Classical Guitar Player in Detroit

Steven Dearing — Six-Time Detroit Music Award Winner

Looking for a classical guitar player in Detroit? Steven Dearing is Metro Detroit's most accomplished classical guitarist with a Master's degree in Guitar Performance, 30+ years of professional experience, and six Detroit Music Awards. Available for weddings, corporate events, private parties, and concerts.

Detroit's Premier Classical Guitar Player

Steven Dearing is the most credentialed classical guitar player in Detroit and the Metro Detroit area. Whether you need a solo classical guitarist for a wedding ceremony, elegant background music for a corporate gala, or a concert performance, Steven delivers world-class artistry backed by credentials no other Detroit classical guitar player can match.

Based in Farmington Hills, Steven has been a fixture of Detroit's classical music scene for over three decades. He has performed at the region's most prestigious venues and has been heard as a soloist, chamber musician, and guest soloist with orchestra at Detroit's finest concert halls.

Why Steven Dearing Is Detroit's Top Classical Guitar Player

Master's in Guitar Performance

Wayne State University — Detroit's own world-class music school

6 Detroit Music Awards

More awards than any other classical guitar player in Detroit history

30+ Years Performing

Professional performances since 1992 at Detroit's finest venues

23 Years University Faculty

Adjunct Professor of Music at University of Windsor (1995–2018)

500+ Weddings Performed

Detroit's most experienced wedding guitarist, solo and with The Dearing Concert Duo

International Concert Career

Performances in USA, Canada & UK including Cheltenham International Music Festival

2 Professional Recordings

Detroit Music Award-winning albums available on all major platforms

200+ Song Repertoire

Classical, Spanish, popular, and contemporary arrangements for any occasion

Hire a Classical Guitar Player in Detroit

Wedding Ceremonies

Elegant solo classical guitar creating the perfect atmosphere for your ceremony. Prelude, processional, recessional, and everything in between. Over 500 Detroit-area weddings performed.

Cocktail Hours & Receptions

Sophisticated background music setting the mood for your cocktail hour, dinner reception, or after-party. Seamless transitions between classical and popular favorites.

Corporate Events & Galas

Professional live guitar for corporate dinners, award ceremonies, fundraisers, and holiday parties. Refined music that enhances without overpowering conversation.

Private Parties & Dinners

Intimate live classical guitar for birthday celebrations, anniversary dinners, holiday gatherings, and special occasions in your home or venue.

Concert Performances

Full recital programs featuring classical, Spanish, and South American guitar repertoire. Available for concert series, cultural events, and music festivals.

Memorial Services

Thoughtful, dignified musical accompaniment for memorial services and celebrations of life. Compassionate and professional at every moment.

Classical Guitar Repertoire Highlights

Steven's repertoire of 200+ songs ensures the perfect music for any Detroit event:

Classical Favorites

  • Canon in D (Pachelbel)
  • Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach)
  • Ave Maria (Schubert)
  • Romanza (Anonymous)
  • Cavatina (Myers)

Spanish & Latin

  • Recuerdos de la Alhambra (Tarrega)
  • Asturias (Albeniz)
  • Spanish Romance
  • Malagueña
  • Brazilian Samba selections

Popular & Contemporary

  • Here Comes the Sun (Beatles)
  • Wonderful Tonight (Clapton)
  • A Thousand Years (Perri)
  • Over the Rainbow
  • Moon River

Wedding Processionals

  • Bridal Chorus (Wagner)
  • Wedding March (Mendelssohn)
  • Air on the G String (Bach)
  • Ode to Joy (Beethoven)
  • Trumpet Voluntary (Clarke)

Detroit Venues Where Steven Has Performed

Steven has been the classical guitar player of choice at Metro Detroit's most prestigious venues:

Meadow Brook Hall, Rochester
The Henry Ford, Dearborn
Grosse Pointe War Memorial
Detroit Institute of Arts
Planterra Conservatory, West Bloomfield
Colony Club Detroit
Birmingham Unitarian Church
The Townsend Hotel, Birmingham
Shenandoah Country Club, West Bloomfield
St. Hugo of the Hills, Bloomfield Hills
The Inn at St. John's, Plymouth
Greenmead Historical Village, Livonia

Want More Than Solo Guitar? The Dearing Concert Duo

Steven also performs with his wife Abha Dearing as The Dearing Concert Duo — featuring classical guitar with soprano voice and flute. Get three distinct musical voices from just two musicians. Same world-class quality, expanded musical possibilities.

