Denise Peters
About
I am a classically trained guitar teacher with over 19 years of experience teaching students of all ages and levels. I work with a wide range of musical styles and tailor lessons to each student’s individual goals and interests.
Students may focus on popular music, folk, rock, blues, singer-songwriter material, or classical repertoire, depending on what they want to learn. My role is to help students develop the skills they need to play the music they enjoy, whether that means learning songs, improving technique, building confidence, or understanding music theory in a clear and practical way.
I enjoy working with beginners, adult learners, and long-time players who want thoughtful, supportive instruction and steady progress. Lessons are structured but flexible, with an emphasis on clarity, encouragement, and helping students feel comfortable and capable on the instrument.
Teaching Style
My teaching style is clear, supportive, and adaptable to each student’s goals. I focus on helping students feel comfortable with the instrument while building skills that support steady, long-term progress.
Lessons are structured but flexible. Depending on the student, this may include learning songs, improving technique, developing rhythm and coordination, understanding music theory in a practical way, or building effective practice habits. I break concepts down into manageable steps and adjust the pace to suit the student’s experience and learning style.
I also provide written handouts and practice materials to support lessons when helpful. These resources are designed to reinforce key concepts, give students something clear to work from between lessons, and make practice more focused and efficient.
I aim to create a calm, encouraging learning environment where students feel supported and motivated. Whether a student is just starting out or returning to guitar after time away, my goal is to help them gain confidence, clarity, and enjoyment in their playing.
Curriculum
Students are not required to purchase any books or materials to participate in lessons. I provide a comprehensive set of original handouts and practice resources at no additional cost, giving students clear guidance and structure between lessons.
These materials are designed to support technique, music reading, theory, and effective practice habits, and together form a structured collection comparable to a method book. Resources are shared gradually and tailored to the student’s level and goals, so students are never overwhelmed.
When helpful, I also recommend free and accessible online resources for song learning, ear training, rhythm practice, and music theory reinforcement. All materials are optional and used as support tools to make learning clearer, more efficient, and more enjoyable.
Credentials & Affiliations
I hold a Bachelor of Music in Advanced Performance on Classical Guitar from the University of British Columbia, as well as a Basic Musicianship Certificate from Douglas College. My formal training includes advanced classical guitar performance, music theory, harmony, music history, and ethnomusicology.
During my studies, I trained under Michael Strutt, Daniel Bolshoy, and Alec Pearson, and performed with the UBC Guitar Ensemble and the UBC Symphony Orchestra. I have also participated in masterclasses with Christopher Parkening, John Leathwood, Daniel Bolshoy, and Michael Strutt.
I have over 20 years of experience teaching guitar and music theory, including work within established lesson programs such as Long & McQuade and Wentworth Music, as well as running a private studio. I teach a wide range of styles including classical, acoustic, electric, rock, pop, folk, metal, and contemporary music, as well as ukulele.
I have experience working with students of all ages and abilities, including individuals with learning disabilities and special needs, and I hold a valid criminal record check for working with vulnerable persons.