Serhat S. — Guitar Teacher — The Annex, Toronto

Serhat Sarıalioğlu graduated in 2018 from the Music Theory Department of Istanbul Technical University Turkish Music State Conservatory. During his studies at ITU, he focused on tonal harmony, counterpoint, musical form, classical guitar, jazz harmony, and advanced makam theory within Classical Turkish Music. His main instrument is electric guitar, and he also teaches classical guitar, fretless guitar, and beginner-level piano. He has experience performing as a guitarist in orchestras and studio sessions, and works actively in composition, arranging, and film music. He helps students develop solid technique, musical understanding, and confidence on the instrument through a practical, structured, and goal-oriented approach.

Lessons are tailored to each student’s level (beginner, intermediate, or advanced) and musical goals. A personalized approach is developed using a combination of modern methods (such as Berklee and Mel Bay materials) and practical experience, supported by clear and accessible music theory. For electric guitar, lessons focus on understanding the fretboard, major, harmonic minor, and melodic minor systems across all positions, as well as triads, 7th chord arpeggios, drop chord voicings, speed development, and practical harmony. Students who are interested can also explore basic composition and musical form, applying these concepts creatively. For classical guitar, a structured approach is followed using traditional methods (including the Arenas method), developing both technique and repertoire in parallel. The overall goal is to build solid technique, musical understanding, and confidence on the instrument in a practical and musical way.