Guitar Lessons
Private classical guitar lessons are available in person in Berlin and online worldwide via Zoom, suitable for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players. With a patient, experienced, and qualified professional instructor, we will start from the basics, focusing on fundamental techniques that will equip you to play virtually any style of music with confidence and ease.
Guitar lessons will help you to:
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Learn to read music
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Develop effective practice techniques
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Gain confidence in your playing and performances
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Feel inspired and inspire others
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Express yourself artistically
The classical guitar style will be incorporated into our weekly lessons. It is the goal of this first period to supply each student with a foundation of understanding in the classical guitar technique that will allow them to progress in the musical direction of their choice, whether they wish to continue with classical or integrate popular or folk styles. Each lesson plan is tailored to the individual student.
Mission Statement
Stephan Kane is dedicated to providing exceptional guitar instruction that creates an atmosphere of learning and enjoyment for students to exude confidence and joy in their musical playing and expression for a lifetime.
“I hired Stephan to continue teaching my son classical guitar, and we have been beyond pleased. Stephan has been an absolute pleasure to work with — flexible with scheduling, super friendly and very knowledgeable. Most importantly, my son really responds to him. Stephan has a very calm demeanor and is great with kids. He has also gone out of his way to let us know about classical guitar concerts and events which my son has really enjoyed. My son is really blossoming under Stephan’s instruction and seems to be genuinely inspired to continue learning.
I wholeheartedly recommend Stephan for any child or adult wanting to learn (or continue learning) classical guitar!”
Lisa Green
“I’ve played guitar for years, but after only one lesson with Stephan I noticed a huge improvement in sound, comfort and confidence. His talent in playing guitar is matched by his ability to teach–not a common gift. I highly recommend lessons from Stephan for anyone with a desire to take their skill to another level–beginners and experienced guitarists alike.“
Laura Christine
Recitals
Performance opportunities lead to success!
Recitals are presented in the winter and spring to showcase the pieces that you have been working hard to prepare all year in a supportive performance atmosphere.
Having something to work towards creates a goal-oriented mindset leading to feeling motivated in your practice and accelerating your learning.
Performing is visual as well as aural. Guidance on performance etiquette will be offered as we approach the recital date, such as how to bow correctly, enter and exit, and connect with the audience to create an extraordinary performance.
Recital performances are optional, but all students are encouraged to play!
Listening to music
Like a painter studying how to paint, it is essential that she or he observe other paintings for inspiration and ideas throughout their development.
This is the same for musicians. We gain knowledge from what we listen to while exposing ourselves to different ideas and interpretations.
It is important to have a large listening pallet of varying interpretations of music to become a well-rounded and accomplished musician.
I sometimes recommend pieces to listen to using a customized Spotify playlist and YouTube links of pieces that I think you might enjoy and get inspired by during your guitar learning.
Book Your In-Person or Zoom Lesson
Lessons are available worldwide via Zoom or in person at my studio in Charlottenburg, Berlin, and are conducted in English. To get started, set up a free 15-minute consultation session over Zoom. Afterward, you can choose to continue learning either in person, online via Zoom, or a mix of both. Online lessons allow you to learn the guitar from the comfort of your home with the guidance of a trained professional, while in-person lessons offer a more traditional experience. The choice is entirely yours. Zoom is free to use.
Simply select a day and time below to schedule your free intro session. You’ll receive a confirmation email once your lesson is booked. If you don’t see a time that fits your schedule, please email me directly with your preferred times, as availability can change.
Learning the guitar is most effective with regular weekly lessons, which can be paid for on a monthly basis for the best rate. Alternatively, you can opt for single lessons as needed, with no ongoing obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
I am based in Berlin and give lessons worldwide via Zoom video conferencing and in person at my teaching studio located in Berlin's Charlottenburg district.
Studio Address:
Bismarckstraße 83, 10627 Berlin
Steps away from the popular Wilmersdorfer pedestrian shopping area.
Public transportation: 2 minute walk from the Bismarckstraße U-Bahn station (U7,U2) and 10 minute walk from the Charlottenburg S-Bahn Station (S3,S5,S7,S9, and RE trains)
How is the classical guitar different from the acoustic or electric guitar?
The classical guitar has nylon strings, which is easier on the fingers than the heavy steel strings of an acoustic or electric guitar. The neck is also a bit wider on the classical guitar making it better for plucking notes with your fingers instead of using a guitar pick. The technique you will learn on the classical guitar will increase your learning pace and carry over into other styles including playing the acoustic and electric guitar if you choose.
Am I too old to start learning the classical guitar?
It is never too late to start learning the guitar. Learning a musical instrument later in life has shown to have several benefits to support cognitive and emotional well-being.
Do I need my own guitar to begin?
It is recommended that you have either your own guitar or borrow one from somebody else in order to practice throughout the week between lessons.
Do I need to take guitar lessons?
There are resources available online to supplement your guitar learning. However, taking private lessons will increase your learning pace exponentially while reducing the chances of developing bad habits in your playing, which if left unattended, could lead to carpel tunnel or other injury. Learning the guitar is a dynamic process that needs weekly attention and adjustment from a qualified teacher.
What kind of guitar should I have to get started?
A classical guitar with nylon strings is best for learning because it is easier on the fingers and the neck is wider. It also has a wider range of sounds for musical expression.
For a starter model with good quality, I would recommend the Yamaha C40II or C40 classical guitar from Amazon or Kirstein.de:
For younger students, I would recommend these smaller size models:
We can also figure out the right guitar size for your child during the free intro lesson.
What else do I need to get started?
Guitar foot stool (essential when learning the classical guitar to play with the correct posture)
Please refer to the Studio Policy below for more information and feel free to reach out to me directly with any other questions you may have.
