Guitar Lessons in Ohio

What guitar lessons cost across Ohio, and how to find the right teacher.

Marc Levesque updated 11/13/26 - 19 min read

Guitar lesson prices across Ohio
Meet teachers
How guitar learning works in Ohio
Auditions and events in Ohio
Starting at any age
Finding the right teacher
Guitar in Ohio
Area by area
A little guitar history in Ohio
Frequently Asked Questions

Guitar lesson prices across Ohio

A one-hour guitar lesson in Ohio typically costs $58 to $84, and a half hour $32 to $46. Most towns sit close to that range. The Cleveland area runs highest, up to $90 an hour.

Every town has two guides: a guitar lessons guide, with local schools, events and places to play, and a costs guide, with that town's prices in detail.

Find your town

Town	30 minutes	One hour	Guides
Cleveland area
Cleveland	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Lorain	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Parma	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Elyria	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Lakewood	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Euclid	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Mentor	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Strongsville	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Cleveland Heights	$32–$49	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
North Ridgeville	$32–$47	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Brunswick	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Westlake	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
North Olmsted	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
North Royalton	$32–$47	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Garfield Heights	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Shaker Heights	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Medina	$32–$47	$59–$86	Lessons Costs
Avon Lake	$32–$47	$59–$86	Lessons Costs
Avon	$32–$46	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Wadsworth	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Willoughby	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Solon	$32–$46	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Maple Heights	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
South Euclid	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Rocky River	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Parma Heights	$32–$48	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Painesville	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Mayfield Heights	$32–$48	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Broadview Heights	$32–$47	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Brook Park	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Berea	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Ashtabula	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Eastlake	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Fairview Park	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Bay Village	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Middleburg Heights	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Willowick	$32–$49	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Beachwood	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Lyndhurst	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Brecksville	$32–$46	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Warrensville Heights	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
East Cleveland	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
University Heights	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Bedford	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Amherst	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Wickliffe	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Conneaut	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Seven Hills	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Brooklyn	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Bedford Heights	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Richmond Heights	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Cincinnati area
Cincinnati	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Middletown	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Hamilton	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Fairfield	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Mason	$32–$47	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Oxford	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Lebanon	$32–$46	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Forest Park	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Springboro	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
White Oak	$32–$46	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Norwood	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Monroe	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Sharonville	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Trenton	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Bridgetown	$32–$46	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Blue Ash	$32–$47	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Loveland	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Harrison	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Amelia	$32–$46	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Finneytown	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Monfort Heights	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Dent	$32–$46	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Franklin	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Mack	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Springdale	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Montgomery	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Forestville	$32–$47	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Northbrook	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Reading	$32–$47	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Columbus area
Columbus	$32–$46	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Newark	$32–$47	$59–$86	Lessons Costs
Dublin	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Delaware	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Grove City	$32–$46	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Lancaster	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Reynoldsburg	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Westerville	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Hilliard	$32–$47	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Upper Arlington	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Gahanna	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Marysville	$32–$47	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Pickerington	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Whitehall	$32–$46	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Pataskala	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Worthington	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Powell	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Circleville	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Bexley	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
New Albany	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Heath	$31–$44	$58–$80	Lessons Costs
London	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Dayton area
Dayton	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Kettering	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Beavercreek	$31–$44	$57–$80	Lessons Costs
Huber Heights	$31–$44	$58–$80	Lessons Costs
Fairborn	$31–$44	$58–$81	Lessons Costs
Troy	$31–$44	$58–$81	Lessons Costs
Xenia	$31–$44	$58–$80	Lessons Costs
Centerville	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Riverside	$31–$44	$58–$81	Lessons Costs
Trotwood	$31–$44	$58–$80	Lessons Costs
Piqua	$31–$44	$57–$80	Lessons Costs
Miamisburg	$31–$44	$58–$81	Lessons Costs
Vandalia	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Englewood	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Clayton	$31–$44	$58–$80	Lessons Costs
West Carrollton	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Shiloh	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Tipp City	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Akron area
Akron	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Cuyahoga Falls	$31–$44	$58–$81	Lessons Costs
Stow	$31–$44	$58–$80	Lessons Costs
Green	$31–$44	$58–$81	Lessons Costs
Kent	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Barberton	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Hudson	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Twinsburg	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Tallmadge	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Streetsboro	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Aurora	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
New Franklin	$31–$44	$58–$81	Lessons Costs
Macedonia	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Norton	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Ravenna	$31–$44	$58–$81	Lessons Costs
Toledo area
Toledo	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Bowling Green	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Perrysburg	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Oregon	$31–$43	$57–$80	Lessons Costs
Sylvania	$32–$46	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Maumee	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Youngstown area
Youngstown	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Warren	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Austintown	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Niles	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Canton area
Canton	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Massillon	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Alliance	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
North Canton	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
New Philadelphia area
New Philadelphia	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Dover	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Tiffin area
Tiffin	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Fostoria	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Other Ohio towns
Ashland	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Athens	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Bellefontaine	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Bucyrus	$32–$46	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Celina	$32–$46	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Chillicothe	$31–$44	$58–$81	Lessons Costs
Coshocton	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Defiance	$32–$47	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Findlay	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Fremont	$32–$47	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Greenville	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Ironton	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Lima	$31–$44	$57–$80	Lessons Costs
Mansfield	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Marietta	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Marion	$32–$46	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Mount Vernon	$31–$44	$58–$81	Lessons Costs
Norwalk	$32–$46	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Portsmouth	$31–$44	$58–$81	Lessons Costs
Salem	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Sandusky	$31–$44	$58–$81	Lessons Costs
Sidney	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Springfield	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Steubenville	$31–$43	$56–$78	Lessons Costs
Urbana	$31–$44	$58–$81	Lessons Costs
Van Wert	$31–$44	$57–$80	Lessons Costs
Washington Court House	$31–$44	$57–$80	Lessons Costs
Wilmington	$31–$44	$57–$80	Lessons Costs
Wooster	$32–$46	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Zanesville	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs

