Classical Guitar Lessons for Adults Near Me — Royal Conservatory Method
Searching for classical guitar lessons for adults in Metro Detroit? Steven Dearing offers expert classical guitar instruction using the Royal Conservatory of Music method, with over 30 years of teaching experience and university-level credentials. The studio is dedicated to adult instruction — including adult beginners.
Why Classical Guitar?
Classical guitar provides the strongest technical foundation in the instrument. Whether your goal is to play conservatory repertoire or simply build proper technique on a nylon-string guitar, classical training offers unmatched benefits for adult musicianship.
University-Trained Classical Guitar Teacher
Steven Dearing brings professional 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
- Award-Winning Performer – Detroit Music Awards, international performances
- Orchestra Soloist – Performed guitar concerti with orchestras in Metro Detroit and Windsor
- 30+ Years Experience – Teaching classical guitar since 1992
- Published Recordings – Multiple critically acclaimed classical guitar albums
The Royal Conservatory of Music Method
Steven uses the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) classical guitar method books, providing:
Comprehensive Curriculum
- Progressive difficulty levels from beginner through advanced
- Structured repertoire from Renaissance to contemporary classical
- Integrated music theory and ear training
- Proper technique from the first lesson
- Sight-reading development
- Performance preparation
Recognized Standards
- Internationally recognized music education system
- Preparation for RCM examinations (optional)
- Consistent measurement of progress
- Transferable skills to other instruments
What You’ll Learn in Classical Guitar Lessons
Technique Fundamentals
- Proper Hand Position – Right and left hand technique for optimal sound production
- Posture & Ergonomics – Healthy playing position to prevent injury
- Tone Production – Developing beautiful, consistent tone
- Fingernail Care – Shaping and maintaining nails for classical guitar
- Scale Technique – Building speed, accuracy, and finger independence
- Slur Technique – Hammer-ons, pull-offs, and legato playing
Music Reading & Theory
- Reading standard music notation fluently
- Understanding key signatures, time signatures, rhythm
- Harmony and chord progressions
- Musical form and analysis
- Sight-reading development
- Ear training and interval recognition
Classical Guitar Repertoire
- Renaissance & Baroque – Dowland, Bach, Weiss
- Classical Era – Sor, Giuliani, Carulli
- Romantic Period – Tárrega, Barrios, Coste
- 20th Century & Contemporary – Villa-Lobos, Brouwer, Assad
- Spanish Masters – Albéniz, Granados, Rodrigo arrangements
- Latin American – Brazilian choros, Argentine tangos
Classical Guitar Lessons for Adults — Including Adult Beginners
Adult Beginners Welcome
The studio is dedicated to adult classical guitar instruction. Most beginning students are adults — some have always wanted to learn, others are returning to the instrument after years away. It is never too late to start classical guitar:
- Fulfill a lifelong goal of playing classical guitar
- Mental stimulation and cognitive benefits
- Creative outlet and structured personal time
- Self-paced progress in a supportive one-on-one environment
- Many adults achieve impressive results with consistent practice
Returning Players
If you played years ago and want to come back — classical guitar lessons rebuild technique on a proper foundation and often take adults further than they ever got the first time around.
Not Currently Accepting Children
The studio is currently dedicated to adults. Families looking for children’s lessons are best served by a teacher with a children’s program.
Serving Metro Detroit Communities
Steven’s classical guitar studio in Farmington Hills serves adult students from throughout Metro Detroit:
Oakland County
Novi, Northville, Livonia, Plymouth, Canton, West Bloomfield, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Southfield, Wixom, Commerce Township
Wayne County
Farmington Hills (studio location), Farmington, Redford, Garden City, Westland, Dearborn, Detroit, Grosse Pointe
Macomb & Washtenaw Counties
Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti — adult students welcome from throughout Metro Detroit
Why Choose Classical Guitar Training?
Superior Technique Foundation
Classical guitar technique provides the proper foundation that benefits any future style of playing. Wider neck, nylon strings, two-handed precision — the discipline transfers.
Music Reading Mastery
Classical training develops fluent music reading, opening up vast repertoire and making you a complete musician, not just a tab reader.
Theory Understanding
Integrated music theory helps you understand what you’re playing, enabling composition, improvisation, and faster learning of new pieces.
