Private Lessons · Est. 1930
Guitar Lessons in Arlington Heights, IL
One-on-one guitar instruction for kids, teens, and adults at The Arlington School of Music — in person at our downtown Arlington Heights studio or online.
The guitar department at The Arlington School of Music is led by Executive Director Nico Angel, an international concert artist who has headed the department since 1967. He teaches classical, folk, and popular guitar, and specializes in concert flamenco in the style of Sabicas and Paco de Lucía — a style he studied with grand masters of the guitar in Spain, Mexico, Canada, and South America.
Guitar lessons here use a distinctive format: each student's lesson is professionally video-recorded with studio lighting and cameras, and the recording goes home with the student to study their technique and interpretation between lessons. Every lesson gives the student a feel for the concert stage.
Whether you want to fingerpick classical repertoire, play flamenco, strum folk songs, or learn the rock and pop tunes you love, lessons are tailored to your goals — beginner through concert level, for kids, teens, and adults across Arlington Heights and the Chicago Northwest Suburbs.
Your Guitar Teachers
Nico Angel
Classical and Flamenco Guitar
Executive Director • International Concert Artist • Head of Guitar Department
Scott Hendricks
Piano, Guitar, Mandolin, and Harmonica
Assistant Director • Concert Performer • Head of Piano Department
Michael Pfannkuche
Drums, Percussion, Piano, and Guitar
Instructor of Percussion, Piano & Guitar • Former Drum Corps International & Winter Guard International Performer
What You’ll Learn
- Classical guitar technique and repertoire, beginner to concert level
- Concert flamenco guitar in the tradition of Sabicas and Paco de Lucía
- Folk, rock, and popular styles — chords, strumming, and fingerstyle
- Reading music and tablature, ear training, and improvisation
- Stage presence, with professionally video-recorded lessons to study at home
Guitar Lessons — Frequently Asked Questions
What styles of guitar do you teach?›
Classical, concert flamenco, folk, and popular styles including rock and pop. Flamenco instruction follows the style of Sabicas and Paco de Lucía, taught by a concert artist who studied with masters of the tradition.
What age can a child start guitar lessons?›
Most children do well starting around age 7–8, when their hands can manage the fretboard. Smaller-scale guitars make it easier for young beginners, and we teach teens and adults at every level.
Do I need my own guitar?›
Yes, you'll want an instrument to practice on between lessons. Your teacher will gladly recommend an appropriate, affordable guitar for your size, style, and level before you buy.
Are the video-recorded lessons included?›
Yes. Recording each lesson is part of our guitar program's format — students take the video home and use it to study their technique and interpretation during the week.
Start Guitar Lessons This Week
The Arlington School of Music · 320 S Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 · Lessons Monday–Friday 3:00–9:00 PM, weekends by appointment.