Level 1: Guitar Discovery

Duration: 12–18 weeks (once a week)
Ages: 6–12
Objective: Build posture, basic technique, and open string reading.

Components & Content:

• Posture: Sitting correctly with footstool; left-hand thumb position
• RH Technique: Rest stroke (tirando), i–m alternation on open strings
• LH Technique: Single-finger placement on 1st & 2nd strings
• Reading: Notes on 1st string (E, F, G); rhythm values (crotchet, minim)
• Musical Pieces: Simple melodies (e.g., “Au Clair de la Lune”)
• Activities: Rhythm clapping, name-the-note games

Outcome: Students can play simple melodies on open and fretted notes using proper posture and rest stroke.

Level 2: Technique & Notation

Duration: 14–20 weeks (once a week)
Ages: 6–12
Objective: Improve finger coordination and extend reading range.

Components & Content:

• RH Development: i–m, m–a alternation; basic arpeggios (P–i–m–a)
• LH Technique: 1–2–3–4 finger drills; crossing strings
• Reading: Notes on all 6 strings in 1st position
• Theory: Simple time signatures; dynamic markings (p, mf, f)
• Musical Pieces: Two-voice studies with bass drones; teacher-student duets
• Musicianship: Singing and clapping rhythms; intro to phrasing

Outcome: Students read confidently in 1st position and play simple two-voice textures.

Level 3: Musical Growth

Duration: 18–24 weeks (once a week)
Ages: 6–12
Objective: Develop tone, phrasing, and expressive playing.

Components & Content:

• Scales: C, G, D Major (2 octaves) with proper fingerings
• Tone Production: Rest vs. free stroke; intro to nail use (if appropriate)
• Reading: Sight-reading short melodies in multiple keys
• Repertoire: Easy classical studies (Sor, Carulli) and folk arrangements
• Harmony: Simple dyads; partial chords (e.g., G + B)
• Theory: Treble clef fluency; note names; repeat signs; dynamics

Outcome: Students play expressive, well-shaped pieces with good tone and clear musical intention.

Level 4: Confident Young Musician

Duration: 22–28 weeks (once a week)
Objective: Play full pieces and prepare for exams or performances.

Components & Content:

• Repertoire: 2–3 solo pieces with contrasting style and tempo
• Technical Work: Giuliani arpeggios; slurs (hammer-ons, pull-offs); harmonics
• Reading: Extended position (5th–7th); accidentals
• Theory: Key signatures; scales; phrasing signs
• Performance: Memorisation; stage presence; simple program notes
• Musicality: Tone control; tempo; articulation; basic rubato

Outcome: Students perform confidently with expression, technical control, and strong reading skills.

Level 5: Advanced Technique & Repertoire

Duration: 26–32 weeks (once a week)
Objective: Refine technical proficiency and expand repertoire with more complex pieces.

Components & Content:

• Scales: All major and minor (harmonic & melodic) – two octaves
• Technical Work: Tremolo; barré chords; rasgueado
• Reading: All positions up to 9th; ledger lines
• Repertoire: Intermediate pieces by Carcassi, Aguado, Renaissance lute music
• Harmony: Triads and inversions; basic chord progressions
• Musicality: Advanced phrasing; dynamics; interpretation

Outcome: Students demonstrate advanced technical skills and perform a varied repertoire with musicality.

Level 6: Expressive Performance

Duration: 30–36 weeks (once a week)
Objective: Develop a personal musical voice and prepare for recitals.

Components & Content:

• Repertoire: Concert-level pieces from Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods
• Technical Work: Advanced arpeggios; rapid scale passages; ornaments (trills, mordents)
• Reading: Ensemble playing (duets, trios); lead sheets
• Theory: Chord analysis; Roman numeral analysis; modulation
• Performance: Stage etiquette; program building; audience engagement
• Musicality: Expressive rubato; tone color; basic improvisation

Outcome: Students exhibit complex pieces with artistry and engage an audience effectively.

Level 7: Virtuoso Foundations

Duration: 34–38 weeks (once a week)
Objective: Master advanced techniques and explore diverse musical styles.

Components & Content:

• Scales: Chromatic and diminished scales; arpeggios over four octaves
• Technical Work: Legato playing; campanella; contrapuntal voicing
• Reading: Complex scores with multiple voices and rhythms
• Repertoire: Virtuosic studies (Villa-Lobos, Brouwer, contemporary works)
• Harmony: Extended chords; jazz harmony basics; counterpoint
• Musicality: Musical form analysis; stylistic interpretation; composition basics

Outcome: Students exhibit high-level technical mastery and a deep understanding of varied musical styles.

Level 8: Independent Musician

Duration: 38–42 weeks (once a week)
Objective: Foster independent learning, artistic expression, and prepare for higher education or professional pathways.

Components & Content:

• Repertoire: Concertos; advanced solos; self-arranged works
• Technical Work: Personalized routine; injury prevention; warm-ups
• Reading: Score reading (orchestral/chamber music)
• Theory: Advanced music theory; harmony; orchestration basics
• Performance: Recording; professional presentation; self-promotion
• Musicality: Artistic independence; critical listening; innovative interpretations

Outcome: Students become independent, versatile musicians capable of self-directed learning and professional engagement.