Discipline & Focus
Classical guitar study develops concentration, patience, and disciplined practice habits — particularly rewarding for adults seeking depth in a hobby.
Designed for Adults
Every adult student gets a curriculum tailored to their goals and schedule. No cookie-cutter program, no group classes, no shortcuts borrowed from a children’s curriculum.
Rich Repertoire
Classical guitar offers 500 years of beautiful music to explore — from Renaissance lute transcriptions to contemporary compositions.
Lesson Rate & Format
Private Classical Guitar Instruction 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
What’s Included
- Royal Conservatory of Music method book guidance
- Technique exercises and studies
- Music theory integrated with playing
- Repertoire selection and coaching
- Performance preparation and opportunities (optional)
- Practice guidance for efficient progress
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 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
Do you teach adult beginners?
Yes — adult beginners are welcome and form the majority of beginning students. The Royal Conservatory method starts with proper technique from the first lesson, so adult beginners build a real foundation rather than habits they have to undo later.
Do you teach children?
The studio is currently dedicated to adult classical guitar instruction. 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.
Do I need a classical guitar?
Yes, a classical (nylon string) guitar is required for classical lessons. Classical guitars have wider necks, nylon strings, and produce the tone needed for classical repertoire. Steven can recommend appropriate classical guitars for different budgets. Steel-string acoustic or electric guitars are not suitable for classical technique.
Is classical guitar harder than other styles?
Classical guitar requires precise technique and music reading, which some find challenging initially. However, this foundation makes you a better guitarist overall. Many adult students find classical guitar more rewarding because of the depth of musicianship it develops. With proper instruction and regular practice, adult students of all backgrounds succeed.
How long does it take to learn classical guitar?
Classical guitar is a lifelong journey. Adult students typically play simple pieces within a few months and more substantial repertoire within 1-2 years with consistent practice. Advanced proficiency requires years of dedicated study, but the progress is rewarding at every stage. Most students find enjoyment from the very beginning.
Do I have to grow my fingernails?
Yes, classical guitarists grow the nails on their right hand (plucking hand) to produce proper tone. The nails need to be shaped and maintained properly, and Steven teaches nail care as part of technique instruction. The left hand (fretting hand) nails are kept very short.
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 from beginner through advanced, with integrated technique, repertoire, theory, and ear training. It is recognized internationally and provides a clear path of development for adult students.
Do students have to take RCM examinations?
No, examinations are optional. Steven uses the RCM method books and curriculum because they provide excellent structure and progression, but students are not required to take formal examinations unless they choose to. Many adult students benefit from the curriculum without pursuing examination certification.
Adult Student Success Stories
“Steven’s classical guitar instruction changed my entire approach to music. His university-level knowledge combined with patient teaching helped me finally understand the instrument after years of frustration.”
– Robert T., Birmingham, MI
“As an adult beginner, I was nervous about learning classical guitar. Steven made it approachable and fun while maintaining high standards. Best decision I’ve made for myself!”
– Michael D., Northville, MI
Start Your Classical Guitar Journey 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, switching from another style, or an experienced adult player looking to refine your technique, 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
Why Steven Dearing for Classical Guitar?
Steven began teaching classical guitar in 1992 at Academy St Cecile in Windsor, ON, using the Royal Conservatory of Music method. His dedication to classical guitar education led to a position on the music faculty at the University of Windsor in 1995, where he served as Adjunct Professor of Music for over 23 years.
As a performer, Steven has played guitar concerti with orchestras in Metro Detroit and Windsor, demonstrating the highest level of classical guitar artistry. His former students have won scholarships, concerto competitions, and many have pursued advanced music degrees.
Steven holds a Masters degree in Guitar Performance from Wayne State University and has 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 disciplined adult study breaks through it.
Today the studio is dedicated to adult classical guitar instruction — including adult beginners and returning players. Steven’s expertise and dedication ensure you receive the highest quality classical guitar instruction available in Metro Detroit.
More Information
- Listen to Steven’s Classical Guitar Recordings
- Steven’s Classical Guitar Performances
- About Steven Dearing
- All Adult Classical Guitar Lesson Options
Professional classical guitar instruction for adults serving Metro Detroit since 1992. Royal Conservatory of Music method. University-trained instructor. Adult beginners welcome.