Teaching

I am currently not accepting any new students. I hope to re-open my teaching studio to new students in Almonte, ON (or online wherever you are) in 2026 or 2027. If you would like to be notified when I am accepting new students, please sign up for my newsletter.

If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email at emilyshawguitar@gmail.com.


Guitar, Piano, and Theory Lessons in Almonte, ON

I have experience teaching all ages and levels of music and enjoy working with students to meet individual needs and goals. I offer guitar, piano, and theory lessons in Almonte out of my private home studio. 

Although my performance career is focused on the classical guitar, I am comfortable working with students on many styles of music. Many of my guitar students focus on acoustic guitar playing or chord-accompaniment for vocals while others focus on classical or fingerstyle guitar styles. Piano students often follow the traditional conservatory curriculum, although some choose to explore more popular styles of music.


Further details concerning lessons

Conservatory based curriculum

As a classically trained guitarist and pianist I am very familiar with both the Royal Conservatory of Music and Conservatory Canada, and am able to prepare classical students for examinations through these institutions. Many students also chose a different path (often non-conservatory), opting to explore other styles of music and set goals on an individual basis, which is equally challenging and rewarding.

Performance Opportunities

As a performing artist myself, I strongly believe that some of the greatest musical development comes from performing in front of an audience. I currently hold two recitals annually for students (one each in December and June), as well as miniature online recitals throughout the year via Zoom. As a former board member of the Ottawa Guitar Society, I also encourage my classical guitar students to participate in monthly open mic nights.

Pricing and Policies

For studio policies and lesson pricing, please view this PDF: Lesson Policies.

Contact

Send me an email at emilyshawguitar@gmail.com if you have any questions.


Thoughts from Students

“In terms of my musical background, I did Grade 4 violin when in my teens but quit due to frustration, and then was a self-taught electric guitar hobbyist for 27 years. I have been working with Emily for the better part of a year. When I decided to return to classical music in adult life, I was initially hesitant because of prior bad experiences with violin teachers. I was pleased to discover that Emily is encouraging, reassuring, and supportive. She welcomes questions and answers with confidence. I very quickly learned to relax and enjoy my guitar lessons with her. She is punctual, professional, and excellent at giving constructive feedback. I was initially reluctant to play at the recital she organizes for her students, but found that the overall atmosphere was calm, friendly, and welcoming. I think I can say that all her students, young and old, enjoyed the recital and that the experience was thoroughly positive for everyone involved. Emily has a genuine and infectious love for music and is both an outstanding performer and educator. I would not hesitate to recommend Emily to anyone thinking of studying classical guitar. If you want your child to learn to love music, or if you have unfulfilled ambitions of your own, Emily is definitely the teacher to work with.”
– Classical Guitar Student – March 2016 – Richard Sembera, M.A., Dr. Phil., M.Ed.