Youth Guitar Ensemble
Overview
Join a fun and dynamic Youth Guitar Ensemble where students learn to play guitar while developing essential musical skills in a supportive group setting. Each 60-minute class includes instruction in proper technique, music reading, rhythm, and basic 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. This class is perfect for young guitarists who want to build confidence, play with peers, and gain ensemble experience in a positive, encouraging environment.
Open to beginners and early-intermediate players (ages 9–16), this class ensures students learn alongside peers at a similar skill level for the best progress and enjoyment. Class size is limited to 8 students, allowing for personalized attention, hands-on learning, and a supportive ensemble experience.
SCHEDULE
Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm
Winter Session – January 15-March 5 (8 weeks)
Spring Session– March 26-May 21 (8 weeks - no class 4/16)
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. Families are invited to choose the tuition level that best fits their current financial situation—no application or documentation needed. Families 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
Our Youth Guitar Ensemble is structured in self-contained sessions, allowing new students to join at the start and returning students to continue building their skills. Each 8-week session focuses on skill development, teamwork, and ensemble fun.
What students can expect:
A Clear Start and Finish
Each session begins with defined goals, warm-ups, and ensemble pieces carefully chosen to match the group’s skill level. Students gain confidence as they progress each week.
Learning Together
Students work on the same parts simultaneously, reinforcing essential guitar skills such as proper technique, note reading, rhythm, and coordination. By learning together, they build confidence and enjoy the fun of making music as a group.
Collaborative Ensemble Skills
Students develop key ensemble abilities, including listening to peers, playing in time, balancing tone, and following directions. These skills help them play cohesively and develop strong musicianship in a positive, encouraging environment.
Designed for Growth
Each session is a step toward ongoing progress. Students who continue from one session to the next can deepen their skills and repertoire, while new students can join without feeling behind. Over time, the ensemble lays the foundation for future performance opportunities and more advanced group classes.
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.