Classical Guitar Lessons for Adults — Novi, MI
Looking for classical guitar lessons in Novi, Michigan? Steven Dearing has been teaching guitar in Metro Detroit since 1992, with the studio now dedicated to classical guitar instruction for adults — including adult beginners and returning players — at the Farmington Hills studio just minutes from Novi.
Why Choose Steven Dearing for Classical Guitar Near Novi?
Located conveniently in Farmington Hills on the border of Novi, Steven offers individually designed, one-on-one classical guitar instruction for adults. Adult beginners welcome. Conservatory-method curriculum from a Wayne State Master’s-trained, Detroit Music Award-winning classical guitarist.
Professional Classical Guitar Instructor Near Novi, MI
Steven Dearing brings over 30 years of teaching experience to every lesson:
- 30+ Years Teaching Experience – Professional guitar instruction since 1992
- University Faculty – Former Adjunct Professor at University of Windsor (1995-2018)
- Masters Degree – Wayne State University, Guitar Performance
- Award-Winning Performer – Detroit Music Award winner, international performances
- Published Recordings – Multiple critically acclaimed classical guitar albums
- Former Academy St Cecile Instructor – Taught using Royal Conservatory of Music method
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:
- Royal Conservatory of Music method books
- Proper hand position and posture from the first lesson
- Music reading and theory integrated with playing
- Repertoire from Renaissance to contemporary classical
- Performance opportunities (optional)
- One-on-one, weekly, in-person at the Farmington Hills studio
Serving Novi and Surrounding Communities
Steven’s guitar studio in Farmington Hills is conveniently located for Novi residents and surrounding Metro Detroit areas:
Primary Service Area
- Novi, MI – Just minutes from anywhere in Novi
- Farmington Hills – Studio location
- Northville – Easy access via Grand River
- Livonia – Short drive via I-96 or local roads
- Plymouth – Convenient access
- Canton – Quick commute
- West Bloomfield – Nearby communities
- Wixom – Adjacent to Novi
- South Lyon – Easy access
What Makes Steven’s Classical Guitar Lessons Different?
Proper Foundation
Steven teaches correct classical 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 gets a curriculum tailored to their goals, schedule, and the repertoire they actually want to play — not a one-size-fits-all method.
University-Level Expertise
Instruction by a professionally trained classical guitarist with a Masters degree and decades of university teaching and performing experience.
Designed for Adults
The studio is dedicated to adult students — including adult beginners and returning players. No group classes, no padded curriculum, no shortcuts borrowed from a children’s program.
Music Theory Integration
Understanding music theory unlocks the fretboard and helps you become a complete musician, not just someone who memorizes songs.
Conservatory Standard
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.
Lesson Rate & Format
Weekly Private 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 — Monday through Saturday
Studio Location
Farmington Hills, MI — On the border of Novi and Livonia, 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 Near Novi
Do you teach adult beginners?
Yes — adult beginners are welcome and form the majority of beginning students. The Royal Conservatory of Music 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.
How far is the studio from Novi?
The studio is in Farmington Hills on the border of Novi, just off Grand River Avenue. Most Novi residents are within 5-15 minutes of the studio. It is easily accessible from anywhere in Novi via Grand River, 8 Mile, or 10 Mile roads.
Do I need a classical guitar to start lessons?
Yes — a classical (nylon string) guitar is required for classical guitar lessons. Steven can recommend appropriate classical guitars for different budgets. Steel-string acoustic or electric guitars are not suitable for classical technique.
What method do you use?
Steven uses the Royal Conservatory of Music method books, which provide a comprehensive, proven curriculum for classical guitar — progressive levels from beginner through advanced, integrated technique, repertoire, theory, and ear training. Steven trained in this method at Academy St Cecile and has used it with adult students for over 30 years.
How long until I can play recognisable repertoire?
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 progress is rewarding at every stage. Students who practice 20-30 minutes daily see the best results.
What if I’ve been stuck and not progressing on my own?
Many adult students come to Steven after hitting a plateau with self-teaching, YouTube, or earlier instruction. Professional classical guitar instruction breaks through the wall by identifying technique issues, filling knowledge gaps, and providing structured progression. Steven’s university-level training helps diagnose and fix the problems that hold guitarists back.
What Novi Adult Students Say
“I drove from Novi to Farmington Hills for lessons and it was absolutely worth it. Steven’s expertise and teaching style helped me finally understand the guitar after years of frustration. Highly recommend!”
– Mark S., Novi, MI
“After years of playing by ear, Steven taught me to actually read music and understand theory. Game changer! The drive from Novi is nothing compared to the quality of instruction.”
– David M., Novi, MI
Ready to Start Classical Guitar Lessons Near Novi?
Schedule Your First Classical Guitar Lesson
Contact Steven Dearing to discuss your classical guitar goals and schedule your first lesson. Whether you are an adult beginner or an experienced player returning to study, Steven can help.
Steven Dearing
Classical Guitar Instructor — For Adults
Phone: 248-866-0935
Email: steven@stevendearing.com
About Steven Dearing — Your Classical Guitar Instructor Near Novi
Steven Dearing has been teaching guitar professionally since 1992. He began his teaching career at Academy St Cecile in Windsor, ON using the Royal Conservatory of Music classical guitar method. In 1995, Steven 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.
Steven’s forte is classical guitar — proper technique, music reading, and conservatory-level repertoire. He grew up as a self-taught electric guitarist before pursuing formal music education, which gives him unique insight into the wall self-taught players hit and how disciplined adult study breaks through it.
Today, Steven performs classical guitar concerts across Metro Detroit while maintaining his Farmington Hills teaching studio, dedicated to adult classical guitar instruction, serving students from Novi, Northville, Livonia, Canton, Plymouth, West Bloomfield, and throughout Oakland and Wayne counties.
Learn More
- Listen to Steven’s Recordings
- Steven’s Performance Services
- More About Steven Dearing
- Classical Guitar Lessons for Adults
Classical guitar lessons for adults serving Novi, MI and Metro Detroit since 1992. Royal Conservatory method. Adult beginners welcome. Call 248-866-0935.