Kayserburg Music School is the brainchild of Cristofori, one of the largest piano companies in Singapore. Understandably, piano lessons are the most popular here, but they also have other options, namely violin, drum, ukulele, and—of course—guitar. 

One thing I really like about this music school is the way they structure the curriculum. They focus on building the proper foundation first, which is why the instructors always start with basic music theory, especially how to read notes and get the right rhythm. 

Then, they’ll move on to how to hold the guitar properly and how to read guitar tabs. By the time they finish all these basic modules, the student is ready to get on with learning chords and how to pick the strings. 

This school also lets the student pick what type of guitar they’d want to focus on. Acoustic is the most popular, but they also have classes on classical, electric, and bass guitars. No matter what type of guitar you choose, you’ll still get to explore a wide variety of genres, from classical music to contemporary pop. 

The classes here are done with a group, which I know sounds intimidating, but it actually proves to be a great blessing. My niece is an introvert, and she was initially scared to be in a group, but over time, her confidence has grown, and she’s become friends with some of her classmates. 

She also says that she actually learns much more by having a few other aspiring musicians around. I think that sounds amazing! 

Classes here are also pretty long, usually lasting for about 12 months or even longer. This is good news because it means you’ll get the chance to practice and hone your skills for an extended period.

The prices here aren’t cheap, but I don’t think they’re over-the-top expensive either. My sister thinks the price she paid was worth it, and besides, the school does offer a free trial lesson just in case you’re not sure if you want to continue. I think that’s a smart offer as well. 

Patient and friendly

“Nice place with beautiful instruments. Patient and friendly manager Wen Han who provided me with great advice and information.”

• Christina Ng, Google Review

Welcoming and patient staff

“The music school is conveniently located, and the staff are welcoming. Teacher Edward is also very patient.”

• Novy Mulyadi, Google Review

My other sibling chose to send his children to Aureus Academy, and so far, they have nothing but good things to say about this school. 

The first thing that my niece and nephew really like about this place is the fact that this school feels like home. According to them, the classrooms where they learn guitar have colourful murals and comfortable furniture. 

The classes here are also one-on-one, which has its own advantages. At first, my brother wanted his children to be in one group, but now, he thinks that maybe one-on-one is the best way to go. 

With this setup, the instructor can really focus on one student, allowing them to correct any mistakes as soon as possible. The privacy also allows the student to feel comfortable because they don’t feel any pressure of being seen by an audience. 

The curriculum here is pretty great. The class starts with an introduction to the guitar, basic music theory, and instructions on how to read a guitar tab. 

Within one week, my niece and nephew can start playing simple chords with basic strumming and picking skills. Within a month, they’re able to master four chords and are now confident to learn more. 

Another great thing about this school is that they have their own app. This lets you reschedule right from the comfort of your own home. 

When something happens that disrupts your schedule, you don’t have to call anyone anymore or go to the office just to explain why your kid can’t make it to class. Just tap on the app, and you’ll be good to go!

Also, this school offers free trial lessons. This is such a convenient feature because it gives you the opportunity to see if the guitar is the right instrument. If not, don’t worry because they have classes on other instruments available here, namely drums, cello, piano, violin, ukulele, and voice. 

The only downside here is that the prices are expensive, ranging from S$252 to S$500. All the packages only include four lessons a month, and the length of the lessons depends on which package you choose. 

Fun and relaxing lessons

“I took guitar lessons with teacher Fazreen as a complete beginner, and he has taught me so much from classical, pop, to fingerstyle. His lessons are fun and relaxing, which I thoroughly enjoy. My 7-year-old is now taking drum lessons with him and looks forward to class every week. He was able to play a few songs and was even confident to perform at the Aureus roadshow within just a month of learning. Teacher Fazreen is talented in multiple instruments and is an amazing and patient teacher for both kids and adults.”

• Fiona L, Google Review

Excellent teachers

“My boy has been learning Guitar under Teacher Mustaqim for nearly 2 years and we have really enjoyed the learning very much! Teacher Mustaqim is an excellent teacher who is always friendly and patient, and makes Guitar learning so fun! The admin team of Aureus Academy at United Square is great too, and their App is super convenient to use! Many thanks to Teacher Mustaqim and Aureus Academy at United Square!”

• Helen Li, Google Review

The Music Works Center at Chai Chee isn’t a school that any of my nieces and nephew have attended, but I’ve heard great things about this place, so I’m intrigued. Plus, I do love coming here because it’s also a music store; this is where I purchased my guitar and other accessories. 

The music school here is pretty versatile; they have classes for various instruments like piano, drums, violins, and guitar. They even have classes for toddlers, which I think is so fascinating. 

The guitar lessons here are excellent, according to some of the school’s former students. You can choose to specialise in a certain type of guitar (classical, acoustic, electric, bass, and ukulele), and you can even choose if you want a one-on-one class or a group one. I love that they give you this option because it accommodates both extroverts and introverts. 

The classes are also comprehensive and designed for beginners. That’s why the first lessons are centred on basics and the proper techniques. From there, picking up a new chord or picking pattern should be a breeze for the students. 

