Guitar Lessons in Charlotte + Waxhaw For Kids and Adults
Bass, Guitar, and Other Lessons at Our South Charlotte Studio, Waxhaw Location, or in Your Home.
Since 2007, Musicians in Motion has helped musicians of all levels hone their guitar playing skills. Whether you want to learn to play guitar or need to brush up on your skills, Musicians in Motion makes your lesson informative and fun. We specialize in acoustic, electric, bass, classical, and jazz guitar sessions.
Experienced Teachers Who Can Play at a Pro Level
Our instructors are working musicians who perform regularly in the Charlotte area and beyond. They bring professional experience from studios, stages, and ensembles into each lesson. Students benefit from learning techniques that actually work in live performance and recording settings. Whether your teacher specializes in classical guitar, jazz improvisation, or modern rock, you’ll receive guidance that reflects the real-world expectations of professional musicianship.
Guitar and Bass Lessons For Kids and Adults in Charlotte and Waxhaw
Lessons and Opportunities For Kids
Children often fall in love with the guitar because it feels accessible, exciting, and expressive. At Musicians in Motion, we make sure young students learn correctly from the start. Early lessons focus on posture, hand coordination, and rhythm, using songs they already recognize. As students advance, teachers introduce chords, scales, and reading tablature. Many of our younger players participate in group performance programs or even our popular Rock Band class, where they can jam with other kids and perform live. We keep every lesson fun and engaging while teaching the discipline that helps children grow into confident, capable musicians.
Guitar Lessons For Adults
Adults often come to lessons with specific goals—perhaps learning a favorite song, brushing up after years away, or exploring a new creative outlet. Our instructors tailor lessons around your experience and schedule. Some adults prefer acoustic fingerstyle or folk music, while others want to learn classic rock solos, jazz standards, or contemporary worship music. Lessons combine technical development with real songs so you always feel progress and motivation. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining advanced technique, our approach meets you where you are and helps you get where you want to go musically.
We Teach Beginners Through Advanced Guitarists and Bassists
Beginner Guitar
Beginner lessons at Musicians in Motion start with the essentials—how to hold the instrument, proper picking or strumming technique, tuning, and understanding basic chords. Students learn rhythm through familiar songs that build confidence and dexterity. We make reading music and tablature approachable, so beginners start understanding the structure of the songs they play. Each week adds a new layer of skill, from simple melodies to chord progressions that let you play along with your favorite tracks. Our teachers focus on helping beginners develop good habits that will support their growth for years to come.
Advanced Guitar Lessons
For intermediate and advanced players, lessons dive into advanced fingerstyle technique, improvisation, and tone control. Students explore scales, arpeggios, and modal theory, applying them through solo construction and real repertoire. If you’re preparing for an audition or recording session, our teachers will help refine timing, phrasing, and stylistic authenticity. Electric players can explore effects, amp settings, and stagecraft, while acoustic students can study classical, jazz, or contemporary styles. Our bass instructors teach groove development, slap and pop techniques, and reading chord charts for ensemble work. Whatever your focus, we’ll help you reach the next level of musicianship.
Enroll In Our Guitar Classes Today!
Learn Rock, Jazz, Classical and More
Every student’s musical taste is different, which is why our curriculum covers nearly every genre. Classical players can learn proper technique and sight reading with pieces from composers like Sor, Carcassi, and Villa-Lobos. Jazz students study harmony, walking bass lines, and improvisation over chord changes. Those who love rock and pop can explore rhythm guitar, solos, and stage performance. We also teach blues phrasing, fingerstyle folk, and modern worship music. Whatever inspires you, we’ll use it as a foundation to build technical skill and musical confidence. Lessons remain flexible so you can explore new genres as your interests evolve.
Meet a Few of Our Guitar Teachers
THOMAS SAUNDERS
Thomas S. has been playing the guitar for over 30 years. He has taught numerous styles using different techniques and approaches for over 25 years. His writing/playing styles span from Blues, Rock, Jazz, Folk, Pop, R&B, Classical to Latin. This artist is a self taught guitarist, composer and writer, who mainly works in Charlotte, NC.