Meet a Guitar Teacher in Ohio Before You Continue Weekly

A good first lesson should leave the student feeling comfortable with the teacher and clearer about what to practice next.

Meet the teacher before weekly billing begins
Hear real-time feedback on the guitar you practice with
Talk through songs, style, and setup questions
Pick a weekly length after the first meeting

60+ Instructors

70,000+ Lessons taught

4.9/5 Average lesson rating

Find Your Next Guitar Teacher in Ohio

Browse guitar teachers, compare availability, and start with a free trial before choosing weekly lessons in Ohio.

Instrument

Day & Time

Student Age

Student Skill Level

5 guitar instructors available in the next 5 days

Will Orchard

Top Rated 5.0

Bachelor’s in GuitarMulti-Genre SpecialistTheory ExpertiseStudent Favorite

Genres: Acoustic, Bass, Electric Guitar, Ukulele

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 6 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in Ohio via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

$0 ~~$35~~ / 30 minute trial

Book Free Trial with Will

Gabriel Maia

Top Rated 5.0

Master’s in GuitarTechnique ExpertVersatile RepertoireStudent Favorite

Genres: Acoustic, Bass, Electric Guitar, Ukulele

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English, Portuguese, Spanish🏆 Experience: 6 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in Ohio via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

$0 ~~$35~~ / 30 minute trial

Book Free Trial with Gabriel

Jacob Billings

Top Rated 5.0

Bachelor’s in GuitarPatient & ThoroughVersatile RepertoirePopular

Genres: Acoustic, Classical, Electric Guitar

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 6 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in Ohio via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

$0 ~~$35~~ / 30 minute trial

Book Free Trial with Jacob

Jess Kerber

Top Rated 5.0

Bachelor’s in SingingFun & UpbeatWarm & EncouragingPopular

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 8 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in Ohio via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

$0 ~~$35~~ / 30 minute trial

Book Free Trial with Jess

How guitar learning works in Ohio

How does guitar fit school music in Ohio?

Ohio’s schools teach music through grade-level standards from kindergarten through grade 8, and music can count toward the two fine arts semesters required for graduation in grades 7–12. Guitar is usually an individual instrument rather than a school ensemble part, so you or your child can build guitar skills privately while taking part in a school band or choir if that fits. The examples in Arcadia and Columbia Station start band in fifth grade, while Barberton’s concert choir begins in sixth grade; those are school music entry points, not guitar programs.

Who runs what for Ohio guitarists?

