Isn't thirteen too late to start guitar?

No. Teens bring discipline and choice that younger kids don't have. A motivated teen can reach intermediate level u2014 playing full songs, switching between common chords smoothly, understanding what they're playing u2014 in eighteen to twenty-four months of regular lessons and home practice.

What if I don't read music?

Many guitar teachers work with tablature and ear training first, then layer in standard notation. You'll learn to read music as you go. It's not a barrier to starting.

What kind of guitar should I buy?

Your teacher will guide this. Most teens start with an acoustic or electric guitar in the $150 to $350 range. The guitar matters less than consistency u2014 playing twice a week on a cheaper guitar beats playing once a month on an expensive one.

How much do I need to practice?

Three to five times a week for twenty to thirty minutes is realistic for most teens. That's less than scrolling social media after school. More practice means faster progress, but consistency matters more than hours.

Teen Guitar Lessons in Toronto

Most beginners strum along to a real song within a few weeks. That first recognizable melody is when the practice habit locks in.

Guitar Lessons for Teens in Toronto

Most teens who come in for a first guitar lesson arrive with a specific song in mind. That’s a good starting point. A real teacher will meet you there and build the actual technique around it — rather than making you play scales for six months before you touch anything you care about.

Private guitar lessons for teens run at 2180 Bayview Avenue (Lawrence Park). Lessons come in 30- and 45-minute slots — see current rates. Most teen beginners start at 30 minutes; students who are serious about technique or working toward specific repertoire typically move to 45.

Who’s Teaching

Gergely Szabo holds a master’s degree in classical guitar from the University of Toronto. He teaches both classical and contemporary styles — so whether you want to understand music theory properly or just play the songs you already know better, he can do both. For students interested more in rock, bass, or production, Simon Van Heyst teaches bass and guitar with a strong contemporary background.

Every teacher at ABC has passed a Toronto Police Vulnerable Sector Check. For families that matter to: it’s not a formality here.

What Lessons Actually Look Like for a Teen

The first few lessons cover the basics — how to hold the instrument correctly, a few chord shapes, how to read a chord diagram. That part moves fast for most teens. After that, the direction is shaped by what you want to play.

Classical students work from method books like Carcassi or Giuliani and develop fingerpicking technique that transfers to any style. Contemporary students learn from charts and recordings, building ear skills alongside technique. Most teens end up somewhere in between: they want to play their own music AND understand what they’re doing.

Your teacher will set practice goals each week — concrete ones, not just “practice 20 minutes.” Something like: “By next week, play the verse of this song at 80 bpm without stopping.” That kind of specific target is more useful than a time target.

For Parents: a Few Things Worth Knowing

Teens don’t need a high-end instrument to start. A decent acoustic or electric — used is fine — is enough for the first year. Your teacher can advise on what’s worth buying and what’s not worth the money.

Progress is not linear. The first two months are all fundamentals. Month three is when it usually clicks. If your teen is about to quit at month two, that’s the wrong time — but it’s also the most common time. A heads-up from a teacher about what’s normal makes a difference.

Teens who are also curious about music production or songwriting can pair guitar lessons with conversations about those topics. That’s not a formal program — it’s just what happens when a student brings it up. Our teachers are working musicians, not just teachers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my teen need to know how to read music?

No. Many excellent guitarists never read standard notation. Tabs and chord diagrams are the common starting language. Your teacher will introduce notation if it becomes useful — it often does for students who stick with it past the first year.

What type of guitar does my teen need?

That depends on what they want to play. Acoustic is more versatile to start. Electric requires an amp but is often physically easier for beginners (lighter strings, easier action). Ask your teacher at the first lesson — they’ll have a specific recommendation based on your teen’s hands and goals.

Can a teen start from complete zero?

Yes. We get complete beginners regularly. The pace adjusts to the student. A teen with no background will be playing recognizable songs within the first month.

What if my teen wants to record or produce music?

That’s a conversation to have with your teacher. Luciano Espin has a production background and works with students interested in recording. It’s not a separate program, but it can be woven into lessons for the right student.

See lesson pricing, read about guitar lessons generally, or learn about adult guitar lessons. Ready to start? Get in touch.