Guitar Lab is a group guitar course where young people learn to play the music they love and listen to. Open to all genres and experience levels, the course focuses on chords, riffs, rhythm playing, playing by ear, and performing together in a supportive environment where young people lead their own learning.
The course ends with a live showcase, where participants perform the songs they have worked on, celebrate their progress, and build confidence as players.
Why young people choose Guitar Lab
Young people choose Guitar Lab to learn real songs on a real instrument, rather than working through exercises on their own. Learning from industry professionals, they progress at their own speed and grow in confidence as musicians. All participants have use of a guitar and amp during sessions, so nobody is held back by not owning an instrument. They can also hire a guitar package [link to instrument hire] to take home so they can keep practising between sessions.
Because the course is taught in a group, young people play alongside others from the very first session. They learn how to lock in with a drummer, share parts with another guitarist, and support a singer. The skills that turn a player into a bandmate.
How Guitar Lab supports musical learning
Guitar Lab helps young people understand how music works. They learn about rhythm, harmony, and structure by playing real songs in simple steps. Students hear the results straight away, which makes musical learning clear and enjoyable.
The course builds strong performance skills that link directly to classroom work. Students learn how to keep time, follow a chord sequence, listen across an ensemble, and shape a piece from first run-through to finished performance. This supports Key Stage 2 and 3 music and helps prepare pupils for GCSE and A-level performance tasks.
Notation is introduced through chord charts and tab, so pupils can read what they play from the first session. Many then move on to staff notation with far more confidence, because they already understand the sound the symbols describe. Teachers often find this is the point where pupils who struggle with notation start to make progress.
Guitar Lab has a clear structure. Each week focuses on one musical skill, such as chord changes, strumming patterns, riffs, playing by ear, or performing as a group. Pupils make steady progress and can see how their playing improves over time.
The sessions also build wider skills. Students learn to listen, focus, solve problems, and work well with others. These habits support learning across the whole curriculum.
Join a Guitar Lab
Farnham
- Weydon School, Weydon Lane, Farnham, GU9 8UG
- Tuesdays 5pm to 6pm
Register for Farnham Guitar Lab
Guildford
- Surrey Arts, 14 The Pines, Broad Street, Guildford, GU3 3BH
- Mondays 5pm to 6pm