Why Students Choose Ontario Guitar Studio
②Clear practice plans + feedback✔
③Improvisation & harmony fundamentals ✔
④ Play with others / perform ✔
recitals, workshops
⑤English + Japanese lessons ✔
Japanese support for English Learners
・In a nutshell・
Embrace your artistic freedom
and performance ability
with a proficient guitar instructor,
regardless of your playing level.
①Your Instructor
I was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. At 16, after receiving the Maestro Please Musicians Award in New York, I entered the Humber College Music program, acquiring a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz.
After graduating, I continued working as a professional guitarist in Canada while teaching several guitar students.
Moving to Tokyo, Japan in 2013 to complete my studies in Japanese, after graduating from ARC Academy Japanese School, and achieving N2 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, I am is happy to teach students in another language, as well as perform for new audiences at several of Tokyo's finest clubs.
I have taught guitar for nearly 20 years, and have taught hundreds of students, from the casual hobbyist, to the aspiring professional.
With my experience as a working international musician, I like to tap into my student's potential to find the perfect balance of structure and freedom.
I also wrote a short post about how I ended up teaching guitar in Takadanobaba, if you’re curious.
I look forward to meeting you and working with you!
-Ryan
②Clear customized practice plans + feedback
Step-by-step, ladder-style guidance for both beginner and intermediate students, with clear customized goals and constructive feedback after every lesson.
Build strong guitar fundamentals using the original OGS Basics guitar method textbook.
③Improvisation & harmony fundamentals
Expert training for guitarists looking to deepen their understanding of Jazz, Funk, R&B. Learn how to improve your improvisation skills by moving beyond basic chords and scales.
④ Play with others / perform
Gain real performance experience
through twice-yearly recitals.
Play with other students
in monthly jam session workshops.
Grow together in
⑤English + Japanese lessons
Japanese support for English Learners
Build real English confidence through natural conversation during guitar lessons.
Learn comfortably at your own pace, with Japanese support available when needed.
English and Japanese mixed (English with Japanese Support)
HereはOKですか？
Press here with your 人差し指. Yes！Just like that！
いいですね！Great!
あっ！ここですね！なるほど！I see! Thank you!
Reviews from our Students
ACCESS
Lessons are held at BASS ON TOP Takadanobaba music studio, conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from Takadanobaba Station, Toriyama Exit.
Address
FAQ
Q: "Typically, what kind of students come to Ontario Guitar Studio?"
Students of various age groups attend classes here, ranging from elementary school students to university students, working professionals, as well as seniors.
Not only Japanese students but also non-Japanese residents of Japan frequently attend. Thanks to the internet and our YouTube channel, students from overseas also take online lessons or participate in short-term intensive courses during their stay in Japan.
Q:"I want to learn both English and guitar, but I am a complete beginner with both."
Even if you are a complete beginner with English guitar, we offer highly supportive lessons.
OGS prioritizes comfort during lessons, and using a simple mix of English and Japanese, along with a watch-and-imitate approach, has proven to be very effective for these type ofstudents.
With very patient and careful guidance every step of the way, this enables a enables a fun and comfortable learning environment.
Q: "I am not interested in speaking English. Can I take guitar lessons in Japanese only?"
We also offer lessons in Japanese only, therefore it is possible to take lessons without using English.
Q: "I am a complete beginner. I have never touched a musical instrument. Is that okay?"
Having experience with musical instruments is helpful, but we have a lot of teaching experience with students who have no background in music whatsoever.
For students with no experience whatsoever, building finger strength and getting familiar with the basics of the guitar is the initial focus of the first few lessons. Subsequent lessons revolve around developing a basic sense of rhythm and timing.
All lessons carried out with a strong emphasis on support and assistance for the student to ensure maximum fun and enjoyment of the learning process, and the guitar itself.
Q: "What kind of curriculum do you offer?"
The lessons are customized based on the student's level and goals. For beginner students, the beginner-oriented school textbook method 'OGS Basics' is used, with the direction towards songs and skills the student would like to learn.
Generally, lessons focused solely on textbooks can significantly reduce a student's motivation quite quickly. Therefore, maintaining a proper balance between textbooks and what the student ultimately wants to play is a top priority.
Q: "I would like to have lessons once a month. Is this option available?"
Unfortunately due to scheduling constraints, the minimum lesson frequency offered is twice a month.
Q: "Do you offer travel lessons?"
Unfortunately due to scheduling constraints, travel lessons are not offered. However, if it's difficult to travel to the lesson location, online lessons are also available.
Q: "I am too far from your lesson location, but I am interested in online lessons. Are they available?"
Online lessons are offered using Zoom. Currently, students not only in Japan but also around the world at various skill levels take lessons with OGS.
Q: "Do you provide rental instruments or instruments for those who cannot bring their own?"
For individual lessons, guitars can be provided free of charge. However for group lessons, rental guitars are available, but because of a limited number of guitars available at the rehearsal studio, bringing your own guitar is strongly recommend.
みなさんとギターを一緒に学べることを
楽しみにしています！
I’m looking forward to working on your guitar goals with you!
Ryan Boisselle
Ontario Guitar Studio Instructor