Best guitar teachers in Milwaukee: Top 1-on-1 guitar instructors, costs & how to choose

Known for its rich blues and rock heritage, Milwaukee offers a dynamic and supportive setting for anyone looking to pick up the guitar or sharpen their skills. From neighborhood jam sessions to major stages like Summerfest, music is deeply woven into the fabric of the city.

Whether your goal is to play in a local band or simply unwind by strumming your favorite tunes at home, you’ll find plenty of encouragement-and expert guidance-right here in Milwaukee. The city’s passionate music educators and talented guitar instructors are committed to helping you succeed.

Taking private guitar lessons can make all the difference. With one-on-one instruction, you get lessons tailored to your pace and interests, immediate feedback to help you improve, and the flexibility to focus on the genres you enjoy most.

This guide will cover everything you need to know to find the best guitar teachers in Milwaukee, from lesson formats and pricing to top-rated local instructors you can book through Wiingy.

Looking to learn guitar? Get 1-on-1 lessons from expert-vetted guitar tutors, whether you’re jamming for fun, working on technique, or getting ready for auditions.

Why work with a guitar teacher in Milwaukee?

In a city known for its authentic blues roots and thriving live music scene, private guitar lessons offer a powerful way to accelerate your growth-far beyond what group classes can provide.

• You’ll benefit from customized practice plans aligned with your personal goals, whether you’re just picking up your first acoustic or getting ready to join a band at a local venue like Shank Hall or The Rave.
• Milwaukee’s music culture may be laid-back, but it’s also rich in opportunity-and private instruction helps you stay sharp, whether you’re gigging at Summerfest or prepping for a studio session.
• With a private teacher, you’ll get real-time coaching on everything from finger placement and chord transitions to tone and rhythm-so you can fine-tune your sound with precision.
• You’ll also gain the confidence to perform, whether you’re joining an open mic night or dreaming of making your mark like some of the Midwest’s guitar greats.
• And with Milwaukee’s flexible pace of life, private lessons make it easy to fit music into your schedule-perfect for students balancing school or professionals juggling work and creativity.

Whether you’re learning for fun, working toward a goal, or somewhere in between, private lessons provide the focus and feedback you need to level up your guitar playing.

Factors to consider to choose the right guitar teacher in Milwaukee 

Finding a great guitar teacher isn’t just about credentials-it’s about connecting with someone who understands your musical interests and how you learn best.

Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

• Experience that matches your journey: Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to play live at a local venue like Up and Under Pub, look for an instructor who’s taught students at all levels and can guide you through each stage with confidence.
• A style that speaks to you: Milwaukee’s music scene is rich in blues, rock, punk, classical, and folk-so your teacher should be fluent in the genre you’re most passionate about. The best fit is someone who can teach what you love and introduce you to new styles as well.
• Lesson format that fits your lifestyle: Whether you prefer learning in-person at a local studio or need the convenience of online sessions, make sure your teacher offers the right setup for your needs. Many instructors in Milwaukee now offer flexible hybrid options.
• Scheduling that works with your life: From working professionals to college students at UWM or Marquette, everyone’s schedule is different. A good guitar teacher will offer easy rescheduling, trial lessons, or even pay-as-you-go options to keep things stress-free.

Pro tip: Wiingy guitar tutors are expert-vetted, offer free trials, and cover every style and skill level.

Best guitar teachers in Milwaukee 

Discover expert 1-on-1 guitar tutors in Milwaukee with Wiingy – available both online and in person – for students of all ages and skill levels. Meet some of our top instructors below.

1. Ben Manwaring – Best for Music Theory, Chords, Techniques

• Specialties: Rock, Indie, Fingerstyle, Rhythm, Creative Playing
• Experience: 15+ years of playing experience, with a background in band performance and songwriting across multiple genres
• Ideal for: Adult beginners, hobbyist players, and anyone looking to jam, write, or just play for fun

What makes Ben stand out?

Ben isn’t just here to teach scales and chords – he’s here to help you truly enjoy the guitar. 

With over 15 years of hands-on experience and a practical, no-fluff teaching style, Ben tailors each lesson around your interests and goals. Love indie riffs? Want to strum along to your favorite rock anthems? Ben builds lessons that get you playing the music you actually care about – fast.

His sessions are rooted in technique and musical understanding, so you not only learn how to play but why it works. That foundation gives students the freedom to explore, improvise, and eventually develop their own voice on the instrument. 

Whether you’re picking up a guitar for the first time or picking it back up after years, Ben’s friendly, down-to-earth approach helps you build confidence and sound great doing it.

2. Shannon Liddy – Best for Chord Progressions, Theory, and Fingerstyle Techniques

• Specialties: Acoustic, Electric, Classical, and Bass Guitar, Sight Reading, Ear Training, Music Theory
• Experience: Over 4 years of teaching experience, working with students from various curricula, including A-Levels, AP, and IB.
• Ideal for: Beginners to intermediate students eager to build a strong musical foundation and explore different guitar styles.

What makes Shannon stand out?

Shannon’s passion for music is at the heart of every lesson. With a diploma in music education and over 4 years of teaching experience, she brings a unique blend of creativity and structure to her lessons. 

Whether you’re learning the fundamentals of chord progressions, diving into fingerstyle techniques, or mastering sight reading, Shannon tailors each lesson to meet your individual needs and goals. 

Her interactive, tech-savvy approach—using tools like amp simulators, chord diagram apps, and metronomes—ensures students stay engaged while gaining a deep understanding of musical concepts. 

Students appreciate Shannon’s ability to make each lesson enjoyable and rewarding, instilling both discipline and creativity in their musical journeys.