Thomas’s performance and compositional belt notches were derived from his appearances and performances playing with bands in NYC like The Albatross and Velvet Soul from 2000-2002. He has also played with soulful folkish bands like Eddie Kane and Melodic from 2010-2011. He was a regular on local TV shows in Charlotte such as The Modern Renaissance Man and The Johnny Millwater Show on Access 21 TV. He was also invited to play The Harvard Alumni Club in the summer of 2011. In his earlier years he played in various school plays from 2004-2005.
Thomas’s passion for the arts has proven to be a worthwhile adversary to his list of students over the years. His unique methods of reaching his audience no matter what culture or age range is a God given gift. Those who have opened their hearts and minds have allowed themselves to experience a teacher who has dedicated his mind, body and soul to each individual person.
TREVOR WALLACE
Music is Trevor’s passion, and has been since he was a child. Since then, he’s picked up many instruments, with his favorites being drums and guitar. For almost a decade, Trevor has also been producing music professionally at his studio, RED records, where he’s met a lot of amazing people and picked up some invaluable teachings on theory, composing, writing, and more that he enjoys passing on to his students. Trevor has been drumming and playing guitar professionally for over 15 years. He has also played in multiple bands, touring the east coast, and has been teaching for almost a decade now.
Trevor is a laid-back person and loves everything about the craft of making music. Trevor’s teaching approach is personalized and varies based on what his students are most interested in, but mainly follows a curriculum of music theory, reading music, building proper habits, songwriting, picking and fingerpicking, chords, rudiments, composing, chord progressions, scales, etc.
He teaches all styles and genres. On guitar he particularly enjoys indie, rock, and fingerstyle. On drums, he loves playing and teaching all styles of rock, pop, metal, gospel, indie, rap, country, and blues.
DENNIS CONTRERAS
Dennis Contreras is a highly skilled and versatile musician who teaches violin, guitar, and double bass. With a deep passion for both performing and educating, he has dedicated his career to sharing the joy of music with students of all levels. His expertise spans multiple genres, including classical music, bluegrass, and jazz, allowing him to provide a well-rounded musical education to his students.
He holds a Master’s degree in Music from Northwestern University, where he studied under the renowned double bassist Daxun Zhang. This rigorous training has shaped him into a highly accomplished performer with a deep understanding of technique, interpretation, and musical expression.
Throughout his career, Dennis has had the privilege of performing with esteemed ensembles such as the Illinois Philharmonic, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Charlotte Symphony, and the Union Symphony. His experience in both orchestral and chamber settings has made him a sought-after musician, appreciated for his artistry and adaptability.
Currently, Dennis is an active member of the Charlotte Bluegrass Allstars, where he brings his talents to the vibrant world of bluegrass music. Whether on stage or in the classroom, he continues to inspire others through his dedication, passion, and love for music.
EVAN GARNER
Evan Garner has been a private and group instructor for over 16 years, with experience playing & teaching the guitar, bass, drums, cello, double bass, piano, banjo, mandolin & ukulele. Evan studied Classical Guitar and Double Bass at USC and spends his free time touring the US with his band Invoking the Abstract.
He believes that no matter what skill level or instrument, we can continue learning and remain student of our craft for as long as we desire. He offers lessons in all genres and emphasizes using modern and classical approaches to your instrument, as well as focusing on composition and performance at all levels.
CHAD HARRIS
For over a decade, Chad has performed regionally and internationally as a Charlotte-based musician. From original projects to tribute bands, studio/session work, and on-call roadwork, he has gained a premium reputation for being capable of playing almost any genre or style on a variety of instruments, and for being a fun to watch stage presence with a strong band leader capability. Chad currently performs 3-5 nights a week on acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, and violin/fiddle and is a staple in the Charlotte music scene. You can find him most often at Smokey Joes.
Founder of the Charlotte Bluegrass All-Stars, he stays busiest in the world of bluegrass, but is also part of a Rage Against the Machine tribute band, as well as being a first call sub for a Pearl Jam tribute, a Fleetwood Mac tribute, multiple 80’s/90’s tributes, and for wedding band gigs.
Chad is considered to be an exceptional teacher who cares deeply about the progress and development of his students and still routinely receives calls asking if he is teaching anywhere. He believes that having a good teacher is a crucial aspect to a long lasting and rewarding pursuit in the art of learning an instrument, and he feels a sense of duty in passing on knowledge with the same patience and kindness that he received from his teachers when he was learning.