Ohio offers two different kinds of student music opportunities. The Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) runs adjudicated events for school music students, while the Ohio Music Teachers Association (OhioMTA) supports student recitals, festivals, master classes, and district auditions through its teacher network. A guitarist outside a school ensemble can still enter OMEA Solo and Ensemble through an OMEA-member private teacher, so families can pursue an individual performance goal while understanding that many OMEA events depend on school participation.

Who runs what in Ohio

Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA)

Runs: Runs adjudicated student events, including Solo and Ensemble.
For: School music students and guitarists registered by member teachers.

Ohio Music Teachers Association (OhioMTA)

Runs: Supports recitals, festivals, master classes, and district auditions.
For: Students taking part through its teacher network.

Auditions and events in Ohio

How does a guitarist reach Ohio's top student honors?

Ohio guitarists have an individual route through OMEA Solo and Ensemble, including students outside school ensembles who are registered by an OMEA-member teacher. Homeschool students can enter through an OMEA-member instructor, with a parent or guardian acting as school administrator, and follow the rules for their school level. In District 6, high school Solo and Ensemble takes place in February and junior high in April; registration usually closes about a month before each event. Advanced classical players ages 13–18 who remain in high school can also enter The James Stroud Festival & Youth Competition in Cleveland, held June 3–6, 2027.

The guitar route in Ohio, step by step

OMEA Solo and EnsembleAn OMEA-member teacher can register guitarists for their junior high or high school event; District 6 holds these in April and February, respectively.
The James Stroud Festival & Youth CompetitionAdvanced classical guitarists ages 13–18 still in high school compete in Cleveland, June 3–6, 2027.

The Ohio guitar year

AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJul

OMEA Solo and EnsembleEntry fee: $18 junior high solo; $22 junior high ensemble; $21 high school solo; $26 high school ensembleStart the piece Aug to Nov

Start the piece Aug to NovFeb to Mar

The James Stroud Festival & Youth CompetitionThe James Stroud FestivalStart the piece Dec to Mar

Start the piece Dec to MarJun 3–6

Working on the event piece, 3 to 6 monthsEvent

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

OMEA Solo and Ensemble offers separate categories for classical guitar solos, event 207, and pick-style guitar solos, event 208. Required compositions must be performed for classification; a student can receive a rating or choose Festival Performance for comments only. OMEA’s Ohio Five Rating Plan reserves Rating I for an outstanding performance with very few technical errors and truly musical expression. Preparing an event piece usually takes three to six months of weekly lessons, giving the player time to build reliable technique and shape an expressive performance.

Homeschool and private school students

Ohio homeschool students have the opportunity to join extracurricular activities at the public school they would otherwise attend, subject to the same age, grade, nonacademic, and financial requirements as other participants. For OMEA Large Group Events, they need to meet eligibility rules and receive local school district permission. Individual guitarists have a separate path through OMEA Solo and Ensemble, so a homeschool student can pursue a solo performance goal even without joining a school music group.

Starting at any age

Starting a child on guitar

A child can begin guitar when the instrument is comfortable to hold and short periods of focused playing feel manageable; there is no single starting age for every learner. Ohio’s music standards begin in kindergarten, while school band and choir entry points in districts such as Arcadia and Barberton come later and are not guitar groups. Private lessons give a young guitarist focused time to build coordination, reading, and confidence, alongside any school music the child chooses.

A teen in Ohio

For an Ohio teen guitarist, OMEA Solo and Ensemble offers an individual performance opportunity at both junior high and high school levels, and an OMEA-member private teacher can register a student who is not in a school ensemble. In District 6, the high school event is held in February and the junior high event in April, so a teen can plan around the school year. Weekly lessons provide continuity alongside classes and activities, with a teacher helping the student choose a goal that fits the time available.

Starting or coming back as an adult

Adults can start guitar or return after years away, and lessons can begin with the skills you have now rather than assuming you remember the basics. Cleveland Classical Guitar Society’s Community Guitar Orchestra welcomes amateur guitarists of all ages and skill levels in the Greater Cleveland area. In Cincinnati, the weekly old-time music jam welcomes guitar players of any experience level to play or listen, so you can choose between an organized guitar ensemble and informal shared music.

Finding the right teacher

What should a good guitar teacher do?

