📍 Frederick, CO · Serving Carbon Valley
📞
✉️
Free trial lesson — no commitment required
Guitar & Piano Lessons · Frederick, CO · All Ages

Classical piano foundation. A seasoned guitarist. One studio for both.

Private guitar and piano lessons in Frederick, CO — in-person or online. Fun, engaging, and tailored to meet you where you're at, from your child's first songs to your own lifelong musical goals.

Piano · Classical & Contemporary
Guitar · Acoustic & Electric
Online lessons available for students outside the Frederick area
As featured in Voyage Denver →
Kathlyn Shirey - Guitar Teacher
Kathlyn Shirey - Piano Teacher
Guitar & Piano Lessons · Frederick, CO

Guitar and Piano Lessons for Ages 5 - Adult

Every lesson is tailored to your age, goals, ability level, and interests. Whether you're a complete beginner, returning after years away, or looking to advance your skills, I'd love to help you along your musical journey!

🎹
Piano Lessons
Frederick, CO · Beginning through Intermediate

My roots are in classical training, but I enjoy playing and teaching all styles. I grew up with two classical pianist parents and began playing at age five — so piano fundamentals and expression run deep. Lessons provide a solid music education, including reading music, music theory, proper technique, and ear training. Students learn to play songs in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Classical Contemporary Ages 5+ Online available
🎸
Guitar Lessons
Frederick, CO · Beginning through Advanced

As a graduate of GIT, I teach acoustic and electric guitar across a wide variety of styles, including classical, rock, blues, country, and fingerstyle. Students build a strong musical foundation, while learning the styles and songs they want to play. My youngest students begin on a special child-sized guitar, making it approachable and fun from the very beginning.

Acoustic & Electric All Styles Ages 5+ Online available
🎼
Music Theory
Woven into every lesson

Music theory isn't a separate subject — it's the foundation that makes everything else click. Every student learns to read music, understand what they're playing, and eventually figure things out on their own. That's real musical independence, and it's incorporated in every guitar and piano lesson I give.

Reading Music Keys & Scales Intervals & Chords Rhythm & Timing Online available
Kathy — guitar and piano teacher in Frederick CO
About Kathlyn

Your teacher —
genuinely passionate about both guitar & piano.

Music has always been a part of my life. I grew up with two classical pianist parents and started piano at age five. I played clarinet from age ten through around sixteen. At twelve, I discovered the guitar, and that led me down a path that shaped the rest of my life. I'm a graduate of the Musician's Institute (GIT) in Hollywood, CA, and have years of experience teaching students from age 5 through adult. I love seeing the joy on student's faces when they achieve something new. As a lifelong musician myself, I bring genuine passion to every lesson — because I believe the best lessons happen in a relaxed setting with a teacher committed to helping you reach your goals.

🎹
MTNA Member — Music Teachers National Association
The gold standard for private music teacher professionalism since 1876.
🎸
GFA Member — Guitar Foundation of America
The leading organization for classical guitar education and performance in North America.
Read my full story →
How It Works

Getting started is easy

1
Book a Free Lesson

Fill out the contact form, call, text, or email me. Tell me a little about who's learning and your goals — I'll be in touch within 24 hours.

2
Meet in the Studio

Come to my music studio in Frederick, CO, (or join online). We get to know each other, explore what you want to learn, and see if it's a good fit.

3
Your Custom Plan

We find a recurring weekly time that works for you — flexible arrangements available — and I build a personalized lesson plan around your goals.

4
Begin Your Musical Journey

Start playing songs from your very first lesson, or finally tackle the pieces you've always wanted to learn!

Student Stories

What students and parents say

★★★★★

"From the very first session, it was clear that Kathy is not only an incredibly skilled musician but also a fantastic instructor. She tailors the sessions to my son, ensuring he feels both challenged and encouraged. Kathy's patience and enthusiasm make learning genuinely enjoyable — and that's saying something for a teenager! I highly recommend her for remote or in-person lessons."

J
Jessica W.
★★★★★

"Kathlyn is an amazing guitar teacher! She makes learning fun and accessible for any age. I've seen kids, teens, and adults all thrive with her guidance. Kathlyn is patient, passionate, and she really tunes into what each student needs. I highly recommend her!"

