Whether you just picked up your first guitar or you've been playing for years and hit a wall, we'll get you where you want to go. With over six years of teaching right here in Eau Claire, we've turned complete beginners into confident players and experienced musicians into absolute monsters.
All ages. All levels. All genres. One lesson at a time.
Your goals. Your pace. Your music.
Want to strum your favorite songs around the campfire? Write originals that give you chills? Shred solos that drop jaws? Maybe you just want to finally finish a song without stopping. Whatever your goal is, we build every lesson around you —not some cookie-cutter curriculum.
Why students stick with us:
- Lessons are fun. Like, actually fun. Not “play this scale forty times” fun.
- You'll see real progress fast because every session is 100% personalized.
- We teach what you want to play —country, rock, blues, jazz, metal, folk, pop, fingerstyle, you name it.
- Kids, teens, adults, retirees —doesn't matter. If you've got hands and a heartbeat, we can teach you.
Life's too short to wish you could play.
Meet Shane
Shane picked up his first guitar at age 15 when he received one for his birthday along with a Led Zeppelin song book. What started as learning Zeppelin classics quickly turned into a deep passion. He was drawn to their dynamic range and mythic storytelling, which inspired him to explore countless styles and become as musically diverse as possible.
Today, with 24 years of playing and over 70 original songs on Spotify, Shane teaches the way he wishes he’d been taught — fun, engaging, and 100% personalized. He treats his students like friends (because they quickly become friends), celebrates every small win, and especially loves helping people write their own original songs. To Shane, learning other people’s music is just the bridge to creating your own sound.
One of his favorite success stories is a 50-year-old with zero musical background who, after two years, became advanced enough to play live gigs. If you think you’re “too old” or “not musical enough,” Shane wants you to know — that guy thought the same thing. Everyone has music inside them.
Testimonials
I took 2 years of Guitar lessons with Shane and I learned enough for my family members and friends to consider me an expert! Shane is a phenomenal teacher that will assist you at your own pace and without judgement. Whether it's acoustic or electric, country music or rock, Shane will enthusiastically help you learn.
Ethan Best, Google Review
Shane is a fantastic guitar instructor. My son has gone to Shane for lessons for two years now. He connects with the students and makes them feel comfortable and find their love for music! Guitar is the one thing we do not have to ask him to practice or work on. He picks up his guitars daily and without prompting. We owe a big part of this to Shane. Highly recommended!!
Christine Kothlow, Google Review
I've been taking guitar lessons from Shane for about a year now. The reason why I've stuck around this long is because I've learned so much and have so much fun playing with Shane. We've turned many of our jams into original songs that I now have in my repertoire. Writing music with Shane is probably my favorite part of lessons. He has a knack for finding the right chord progression to complement something I've been working on. Or showing me a scale I can use to craft a solo over something I've already come up with. Shane's knowledge of music is deep. If you've got the guitar itch, you can't go wrong with the Eau Claire Guitar Academy.
Nate Lewis, Google Review
Awesome experience! Shane was so chill and patient teaching me…I was a very beginner with not a lot of time to practice, but he always made me feel comfortable and I really enjoyed his teaching style. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to start out learning as a beginner, or to keep growing their current guitar skill level!
David Gilbertson, Google Review
Shane is VERY knowledgeable with the guitar and teaching someone who has never played. He takes his time with you and making sure you understand. The price is reasonable.
Mark D, Google Review
My grandson age 13 met Shane and has been picking up his guitar every day since! Shane is not only knowledgeable but also a super fun instructor! Thank you Shane and Sarah!
Mark and Julie Brunner, Google Review
Shane has all the knowledge and patience you could ever ask for when trying to learn the guitar. I'd recommend a jam session with him to absolutely anyone.
JJBirdy123, Google Review
Shane is an amazing teacher, very patient and always encouraging.
Michael Cook, Google Review
Spots fill up quick. Don't sit on this one. 🎸