A good guitar teacher connects the music you want to play with the technique and reading that will help you play it well. For a student considering OMEA Solo and Ensemble or classical competition, the teacher should be able to guide a piece over several months; a beginner or returning adult needs a pace that makes regular practice manageable. Training matters, but a strong fit with your age, goals, style, and way of learning matters too. Lesson With You teachers hold at least a bachelor’s degree in guitar, and you can choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend one.

How do live online guitar lessons work?

A live Zoom guitar lesson lets your teacher hear timing, tone, and articulation as you play, while a camera view of both hands makes it possible to work on fingering, posture, and picking or fingerstyle technique in real time. Set a device where the guitar and your hands are visible, then play in a quiet spot. There is no commute, and you can work with a teacher who fits rather than only the closest option. A student in Cincinnati or Vandalia gets the same choice of teacher and the same one-on-one weekly lesson, which helps make a steady routine easier to keep.

What $35 a week gets you at Lesson With You

A teacher with a degree in guitarEvery Lesson With You guitar teacher holds at least a bachelor's degree in guitar.

GabrielMaster’s in Guitar

WillBachelor’s in Guitar

JacobBachelor’s in Guitar

Meet the teachers below

The same teacher every weekLive, one-on-one lessons with one teacher who knows your goals.

Practice goals every weekEach lesson ends with what to practice before the next one.

Switch or pause anytimeSwitch teachers at no cost, or pause with 24 hours' notice. There's no term to sign up for.

Guitar in Ohio

Where to hear guitar

For a guitar-centered concert, the Dana Guitar Association presents several concerts, clinics, and masterclasses each season in Youngstown, all free and open to the public. Ohio University’s Concerts on the Green in Athens offer another kind of listening: free outdoor performances by student and faculty ensembles, scheduled weekly at 6 p.m. beginning in late August. A guitarist can hear both music made for the instrument and the broader ensemble playing that helps develop an attentive ear.

Where to play with others

Cleveland guitarists can join the Cleveland Classical Guitar Society’s Community Guitar Orchestra, which welcomes amateur players of all ages and skill levels to learn, play, and perform. The society also holds open recitals at St. Peter’s Community Church during the 2026–27 season, giving players a solo performance setting. These options offer a shared ensemble experience or a chance to present an individual piece, depending on what you want from playing with others.

Guitar around Ohio, area by area

Cleveland area

Cleveland families can hear jazz through the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra’s season-series concerts at the Maltz Performing Arts Center, where students can buy $10 tickets. In Cuyahoga Falls, most Blossom Music Festival concerts offer up to two free youth tickets with each regular-priced ticket. These performances let a guitar student listen closely to ensemble sound and phrasing, while giving families accessible ways to attend live music.

School year: Aug 24 to Jun 3, 38 lesson weeks (Cleveland Metropolitan School District)
Town guides: Cleveland, Lorain, Parma, Elyria, Lakewood, Euclid, Mentor, Strongsville

Columbus area

In Columbus, children ages 6–16 receive free admission to Columbus Symphony Masterworks subscription concerts. High school and college students with valid ID can buy up to two tickets for $14 each during the week of a show. Hearing a symphony live gives a guitarist a chance to attend to dynamics and balance, and to how individual musical lines fit into a larger sound.

School year: Aug 20 to May 27, 37 lesson weeks (Columbus City Schools)
Town guides: Columbus, Newark, Dublin, Delaware, Grove City, Lancaster, Reynoldsburg, Westerville

Dayton area

Dayton’s concert options include several styles. The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance offers a $5 ticket program for ballet, opera, or Philharmonic performances, while Sinclair College’s 2026–2027 season includes free public concerts such as wind symphony, concert band, and jazz. These performances give a guitarist a chance to hear different ensembles and musical approaches, even when guitar is not the featured instrument.

School year: Aug 11 to May 20, 37 lesson weeks (Dayton Public Schools)
Town guides: Dayton, Kettering, Beavercreek, Huber Heights, Fairborn, Troy, Xenia, Centerville

Toledo area

Toledo’s Levitt BLOC Toledo Music Series offers free outdoor concerts at four parks and is planned for 2026, 2027, and 2028. For a stage performance, Toledo Opera’s H.M.S. Pinafore student night is scheduled for February 17, 2027, with $10 tickets for students in grades 6–12 plus a $5 processing fee per ticket. Together, these events give young guitarists different kinds of live music to explore.

