Classical guitar lessons in Victoria, BC, Canada with Bradford Werner. All ages and levels are welcome. I offer one-on-one lessons, ensemble coaching, masterclasses, and group coaching sessions. Lessons are positive, productive, and professional. All students learn to read music notation, play with a refined musicality, gain an appreciation of music and history, and use proper technique. Although I specialize in teaching classical guitar I aim to create students who are well rounded musicians overall.
Availability and Contact
Join my waitlist for lessons in 2025 or if you prefer I can recommend a perfect teacher for you in Victoria in the meantime. Email: brad@bradfordwerner.ca
All Ages and Levels
I enjoy teaching a variety of students from youth, career-path emerging professionals, to hobbyist adults. I taught at the Victoria Conservatory for over 16 years, in Victoria for 20 years, and have been playing for well over 30 years. I’m a fairly relaxed and fun teacher but along with that is the responsibility to practice and come to lessons with the intent to learn. This is something I work on and build with students but I do expect certain high standard of lesson and learning intensity.
Learn more about me at my About Page.
My studio is an inclusive and supported environment for everyone.
Classical Guitar Open Sessions
I’m starting up an all-purpose club/session for classical guitarists in fall 2025. This can be anything you want it to be. You can perform for the group, get a masterclass lesson, or just ask a question about something that you are working on and skip the performance part. Whether you’d like advice from me or just want to practice performing, this class will give you a slot of time to accomplish whatever you are looking to work on.
Classical Guitar Ensembles 2025
I’m starting up some ensembles to record and perform music from Werner Guitar Editions and elsewhere.
Youth Ensemble – I will be starting this ensemble in Victoria in fall 2025. This will be an opportunity for youth students (age flexible depending on student) to rehearse in an ensemble with learning, performance, and recording opportunities. Membership will be by audition. I will provide more info and audition requirements soon. The approximate level will be grade 2-6 with flexible ages from 8-14 years old give or take depending on the student level and maturity.
Intermediate to Advanced Ensemble – I will be starting this guitar ensemble in Victoria in fall 2025. This will be an opportunity for intermediate and professional players to rehearse in an ensemble with learning and performance opportunities. The approximate level will be grade 5 to advanced with attention to building confidence in rhythms and complex ensemble textures. Students should expect to practice a fair amount for this ensemble as I plan to play in it and invite other advanced players and teachers. The intention here is to go beyond a student group and enter more ambitious performance and recording opportunities but still within a nurturing, positive, and supported environment. Membership will be by audition. More info and audition requirements soon.
My Online Publications
- This is Classical Guitar – My classical guitar site for pro videos, lessons, and more.
- Werner Guitar Editions – My sheet music store with video performances and lessons.
- My Online lessons
- Videos of professional guitarists
- Sheet music for classical guitar via the blog
- Weekly email newsletter for classical guitar to keep you inspired and learning
Info on Classical Guitar Lessons
I primarily teach and perform on classical guitar. The classical guitar is a nylon string instrument played with the fingers and has a musical history ranging from the Renaissance era to modern times, Latin and Spanish music, and many cross-over styles. Students of the classical guitar learn all the same things that pianists, violinists, and other orchestral musicians learn. It is likely the most versatile musical instrument in terms of styles and eras of music. My classical students also learn some popular music, chords, and improvisation as well. In the end, my classical students learn everything. I don’t require my students to focus on “classical” music necessarily, once they have the skills of a good musician they can choose what styles or genres they wish to pursue. The educational benefits of the classical guitar teaching route create solid musicians that can read music, perform, and tackle a variety of musical styles and situations.
Teaching Philosophy
I teach using progressive methods that ensure the student successfully completes one goal before moving to the next. This creates happy and productive students. I’ve created my own books and materials so we can clearly track progress and achievement in an enjoyable and educational environment. This is common practice in piano and string lessons but more rare in guitar pedagogy. It’s important that both the student and teacher can see completed goals and track progress because that is what makes lessons exciting and successful in the long-term. Another major element in my teaching is to ensure the student develops positive and successful practice habits. Students need to practice well but they also need to enjoy practicing so the experience is rewarding, enjoyable, and encouraging. These are life lessons that can help students in many other areas of their life from study habits, schoolwork, and employment. I’m also particularly proud of how all my youth students present themselves in respectful, positive, and confident ways during lessons and public performances.
Adjudication and Exams:
I regularly act as an examiner for the Conservatory as well as adjudicate festivals such as the Alberta Provincial Festival, Mount Royal University Conservatory, Medicine Hat Festival, Northwest Music Festival, and many festivals in Western Canada over the past 10 years. Also, many of my students take both VCM and RCM exams between the levels of Grade 1 to ARCT. My students have, on numerous occasions, come in 1st place at the Victoria as well as the BC Provincial Festival competitions.
Also see my guitar blog (thisisclassicalguitar.com) for online lessons or quotations from students and parents.
“Brad’s smile of confidence, calm presence, and congratulatory word says it all. He quietly mentors, giving our intrepid now-teenage daughter inspiration in both a creative and practical sense. What would we do without him? He knows how to steer the ship, without appearing at the helm!” – Susan Donnecke (Parent)
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