500+ weddings | 6 Detroit Music Awards | 25+ years together

Visit Dearing Concert Duo

Classical Guitar Player Service Areas in Detroit & Metro Detroit

Steven performs throughout the greater Detroit metropolitan area and beyond:

Oakland County

  • Farmington Hills (Home Base)
  • Birmingham
  • Bloomfield Hills
  • Troy
  • Novi
  • Rochester Hills
  • West Bloomfield
  • Southfield

Wayne County

  • Detroit
  • Livonia
  • Plymouth
  • Northville
  • Canton
  • Dearborn
  • Grosse Pointe

Washtenaw County

  • Ann Arbor
  • Ypsilanti
  • Saline

Macomb & Beyond

  • Sterling Heights
  • Shelby Township
  • Lansing
  • Grand Rapids
  • Traverse City

Frequently Asked Questions — Classical Guitar Player Detroit

Who is the best classical guitar player in Detroit?

Steven Dearing is widely recognized as Detroit's best classical guitar player. He holds a Master's degree in Guitar Performance from Wayne State University, has won six Detroit Music Awards, served 23 years as Adjunct Professor at the University of Windsor, and has over 30 years of professional performance experience at Detroit's finest venues including Meadow Brook Hall, The Henry Ford, and the Detroit Institute of Arts.

How much does it cost to hire a classical guitar player in Detroit?

The cost to hire a classical guitar player in Detroit varies by event type and duration. Steven Dearing provides custom quotes based on your specific needs. Whether you need a solo guitarist for a one-hour wedding ceremony or a full evening of music for a corporate gala, contact Steven at 248-866-0935 for a personalized quote.

Can I hire a solo classical guitarist for a wedding in Detroit?

Yes! Steven Dearing is one of Detroit's most experienced wedding guitarists with over 500 weddings performed. He offers solo classical guitar for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions at venues throughout Metro Detroit. He also performs as part of The Dearing Concert Duo with soprano and flute for a fuller sound. His repertoire includes over 200 songs spanning classical, popular, and contemporary arrangements.

What areas does Steven Dearing serve as a classical guitar player?

Steven performs throughout Metro Detroit and all of Southeast Michigan, including Detroit, Farmington Hills, Troy, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Novi, Rochester Hills, Livonia, Ann Arbor, Grosse Pointe, Dearborn, Plymouth, Northville, Canton, West Bloomfield, and Southfield. He is also available for events throughout Michigan and destination performances.

What kind of music does a classical guitar player perform?

A professional classical guitar player like Steven Dearing performs a wide range of music including traditional classical guitar repertoire (Bach, Tarrega, Barrios), Spanish guitar, romantic classical pieces (Romanza, Cavatina), popular wedding favorites (Canon in D, Ave Maria, Here Comes the Sun), and South American guitar music. Steven's 200+ song repertoire covers styles from Renaissance to contemporary.

What qualifications should a professional classical guitar player have?

A qualified professional classical guitar player should have formal music education (ideally a Master's degree in Guitar Performance), extensive performance experience, professional awards or recognition, and a track record of reliable event performances. Steven Dearing exceeds all these criteria with his Master's from Wayne State University, 23 years as university faculty, six Detroit Music Awards, two professional recordings, and 30+ years of concert and event performance experience.

Does Steven Dearing also offer guitar lessons in Detroit?

Yes, Steven Dearing offers professional guitar lessons at his studio in Farmington Hills, Michigan, conveniently located for students from throughout Metro Detroit. He teaches classical, electric, folk, and finger-style guitar using the Royal Conservatory of Music method. Online lessons are also available. Lessons are $100 per hour for university-level instruction.

Hire Detroit's Best Classical Guitar Player

Contact Steven Dearing today for a free consultation and custom quote for your event.

Based In Farmington Hills, MI
Request a Free Quote