School year: Aug 24 to May 28, 36 lesson weeks (Toledo Public Schools)
Town guides: Toledo, Bowling Green, Perrysburg, Oregon, Sylvania, Maumee

Youngstown area

In Youngstown, YSU’s Music at Noon offers free public concerts each Wednesday when the university is in session, beginning at 12:15 p.m. at the Butler Institute of American Art. Guitarists can hear how performers shape a musical line in a public concert setting, then bring that attentive listening back to their own playing.

Town guides: Youngstown, Warren, Austintown, Niles

Canton area

Canton families can attend the Stark Parks’ Canton Federation of Musicians Concert Series, whose free performances last about an hour and begin at 2 p.m. The series includes a December 20, 2026 concert in Canton. Its afternoon performances give guitar students an opportunity to hear live musicians in a community concert setting.

School year: Aug 20 to May 27, 37 lesson weeks (Canton City School District)
Town guides: Canton, Massillon, Alliance, North Canton

A little guitar history in Ohio

Ohio’s classical guitar life includes a national youth competition and a long-running instrument-making connection. The James Stroud Classical Guitar Festival and Youth Competition brings classical guitarists ages 13–18 to Cleveland, where 2027 semifinalists must perform a new work written for the competition by guitarist and lutenist Frederic Hand. In Athens County, luthier Don MacRostie has lived and worked as an instrument maker for nearly 50 years. These examples show a student that guitar belongs both in serious concert performance and in the craft of making instruments.

Start Guitar Lessons at Lesson With You

Meet the teacher before weekly billing begins
Hear real-time feedback on the guitar you practice with
Talk through songs, style, and setup questions
Pick a weekly length after the first meeting

60+ Instructors

70,000+ Lessons taught

4.9/5 Average lesson rating

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a good guitar teacher in Ohio?

Choose a teacher who understands the music you want to play and can set a pace that suits your age and experience. Lesson With You lets you choose a teacher or ask for a recommendation, and the first 30-minute lesson is free with no payment method needed.

Do live video guitar lessons really work?

Yes, a live Zoom lesson lets a teacher hear your playing and give real-time feedback on timing, tone, and technique while watching your hands. You avoid a commute and can work with a teacher who fits, even if that teacher is not the closest one.

How does a guitarist reach Ohio's top student honors?

Ohio guitarists can enter OMEA Solo and Ensemble, including through an OMEA-member private teacher if they are not in a school ensemble. Advanced classical players ages 13–18 who remain in high school can also compete at The James Stroud Festival & Youth Competition in Cleveland.

Can homeschool students enter Ohio music contests?

Yes, homeschool students can enter OMEA Solo and Ensemble through an OMEA-member private instructor, with a parent or guardian acting as school administrator. Large Group Events require meeting eligibility rules and getting local school district permission.

What age should a child start guitar lessons?

There is no single right age; a child is ready when they can handle the instrument comfortably and enjoy short, focused practice. A teacher can adapt the pace and material to the child rather than waiting for a school guitar group.

Is it too late to learn guitar as an adult in Ohio?

No, adults can begin or return to guitar at any age, and lessons can start from the skills you have now. Cincinnati’s weekly old-time music jam welcomes guitar players of any experience level to play or listen.

How much are guitar lessons in Ohio?

Guitar lessons in Ohio typically cost about $65 an hour, or $32 to $46 for a half hour. Lesson With You charges per lesson with no term to sign up for, and the first lesson is free.

Guitar lesson prices across Ohio

Meet a Guitar Teacher in Ohio Before You Continue Weekly

Find Your Next Guitar Teacher in Ohio

Will Orchard

Gabriel Maia

Jacob Billings

Jess Kerber

How guitar learning works in Ohio

How does guitar fit school music in Ohio?

Who runs what for Ohio guitarists?

Auditions and events in Ohio

How does a guitarist reach Ohio's top student honors?

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

Homeschool and private school students

Starting at any age

Starting a child on guitar

A teen in Ohio

Starting or coming back as an adult

Finding the right teacher

What should a good guitar teacher do?

How do live online guitar lessons work?

Guitar in Ohio

Where to hear guitar

Where to play with others

Guitar around Ohio, area by area

Cleveland area

Columbus area

Dayton area

Toledo area

Youngstown area

Canton area

A little guitar history in Ohio

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More for Ohio

Frequently Asked Questions