Guitar Lessons · Lawrence, KS
A structured curriculum built for real, measurable progress — jazz, blues, rock, and more, with results far beyond what traditional lessons make possible.
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Zero to Guitar Hero & Rock School
At Keys of Joy, guitar students follow a structured curriculum built from two complementary methods: Zero to Guitar Hero and Rock School. Each stage builds deliberately on the last — covering technique, repertoire, and musicianship in a clear progression rather than a loose collection of songs.
This structure is what produces results far beyond what traditional guitar lessons make possible. Students move steadily from fundamentals to real command of the instrument — jazz, blues, rock, R&B, funk, gospel, classic rock — with clear progress at every stage. There's still plenty of room for students to bring their own music into the mix, but the curriculum itself is what drives consistent, measurable improvement.
Our guitar instructor Taylor Johnson has been playing for over 20 years, performing extensively with KU jazz ensembles and combos, the bands Rotoscope, B.O.G., the Anthony Orange Band, Private Selection, and the R&J Playerz Band, as a Worship Team guitarist, and with the entertainment company The Crossroad Sound — with numerous performances across the Lawrence and Kansas City areas. He applies that real-world musicianship to a structured teaching approach that gets students results, lesson after lesson.
What to expect
You'll start with real chords and a clear technical foundation — not random exercises. Every lesson builds toward the next stage of the curriculum.
Move methodically past basic first-position chords into playing up and down the fret — with a real, trackable understanding of the instrument.
A structured curriculum taught through great-sounding songs — building the real skill that lets you play the music you love.
Students at any stage of the curriculum can join studio bands and perform in our beautiful piano lounge — putting structured progress into practice.
What guitar students say
"Adult learner here, Keys of Joy is wonderful! Taylor has a jazz background which enriches the learning experience no matter which music genres interest you. He's really helped me to start maturing past basic first position chords so I can start to play up and down the fret. He's helped me out of a beginners rut to really enjoy learning to get better and better at guitar. High recommend for any adult guitar students out there!"
L.B.
5-star Google review · Adult guitar student
Common questions
Guitar lessons are available for students aged 8 and up, through adults. We offer both private and group lesson formats.
Yes — both formats are available. Groups are formed based on students' ages, learning speeds, and experience levels.
Book a trial guitar lesson in Lawrence, KS and see the structured curriculum in action. No long-term commitment — just come and play.
Book a Guitar Trial Lesson