About Our Classes
We offer two guitar classes for seniors—Beginning Guitar and Intermediate Guitar through partnership with the Lakeview Senior Center in Irvine, California.
Lakeview Senior Center
Located at Alton Parkway
and Lake Road
20 Lake Road, Irvine
Phone: 949-724-6900
While the class names suggest distinct levels, both classes are intentionally flexible, supportive, and welcoming, designed to meet people where they are and help them enjoy playing guitar together. Our teaching approach is the same in both classes.
Our Teaching Approach
“Just Do What You Can”
Classes are led by a team of 3–5 senior volunteers—guitar players and enthusiasts who take turns leading songs and demonstrating techniques. Some of us have been playing guitar for decades; others began much more recently. None of us are professional musicians or formal instructors. We are simply friendly guides and facilitators, learning and playing alongside you.
The atmosphere is relaxed and social—more like friends getting together to play music than a traditional classroom.
As seniors ourselves, we understand many of the challenges that can come with age: sore wrists or fingers, fatigue, limited hand reach, or reduced strength. Because of this, we take a practical and realistic approach to guitar playing. Everyone is encouraged to move at their own pace and participate in a way that feels comfortable.
How Classes Work
We’ve found that spending less time talking during class and more time playing together works best.
Each week, participants receive an email before class that introduces new information—such as learning specific chords (for example, A, D, and E). The email includes a YouTube video of a song using those chords that we’ll be playing together in class.
During class, we first warmup and then briefly recap the email. We demonstrate new chords or techniques; then answer questions or add clarification. Then we play songs together as a group.
At home, you practice at your own pace, revisit emails and videos; then bring any questions to the next class.
This approach helps true beginners to have clear guidance and take their time, while More experienced players can focus on refining techniques or developing their own interpretation of the song.
Beginning Guitar Class
This class is all about discovering the joy of playing guitar in a supportive group setting.
You’ll learn the basics—finger placement, simple strumming, chords, and tuning—while playing along with familiar, popular songs. You must bring your own guitar.
Our participants come with a wide range of musical backgrounds. Many have no prior musical experience while others may play other instruments or may have played guitar earlier in their lives. You are all welcome.
Intermediate Guitar Class
This class is for those who want to continue their guitar journey in the same relaxed, encouraging environment. We will explore chord and rhythm embellishments, fingerstyle, and a few more challenging songs.
Intermediate participants should:
- Be comfortable with basic strumming
- Know at least 10 chords
- Be able to play several simple songs using chords such as: A, D, E, C, F, and G
- Bring a guitar and a music stand
You may find the class schedule and also Register for Spring 2026 at https://yourirvine.org