MyVirtualGuitarTeacher.com Review
When I first signed up for MyVirtualGuitarTeacher.com, I was looking for an online guitar program that was structured enough for a homeschool setting but flexible enough for a real family schedule. After completing the full Beginner Guitar – Semester 1 course, I can confidently say it offers a very thoughtful, realistic introduction to guitar for homeschoolers and we’ve been incredibly pleased with it! I hope you enjoy the MyVirtualGuitarTeacher.com review I’ve put together!
This is a review of our experience with the full Semester 1 program—what the course includes, how it’s structured, what stood out, and what to know before starting.
Course Overview: How It’s Structured
We reviewed Semester 1, which is divided into two sequential units:
Beginner 1 (Weeks 1–10): This is where complete beginners start. Students learn the parts of the guitar, how to tune, basic open chords, strumming, rhythm, and how to play simple songs.
Beginner 2 (Weeks 11–20): The course builds on foundational skills with additional chords (including minor and sus chords), new strumming patterns, key changes, and how to use a capo. It ends with a technical performance evaluation.
Each week includes a video lesson and suggested daily practice schedule. The PDF workbook provides chord charts, practice logs, instructions, and reinforcement activities. I also want to note that they have multiple courses including Semester 2 and Intermediate 1!
Our Homeschool Setup
We used this as a once-a-week elective, following the suggested pace of one lesson video per week and 3–6 practice sessions in between. I printed the workbook and added tabs for each week. My child used an acoustic guitar, a clip-on tuner, and medium-gauge picks.
As a non-musical parent, I appreciated that I didn’t need to provide the instruction myself. I was available to help with tuning in the early weeks, but my child worked independently from there—with the occasional “Mom, want to hear what I learned?”
Teaching Style & Tone – MyVirtualGuitarTeacher.com Review
The instructor (David Farley) has a calm, encouraging teaching style that’s incredibly approachable for kids. His delivery is conversational, not flashy, and he anticipates beginner frustrations (like sore fingers or slow chord switches) with grace and humor. Even musically hesitant kids will feel at ease.
We especially liked how each lesson builds in small steps. The early weeks focus on just two chords at a time, so there’s never an overwhelming amount of material. Techniques are taught through application—not through dry drills—which keeps the lessons feeling musical.
The course is performance-driven, meaning students aren’t just learning chords in isolation. From Week 2, they’re already playing real songs using those chords—and that continues throughout the program.
Highlights from Weeks 1–10 (Beginner 1)
Intro to the Guitar (anatomy, tuning, finger placement)
Chords Introduced: D, A, E, G, C, Em
Early Strumming: Start with one strum per measure, then build to four strums per measure
Songs Played: “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” “This Little Light of Mine,” “God Is So Good”
Creative Finale: The course ends with a structured Write Your Own Song project, where students use G, C, D, and Em chords to create their own chord progression-based song. Worksheets are provided for verse, chorus, and bridge arrangements.
This first half of the semester is great for building confidence. It introduces a lot of material, but everything is reinforced through simple songs, repetition, and guided practice.
Highlights from Weeks 11–20 (Beginner 2)
Chords Introduced: Am, Dm, Bm, sus2/sus4, 7ths, minor 7ths
Rhythm Training: Students play in both 4/4 and 6/8 time
Capo Use: Several lessons explore how to use a capo to change keys and chord shapes
Chord Substitutions: Students begin to experiment with alternate voicings
Performance Evaluation: The semester ends with a technical checkpoint rather than a creative one. Students are asked to perform various chord progressions using substitutions and capos, and to demonstrate their grasp of rhythm and time signatures.
Unlike Beginner 1, Beginner 2 does not include a songwriting project. The emphasis shifts from creativity to technical accuracy and musical fluency.
