Become a more confident,
creative musician
Develop your musicianship through personalized guitar lessons rooted in jazz, improvisation, and over 25 years of professional teaching experience.
Whether you're an adult discovering jazz, an experienced guitarist looking to deepen your musicianship, or a enthused young player preparing for the next stage of your musical journey, lessons are tailored to your individual goals. Students interested in performing are encouraged to join my Creative Guitar Ensembles, where they learn to collaborate, improvise, and perform in a supportive musical community.
About Matt's Teaching
Matt Fuller is a guitarist, composer, and educator with more than 25 years of teaching experience. He specializes in jazz guitar, improvisation, and helping students become creative, confident musicians through a balance of strong fundamentals, ear training, repertoire, and personal expression.
Matt earned a Master of Music degree in Jazz Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Colorado Boulder, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Fort Lewis College.
From 2001–2012, Matt studied with legendary jazz guitarist and educator Dale Bruning, whose students include Bill Frisell and Tim O'Brien. Matt’s master's thesis outlines Bruning's teaching system for learning jazz guitar, and that influence continues to shape Matt's teaching alongside his own experience as a performer and educator.
Matt has been on adjunct faculty at the University of Northern Colorado, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Denver School of the Arts, and Rocky Ridge Music Center. Since 2000, he has maintained a thriving private teaching studio, working with students of all ages and experience levels. Many of his students have gone on to successful careers as performers, educators, and lifelong musicians.
Jazz Guitar Lessons
Jazz guitar is my specialty and greatest passion as a teacher. Whether you're just beginning to explore jazz or you're an experienced guitarist looking to deepen your musicianship, lessons are tailored to your individual goals while providing a clear path for long-term growth.
My teaching combines the influential concepts I learned from Dale Bruning with insights gained through decades of performing, composing, recording, and teaching. My students develop practical skills through fingerboard study, theory, technique, improvisation, reading, repertoire, ear training, and creative exploration— not simply memorizing shapes and fingerings.
Students looking to take the next step are encouraged to join the Creative Guitar Ensemble Program, where they apply what they learn in private lessons by rehearsing, collaborating, improvising, and performing in a supportive musical community.
Young Musicians
I love working with motivated young guitarists who are excited about music. The lessons build a strong foundation in technique, ear training, improvisation, creativity, and musicianship while encouraging curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of music.
Each lesson is tailored to the student's age, experience, and goals. Whether getting basic skills together, preparing for a school jazz band, college music auditions, or simply becoming a more confident guitarist, students receive thoughtful guidance and a clear path for continued growth.
Dedicated students will also have opportunities to participate in the Creative Guitar Ensemble Program, where they can collaborate, improvise, and perform alongside other young musicians.
Tuition
Young Musicians (Ages 18 & Under)
45-minute lesson: $50
60-minute lesson: $75
Students under 18 enroll by semester to reserve a consistent weekly lesson time. Fall and Spring semesters follow the Boulder Valley School District calendar, with a separate Summer session.
Tuition may be paid in full at the beginning of the semester or in monthly installments due at the first lesson of each month.
Adult Lessons
Weekly 60-minute lesson: $75
Drop-in 60-minute lesson: $80
Weekly lessons are recommended and offer the greatest value while providing the consistency needed for steady musical growth.
Creative Guitar Ensemble Program
One of the most unique aspects of my studio is the opportunity for students to continue their musical journey beyond private lessons.
The Creative Guitar Ensemble Program gives students the chance to apply what they're learning in lessons by rehearsing, improvising, arranging, and performing with other dedicated guitarists in a supportive and inspiring environment. Ensemble playing is critical in developing musicianship, listening, confidence, creativity, and the skills that can only be learned by making music with others.
Many students begin with private lessons and eventually join an ensemble, creating a rewarding path of continued musical growth and community. I believe that being in both private lessons and an ensemble is the fastest and most comprehensive way to take your playing to the next level.
Program Details
90-minute weekly rehearsals
Small ensembles (typically 3–4 guitarists)
Full-session enrollment
Public performance opportunities
Tuition is based on the current session and announced prior to registration.
Discount available for payment in full before the session begins.
Interested in joining the Creative Guitar Ensemble Program? Contact me to learn about current openings.
Studio Policies
Payment
Tuition is due before or at your first scheduled lesson. Young musicians registered for a semester will receive one invoice breaking the term into monthly payments.
Cancellations & Make-Up Lessons
Please provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel a lesson.
Lessons canceled with at least 24 hours' notice are eligible for a make-up lesson.
Lessons canceled with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged at the full lesson rate.
Students ages 18 and under may schedule one make-up lesson per semester, which will take place on a designated make-up day.
Accepted Payment Methods
Venmo, PayPal, cash, and checks are accepted.
Testimonials
“I took a chance calling Matt after seeing his flyer on a local bulletin board. I’m so glad I did; I feel very fortunate to have found a teacher like him. The lessons are relaxed, structured, and fun. He has tailored the lessons to work toward my personal goals, which include playing the whole fretboard and basic music theory. It’s easy to see he’s as passionate about teaching the guitar (even to a beginner like me!) as he is about playing it.”
-Ginger, Brooklyn, NY
“I was a bit nervous taking my son to his first guitar lesson, but within minutes, that anxiety gave way to complete calm. Matt was so patient, friendly and helpful; he quickly assessed my son’s skill level and went from there. As a latecomer to music, our son had a steep learning curve to get up to speed with the rest of the players in the school jazz band. Matt was the perfect instructor to get him there.”
-Terri, Broomfield, CO
I started learning with Matt after my wife got me a guitar for my 50th birthday. Matt got me going right away, pushing me to attempt things I would have thought might be too difficult and knowing when to move on when it was appropriate. The recitals he had for his students were fun events and gave me something to work for. He learned my musical tastes and always had songs for me that I would enjoy learning. Add his ability to teach, his virtuosity on the guitar and the fact that Matt is just a really nice person and you have a winning combination. I always looked forward to my lessons. They were a highlight of my week.
-John, Brooklyn, NY
“I had been studying guitar for about six months before I starting taking lessons with Matt. After four lessons I have an even richer understanding of the dynamics of the guitar as an instrument and how to connect sounds, fingering and notes. I appreciate how he has adjusted our lessons to meet my needs as a learner. If you are new to the guitar, he is a great ambassador to the instrument.”
-Lita, Harlem, NY
“Matt is so easygoing and encouraging. This class is good for anyone who wants to learn some more. Time flies and we wish it could last longer. He is a very layed back teacher, put me at ease right away and taught me a lot of new stuff in a very short time. I’ll be back for sure. Thanks Matt.”
-Batja, Brooklyn, NY
“The environment was nice and relaxed. I enjoyed the lesson a lot. Matt was friendly and attentive to his students’ skill sets and setbacks. Thanks!”
-Ray, Brooklyn, NY
“I had a great time. Comprehensive and patient teacher. Thanks Matt!”
-Antonevia, Brooklyn, NY