C
Campbell L.
★★★★★

"Kathy is a gift with music: she has the soul of an artist and a teacher's heart. I'd highly recommend her to anyone looking to take lessons or even have music played at their event. She's professional, kind, and incredibly knowledgeable. Don't hesitate to give her a call!"

C
Christa B.
Studied With

The teachers behind the teacher

Through years of private instruction and intensive study at GIT and the National Guitar Workshop, I have spent years studying directly under some of the world's most respected musicians — spanning classical and flamenco to jazz, blues, and rock. I bring that foundation and passion to every lesson, whether it's a child's first songs or an adult chasing a lifelong musical goal.

Common Questions

Everything you might want to know

Lessons are held at my home studio in Frederick, CO. I'm located about five minutes east of the Carbon Valley Rec Center and am easily accessible from Frederick, Firestone, Dacono, Longmont, Fort Lupton, Erie, and surrounding areas. Online lessons are also available.

I teach guitar and piano to children, teens, and adults. Lessons are customized to match each student's age, experience level, interests, and musical goals. I generally start children as young as 5 on piano and 7 on guitar, but every child is different. We can evaluate whether your child is developmentally ready to begin lessons during the trial lesson.

Absolutely! I've taught many adult beginners or people returning to music later in life. It's never too late to start, and I'll help you learn at your own pace.

Just reach out through the contact form or by phone or email to set up your free trial lesson. After the trial lesson, we set a recurring weekly slot that's yours each week - flexible scheduling arrangements alre also available. If you're unable to attend your lesson, rescheduling is easy — just let me know ahead of time, and we'll schedule a makeup lesson.

The first lesson is always free. Weekly, 30-minute lessons are recommended for most students and are $35 each. Longer lessons, group lessons, and flexible scheduling are available upon request.

The first lesson is always free. After that, lessons are paid on the 1st of the month for the upcoming month's lessons. There are no enrollment fees or long-term contracts. Payment options include cash, check, Venmo, and Zelle.

Most likely, yes. You will need to purchase your own lesson books. I loan or create supplemental materials when possible. Most students spend around $50 a year on books. I'll send you a link to what you need to purchase after the trial lesson.

I teach a variety of styles and tailor lessons to my students' interests. Whether you want to learn classical, children's songs, rock, or anything in between, I will create a lesson plan tailored to you. My own formal training spans classical, flamenco, rock, blues, jazz, fingerstyle, funk, hard rock, and improvisation, so I am genuinely excited to teach whichever direction your musical taste goes.

Not at all! Whether you're a complete beginner, have been playing for years, or are picking up the guitar or piano after taking time off, my lessons are designed to meet you where you're at and help you grow and progress as a musician in a fun and supportive environment.

Yes! Regular practice is essential for building new skills and maintaining the ones you've already developed. Most students make the most progress when they practice at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Very young children and beginners do not need as much practice at first as they build their focus and stamina. Consistent practice strengthens memory retention, muscle memory, strength, dexterity, and much more.Even shorter sessions—just 20 minutes a day—are far more effective than cramming in hour plus sessions once a week. Consistency is key!

Yes! I offer the option to perform in recitals twice per year.

This gives us a chance to meet each other and get to know each other a little bit. You can make sure it feels like a good fit for you. It also gives me a chance to learn about your current skill level, goals, and interests, so that I can prepare your custom lesson plan for your next lesson. If you are unsure if your young child is developmentally ready to begin lessons, the trial lesson is a great way to find out!

Your success is my priority. I want you to have fun and experience real progress. I focus on helping you build the skills you need to play the music want, all while building a solid musical foundation in a fun and encouraging environment. I also offer flexible scheduling options and a generous makeup policy.

Get in Touch

Have a question first?
Just ask.

Send a message and I'll get back to you within 24 hours. No pressure, no commitment — just a friendly answer.

📍
Studio Location
Frederick, CO · Serving Carbon Valley
Frederick, Firestone, Dacono & surrounding areas
📞
Phone / Text
✉️
Email
🕐
Availability
Flexible scheduling. Contact me to find a time that works.
💳
Payment Methods
Cash · Check · Venmo · Zelle
Monthly invoicing after first lesson
✓ Message sent! I'll be in touch within 24 hours.
Something went wrong — please try again or call/text 303-562-8644.