COVID 19 Update: Lessons with Rufus Guitar Shop
We are pleased to announce that we will be offering in store in person lessons beginning September 1, 2021. Contact us now to book your spots for September! We will still be offering Online Zoom lessons for the balance of the summer season.
Email us or call 604-222-1717 to book your lessons
Rufus Guitar Shop has 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. 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 $30 per half hour.
Weekly Lessons: Weekly lessons are paid by the calendar month on the first lesson of the month. Payment is required when the lesson time is booked, either in person, or by phone. If you prefer, we can keep a record of a credit card to process monthly payments. Once you have registered for weekly lessons, you will be on the schedule indefinitely or until proper notice to discontinue lessons is given.
Drop-in Lessons: The tuition fee for a “drop-in” lesson is $30.00 for a half hour, payment is required when the lesson is booked. Drop-in lessons are booked by availability and can not be cancelled.
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. 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. Please call 604-222-1717 for any scheduling changes and speak with the front desk.
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
Please call us at 604-222-1717 for more detailed schedule information.
ALMA INSTRUCTOR BIOS
Devon Clarke
Devon has completed his Diploma of Music at VCC this year, where he has been the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships, as well as winning the 2016 VCC Contemporary Competition for Composition and Performance. Devon aims to nurture excitement, insight, and intention in all his students’ playing in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Availability: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat
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 (starting September 2021)
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
Danny Nargang
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: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs.
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 at the third service at Tenth church as well as her own folk/rock band. Dana teaches folk, pop, rock and fingerstyle guitar, is lots of fun and great with all ages!
Availability: Monday, Tuesday, 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,
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: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,Thursday.
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: Not currently available
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 and ukulele. Dave performs around the city and has appeared on numerous recordings. Apps include Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts.
Availability: Online Only, Monday, Tues, 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, Friday, Saturday
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.
www.jessicabenini.com Availability: Monday, Tuesday
Joe Harvey
Joe is a guitarist and instructor with a range of interests and experience. He ’s a graduate of VCCÕs school of music and a career musician. Joe ’s teaching style has developed over several years and is both fun and effective while being mindful of individual student needs. Availability: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
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, Wednesday
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, Saturday