3. Symrun Chatha – Best for music theory and guitar techniques

• Specialties: Guitar technique, music production, songwriting, performance, Rockschool Grading
• Experience: Live guitarist for A Grave With No Name (supporting Youth Lagoon on their European tour), music aired on BBC Radio 6 and NTS, workshop leader at TT Label with Iceboy Violet
• Ideal for: Beginners, intermediate players, aspiring songwriters, and those looking to explore music production alongside guitar

What makes Symrun stand out?

Symrun’s teaching approach is as dynamic as his career. With experience touring across Europe as the live guitarist for A Grave With No Name and having his music featured on BBC Radio 6 and NTS, he brings real-world expertise to every lesson. 

He uses a mix of traditional and digital tools to create a rich learning experience, from guitar techniques to music production and songwriting.His friendly, patient, and adaptable style makes learning enjoyable for students of all levels. 

Symrun also offers guidance and preparation for Rockschool Guitar Grading, an internationally recognized system that benchmarks your progress from beginner to advanced levels.

4. Gabriela Velarde – Classical precision meets creative expression

• Specialties: Classical and popular guitar styles; music theory; performance preparation
• Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Music (Guitar Performance); international courses and masterclasses with distinguished guitarists; 5+ years of teaching
• Ideal for: Students seeking detailed, personalized lessons in classical and popular guitar, from beginners to advanced performers

What makes Gabriela stand out?

Gabriela Velarde’s approach to guitar teaching is rooted in a deep understanding of both classical precision and popular music expression. 

With years of study under masters like René Izquierdo and Irina Kulikova, Gabriela brings an international perspective to her lessons, blending technical mastery with artistic creativity. 

Whether you’re learning the intricacies of classical pieces or exploring modern styles, her lessons are designed to foster growth and build a strong foundation in both theory and practice.

Known for her patient and tailored teaching style, Gabriela ensures that each lesson speaks to the individual needs of her students. 

From crafting effective practice routines to preparing for performances, she takes a holistic approach to learning, always aiming to make each student feel supported and challenged. 

5. Miruna Spiridon – Versatile music mentor who blends passion with production

• Specialties: Music production, songwriting, live performance, DJ skills, Baroque to Pop genres
• Experience: 4+ years of teaching with a Diploma in Music; works with all ages and skill levels
• Ideal for: Creative beginners, multi-genre explorers, and tech-savvy musicians ready to perform

What makes Miruna stand out?

Miruna brings a vibrant, all-encompassing energy to her lessons-whether you’re a young beginner, an adult returning to music, or an intermediate student ready to produce your own tracks. 

Her teaching spans everything from classical music theory to songwriting and DJ skills, with a strong emphasis on creativity and personal expression.

What truly sets her apart is her ability to integrate tech tools like vocal health apps, recording platforms, and digital audio workstations to build lessons that feel modern, hands-on, and exciting. 

Miruna adapts to each learner’s pace and style, drawing from educational frameworks like the IB and NGSS to ensure that lessons are well-rounded, structured, and fun. 

With her, students don’t just practice-they create, perform, and grow into confident, capable musicians.

Inside a 1-on-1 guitar lesson: 3 real student stories

Here’s what you can expect from a private guitar lesson – told through the experiences of real Wiingy students.

1. “From chord struggles to smooth playing” – Dylan

“I struggled with chord transitions and finger placements for a long time. My tutor taught me how to keep my fingers close to the fretboard, and after just a few lessons, I started playing much smoother and faster.”

What you’ll learn: Chord transitions, finger placement, muscle memory

2. “Improving rhythm with precision” – Ava

“I could never keep up with the rhythm while switching chords. My tutor had me practice counting out loud, which seemed awkward at first. But soon, I realized how much it helped me stay in sync and improve my timing.”

What you’ll learn: Strumming patterns, rhythm control, counting

3. “Building finger independence and confidence” – Emma

“I found it hard to move my fingers independently while playing. My tutor focused on isolating my fingers, which really helped me build better hand coordination. I now play more fluidly without my fingers getting in the way.”

What you’ll learn: Finger independence, hand coordination, muscle control

Guitar lesson costs in Milwaukee

Both online and in-person lessons can be effective. It depends on your goals and learning preferences.

Option	Price range	Format	Best for
Wiingy Tutors	$15 – $35/hr	Online or in-person	Beginners, flexible budgets
Private Local Tutors	$30 – $70/hr	Mostly in-person	Intermediate to advanced
Celebrity/High-End Coaches	$100 – $250/hr	Studio-based and in-home	Professional performance prep

Wiingy offers a free trial lesson, no long-term contracts, and flexible scheduling.

Online vs in-person guitar teachers in Milwaukee

Guitar lessons can be successful in either format; your choice should reflect your learning style, experience, and musical goals.

Format	Pros	Cons
Online	Flexible, more affordable, access to top tutors anywhere	Limited hands-on guidance
In-person	Great for stage presence, studio access	Higher cost, limited scheduling

With Wiingy, you can choose the format that fits your lifestyle – and even switch between online and in-person lessons as your needs change

How to get started with a guitar tutor on Wiingy

Starting your guitar journey is easy:

1. Browse guitar tutors here
2. Book a free trial
3. Start playing with a tutor who understands your goals and musical style

To kickstart your guitar journey, start by reading through our detailed guide on How to learn guitar for beginner-friendly strategies and tips.

FAQs from guitar learners in Milwaukee

Conclusion 

Milwaukee’s thriving music culture-rooted in blues, rock, and live local talent-makes it an ideal place to kick off or elevate your guitar journey. Whether your goal is to play on stage at Summerfest or simply enjoy strumming your favorite tunes at home, the right instructor can make all the difference.

Start playing today with a top-rated guitar tutor on Wiingy-offering flexible, one-on-one lessons tailored to your personal goals, right here in the heart of Milwaukee’s music scene.