The Shearer Method: Classroom Guitar Year 1 & 2
by Aaron Shearer, Thomas Kikta, and Dr. Alan Hirsh
Released 2025
Buy the Books via Aaron Shearer Foundation
The famous revised Shearer Method is now available as a Classroom Guitar series including a year one and two sequence and optional instructor’s manual appropriate for both guitarists and non-guitarist teachers. This is the most detailed and dedicated classical guitar classroom method available. Plus the online resources (video, audio, apps) for students and teachers offer clarification and continuity across the learning experience.
The inclusion of solo, duo, and trio repertoire is perfect for either small group classes or large classrooms where confidence in numbers keep students aligned. The repertoire in year one is original material which makes sense for creating a perfect match between educational content and repertoire experience. Year two includes a few arrangements of folk songs and ensemble arrangements of classical repertoire. Chord strumming exercises ensure classical guitarist learn some basics from the greater guitar world.
The biggest strength of the books might be the detailed information within the book itself and the teachers manual. This provides both teacher and student with enough content to have classroom activities and content to cover but also at-home practice reminders for students. Online videos, audio, and apps also aid students and teachers outside the classroom making the method very versatile and practical in large classes.
The content of the books include
- Developmental solos
- Student/teacher Duets. (Teacher accompaniments include chord symbols for non-guitarists)
- Developmental Guitar Ensemble in a diversity of musical styles and tailored to the sequence. Optional Contrabass parts available in Year 2
- Integrated study of Guitar Harmony
- Strumming duets to apply the learning of new chords and rhythms
- Guitar Percussion
- Online instructional videos
- Online audio support of all duets and trios
- Online Note Recognition App for supporting note reading
- Online Sight-reader App for supporting note reading
- Instructor’s Manual and online Instructor’s supplement available
Videos from the Shearer Foundation
All videos found via Aaron Shearer Foundation, check it out to learn more.
Example 1st Year Technique
Moderato, Ensemble No. 2, from Classroom Guitar
Shearer Foundation Virtual Forum Jan. 13, 2026
