Guitar Courses

For a beginner guitarist, it is recommended that you learn your first scales on an electric guitar rather than an acoustic guitar. This of course depends on your personal preferences and goals as a musician. However, an electric guitar is often easier to play at first than an acoustic guitar, because the strings are thinner and closer together. In addition, there is a wide range of electric guitar models available for beginners, with positive reviews regarding their quality and value for money. It is important to visit a music center to try out several different models and choose the one that best suits your budget and musical taste.

The price of a guitar lesson for children varies between Geneva and Lausanne depending on the teacher chosen. Rates can vary from Fr 50 to Fr 200 per hour for an experienced teacher. Students can also benefit from reduced rates, depending on their age and financial situation. At Apolline, we are proud to offer affordable rates for all, allowing all children access to music learning. Thanks to our semi-private tuition system, we can offer very affordable rates compared to other music schools in Geneva and Lausanne. We believe that all children should have the opportunity to discover their passion for music, and we are delighted to help them achieve this goal.

There is no minimum age to start learning guitar at Apolline. Children can enroll from a very young age, although we recommend waiting until age 6 to start. It is important to keep in mind that playing any instrument is a musical process that requires time and patience. We obviously encourage adults to take the plunge, keeping in mind that it may take more time and determination than for children. Regardless of the age of the learner, Apolline's guitar instruction focuses on the learner's enjoyment and motivation, encouraging creativity and a love of music.

The main difference between these two types of guitars is in their construction, operation and use. Classical guitars are generally smaller and have a wider neck. For these reasons, it is advisable to start a child on an electric guitar. They also have nylon strings rather than steel strings. Classical guitars are generally used to play acoustic music, folk, classical, flamenco... while electric guitars are more commonly used in rock, jazz, soul music... They require an amplifier to produce an audible sound, while classical (or folk) guitars can be played without amplification. To learn more, read our article on this subject. Our teacher Arnaud Paolini is obviously able to teach on all types of guitars, as long as they have strings!

Yes, a guitar lesson can be given online via webcam, provided the teacher is able to give it. With the advances in technology and the popularity of online lessons since the pandemic, many teachers of all kinds are now using webcams to teach their students. Webcam guitar lessons can be effective, especially for students who have busy schedules or live far from their teacher. We use several methods to teach online, using visual aids and screen sharing tools to enhance the quality of the lesson. It is important to note that a face-to-face class will always be more effective than an online class, especially when the teacher and student are playing simultaneously. Webcam courses can therefore offer a satisfactory teaching quality for motivated and autonomous students.

Yes, it is definitely possible to mix singing and guitar in a guitar lesson. Many guitarists sing along with their guitar playing, and some students may find this more motivating and enjoyable than just playing the guitar. Our guitar teacher has extensive experience in both areas, as he sings and plays guitar at the same time during his concerts. He will therefore easily integrate singing into a guitar lesson, using songs adapted to the student's level and working on technical skills such as hand-guitar coordination and vocal accuracy. Some teachers may have a different approach to the place of singing in a guitar lesson. At Apolline, it is entirely possible to mix the two and customize the lesson to the student's preferences.

There is no particular diploma given to students throughout their learning process. Indeed, Apolline favors learning that is based on pleasure through progression and not on performance. This is why we do not organize exams, and why there are no diplomas. Every year we organize a festival with the colors of the school: The Apolline Fest. You can read our article on this subject. Each student who wishes to do so has the opportunity to register and perform in front of an audience of friends and family. This is a good opportunity to showcase all the work done during the year. It is also common for our teachers to write letters of recommendation for students to help them achieve their goals. In addition, for experienced students, our teachers offer a professional curriculum to prepare motivated students for the art school entrance exams. All of our music teachers have a degree from an art school.

There is a lot of confusion about this. The main difference between a bass and a guitar is the range of notes they can produce. A bass usually has four strings, while a guitar usually has six. The strings of a bass are tuned lower than a guitar, which allows it to produce low notes that are often used to play the bass line in music. They do not have the same musical role. Basses are considered the "foundation" in a song along with drums, while guitars are often used to play chords and melodies. The playing approaches also differ, with different techniques for each instrument. To learn more, you can read our article on this subject

At Apolline, we organize workshops for the most motivated students who wish to discover playing in a group. Within this framework, we encourage our students to perform in concerts, in particular in bars/clubs in the city of Lausanne as well as during the annual Apolline Fest. This program is not suitable for beginners, but rather for students who have already mastered their instrument. A workshop room with a good acoustic treatment is provided to the students to allow them to play in the best possible conditions. We will also teach them to acquire a good stage presence and the specific codes of the stage world. We take care to ensure that the pieces chosen appeal to everyone, in order to guarantee an enriching experience combining pleasure, high standards and progress.

Yes, the teaching of these two types of guitars differs in terms of technique, style and repertoire. The classical guitar is usually played with the fingers, while the electric guitar is played with a pick. The classical guitar is often used to play classical music, flamenco and other acoustic styles, while the electric guitar is commonly used in jazz, rock, pop and other amplified styles. The musical repertoire for the classical guitar often includes pieces by classical composers, while the musical repertoire for the electric guitar can include rock, jazz and blues songs. However, there are points of intersection between the two styles, particularly in jazz and pop where classical guitar can have its place, and where technique and playing style can work together to create unique sounds.