Adult Guitar Ensemble

OVERVIEW

Join a fun and dynamic group class where students learn to play guitar while developing essential musical skills in an ensemble setting. Each 60-minute class includes instruction in proper technique, music reading, rhythm, and music theory — all while making music together as a group. Students rotate through different musical roles and work on repertoire that gradually increases in difficulty as their skills grow.

Guitar Ensemble is a great opportunity for young guitarists to build confidence, make music with peers, and gain valuable ensemble experience — all in a positive, supportive, and well-paced learning environment.

This class is open to adults and welcomes all skill levels, from beginners to more experienced players. Class size is limited to 10 students.

SCHEDULE

• Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm

  • Winter Session – January 12-March 2 (8 weeks)

    • Free Trial Class – January 5

  • Spring Session– March 23-May 11 (8 weeks)

    • Free Trial Class – March 9

TUITION

• $10-20/class (contact to discuss options)

  • In an effort to make this opportunity accessible to more families, this class will be offered on a sliding scale. Students are invited to choose the tuition level that best fits their current financial situation—no application or documentation needed. Students who choose the full tuition option help support a more inclusive music community at Anthem.

• Tuition is charged upfront for the entire session you choose. Your payment secures your spot for the full session, helping us plan effectively and provide consistent learning experiences.

MATERIALS NEEDED

• Classical nylon-string or acoustic steel-string guitars will be required.

• Guitar footstools recommended but not required

• All other materials will be provided.

HOW GUITAR ENSEMBLE WORKS

Guitar Ensemble is structured as two 8-week sessions during the spring season. Each session is designed to be self-contained, allowing new students to join at the start and returning students to build on what they’ve already learned.

Here’s what students can expect:

• A Clear Start and Finish

  • Each 8-week session begins with clear goals, new warm-ups, and ensemble pieces chosen to match the group’s range of skill levels

• Layered Music Parts for Every Level

  • Music is selected to provide a strong match for each student’s level of experience. Beginners may focus on simple, steady parts, while more advanced students take on melodies, harmony lines, or rhythmic variations. This structure allows everyone to learn together while still being appropriately challenged.

• Rotation of Roles

  • Students move through different ensemble roles at their own pace. As skills develop, they’ll have the chance to take on melody, harmony, bass lines, and rhythmic accompaniment. This approach helps each student grow confidently while understanding how all parts work together.

• Collaborative Learning

  • Students work together toward a shared musical goal, learning ensemble skills such as following a conductor, playing with steady rhythm, listening across sections, balancing tone, and rehearsing as a group — all essential skills for strong musicianship.

• Designed for Ongoing Progress

  • Students are encouraged to continue from one session to the next. Skills and repertoire build gradually, creating a meaningful long-term learning experience while still keeping each session beginner-friendly.

Meet the Teacher

Jeremy Hiniker is a classical guitarist from southern Minnesota with 20 years of experience performing and teaching. Over the course of his music career, Jeremy has been fortunate to study with many gifted guitarists including world-renowned guitar virtuoso and pedagogue Rene Izquierdo, and Minneapolis Guitar Quartet members Wade Oden and Maja Radovanlija. 

Throughout his education, Jeremy earned top marks as he received his AFA in Music with guitar emphasis at Normandale Community College, BFA in Classical Guitar Performance from UW-Milwaukee, and Master of Music in Classical Guitar Performance at the University of Minnesota. In addition, Jeremy has had the opportunity to perform for and learn from many notable and prizewinning guitarists such as Marcin Dylla, Zoran Dukic, Odair Assad, Shin-Ichi Fukuda, Anton Baranov, Denis Azabagic and many more. 

Aside from his educational pursuits, Jeremy also is an avid performer, performing solo and chamber music concerts as well as weddings, events and even yoga classes. These serve his mission in advocating for awareness, appreciation, and education for the classical guitar; a mission he began as a major partner in the Milwaukee Classical Guitar Society’s “Guitar Ambassador” program by performing and presenting in schools throughout Milwaukee.

As an educator, Jeremy specializes in teaching beginner and intermediate students, leading them through an approach that develops music fundamentals including reading music (standard notation), rhythm, music theory, as well as incorporating proper technique to allow for ease of playing in whatever style they are interested in.