GUITAR LESSONS
Thinking of learning guitar? Or maybe you already play, and are looking to advance your knowledge and ability? You're in the right place! I have extensive teaching experience in all styles and aspects of guitar playing as well as music theory, audition and exam preparation, and whatever you are interested in learning! I pride myself on my commitment to my students and their success, and tailor each lesson and long term plan to the student and their goals and situation. My students have excelled on RCM exams, passed extremely competitive auditions to get into top music schools, and have gone on to have their own succesful careers as musicians. Also, we have fun and learn to love and appreciate music and guitar!
I offer lessons both online, in-person or a hybrid method mixing online and in-person. Each have their strengths and allow you to choose what works best for your schedule and goals. Generally, online is better for convenience as well as learning concepts thanks to the various programs we can use to augment the classes. In-person obviously allows us to play together in real time, and hybrid allows for the best of both.
Online
-Learn from anywhere in the world.
-Extremely flexible scheduling.
-Make use of various programs and tech in the classes to enhance the learning experience.
In-Person
-Available in Toronto on Sundays only at a location on the Danforth
-No surcharge for in-person lessons; choose what works best for you
-Makeups available online in the event you have to move your class
Hybrid
-The most popular option
-Get the best of both worlds
-Learn concepts, transcriptions etc. online and meet up once a month to put it into practice
Regardless of what kind of classes you are interested in I offer a FREE consultation/get-to-know-you Zoom call you can schedule at any time with no commitment required, in which we will chat a bit, discuss your goals and situation and make a plan for how to move forward. After the call, you can decide if you want to sign up and we can get you scheduled and get started!
RATES
For recurring regular lessons I charge $70/hour CAD scaled to the length of your class, paid monthly via e-transfer before any time before your first class of the month. See the chart below:
| Class length | Per Class | Per avg. 4-week Month |
|---|---|---|
| 30 mins | $35 | $140 |
| 45 mins | $52.50 | $210 |
| 60 mins | $70 | $280 |
NOTE: If you prefer one-off lessons on an irregular basis, those are available for a rate of $80/hour, one hour minimum lesson time.
CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED!
Still unsure? Read some student reviews here or learn more about my teaching philosophy here.
MY PHILOSOPHY
I'm a professional guitarist and teacher with over ten years experience as both a performing musician and educator. I'm very passionate about teaching music and helping people reach their goals with the instrument, and after many years of doing so I've found that there are certain methods that really work and others that really do not. My focus is on providing musical context and ultimately a REASON to learn everything we're learning and make things connect in a meaningful way. Music is a language and like any other language, you can't simply memorize patterns or rules and expect to turn that into coherent speech. Our minds require context, and by learning in a proper contextual format you will gain deeper understanding of any subject and it will stick with you for the rest of your life. I strive to make sure every student gains that deep understanding as they work towards their goals, whether that be to play songs you like, to create your own music, or to have a career as a musician yourself.
Also, I think it is important to treat each student as their own person with their own situation, and not apply the same methods to everyone thinking it will work for all. I make sure we're on the same page about your goals and where you're at as a guitarist to help you move forward in a way that meshes with your life, whether you are a busy adult professional trying to learn around a busy work life, a parent who has to juggle their own goals with their family life, or a young person in school with other extra curriculars to balance. It is always possible to move forward even if you only have a small amount of time to do so, so don't let that hold you back! Regardless of your goals or situation we will work forward together to make sure you get where you want to go in the way that will work for you!
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
"I sent Michael a recorded solo I played along with a backing track, and he said he could help. I had prepared a list of written questions I was going to ask him. What happened next took me completely by surprise; he already knew what all of my questions were! He knew where I was musically and also, he could tell what I was trying to do and where I wanted to go. He also understood, from listening to my solo, what I actually like about music and explained to me why!!! He then explained to me, in detail, how to go about getting more of what I like into my own solos. Michael sincerely changed the way I listen to music. My playing has improved overnight! I am relieved, that after all these years to have finally found a teacher who has the answers. Highly recommended? No. I would ONLY recommend Michael."
