Music speaks. We translate. You do the talking.
I started playing classical guitar in 1994 when I was 10 years old.
Back then, you wouldn't dare to tell your teacher what you wanted to learn. It was his way or the highway.
And if you happened to get stuck with a classical teacher like I did, well... let's just say that "Stairway to Heaven" was not on the lesson plan.
At OPFM we don't believe in forcing our students to learn music they don't like or styles that don't resonate with them. We're all about creating amazing custom music pathways that are tailored to each student's unique tastes and interests.
The bottom line is, we're here to listen to our students and help them achieve their musical dreams - whether that means learning the latest pop hits or writing their original songs.
Here, you can learn classical, acoustic, and electric guitar like no other place.
What Type of Guitar Inspires You?
Acoustic Guitar
It's a well-known fact that almost every household has an acoustic guitar lying around, gathering dust in some forgotten corner. It's like a rite of passage or something.
The acoustic guitar is the perfect starting point for beginners. You only need to master four chords, and voila, you can play hundreds of songs. It's so easy. You don't even need fancy equipment like cables and amps. And if you're feeling extra lazy, you can even cheat with a guitar capo!
Here at OPFM, we've got thousands of budding acoustic guitarists under our wing.
We teach all the essential stuff - chords, melodies, strumming, fingerstyle - you name it. Heck, some of our students even ask for music theory lessons (We know, shocking, right? But it happens... sometimes.)
Our motto is simple - start with the basics and build up from there.
Classical Guitar
The classical guitar is a marvel of engineering and craftsmanship, with its sleek body and elegant curves. The nylon strings of the classical guitar produce a unique, warm, and vibrant tone that is simply unmatched by any other instrument.
The music that can be created on this instrument is both beautiful and inspiring, with a rich repertoire that spans centuries of musical history. Whether you're playing the delicate melodies of Bach, the fiery flamenco of Spain, or a simple folk song, the classical guitar has something for everyone.
At OPFM, you learn classical guitar in many ways. For example, you can delve into the world of nylon strings with easy-to-learn chord progressions and melodies. Plus, explore popular classical pieces from renowned composers like Sagreras, Carully, Giuliani, and Tarrega.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, we have everything you make you fall in love with this incredible instrument.
Everything in One Place
Embark on a transformative journey from novice to proficient with our meticulously designed courses. Accelerate your learning with the cutting-edge Soundslice technology, while benefiting from real-time interaction with experienced teachers via our dynamic tools.
Clear learning pathways
Get ready for some fun! With our grades, masterclasses, and short lessons, we've got all your learning needs covered. No matter your preference, we're here to make sure your musical journey is a hit!
Soundslice technology
We've added a cool interactive tool called Soundslice to enhance your learning. This neat tool lets you see and hear song notations in real-time. With Soundslice, you can slow tunes down, loop parts, and adjust the playback speed to match your skill level.
Ukulele Sucess Path
Join our Ukulele Success Path, a signature journey designed just for you! In five practical and exciting steps, we'll guide you from ukulele newbie to a strumming sensation. It's the perfect blend of fun and learning, designed to make your ukulele dreams come true.
Interactive Tools
Experience the joy of learning with OPFM's interactive tools! Engage with our unique video-sharing platform, rise to exciting monthly challenges, benefit from personalized one-on-one lessons, and join a vibrant community of music lovers. At OPFM, we're redefining the rhythm of learning.
Our Teaching Methods
At OPFM, we understand that everyone learns differently, so we offer various learning methods to suit every student's unique needs and preferences.
You can take grades!
Here at OPFM, we don't just teach guitar. We grade it too!
Our layered lessons offer a harmonious blend of structured learning and nurturing support for guitar enthusiasts.
Once a grade is conquered, strike a chord with our seasoned maestros through video interaction, and receive personalized riffs of feedback on your performance (see our OPFM Interactive Membership for the details).
Unique masterclasses
Our guitar masterclasses are the perfect way to dive deeper into a specific topic and take your playing to the next level.
Each masterclass is a 60-minute lesson (broken down into six to eight lessons) focused on one specific theme or technique, designed to help you explore different approaches and find new ways to express yourself through music.
10-minute lessons
At OPFM, we understand that everyone has busy lives, and finding time to practice the guitar can be challenging. That's why we've developed our 10-minute lessons - short, engaging lessons that are perfect for when you're short on time but still want to learn something new.
With our 10-minute lessons, you can still learn an amazing piece of music or work on a specific technique in just a few minutes a day. This is why we always integrate the amazing Soundlice interactive player in each lesson so you can practice real music while playing along with your teacher.
*All our ukulele and guitar courses are currently available under the same membership*
Your Virtual Music Professor
Let's zoom into the cool interactive tools we have for our members! Trust me, they're way more fun to use than to just talk about. They're so good, words hardly do them justice. Dive in and experience the magic yourself!
Interactive video sharing!
Got a burning question? Send us a video! Let's say your F major chord sounds like a swarm of bees, just play it for us on video. We'll whip up a custom video reply with a mini lesson to set things straight. Remember, you're not alone anymore - we're here to banish those buzzy blues!
One to One
Need one-on-one guidance? Book a private lesson! Whether it's guitar solos or piano arpeggios, we're here to help. We really do our best to open as many slots as we can so you can get the help you need to become a better musician.
Monthly challenges
Ready to step up your game? Join our monthly challenges! Each month, we roll out a fun new task to test your skills and fuel your musical growth. Perfect for some friendly competition, these challenges keep the rhythm of learning alive and will surely strike a chord with you.
Private community
Join our private community! It's a friendly space full of fellow music lovers, where you can share, learn, and grow together. Whether you're asking questions, sharing your latest masterpiece, or just chatting about music, our community is the place to be.
Meet your teacher
Marco Cirillo founder and tutor at OPFM
I started my first life playing classical guitar. I was ten years old. I got my Bachelor of Music degree at the conservatory of music in Salerno (Italy) in 2005. It was a life of passion, hard work, and determination. My classical teacher was strict and harsh. He taught me a lot about discipline and structure.
In 2006 I took a master's in Jazz and Blues guitar, and it felt like starting a new life. Classical guitar was all about studying the repertoire and becoming an impeccable performer. With Jazz and Blues music, though, it felt like creating new music every time. My jazz teacher was loose and chill. He taught me about chords and improvisation.
In 2011 I moved to London and started my teaching career (my third life). I had no teacher teaching me how to teach others, so I had to figure it out by myself. Mistakes were made, and I learned a lot.
I learned to listen ... and that did the trick!
