group classes, no shortcuts borrowed from a children’s curriculum.

Integrated Music Theory

Understanding music theory unlocks the fretboard and makes you a complete musician. Theory is taught alongside playing, making it practical and applicable.

Proven Track Record

Steven’s former university students have won scholarships, concerto competitions, and many have pursued advanced music degrees — a track record of teaching at the conservatory standard.

One-on-One — Always

Private weekly instruction at the Farmington Hills studio. Every minute is yours. No padded curriculum, no waiting for other students, no rushed feedback.

Lesson Rate & Format

Private Classical Guitar Lessons for Adults

$100 per hour — One-on-one private instruction
60-Minute Lessons — Standard length for serious adult study
Weekly Cadence — Consistent instruction for steady progress
In-Person Only — At the Farmington Hills studio
Flexible Scheduling — Available Monday through Saturday
Designed for Adults — Including adult beginners and returning players

Studio Location

Farmington Hills, MI – Centrally located for Detroit and all Metro Detroit communities. Just off Grand River Avenue. Exact address provided upon booking.

Why $100 per Hour

Lessons are $100. Every minute is designed around you, your schedule, and the classical guitar repertoire you actually want to play. No padded curriculum, no group classes, no shortcuts borrowed from a children’s program. You are working one-on-one with a Detroit Music Award-winning, Wayne State Master’s-trained, conservatory-method classical guitarist who has taught at the university level for over twenty years. The rate is what serious adult classical study costs in Metro Detroit.

Frequently Asked Questions — Classical Guitar Lessons Detroit

Do you teach beginners?

Yes — adult beginners are welcome. Most of Steven’s beginning students are adults. The Royal Conservatory of Music method starts with proper technique from the first lesson, so you build a real foundation rather than learning bad habits you have to undo later.

Do you teach children?

The studio is currently dedicated to adult classical guitar instruction — including adult beginners and returning players. Families looking for children’s lessons are best served by a teacher with a children’s program.

Why are lessons $100 per hour?

$100 is what serious adult classical guitar study costs in Metro Detroit. Every minute is designed around you. No padded curriculum, no group classes, no shortcuts borrowed from a children’s program. You are working one-on-one with a Wayne State Master’s-trained, Detroit Music Award-winning, conservatory-method classical guitarist who has taught at the university level for over twenty years.

How far is the studio from Detroit?

The Farmington Hills studio is approximately 20-30 minutes from most Detroit neighborhoods via I-96, the Lodge Freeway (M-10), or Southfield Freeway. Most students find the drive a fair trade for working with a conservatory-trained classical guitarist instead of a generalist teacher.

Do I need a classical guitar to start lessons?

Yes, a classical (nylon string) guitar is required. Classical guitars have wider necks and nylon strings that produce the proper tone for classical repertoire. Steven can recommend appropriate instruments for your budget. Steel-string acoustic or electric guitars are not suitable for classical technique.

What is the Royal Conservatory of Music method?

The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) is a world-renowned music education system from Canada. Their classical guitar curriculum provides structured, progressive levels with integrated technique, repertoire, theory, and ear training. Steven trained in this method at Academy St Cecile and has used it successfully with adult students for over 30 years.

How long does it take to learn classical guitar?

Adult students typically play simple classical pieces within a few months and more substantial repertoire within 1-2 years of consistent practice. Classical guitar is a lifelong journey, but the progress is rewarding at every stage. Students who practice 20-30 minutes daily see the best results.

What Detroit Adult Students Say

“Steven is hands-down the best classical guitar teacher in the Detroit area. His university background and years of experience show in every lesson. I’ve improved more in six months with Steven than in years of trying to learn on my own.”
– James L., Detroit, MI

“I started classical guitar lessons with Steven at age 45. He made it approachable and enjoyable while maintaining high standards. Now I’m playing Bach and loving every minute. Can’t recommend him enough!”
– Richard P., Dearborn, MI

Start Classical Guitar Lessons in Detroit Today

Schedule Your First Classical Guitar Lesson

Contact Steven Dearing to discuss your classical guitar goals and schedule your first lesson. Whether you are a complete adult beginner or an experienced player returning to study, Steven can help.

Steven Dearing
Classical Guitar Instructor — For Adults
Masters Degree, Guitar Performance
Former Adjunct Professor, University of Windsor

Phone: 248-866-0935
Email: steven@stevendearing.com

Contact Steven to Schedule Your Lesson

About Steven Dearing — Detroit’s Classical Guitar Specialist

Steven Dearing has been teaching classical guitar professionally since 1992. He began his teaching career at Academy St Cecile in Windsor, ON using the Royal Conservatory of Music method. In 1995, he joined the music faculty at the University of Windsor as an Adjunct Professor of Music, where he taught for over 23 years.

Over his career, members of Steven’s studio have won scholarships and annual concerto competitions, with most going on to pursue Masters degrees in music. Steven also spent seven years teaching at both campuses of Macomb Community College, giving him extensive experience with adult learners.

As a performer, Steven has played guitar concerti with orchestras in Metro Detroit and Windsor, won Detroit Music Awards, and released multiple critically acclaimed classical guitar recordings. His background as both a self-taught electric guitarist in his youth and a formally trained classical musician gives him insight into the wall many self-taught players hit and how to break through it with disciplined study.

Today, Steven maintains his teaching studio in Farmington Hills, dedicated to adult classical guitar instruction, while continuing to perform classical guitar concerts throughout Metro Detroit. He serves adult students from Detroit, Dearborn, Southfield, Livonia, Novi, and communities across Oakland and Wayne counties.

Learn More

Professional classical guitar lessons for adults serving Detroit and Metro Detroit since 1992. Royal Conservatory of Music method. University-trained instructor. Adult beginners welcome. Learn more about adult classical guitar lessons or contact Steven today.