Business Details
30 Years
experience
Expert Guitar Instruction in Honolulu
At 7th Fret Guitar Studios, we have dedicated ourselves to teaching guitar since 1996, specializing in a group-based curriculum that fosters both technical skill and musical creativity. Our instructors, all formally trained and experienced performers, use a proven methodology that integrates rock, jazz, blues, and classical styles to engage students of all ages. We emphasize small-group learning, which allows students to develop collaborative musicianship while receiving individualized attention. Our program, developed by Darin Au, combines decades of pedagogical research with practical experience, ensuring students build foundational skills through age-appropriate instruction. We pride ourselves on creating a supportive environment where students progress from basic techniques to advanced performance, with many continuing their musical journeys into college and beyond.Our studio in Honolulu offers dedicated classrooms, flexible scheduling, and a curriculum tailored for children, teens, and adults. Over the years, our students have achieved recognition in school bands, formed their own ensembles, and pursued music degrees, reflecting our commitment to nurturing lifelong musicians. We maintain rigorous standards for instructor training and curriculum development, ensuring every student benefits from structured lessons and real-world musical experiences. Our tuition remains competitively priced, providing exceptional value for quality instruction in a community-focused setting.
Services
Guitar lessons for kids
Teen guitar instruction
Adult guitar classes
Group guitar lessons
Music theory training
Performance preparation
Rock guitar instruction
Classical guitar lessons
Blues guitar training
Jazz guitar workshops
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of specialized guitar instruction experience.
- Our group format accelerates learning through collaborative musicianship.
- Instructors hold advanced degrees and perform professionally in diverse genres.
- Curriculum developed by award-winning composer Darin Au ensures comprehensive skill development.
- Proven track record of students advancing to college music programs.
What people say
Excellent program
Great teachers
Patient instruction
Creative curriculum
Lifelong musical passion
Services
Guitar lessons for kids
Our GuitarPlay program teaches children aged 5-12 proper technique, ear training, and note reading through familiar tunes. Classical guitar fundamentals are introduced early, transitioning smoothly into chord playing and popular styles. Parent participation is encouraged to support home practice, ensuring young learners develop strong foundational skills in a fun, structured environment.
Teen guitar instruction
Contemporary Guitar for Teens covers rock, blues, and popular styles while building essential chords, improvisation skills, and music theory. Students learn iconic songs by artists like the Beatles and Eric Clapton, developing both technical proficiency and creative expression. Group settings encourage peer collaboration while maintaining individualized progress tracking.
Group guitar lessons
Small-group classes (2-4 students) combine individualized feedback with ensemble experience. This format accelerates learning through musical collaboration, teaching listening skills and rhythmic precision. Students benefit from peer motivation while receiving personalized corrections and performance opportunities within a supportive community setting.
Music theory training
Integrated music theory instruction covers reading notation, chord construction, and improvisation techniques. Students learn to analyze musical structures while applying theoretical concepts to practical playing. This comprehensive approach ensures musicianship development alongside technical skill acquisition across multiple genres.
Performance preparation
Students prepare for biannual recitals through ensemble rehearsals and solo performances. Instructors guide repertoire selection, stage presence, and performance techniques. Recordings capture live performances without editing, showcasing authentic progress and building confidence through real-world musical experiences.
People
Darin Au
Founder & Instructor
Darin Au holds a Master of Music in Composition from the University of North Texas. He has taught guitar for 25+ years, developed educational curricula used nationally, and served as Punahou School's Music Department Head for 11 years.
Jason Nomura
Instructor
Jason Nomura earned his B.Ed. in Secondary General Music Education from UH-Manoa. He brings extensive classroom experience and performs in multiple rock bands while teaching guitar at Punahou School part-time.
Matthew Love
Instructor
Matthew Love holds a B.A. in Classical Music Performance from the New England Conservatory. He teaches double bass and guitar while performing locally in alternative rock band Mantra and composing original music.
Kimberly Oshita
Instructor
Kimberly Oshita earned her M.M. in Guitar Performance from California State University Northridge. She has taught guitar for eight years and studied classical guitar in Europe with renowned instructors.
Questions
What age groups do you teach?
We offer classes for children aged 5-12, teens aged 13-18, and adults of all skill levels.
Do you offer private lessons?
While our focus is group instruction, we occasionally offer private lessons for adults with specific scheduling needs.
What musical styles do you cover?
Our curriculum includes rock, jazz, blues, and classical styles with emphasis on both technical proficiency and creative expression.
How long are the lessons?
Lesson durations vary by age group: 30 minutes for young children, 45 minutes for teens, and 60 minutes for adults.
Are there performance opportunities?
Students participate in biannual recitals and ensemble performances, with many forming their own bands outside class.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
All instructors hold advanced degrees in music and have professional performance experience across multiple genres.
