Vanja | Teacher #47
About Vanja
Vanja, a seasoned classical guitarist, offers a comprehensive approach to music education. With a Music Performance Diploma and training from esteemed European teachers, he instills a deep understanding of classical guitar techniques and theory. Accredited by the Suzuki Association of the Americas, Vanja blends traditional and Suzuki methods, ensuring a holistic learning experience. He has a proven track record of student success in RCM exams and specializes in classical guitar history. Whether in your home, online, or at Vanja's studio, his lessons provide a nurturing environment for students to explore the intricate world of classical guitar. Book an interview now.
Guitar Classical Guitar Ear Training Music History Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) RCM Music Theory (Advanced) Suzuki
Online Lessons In Studio Lessons Lessons in Your Home
Classical
English Croatian Serbian
Teaching Philosophy
By blending the rich traditions of famous historical and contemporary classical guitar methods, along with a strong foundation in classical guitar pedagogy, I have the privilege of guiding both aspiring classical guitar beginners and nurturing intermediate to advanced players. My primary objective is to help students forge a sturdy groundwork in classical guitar techniques, fostering their familiarity with note reading, including honing their sight-reading abilities, and nurturing their grasp of fingerboard harmony. Simultaneously, I strive to instill a fundamental understanding of music theory, equipping them with the tools to explore the intricate world of classical guitar. Moreover, I aim to empower students with the ability to analyze musical pieces, unraveling various compositional nuances through thoughtfully curated listening and reading assignments.
Musical Education
- Started guitar playing at age seven - Studied under renowned European classical guitar teachers: Kosta Popovic, Maestro Milivoj Praljak, and Mila Rakanovic - Received extensive instruction in the Spanish and Italian guitar tradition with a focus on musicality and artistic expression - Graduated from Classic Guitar Music School with the highest score - Pursuing Classical Guitar Advanced Solo Music Certificate from Trinity College London
Awards and Distinctions
Classical Guitar Teacher accredited by Suzuki Association of the Americas for Comprehensive Guitar All Units
Special Skills and Trainings
- Over 20 years of experience teaching classical guitar - My students have 100% success rate in Royal Conservatory of Music exams (both classical guitar and music theory) - Specializes in teaching classical guitar history - Proficient in both traditional and Suzuki methods for teaching classical guitar to kids - Started teaching classical guitar in 1990, established "Alhambra" Classical Guitar School - Completed Classical Guitar Repertoire I and II projects - Introduction to Contemporary Classical Guitar Music project - Completed "Every Child Can!© (ECC)" course to define Classical Guitar Education Program for kids - Accepted for Comprehensive Audition by Suzuki Association of America - Collaborated with a painter to compose music for "30 Roosters in 30 Days" - Performed humanitarian concert for flood relief in Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia - Solo Guitar Recital Program in Vancouver - Classical Guitar On-Call Teacher at multiple music schools in Vancouver - Collaboration on "Histoire du Tango" composition - Analyzing J. S. Bach's Chaconne from the Partita in d minor, BWV 1004 from violin score
Lessons in your home
Vanja is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas:- Abbotsford, BC
- Burnaby, BC
- Coquitlam, BC
- Langley, BC
- New Westminster, BC
- North Vancouver, BC
- Port Coquitlam, BC
- Port Moody, BC
- Richmond, BC
- Surrey, BC
- Vancouver, BC
- White Rock, BC
Lessons in a music studio
Vanja offers lessons from her studio. Map locations are approximate and based on the postal code of the teacher’s studio. The full address will be provided upon registration.Lessons on an online platform
Vanja can provide online instruction. While other platforms are possible BAH strongly recommends the use of the Zoom video conferencing platform as it is optimized for music lessons and audio quality.Reviews
Associate Teacher Lesson Rates:
Vanja is a Beethoven at Home Associate Teacher
- 30 minutes: $39
- 45 minutes: $49
- 60 minutes: $59
Home visit fee: $15 minimum fee. Teachers may negotiate a higher travel fee if the travel distance is longer than they are comfortable with. Most arrangements use the minimum fee.
One-Time Family Registration: $25. This covers your entire family for life - once you're in, everyone can take lessons!
Our Promise to You
Getting Started Together
We don't offer free trials, but we do something better - a relaxed 2-lesson getting-to-know-you period. You can pause anytime with just 24 hours notice. After your third lesson, we ask for a friendly 2-lesson heads up if you need to stop.
Life Happens - We Get It
Give us 24 hours notice for any cancellation or reschedule and you'll receive full credit. Planning a family vacation or summer break? Perfect - just let us know a day ahead and we'll pause your lessons.
When You're Under the Weather
If illness strikes with short notice (less than 24 hours), you'll still be charged since your teacher has reserved that time. However, most teachers are happy to offer makeup lessons when possible - they have the final say, especially if last-minute cancellations become a pattern.
Stopping Lessons
Need to take a break? We just ask for a 2-lesson notice:
Weekly lessons = 2 weeks notice
Every other week = 3 weeks notice
Twice weekly = 1 week notice
Summer breaks are different - no notice period needed when you return in the fall!
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