A Quick Note on Terminology
While the course is marketed as Semester 1, it contains two distinct instructional tracks:
Beginner 1 = Lessons 1–10 = Weeks 1–10
Beginner 2 = Lessons 1–10 (again) = Weeks 11–20
Just know that when you see “Lesson 1” in Beginner 2, it’s actually Week 11 of the semester.
About the Instructor: David Farley
One of the most compelling aspects of this program is the instructor himself, David Farley. A lifelong musician and teacher, David brings a calm, encouraging presence to every lesson—something that truly sets MyVirtualGuitarTeacher.com apart. With over 25 years of teaching experience, he lives in Northwest Arkansas with his wife, Jesyka, and their two children. His journey into online instruction began during the pandemic, when he started recording guitar lessons for his university students. That practical pivot became the foundation for what is now MyVirtualGuitarTeacher.com.
David’s teaching style reflects who he is: down-to-earth, approachable, and intentional. Rather than being flashy or overly academic, his lessons are rooted in real-world experience and a deep understanding of how beginners—especially kids—learn best. His mission is to make quality music instruction accessible, flexible, and affordable for families everywhere.
Not only does David have impressive credentials—including decades of private instruction and university-level teaching—but he’s also deeply relatable. He brings real-life perspective to every lesson. His genuine heart for helping families learn music in a way that fits their everyday lives is what truly sets him apart.
As a homeschool parent myself, I deeply appreciated that the curriculum wasn’t trying to be a music theory textbook. It was created by a real musician, real teacher, and real dad—who clearly understands what it means to learn in a home environment.
Quick Note About Who You’re Supporting
One of the things I really appreciate about MyVirtualGuitarTeacher.com is that it’s not a faceless company—it’s a true mom-and-pop shop run by a homeschooling family. David handles the instruction, and his wife, Jesyka, runs customer service and support. It’s clear that this program was built by parents who understand the pace and pressures of homeschooling—and that makes all the difference.
You can follow them over at @myvirtualguitarteacher on Instagram, where they share updates, sales, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into their musical and family life. Even if you never need support, just knowing who’s behind the screen—and that a real person is there if you do—really sets this program apart.
What We Loved – MyVirtualGuitarTeacher.com Review
Musical from Day One
Students begin playing recognizable songs right away, which builds confidence and enjoyment early on.
Clear Practice Expectations
Each video ends with a simple practice assignment. The companion PDF includes a week-by-week practice journal.
Built-In Motivation
Performance checkpoints and short song assignments keep students accountable without being stressful.
Minimal Parent Involvement Required
The instruction is all handled via video. I only stepped in occasionally to help with tuning or cheer on a performance.
Cumulative Learning
Each week builds on the last, reinforcing chords and rhythms repeatedly.
Affordably Structured
Compared to private lessons or subscription apps, this is a one-time purchase with a full 20-week plan. They also do sales throughout the year, announced via their Instagram @myvirtualguitarteacher and also offer bundle savings on buying more than one semester.
What to Know Before You Start
Tuning Needs Support at First
Tuning is covered in Lesson 1, but younger kids may need a parent’s help for the first few weeks.
No Real-Time Feedback
This is a pre-recorded video course. If your student struggles with hand position or sound quality, you’ll need to observe or supplement with occasional check-ins. You do, however, have the ability to go back to the video as often as needed to check hand position, etc. which is beneficial since you can’t do that with an in-person lesson.
Final Thoughts
MyVirtualGuitarTeacher.com’s Beginner Guitar – Semester 1 course is one of the most well-structured, homeschool-friendly music electives we’ve used. It’s paced beautifully, encourages consistent practice, and genuinely equips kids to play guitar—not just memorize finger positions.
If you have a student between 8 and 13+, or are a parent who wants to learn guitar independently, this course is a great option. It’s also great for families looking for a creative elective that feels like a true skill—not just a screen-time filler.
We loved how the first half focused on making music, and how the second half built up their technical strength.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading our MyVirtualGuitarTeacher.com review! We really enjoyed the program and I hope you and your child(ren) do too!