VEE MANDAKOVIC
Vee is guitarist, singer, and animator from Peru, South America. For over 10 years, Vee has been playing live show as a singer-songwriter and has opened for bands like Daddy’s Beemer. With over 30 released songs, and music that has been broadcasted on nationally syndicated radio stations such as 93.3 FM, Vee is a seasoned full-time musician.
Vee is passionate about all things music and has been teaching privately for 5 years. Lessons include styles ranging from classical and jazz, all the way to alternative rock and metal. Excited to share their knowledge, Vee offers personalized lessons for vocal training or guitar
In addition to English, Vee also speaks Spanish!
PATRICK O'ROURKE
Based in Lancaster, South Carolina, Patrick is a seasoned musician with over 18 years of guitar experience and 10 years on bass guitar. He has performed with several local bands, including Voraflux, Sovereign, Fault Reset, and more. Beyond performing, Patrick is passionate about music production and sound design, offering his services through Sound Fruit Music to bands and businesses. He studied music at Winthrop University, minoring in music performance, and continues to create and collaborate in the local music scene.
CHRISTINE MATTE
Christine Matte has been a musician her whole life , teaching for over 25 years. She currently composes and teaches piano, guitar, flute, ukulele, voice and song writing. With a Master Degree in Clinical Psychology from Capella University with an emphasis in Music at Edison State University. Christine specializes in teaching students with learning differences, attention issues, and other exceptionalities.
Christine encourages a love of music by keeping lessons individualized to the student’s personal goals and most importantly fun. Christine teaches students all ages and levels starting at age 3 on piano. The benefits of music include increased test scores, reduction of stress, emotional regulation and a healthy creative outlet. Music education is gift that students will use now and throughout their lives and it is my honor to be a part of a students musical journey.
MUSIC LESSONS IN SOUTH CHARLOTTE & WAXHAW
Explore several art forms as your child builds creativity and confidence in our new visual arts classes for ages 2-5!
FAQs Regarding Our Guitar and Bass Lessons in Charlotte
What Ages Can Start Guitar or Bass Lessons?
Students as young as six can start guitar lessons, while bass students usually begin around age eight due to hand size. We adjust each lesson to match age, attention span, and physical comfort.
Do You Offer Electric and Acoustic Guitar Lessons?
Yes. We teach both electric and acoustic guitar across a wide variety of styles. Students can also bring their own instrument type to lessons or rent one through a local partner shop if needed.
Are Lessons Private or Group-Based?
Most guitar and bass lessons are one-on-one so students receive full attention. Group options are sometimes available through special programs such as our Rock Band class for ages six to ten.
What Is the Cost of Guitar Lessons?
Studio guitar lessons start at $185 per month for 30-minute weekly sessions. In-home lessons are available for $225 per month. Students can also rent instruments for $31 per month to begin without a large upfront purchase.
Can Adults Take Guitar Lessons?
Absolutely. Many of our adult students come to us with lifelong goals, whether it’s learning to play rhythm guitar for fun or mastering lead techniques for live gigs. Lessons are flexible and paced to fit your schedule.
What Styles of Music Can I Learn?
You can learn virtually any genre, including rock, blues, jazz, pop, country, and classical. Teachers adapt lessons to your preferences while introducing new techniques and repertoire along the way.
Do You Teach Bass Guitar Too?
Yes. Bass students learn both fingerstyle and slap techniques, rhythmic precision, and how to read chord charts. We also cover groove development and playing as part of a band or ensemble.
Do You Offer In-Home or Online Lessons?
Yes. Students can take lessons at our Charlotte or Waxhaw studios, in the comfort of their own home, or online through live video sessions with the same professional teachers.
How Do I Prepare for My First Guitar Lesson?
Just bring your instrument (if you have one), an open mind, and any songs you’d love to learn. Your teacher will assess your skill level and create a customized plan to guide your progress.
How Can I Get Started?
Call (704) 315-5261 or contact us through our website to schedule your first lesson. We’ll match you with a guitar or bass instructor who fits your skill level, style, and musical goals.