About Denise Peters
Guitar Instructor and Music Theory Teacher
Classical Training Meets Rock, Metal, & Modern Music.
With over 20 years of teaching experience and a Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar Performance, I help students of all ages build strong technique, deep musical understanding, and lasting confidence across classical, acoustic, electric, and contemporary styles.
My Musical Journey
I started playing guitar at the age of 12, long before YouTube, social media, or instant tutorials existed. With no formal instruction at the beginning, I relied on my ear, trial and error, and the occasional Guitar World magazine. My first guitar was a battered instrument found in an alleyway, and on it I taught myself rock, folk, and metal, learning songs by listening closely and figuring them out note by note. That early experience shaped the way I teach today: learning to truly listen, understand music from the inside out, and develop independence as a musician.
Everything changed in high school when I saw John Williams perform Asturias (Leyenda) from Suite Española, Op. 47, No. 5. It was my first exposure to Spanish classical guitar, and it completely redefined what I thought the instrument could do. Influenced equally by classical music and technical metal players like Randy Rhoads, I realized that classical training would deepen my musicianship across all styles. At 21, I set my B.C. Rich Warlock aside, picked up a nylon string guitar, and committed fully to classical study.
Formal Training and Performance Experience
I earned my Basic Musicianship Certificate from Douglas College, then went on to complete a Bachelor of Music in Advanced Performance on Classical Guitar at University of British Columbia. During my degree, I developed a strong foundation in music theory, harmony, history, and ethnomusicology, gaining a deep understanding of how music works across cultures and genres. I studied under Michael Strutt, Daniel Bolshoy, and Alec Pearson, and performed with the UBC Symphony Orchestra and the UBC Guitar Ensemble. I have also performed in masterclasses with Christopher Parkening, John Leathwood, Daniel Bolshoy, and Michael Strutt.
Alongside performance, teaching has always been at the core of my work. I have been teaching guitar and music theory for over 20 years, working with students of all ages and experience levels. I teach classical, acoustic, electric, fingerstyle, rock, pop, metal, folk, and contemporary styles, as well as ukulele. My lessons are highly customized, drawing from an extensive personal library of handouts and materials I have developed over two decades of teaching. These resources allow me to adapt quickly to different learning styles and help students truly understand what they are playing, not just memorize shapes or songs.
My Teaching Philosophy
My background in classical training, combined with extensive real-world experience in rock, metal, and popular music, allows me to bridge gaps that many guitar students struggle with. After more than a decade teaching within established lesson programs, including Long & McQuade and Wentworth Music, as well as running my own private studio and recitals, I understand how to adapt lessons for a wide range of learning styles and goals. Whether a student wants to read notation, prepare for RCM exams, strengthen their understanding of music theory, or confidently play their favorite songs, each lesson is thoughtfully tailored to support long-term progress.
I specialize in making complex musical concepts clear and approachable, helping students build strong technique, musical awareness, and independence. I have experience working with individuals with special needs and learning disabilities and hold a valid criminal record check for working with vulnerable persons. Lessons are offered both online and in person in a supportive, encouraging environment where students are challenged appropriately without feeling overwhelmed.
