Colten Colwell
About
My name is Colten, and I’ve dedicated my life to helping students discover their own musical voice. I began playing guitar at age five and quickly fell in love with the instrument, spending my childhood practicing daily, studying every book I could find, and exploring bass and drums as well. By my early teens, I was performing regularly and gaining real-world experience in bands and live settings, which shaped my understanding of musicianship and performance.
I stepped into teaching in 2010 and immediately knew it was where I belonged. Over the years, I’ve taught hundreds of students through private studios in Griffin, GA, including Delia’s Music Solutions and the Griffin Academy of Music, where I worked until 2018. During that time, I also organized and hosted student recitals throughout the Griffin community, giving young musicians valuable performance experience and confidence on stage. After 2018, I continued teaching remotely while touring as a guitarist, working with students across the U.S. through online lessons.
My formal training includes coursework through the Fretboard Biology program—a comprehensive guitar curriculum created by the former Dean of Guitar at Musicians Institute—as well as guitar-focused studies through Berklee Online, where I expanded my knowledge of harmony, ear training, and modern guitar performance. These experiences allow me to blend structured, theory-based instruction with practical, real-world musicianship.
Today, with more than 14 years of teaching experience, I work with students of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re picking up a guitar for the first time or looking to refine your technique, I focus on clear instruction, personalized guidance, and helping you build a strong musical foundation while enjoying the process. Music has shaped my entire life, and I’m passionate about helping you or your child succeed on your own musical journey.
Teaching Style
I am a highly adaptive instructor who goes above and beyond to meet every student's individual needs and musical goals. I recognize that everyone learns differently—some thrive with traditional book methods, while others do better with a more hands-on, conceptual approach. I make it a priority to really get to know my students and understand their unique personalities, allowing me to tailor my teaching in a way that truly clicks for them.
To ensure we are a great fit, I am happy to offer a 15-minute introductory lesson completely free of charge!
Curriculum
My instructional method is entirely student-centric and goal-oriented. Because every individual processes information differently, I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all curriculum. Instead, I evaluate each student's current skill level, learning style, and personal musical interests to build a custom roadmap.
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For Concept-Based Learners: We focus heavily on ear training, fretboard/keyboard visualization, rhythmic feel, and learning through the songs you actually love.
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For Structured Learners: We incorporate a traditional, step-by-step framework utilizing proven method books to build a rock-solid foundation in sight-reading and technique.
Credentials & Affiliations
I have over 14 years of teaching experience, beginning in 2010 when I started working with students in Griffin, GA through private lessons, group classes, and recital preparation. I taught at the Griffin Academy of Music until 2018, where I provided structured acoustic and electric guitar instruction for students of all ages. I also spent two years teaching at Delia’s Music Solutions in Griffin, helping students prepare for performances, auditions, and personal musical goals. From 2010 to 2018, I organized and hosted multiple student recitals throughout the Griffin community, giving young musicians valuable performance experience and confidence on stage.
In addition to my teaching background, I have professional experience as a touring guitarist beginning in 2018, during which I continued teaching remotely and worked with students across the United States. My formal guitar training includes coursework through the Fretboard Biology program, a comprehensive curriculum created by the former Dean of Guitar at Musicians Institute, where I studied fretboard mastery, technique, and musicianship. I have also completed guitar‑focused studies through Berklee Online, including harmony, ear training, and modern guitar performance concepts. These combined experiences shape my structured, practical, and student‑centered approach to teaching.