Located in Vancouver, B.C. Rufus Guitar Shop has two locations both filled with a roster of highly qualified and personable instructors who teach a variety of musical styles and instruments. We offer lessons on acoustic, classical, electric and bass guitar. We also have instructors specializing in other stringed instruments such as banjo, mandolin, and ukulele, as well as voice. Lessons are available in person at one of our two retail locations or online using apps such as Zoom. All of our instructors are practicing musicians and offer a range of musical styles such as folk, bluegrass, rock, pop, blues, jazz, metal and slide guitar. Whether you are 5 or 85, we have a teacher that will get you strumming!
Tuition Fees: We offer two options for lessons: drop-in or weekly. Lesson rates are $35 per half hour as of September 1st 2022. To book a lesson or for more information please contact our lesson coordinator at 604-222-1717 Extension 3 or email lessons@rufusguitarshop.com. Office phone hours are weekdays 10-2, leave a message or email outside of those hours. To confirm a lesson time or if you are running late please phone the store directly.
Weekly Lessons: Weekly lessons are our most popular option, giving you a reserved time slot every week with the same instructor. Weekly lessons are billed by the calendar month at the start of the month with a pre authorized credit card. A registration and billing form will need to be filled out prior to booking the lessons. Once you have registered for weekly lessons they will automatically renew each month until proper notice to terminate lessons is given.
Drop-in Lessons: Drop-in lessons are booked one at a time based on availability and can not be cancelled. The tuition fee for a “drop-in” lesson is $35 for a half hour, payment is required when the lesson is booked.
Missed Lessons/Cancellations: If you are unable to attend a weekly lesson, we require 48 hours notice. With proper notice the option of a make-up lesson will be available. If a makeup lesson is not available a credit will be issued which will go towards the following month’s lessons. Unfortunately without sufficient notice, the student will be charged for the lesson. Lesson(s) that must be missed due to an instructor’s illness or professional obligations will either be rescheduled or filled in by a qualified substitute instructor. If you decide to discontinue lessons, the regular 48 hours notice is required. Drop-in lessons cannot be cancelled. To cancel, change or end lessons please email lessons@rufusguitarshop.com or call 604-222-1717 Extension 3 for any scheduling changes and speak to our Lesson Coordinator .
Instruments: If you are unable to bring your instrument with you, we will happily lend you one for your lesson. Not applicable with online lessons
ALMA St INSTRUCTOR BIOS
Blake McAndless
Blake is a multi-instrumentalist composer with a degree in music studies and diploma in education. He’s worked semi-professionally as a performing artist for 20 years reaching stages throughout North America, Europe, Asia, South & Central America as either a drummer, guitarist, DJ, or singer songwriter. He’s recently returned from teaching abroad and is working on his 3rd full-length album for his original soul /folk project called the Passing Clouds.
Availability: Tuesday, Thursday
Brian Minato
Brian has recorded with Sarah McLachlan, Stevie Nicks, Wild Strawberries, DMC (Run-DMC) and more. He has toured North America, Europe, Japan, New Zealand, Australia and has performed on The Grammys, Saturday Night Live, Conan O’Brien, The Tonight Show, The David Letterman Show and The Junos. Acoustic and electric guitar, electric bass and singing are Brian’s specialty.
Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Natalie Kimpton
Natalie has a Diploma in Classical Music, majoring in guitar, and a Bachelors Degree in Music Therapy from Capilano University. Along with classical guitar, Natalie teaches acoustic, folk, fingerpicking, rock, ukulele and theory. Her fun personality is perfect for kids and beginners.
Availability: Wednesday, Thursday (Starting October 2022)
Dana Oikawa
Dana is a graduate of Selkirk college where she majored in composition. She has played in rock, folk and jazz bands and currently plays with local singer/songwriter Amy Blake and also runs music programs in the Downtown Eastside. Dana teaches folk, pop, rock, fingerstyle guitar and songwriting. Dana is lots of fun and great with all ages!
Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
Daniel Sean
Danny studied classical guitar at RCM Regina and has performed with many high profile rock and metal bands. His specialties include classical guitar, rock, metal, folk, blues, bass and mandolin. Danny had the honour of auditioning as guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne, if you want to shred he is your man! Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
Daniel Tougas
Daniel began studying guitar at Rufus Guitar Shop as a young student, since graduating from VCC School of Music he’s returned to teach where it all started for him. Fluent in several contemporary styles, focused on learning needs and musical goals, he enjoys working with students of all ages and skill sets, include adult beginners, and college audition prep.
Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Alex Flock
Alex is a versatile guitarist, both acoustic and electric. His awards include a 3rd place finish at the 2012 Canadian Fingerstyle Guitar Competition. His teaching experience includes the UBC Summer Music Institute, Alex is comfortable teaching all ages and levels in a wide variety of contemporary styles.
Availability: Monday
Robin Hunter
Robin can get your acoustic, electric guitar and singer/songwriter skills to the next level with his extensive recording and performing background. He also specializes in fingerstyle guitar, slide and lap steel for the slide and open tuning curious! Robin is the newest teacher to join the Rufus team are we are excited to have him on board!
Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
Aaron Nussbaum
Aaron studied jazz guitar in the music diploma program at VCC and is currently completing his bachelor of music therapy at Capilano University. He performs regularly and has played in countless genres and styles. His teaching approach often integrates playing music with technique, theory and a knowledge of how the guitar works. He is inspired to see students reach their goals and play the music they really want to play.
Availability: Saturday
ONLINE INSTRUCTORS
Dave Gannett
Dave is a Fanshaw Music College graduate and is our resident slide guitar expert. He teaches acoustic fingerstyle, blues, rock, mandolin, beginner banjo and ukulele. Dave performs around the city and has appeared on numerous recordings. Apps include Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts.
Availability: Online Only, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Mornings available.
Adam Willey
Adam Willey has been active in the Canadian music scene for over a decade. Adam specializes in instruments such as bass, guitar, voice and ukulele, as well as music theory, musicianship, and composition. He is currently completing his Bachelor of Music degree at Vancouver Community College. Apps include Zoom, Skype, Facetime, Discord
Availability: Online Only Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Beau Wheeler
Beau studied voice and composition at VCC and SFU here in Vancouver and has recorded two solo records. Folk, pop, rock and vocals are Beau’s specialties.
Availability: Online Only Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
COMMERCIAL DRIVE INSTRUCTOR BIOS
Jessica Benini
Jessica Benini is an inspired music teacher since 2009 specializing in voice, guitar, ukulele, harmonica and songwriting, including all genres and levels. She is a graduate of Rosebud School of the Arts in Alberta with a degree in Theatre and Music. She has recorded two albums and has toured throughout North America.
Availability: Monday
Lee Nichols
Availability: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday @ Commercial Drive. Fridays @ Alma St
Anthony Sirianni
Anthony has been playing guitar since 2001 and has taught formal lessons for three years in Kamloops before moving to the Lower Mainland. Anthony has performed in several bands over the years and is well versed in rock, hard rock, blues and metal styles of electric guitar.
Availability: Monday, Tuesday
Sangito Bigelow
Sangito received his music diploma at VCC with a major in jazz guitar. He is a multi-instrumentalist and an accomplished bandleader specializing in African Hi-life, Gypsy Jazz, Classic Jazz, Cumbia, Bossa Nova and Latin Folk/Pop. Sangito loves teaching music to people of all ages and tailoring lessons to each student’s individual needs.
Availability: Wednesday,
Seah Maister
Seah Maister is an accomplished singer, songwriter, collaborator and music teacher. She has been teaching for over 8 years and performing and touring in a variety projects for 15+ years in many different genres including Rock, Metal, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Pop, R&B, Soul and World Music. Recently, Seah completed the bachelor degree program at VCC School of Music for jazz and contemporary vocal performance and holds 2 diplomas from Selkirk College School of Music.
Seah specializes in voice and focuses on teaching healthy singing for longevity in any genre. She also teaches guitar, ukulele, bass, songwriting and combo lessons – singing and playing your instrument at the same time. Her lessons are tailored to each individual student with a focus on finding enjoyment in learning!
Availability: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Taylor Harrison
Taylor is currently studying music at VCC, majoring in jazz guitar. She has a wide range of performance experience in a variety of styles. She specializes in jazz, rock, folk, pop, neo-soul, music theory and composition. She is an experienced multi-instrumentalist and seeks to create a fun and comfortable learning environment tailored to each student’s needs.
Availability: Saturday