Steven Dearing, a leading Detroit classical guitar instructor, has been teaching guitar since 1992. He started at Academy St Cecile in Windsor, ON, using the Royal Conservatory of Music classical guitar method books. Today his private studio in Farmington Hills, MI is dedicated entirely to classical guitar instruction for adults, including adult beginners and returning players who put the instrument down years ago.
In 1995 Steven joined the music faculty at The University of Windsor as an Adjunct Professor of Music. Over the years his university-level students won scholarships and the annual concerto competition; most went on to Masters degrees, and many now teach classical guitar themselves. Steven also spent seven years teaching at both campuses of Macomb Community College.
Although Steven’s specialty is Detroit classical guitar, he has helped guitarists from a wide range of backgrounds gain disciplined musicianship through music theory, technique, and ergonomics. He grew up as a primarily self-taught electric guitarist playing rock music, then hit a wall and made the decision adults often face: get serious about study, or stop progressing. Today Steven can be heard playing classical guitar at venues across Metro Detroit and leading a contemporary music band at his church.
Lesson Rate: $100 per hour for one-on-one private classical guitar instruction. Lessons are weekly, in-person at the Farmington Hills, MI studio.
Designed for: Adults — including adult beginners and returning players. Not currently accepting children.
Ready to get started? Call
248-866-0935 or
send a message to schedule your first lesson.
Why $100 per Hour?
Lessons are $100 per hour. Every minute is designed for you — your goals, your schedule, the music you actually want to play. No padded curriculum, no group classes, no shortcuts borrowed from a children’s program. You’re working one-on-one with a Wayne State University Master’s-level performer and former Adjunct Professor of Music whose former students now teach guitar at music schools across the US and Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions About Guitar Lessons
Where are guitar lessons located?
Lessons take place at Steven Dearing’s private studio in Farmington Hills, MI, conveniently serving Metro Detroit including Novi, Livonia, Northville, Canton, Plymouth, West Bloomfield, Rochester Hills, Birmingham, and Troy. All lessons are in-person, one-on-one — no online or group instruction.
Do you teach beginners?
Yes —
adult beginners are welcome and a regular part of the studio. Many adults assume they’ve waited too long, but classical guitar rewards the focus and patience adults bring to study. Steven uses the
Royal Conservatory of Music method books, paced to your starting point, your goals, and the music you actually want to play.
What is your teaching experience?
Steven has been teaching guitar since 1992, starting at Academy St Cecile in Windsor, ON. He served as an Adjunct Professor of Music at The University of Windsor from 1995 and taught at both campuses of Macomb Community College for seven years. Members of his studio have won scholarships and competitions, with most students going on to pursue Masters degrees in music — several now teach classical guitar themselves.
Do you teach children?
The studio is currently dedicated to adult students. Steven’s curriculum, pacing, and one-on-one approach are built around adult learners — including adult beginners and returning players. Families looking for children’s lessons are best served by a teacher with a children’s program in place.
Why are lessons $100 per hour?
$100 per hour reflects what an adult student receives: one-on-one university-level classical guitar instruction from a Wayne State University Master’s-level performer and former Adjunct Professor of Music. The hour is designed entirely around your goals, your schedule, and the music you want to play — no padded curriculum, no group classes, no shortcuts borrowed from a children’s program.
How much do guitar lessons cost?
Private classical guitar lessons are $100 per hour. The rate covers one-on-one university-level instruction from a former Adjunct Professor of Music with over 30 years of teaching experience, in-person at the Farmington Hills, MI studio.
How often are guitar lessons and what is the format?
Lessons are weekly, one-on-one private instruction. The personalized format allows Steven to focus on your specific needs, goals, and learning style. Whether you need help with technique, music theory, or preparing for performances, weekly lessons ensure steady progress and accountability.
Who teaches classical guitar in Farmington Hills?
Steven Dearing teaches classical guitar in Farmington Hills, MI. With over 30 years of teaching experience, including serving as an Adjunct Professor of Music at The University of Windsor, Steven offers expert classical guitar instruction using the Royal Conservatory of Music method. He performs classical guitar across Metro Detroit and brings both performance and teaching expertise to every lesson.
Can you help if I’ve been struggling with guitar for a while?
Absolutely. Steven specializes in helping adult guitarists who have hit a plateau or feel stuck. He understands the challenge personally — he was a self-taught electric guitarist who hit a wall and needed disciplined music study. Through music theory, proper technique, and ergonomics, he can help you break through barriers and reach the next level in your playing.
More Information
Performance Videos
Watch Steven Dearing perform classical guitar:
