Groups
Lessons are taught in groups of 4 to 7 students. The group lessons reduce cost and provide a learning community.
On-Campus
Lessons are taught on-campus during or right after school. This removes the friction of added travel and scheduling for families. Rare joy works with schools to offer lessons that fit into the school schedule.
Courses

The three courses per year are scheduled to avoid major school breaks and holidays.

Fall: Late September – Early November
Winter: Mid January – Early March 
Spring: Early April – Late May 
Values

Growth you see. Joy you feel

  • Growth: The program produces growth outcomes in the student, both as a musician and as a person.
  • Joy: We learn and grow better when the atmosphere is enjoyable. This program takes joy seriously.
Lesson Experience

Every lesson is built around four elements:

  • Theory — Understanding how music works
  • Skill — Focused practice
  • Fun — Games and song-based learning
  • Practice — Clear assignments for the week

Prices

Payments are made in full and upfront
7- Week course
$175
  • 1 course: Fall, Winter, or Spring
  • 7 consecutive weekly lessons
  • $25 per lesson
get Started
Full Year Program
$420
  • Three 7-week courses in one school year
  • 21 Lessons
  • $20 per lesson
  • 20% discount ($105)
  • Curriculum Continuity (complete full level)
Get Started

Curriculum

The learning journey is a 4-level progression (one level per year) with three 7-week courses in each level.

Play common chords and complete beginner songs…

Fall Course (1.1)

  • Identify the main parts of the guitar (neck, headstock, strings, tuning pegs, bridge)
  • Name all six guitar strings
  • Identify finger numbers
  • Tune a guitar using an electronic tuner 
  • Hold the guitar with proper posture
  • Hold a guitar pick with correct grip and angle 
  • Place fretting-hand fingers correctly behind the frets Learn open chords: A and D

Winter Course (1.2)

  • Learn open chords: C and G
  • Read and interpret guitar chord box diagrams 
  • Use anchor fingers to improve chord transitions
  • Maintain a steady beat using basic strumming patterns 
  • Tap the foot consistently to internalize rhythm 

Spring Course (1.3)

  • Play complete beginner songs at tempo from start to finish without stopping 
  • Learn open chord: E Combine all learned chords and techniques 
  • Play the five most common open chords: C, A, G, E, D 

Play rhythm guitar confidently in common keys and time signatures… 

Fall Course (2.1)

  • Learn open chords: Am, Em, Dm 
  • Play all major and minor open and barre-based chords: C, A, G, E, D, F, B, Am, Em, Dm, F#m, C#m 
  • Switch smoothly between major and minor chords
  • Understand how chords are built from individual notes
  • Identify the key of a song and the chords within that key 
  • Use a capo to change keys
  • Maintain consistent tempo across entire songs 
  • Support songs musically as a rhythm guitarist
  • Perform basic fingerpicking patterns 

Winter Course (2.2)

  • Winter Course Play suspended chords for all major shapes Play 7th chords for both major and minor chords 
  • Transpose chord progressions into different keys 
  • Strum confidently in common time signatures 
  • Adjust strumming patterns to match different musical feels 
  • Play consistently with a metronome 

Spring Course (2.3)

  • Spring Course Learn barre-based chords: F, B, F#m, C#m 
  • Maintain consistent tempo across entire songs
  • Support songs musically as a rhythm guitarist
  • Perform basic fingerpicking patterns

Use scales and techniques for lead playing…

Fall Course (3.1)

  • Locate and name notes on the fretboard in common positions
  • Play the major scale in the first pattern 
  • Learn and apply core lead techniques 

Winter Course (3.2)

  • Read and follow guitar tablature 
  • Develop TAB reading through learning riffs 
  • Play the major scale in three connected patterns
  • Move smoothly between scale patterns 

Spring Course (3.3)

  • Play the minor pentatonic scale in three connected patterns
  • Apply lead techniques musically 
  • Play effective solos that flow with accompaniment 
  • Use fretboard knowledge to improve fingerpicking skills 

Play rhythm and lead guitar confidently across the entire fretboard…

Fall Course (4.1)

  • Use E-shape and A-shape barre chords across the fretboard 
  • Play power chords in multiple positions and keys 
  • Apply palm muting and dynamics for rhythmic control and tone shaping 

Winter Course (4.2)

  • Play multiple voicings of the same chord in different neck positions 
  • Combine chord shapes and scale patterns fluidly
  • Use alternate tunings to explore new sounds and approaches 

Spring Course (4.3)

  • Use triads and diads for compact chord shapes and melodic accompaniment 
  • Improvise lead parts over chord progressions
  • Move freely between rhythm and lead roles 
  • Navigate the fretboard confidently across the neck