I leave every guitar lesson feeling inspired!

★★★★★

– Aysia Loeppky

Welcome To Nelson Music Academy!

Are you ready to embark on a musical journey like no other? My name is André, and at Nelson Guitar Academy, we believe that guitar, bass, or ukulele lessons are not just about mastering notes and chords; they’re about unlocking your creativity, nurturing your passion, and discovering the joy of music.

Our mission is simple: to create a positive, enjoyable learning experience where qualities like curiosity and creativity are not just welcomed but actively encouraged. We recognize that every person is unique, and so is the way we teach and connect with each student.
With over 30 years of experience in teaching electric guitar, acoustic guitar, classical guitar, bass, and ukulele, we’ve honed our craft to ensure that every lesson is an enriching and memorable experience. Whether you’re a budding musician or a parent seeking the best for your child, you’ve come to the right place.

And starting this September, we’re excited to offer lessons in Salmo, BC, in addition to our Nelson studio. No matter where you learn, you’ll experience personalized teaching in a warm, supportive environment.

Join us, and together, we’ll explore the magical world of music. Let’s create and play music that resonates with your soul.

Check Out Our Program

2 New Locations

Starting in September 2025 we’ll not only move to a new location in Nelson, but we’ll have a 2nd location in Salmo BC! We’re super excited about these new steps and looking forward to a very musical 2025-2026 season.

Nelson Studio

601 Front Street, Office 102, Nelson BC

Salmo Studio

308 Hutcheson Avenue, Salmo BC

Guitar And Ukulele Lessons

Over the past 30 years I have studied both electric guitar, acoustic guitar, classical, and ukulele. Whatever your instrument of choice and playing style is, I will assist and guide you on your journey. The first goal is to connect with the music and each other so you or your child feel at ease and supported during the lessons. Together we’ll find out what gets you excited and we’ll plan a way to get you there comfortably. As with any instrument, practice is essential and also there I can coach you to get the most out of the time that is available.

Private Lessons (Nelson & Salmo)

Are you or your child in need of a more personalized approach? All in-person private guitar and ukulele lessons are fun and focused on the student’s interests.
There’s thoughtful coaching to help get through the difficult parts and all lessons come with excellent support such as:

Online Courses

Video summaries of your lessons

Zoom classes

And More

Email To Register

Learn to play guitar in Nelson BC with andre van berlo. Nelson Guitar Academy

Group Courses (Nelson)

Learning music in a group is both fun and powerful, fostering connections among students and providing motivation as they witness each other’s progress and challenges.

KICKSTART GUITAR

This July, join our “Kick Start Guitar” program, where kids get to explore the guitar, jam together, and build a great musical foundation for a lifetime of fun. Each session is designed to be engaging and ensures plenty of hands-on playing time.

Explore Kickstart Guitar

SINGER SONGWRITER TOOLBOX

This 5 week summer guitar course is packed with essential tools to bring your playing and songwriting to new levels. You’ll explore new ways to shape your chords and infuse your music with fresh, captivating rhythms.

Level Up Your Songwriting

BLUES GUITAR TOOLSHED

In this 5 week course we’ll dive into blues improvisation. Through small, simple steps and soloing concepts you’ll learn to give a solo direction and intention. At the end you’ll be able to tell a story and create beautiful melodies on the guitar.

Start Your Blues Journey

What my students think!

★★★★★

My son, age 13, has taken lessons with André for a year. I’m stunned with the progress he’s made in such a short time with guitar lessons. He’s playing his favourite hits! He’s inspired, clearly, as he practices heaps each day and looks forward to his lesson days. He says that André is an excellent teacher, patient, very descriptive, explains things very clearly and it feels intuitive for my son.

Rachelle Marsden

★★★★★

Andre is a fantastic guitar teacher! My son would do lessons everyday if he could. Andre is patient, kind and works with the student’s interests which makes my son so happy. I can’t believe how much he has learned in such a short time. Look no further for a guitar teacher, Andre’s the best!”

Kristine Voykin

★★★★★

My son did the group uke/guitar class and he really enjoyed learning along with a small group of other children. The online learning videos/resources were an incredible tool for reviewing and practicing everything that was learned in the class ! I highly recommend Andre as a music teacher. We are truly grateful for his skill and lovely nature.

Kate Butt

Read All Reviews

Teaching Philosophy

Passion

Your (or your child’s) interests are used as a starting point and used throughout the lessons to make key decisions regarding the lesson content. This means you have your own lesson plan that is unique to your wants and needs.

Fun

We aim to create a fun and enjoyable environment that opens your mind, relaxes the body, enhances memory retention, and boosts motivation for practice.

Clarity

Clear instruction (for students and parents), a step-by-step practice guide, and great online support are all there to provide clarity. All of these elements help remove the barriers you might experience that prevent you from enjoying, or maybe even starting, your practice sessions.

Independence

Our ultimate goal is for you (or your child) to become self-sufficient in playing songs or solos, starting with small steps, such as determining which songs are suitable for your skill level, and progressing over time to thinks like playing songs by ear or improvising your own solo.

Mentoring

We foster an enjoyment over progress and progress over perfection mindset. Music is not a competition to become the fastest player alive, music is about self expression. As such, we will help you or your child overcome ideas and beliefs that stand in the way of enjoyment and self-expression.

Music I play and teach

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Links

Your Guitar Workshop

Social Media

Facebook Page

YouTube (Your Guitar Workshop)

Contact

Email: nelsonbcguitarlessons@gmail.com

Nelson: 601 Front Street, Office 102, Nelson BC
Salmo: 308 Hutcheson Avenue, Salmo BC