Rock & Blues Guitar Improvisation Course in Christchurch
Small-Group Guitar Course for Adults
This rock & blues guitar improvisation course in the heart of Christchurch is designed for adult players who want to develop confident, expressive solos in a guided small-group setting together with other like minded guitar players.
📍 Held at The Piano – Centre for Music & Arts in Christchurch, New Zealand
📅 8-Week Course on Monday Evenings
👥 Small-Group Setting for Adults
Two Levels Available
🎸 Foundations
For guitarists who are new to improvisation and want to build confidence with rock and blues guitar soloing.
You’ll learn how to:
▷ use the minor pentatonic scale musically
▷ build simple but effective blues solos
▷ phrase ideas like real blues players
▷ develop confidence improvising
Perfect if you know a few scales but aren’t sure how to turn them into music.
🔥 Next Level
For guitarists who already improvise and want to develop more advanced rock and blues soloing skills.
You’ll explore:
▷ targeting chord tones
▷ expanding beyond pentatonic patterns
▷ rhythmic phrasing and motif development
▷ major/minor tonal colours
▷ building longer and more expressive solos
Perfect if you are comfortable soloing but think it’s time to take it to the next level.
Course Level Placement
To help you get the most out of the course, we’ll guide you into the group that best suits your current playing.
Which best describes you?
🎸 Foundations – I know pentatonic scales but struggle to improvise and want to build confidence.
🔥 Next Level – I already improvise and want to develop more musical and expressive solos.
If you’re not sure where you fit, no problem — just register your interest and we’ll help place you in the right group.
This ensures everyone learns at the right level and gets the most out of each session.
What You’ll Learn During The Course
In these sessions you’ll develop the skills that make great solos sound musical:
▷ phrasing and expression
▷ building melodic ideas
▷ improvising over different chord progressions
▷ connecting licks into longer solos
▷ listening and responding to other players
Who This Course Is For
This course is ideal if you:
▷ are between 18 and 99 years old
▷ enjoy blues and rock guitar
▷ want to develop your soloing
▷ would like to meet and play with other guitarists
▷ are looking for a more musical approach to improvisation
Course Format
These weekly sessions follow a Workshop format designed to maximise playing time.
Each session includes:
💡 Idea of the Week
A short concept such as phrasing, bends, or motif development.
🎯 Guided Exercises
Practical exercises to explore the concept.
🎸 Jam Lab
Players rotate solos over a blues or rock groove.
Groups are kept small (4–6 players) to ensure everyone gets plenty of playing time and individual feedback.
Testimonials
“I thought my improv was OK, but I was wrong! The course taught me a different way to look at what I was doing, and it was great in a class of 5 others to see how we all improved as the course went on, we all got a decent chance to play each night, and yeah it was a bit nerve wracking but still, once I got over the initial nerves, and realised we were all on a similar level it became so much easier. I really enjoyed the classes and Sascha has a cool unique teaching style too”
– Mark Lewis
“Sascha is a great teacher, and I’ve learnt SO much in such a short time. Now, just to master it all…..!”
– Terri Hygate
“I didn’t know what to expect, I have been playing guitar for about 4 years at home, I kept doing the same thing, to a point where I was thinking of giving it up. A mate saw this course advertised and said we should both go. It was a real eye opener, I had no idea how easy it would be with a bit of proper direction, to improve my improv so quickly! Great course, recommended for us “mature players” .”
– Dean Harrisson
Guitar Improvisation Course Details
Next Start Date
▷ Monday 4 May 2026 until Monday 29 June 2026
Session Times
▷ Foundations from 5:30pm until 6:30pm
▷ Next Level from 6:45pm until 7:45pm
Duration
▷ Every Monday for eight (8) consecutive weeks with weekly 60 minutes sessions, skipping public holidays.
Cost
▷ $ 280.00 + GST per person
Instructor
▷ Sascha
Group size
▷ 4 to 6 adult students
Location
▷ Studio 13 @ The Piano: Centre for Music and the Arts
▷ 156 Armagh Street, Christchurch Central, NZ
Register Your Interest
Interested? Just pop in your details and I’ll be in touch!