Our Roots
‘From Beginner to Guitarist’ finds its home in Nelson, a small and beautiful town, situated in the mountains or British Columbia. We’re a “coming together” of the local “Nelson Guitar Academy”, and online platform “Your Guitar Workshop”.
We are unique platform for beginner guitar players, looking for a personal and positive learning environment to learn and play the guitar.
We are committed to providing unparalleled music education based on a unique blend of experience, innovation, and an unwavering passion for inspiring musical journeys.
Or courses are built to ensure quality and effectiveness while our live classes offer a warm and personal touch that fosters a genuine connection. Complementing this is our robust online support system that features asynchronous video messaging and 1 on 1 zoom classes.
Vision
Our vision is to be a renowned online guitar academy celebrated for its personal, warm, and kind approach, coupled with world-class instruction. We envision a platform where every student not only learns the art of guitar but also experiences the transformative power of music in a fun and nurturing environment.
Mission
Our mission is to empower students by fostering a love for learning and making music. This commitment goes beyond teaching the guitar as we are dedicated to breaking down any barriers that hinder growth through clear and inspiring education and by helping them overcome any self-limiting beliefs or habits.
Master Plan
We focus on building a true connection with our students and providing a warm and supportive environment. We are committed to fostering a community where each student feels supported and free to express themselves and guide students in overcoming self-limiting beliefs. We do this by encouraging positive self-talk, providing practical coaching, instilling a growth mindset, and raising awareness about the destructive nature of limiting beliefs.
Our Approach
Growth Mindset
At FBTG, we instil a growth mindset, enabling students to overcome their inner obstacles. We empower them with an understanding of how the brain works, helping them avoid common pitfalls and maximize their learning potential.
Enjoyment
Music should be a source of joy, not frustration. We prioritize cultivating healthy habits and routines that ensure sustainable progress and a genuine passion for playing and learning.
What We Do
01
Learning Hub
We serves as the central hub for a variety of learning platforms, both local and online. We’re the primary resource for the local ‘Nelson Guitar Academy’ and the ‘Kootenay School Music program.’ Simultaneously, we function as a course platform for ‘Your Guitar Workshop’ and its Patreon community.
02
Personalized Attention
While we’re committed to delivering world-class quality in online instruction and course delivery, we hold dear our small-town roots. At FBTG, every student is more than just a number; they’re seen and cared for. We’ve created a warm, inviting, and fun learning environment where creativity thrives.
03
Classroom Experience
Our courses and learning paths closely emulate the classroom learning process. We introduce techniques and theory precisely when they’re needed, ensuring that our students’ primary goal is to play and enjoy the instrument. Once the foundation is established, students can confidently explore various aspects of playing at their own pace.
04
Feedback Loop
Our learning paths and courses at FBTG are born from the questions and needs of our local students. We tailor our content to address their specific inquiries, and their feedback ensures our courses are comprehensive and effective. Each step is a challenging yet manageable progression.
Our Story
Passion
In the small town of Beek en Donk in the Netherlands, a profound love for music and the magic of the guitar set André on a remarkable journey. His path led him from being a chemistry student and guitar enthusiast, to embarking on a career as a professional musician and a dedicated teacher.
Challenges
Yet, like any mission, this one was not without its requisite challenges, doubts, and trying moments. André faced failed auditions, moved thousands of miles away from his relatives to live in Canada with his family, lost his job as a college guitar instructor due to the pandemic, and even stared bankruptcy in the face.
Success
Even though it’s enough to bring one to his knees, it all fuelled André’s motivation to do better. Throughout his remarkable journey spanning over 30 years, André’s passion for music and education became the driving force behind building two thriving businesses from the ground up. ‘Your Guitar Workshop,’ established in 2010, emerged as an online guitar lesson platform that pioneered innovation in music education. Simultaneously, ‘Nelson Guitar Academy,’ a local studio in Nelson BC, cultivated the warm and caring side of André, forging lasting connections with local students and their families.
Vision
Then, in 2021, after a series of transformative experiences including losing his job at Selkirk Music College due to the pandemic, André’s dream took a new shape. He envisioned ‘From Beginner to Guitarist’ as the ultimate teaching platform for guitar—an online oasis that merged the warmth and kindness of a small town with world-class teaching and online course delivery.
Realisation
After 2.5 years of meticulous planning, writing, recording lessons, and platform building, André’s dream materialized. “From Beginner to Guitarist” emerged as the culmination of his vision – a hub that bridges the gap between local and international students, embodying small-town charm, kindness, and world-class guitar education. Ready to usher aspiring musicians “from beginner to guitarist,” this platform represents André’s unwavering dedication to making quality instruction accessible 24/7.
‘From Beginner to Guitarist’ is a sign of André’s true resilience and unwavering pursuit of excellence. His belief that every individual’s musical journey should be an adventure is a testament to André’s enduring commitment to the magic of music.
Back Ground
Education
Experience
Take Your Guitar Skills to the Next Level
Explore your learning options and choose the path that’s right for you—beginner course, coaching, or both.