Guitar lessons are available in 30, 45, or 60 minute weekly lessons. Program also includes two 60 minute group classes per month: music theory fundamentals and performance workshops. Plus one formal recital per semester.
Faculty
Benjamin Wilkins has grown up at the Conservatory. As the son of owners, Cliff and Kay Ellen Wilkins, Ben began his musical instruction in the Musikgarten classes at the age of one! He continued into private study, which included 11 years of Classical piano lessons, 5 years of clarinet lessons, and 7 years of guitar lessons. Mr. Wilkins also worked as an assistant theory class instructor and apprentice guitar teacher throughout high school. After high school, he pursued a Guitar Performance degree at Oakland University. He has also been a collaborating composer and lead guitar player for the band called Alive in Standby, a progressive rock group, which he co-founded. The band has been very successful, releasing 4 albums and going on numerous concert tours across the United States, including performing as a featured local band at Comerica Park for the Warped Tour. The four band members of Alive in Standby have announced, during the summer of 2016, that they have decided to go in a different musical direction under a brand new name: The True Blue. His new project is available on all streaming platforms where they continue to write, perform and release original music. Mr. Wilkins has been teaching piano and guitar professionally since 2007. He has a kind and friendly demeanor as a teacher, and knows just how to put his students at ease. He is comfortable with all ages and levels, Classical, Rock and Pop styles.