When it comes to pricing, they like to keep it flexible, so they don’t have a set rate available. This can be a good or bad thing, depending on how you see it. But from what I’ve heard, the rates have been reasonable, so you don’t need to worry much. 

That said, they don’t offer a free trial lesson here. Sure, they have a trial lesson, which is jam-packed with information, but you’ll have to pay S$25. It’s not too bad of a price tag, but considering that other schools offer trial lessons for free, this one is a bit disappointing. 

Skilled and knowledgeable teachers

“I have been learning electric guitar from master Neil for a while and it’s has been a great experience, I am a slow learner and always making mistakes but he has been really patient with me every lesson, sometimes I wonder if it’s other teachers would have kick me out or slaughter me. His skill and knowledge is really awesome and I definitely improved my skills under his teaching. Recommended for anyone who wants to pick up guitar and who knows maybe we able to form a band one day.”

• David Tan, Google Review

Friend and patient teachers

“Have been taking electric guitar lessons here for a few months with teacher Neil. The lessons are very helpful and I do feel I am getting better at the playing techniques with each lesson. Neil is also very friendly and patient especially since for me I do not have prior experience playing guitar or piano. Would recommend for anyone who wants to try learning new musical instruments.”

• Angie Chew, Google Review

35 Guitar Avenue is a popular guitar store, selling guitars and other important accessories from widely acclaimed brands like Friedman, Gibson, Suhr, Ernieball Musicman, Tom Anderson, and Mayones. But did you know that they also have guitar classes here? Well, now you do, and apparently, they’re top-notch!

The instructors here are incredibly well-versed in guitar; some of their students even like to call them “guitar gurus.” Their passion is infectious, which is great because it motivates students to practice often.

Moreover, you get to explore many different musical styles and genres, such as pop, rock, blues, jazz, metal, and country.

I also really like that there are classes for all levels and ages. Many music schools cater to beginners and/or children, which is great—don’t get me wrong—but amateur guitarists and adults who want to pick up an instrument might feel left out.

The flexible schedule is wonderful as well. You get to pick classes that fit your schedule. This is such a win for busy students!

Just like other music schools, the downside is their price. It’s S$260 for four sessions, and there’s also a registration fee of $30. This can be too much, especially if you’re a newbie, and I can understand that. 

Personally, I think it’s worth it, especially since the classes are one-on-one, so the instructor can solely focus on you. 

If you don’t like the price for their 4-session class, you can book a one-time session instead for S$70.

Relaxed classes

“Shaari has got to be one of, if not the best, teachers around for guitar lessons. His relaxed personality puts you at ease, but his disciplined approach of insisting you learn the building blocks of a song so that you learn and you have fun at the same time was really important for me. Considering what we covered, I found that the videos he recorded of himself playing and teaching during the class to be so helpful and such a value add for someone like me. If it wasn’t already clear, I’d recommend his classes to anyone who wants to learn guitar.”

• Dhruv Ang, Google Review

Patient teachers

“Shaari is a really awesome guitar instructor. He is very patient in teaching, and he will adjust his pace according to my comfort level. He will take the time to explain why we play a certain way. He’s also very flexible in terms of accommodating my changing schedule. The most important thing of all, he makes all my lessons fun with his humor and always upbeat energy. 35 Guitar Avenue rocks!”

• Debby Wijayakusuma, Google Review

Groove Music School believes that everyone deserves to discover the wonders of music at any age. That’s why their classes are open to both kids and adults! 

Another thing that’s commendable about this school is the fact that the instructors tailor the curriculum based on your personal needs and specific learning style. They will start with a basic foundation of music theory, but don’t worry, you won’t just be memorising concepts and the like. You’ll be applying what you’ve learned immediately, so every session is fun and full of experimentation. 

If you already have a basic knowledge of guitar-playing, good news: you can also book classes here to improve your skills. If you do book a class here, the instructor will first assess your current skill level and then they’ll craft a specific curriculum for you, based on the goals you’ve set. 

Your instructor can even help you prepare for a guitar audition or exam!

This school follows a flexible schedule, which is good news for busy people. If you miss a class because of a prior commitment, don’t worry, because you can schedule a make-up session. Just make sure to let your instructor know beforehand.

Oh, and before I forget, this school offers a good array of classes. If you want to expand your musical horizons further, you might be interested in booking a class on piano, drums, vocals, and music explorations.

The prices here are moderately expensive, usually ranging from S$260 to S$360. The cheaper end includes classes for beginners, while the intermediate and advanced classes are more expensive. 

This price range isn’t too bad, in my opinion. If you’re still not sure if this is the right school for you, you can book a free trial session first. 

Passionate teachers

“Not your typical classroom-style of learning, teachers here build a relationship with the students and willing to go the extra mile. I was guided all the way from start to end with regards to making a guitar purchase. They provided very useful tips. I recommend Groove if you’re looking for really a community of genuine people who love and breathe music. Also very nice place!”

• Darren Koh, Google Review

Exceptional musicians and teachers

“Myself and my family have been taking guitar, drums, and piano lessons at Groove Music School for almost two-years. Philip and AJ have been great to work with and are both exceptional musicians and teachers. They also quickly became trusted and treasured friends of our family. I can’t say enough good things about these great gentlemen!”

• Joseph Hill, Google Review