-Peter
"Mike became my amazing guitar teacher when I received guitar lessons as a 60th birthday gift from my family. From the beginning he connected on a personal level and has been directing my lessons to my ultimate goal of learning how to play jazz and improvisation. His lessons have been incremental from the very basics through 12-bar blues and then jazz, with the appropriate levels of music theory and harmony of which he is an expert. He is thoughful, patient, and fun and each lesson has a specific focus and plan for the following week. He exudes enthusiasm for his craft - a consumate professional. I can't say enough about how exceptional and excellent Mike is!"
-Jack
"Michael helped me get a quick grip on the instrument in my first few weeks. His instruction got me to a point where I was able to better understand the guitar and the steps I needed to take to effectively practice and improve. When I decided I wanted to go into college for my Bachelor of Music, I went back to him for a few lessons, where we worked on specific exercises, and ways to improve crucial skills for my audition. I ended up getting into the program. I definitely wouldn't be where I'm at today without his help!"
-Andrew
"I really like Michael, my guitar teacher. Lessons with Michael are fun - even when I thought I didn't want to take music lessons. He's really nice and encourages me to keep trying when I struggle. He doesn't get angry when I make a mistake. He taught me songs from my curriculum but then also let me learn songs of my choice. I've learned a lot with Michael and really enjoy my online lessons."
-Abigail
"I first met Michael a few years ago when my daughter and her cousin met with him weekly to learn ukulele. This was my daughter's first experience in music and she was quite apprehensive about the whole thing. Michael's teaching style was amazing! My daughter just loved the class and she enjoyed learning music. Michael was not only patient but he was really sensitive to my daughter's learning style and allowed her to grow musically. He has a great sense of humour, easy going and a great nature to teach children. After about 2 years on ukulele, we moved to classical guitar and continued lessons with Michael. This transition to classical guitar was very challenging for my daughter (a new instrument for her and new style). But once again Michael's teaching method just allowed her to grow exponentially in picking up the technique and excelling in skill. He also was able to challenge her and stretch her a bit out of her comfort zone and she's competed in a few music festivals. This was something she was anxious about but Michael was able to really encourage her and allow her to try new things and test her limits. She excelled in the competition and in the end was very appreciative of the challenge. As we moved to restricted living through COVID, Michael didn't even miss a beat and we seamlessly moved to online lessons. My daughter has actually thrived and even accelerated her learning with Michael online. I would highly recommend Michael as a guitar teacher!"
-Julie Anne, parent of Abigail
"Mike's a great guitar teacher. I've had him for two years and have learned so much in that time. What I really enjoy about having Mike as a teacher is that he lets me learn to play what I want to and is always super supportive. He helps me with everything along the way."
-Owen
"We've felt so fortunate to have Mike teaching our son guitar over the past two years. As a teacher, Mike has challenged our son appropriately to progress to the next level, while providing the right amount of support to help him to develop to his potential. He listens to the student's ideas and interests to help motivate them to learn to play new material. He gives direct, specific feedback that has helped our son to learn quickly and stay motivated. The progress our son has made in the time he has been learning from Mike has been remarkable."
-Erin, parent of Owen
"Michael is simply one of the best teachers I have ever had, mixing together a perfect blend of passion, talent and understanding. Passion to keep you learning, talent to guide you and break things down to an understandable and simple level and understanding as a teacher to make sure you're getting to a level that you want to be at. You could ask Michael to help teach you a new song or technique and he's quick to break it down to a simple and understandable level. I'd absolutely recommend Michael to anyone who asks, he's a passionate teacher who cares about his students and getting their playing to a level they want to be at and that's what matters most."
-Alex
"Michael Murray is a great teacher and mentor. A very down to earth teaching style that everyone can relate to while sporting the knowledge of a virtuoso. Also he'll melt your face with his guitar skills."
-Stephen