Online Guitar Lessons

Take a online lesson with one of our expert ASF instructors!  Cost is $60 per hour, 25% of which is a tax-deductible donation back to the foundation. So the more you study, the more you support the ASF, its mission and programs.

Whether you’re a raw beginner, hobbyist, advanced player, or an experienced teacher interested in studying the Shearer Method, we can help. Our personable and distinguished faculty is dedicated to the highest standard of guitar instruction.  Lessons are conducted through Go To Meeting, one of the best and easy-to-use teleconferencing services around.  All you need is a guitar, high-speed internet connection and a webcam.

We offer instruction in a multitude of areas, such as:

  •  Mindful Learning–pre-reading, visualization, and memorization.
  • Optimal Positioning and Principles of efficient movement.
  • Tone quality and your nails.
  • Right-hand technique–free stroke, rest stroke, sympathetic motion, and alternation.
  • Left-hand development and exercises.
  • Repetoire preparation and performance development.
  • Sight-reading.
  • Expressive interpretation.
  • Music theory, composition, and arranging.
  • Classroom teacher training.
  • Preparing for an audition.
Alan Hirsh

Alan Hirsh collaborated with Aaron Shearer in the 1980’s, writing music for the 3-volume method series: Learning the Classic Guitar published with Mel Bay.  He continued collaborating with Aaron (along with Thomas Kikta) to develop The Shearer Method: Classical Guitar Foundations, Classical Guitar Developments, and Learning the Fingerboard by Alfred Music.   In additon, he has authored Classroom Shearer and Guitar Harmony, and directs the ASF’s virtual guitar orchestra program.  Alan currently works in NC as Music Director and Fine Arts Dept. Chair at Bishop McGuinness High School and teaches guitar at Wake Forest University. Alan is a frequent guest conductor at guitar festivals around the country and has an extensive online catalogue of  music, Guitar Ensemble Music.com.
Tom Kikta
Thomas Kikta studied Classic Guitar performance with Aaron Shearer both at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University and at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He has performed around the country, including collaborations with the School of American Ballet and the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center.  With Mr. Shearer, he co-authored  the 3rd edition of Classic Guitar Technique Vol 1, published by Alfred.  His most recent works are The Shearer Method: Classic Guitar Foundations, Classic Guitar Developments, and Learning the Fingerboard.  Mr. Kikta has also written for Alfred’s Masterwork Editions, Carcassi: Melodic and Progressive Etudes Op.60 (2016).
Ethan Lodics
As a performer, teacher, and composer, Ethan Lodics has worked with a variety of students from grade school to University Undergraduates. He approaches instrumental instruction in a goal-oriented way, with the Shearer Method as the backbone. His diverse repertoire and performance experience ranges from new music – including his own compositions – to early music as a theorboist. Additionally, he supports the guitar as a vehicle for chamber music, and directs the Piedmont Guitar Ensemble. Ethan’s teaching aims to establish secure technical foundations and to develop artistry – especially where historical context is concerned. He holds a Master of Music in String Pedagogy from the University of Louisville.
Ben Meyer

Ben Meyer holds a bachelor degree in Music Business from Millikin University (Decatur, IL) where he initially fell in love with guitar pedagogy upon discovering the Shearer Method. From 2012 – 15, he offered guitar instruction in a variety of programs, adapting the Shearer Method for all levels.  Following his passion, Ben moved to Pittsburgh where he studied the Shearer Method closely with Tom Kikta at Duquesne University. Here, he received a Master of Performance in 2017 and continues to teach the Shearer Method now more refined than ever. Currently Ben teaches throughout the Pittsburgh area, providing instruction to children as well as adults
Kami Rowan
Dr. Rowan is Associate Professor of Music and chair of the music department at Guilford College in NC. Kami’s students have attended some of the best graduate programs in the country and been finalists in major competitions. The Guilford College Guitar Ensemble has received top prizes and toured the east coast extensively.  Dr. Rowan completed her DMA and MM degrees at Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University studying with Dr. Glenn Caluda. Kami also studied with Aaron Shearer, at North Carolina School of the Arts, where she received her BM in performance. Dr. Rowan currently sits on three non-profit boards, and is president of the Piedmont Classic Guitar Society.

The first 30 minutes of your first lesson is free!

Register

Within 24 hour of registering, you’re teacher will contact you to make arrangements for a lesson time and will provide you instructions on how to connect using Go To Meeting.