Reimagining guitar education for
access, excellence, and impact.
Martha Masters is an internationally recognized music educator whose work centers on preparing the next generation of guitarists and music teachers through rigorous, inclusive, and practical instruction. As a faculty member at Arizona State University, she teaches, mentors, and leads soloists and ensembles that bridge effective teaching practice into performance excellence.
Her teaching emphasizes musicianship guided by intellectual curiosity, relaxed technique in service of effective communication, and thoughtful preparation grounded in a structured approach to study. Drawing on more than two decades of international performing experience as a soloist, chamber musician, and concerto artist, Masters also mentors graduate students in teaching, conducting, and program leadership, supporting their development as adaptable and reflective educators.
Masters’ educational work is informed by her broader leadership in the field, including service as President of the Guitar Foundation of America. Through this work, she remains closely connected to the evolving needs of music educators at all levels and is committed to building sustainable pathways for guitar education in both higher education and public schools.
Private Lessons
I offer a limited number of private lessons in my home studio or on Zoom. Private lessons are tailored to each student’s goals, experience level, and musical interests.
ASU GUITAR
A world-class program of study
At Arizona State University, guitarists of all styles — Classical, Jazz and Popular Music — thrive in vibrant, hands-on programs that prepare them to lead and innovate in today’s music world. Whether you're mastering classical technique, diving into the rich traditions and cutting-edge improvisation of jazz, or shaping the future of popular music through songwriting, production or performance, the School of Music, Dance and Theatre offers guidance from faculty, support from a creative community and real-world opportunities to turn your passion into a career. Join a dynamic environment where creativity, collaboration and career readiness are at the heart of everything we do.
Classical Performance
ASU’s classical guitar program prepares students for successful careers in music through intensive technical training, collaborative learning and professional performance experiences. Weekly studio classes and engagement with the guitar orchestra create a supportive community where advanced students develop leadership and teaching skills, while less experienced students gain invaluable exposure to high-level musicianship and ensemble work. See the Performance (Guitar), BMUS program link below for more information.
Jazz Performance
The ASU Jazz Studies program combines jazz performance, composition and pedagogy in a program that allows students to express themselves musically while also emphasizing the necessary skills for a professional career in music. The Jazz Studies curriculum is based on active involvement in music. Jazz guitarists perform frequently on campus, as well as making numerous off-campus appearances in clubs and venues around the Valley. See the Performance (Jazz), BMUS program link below for more information.
Popular Music
ASU’s Popular Music guitar program equips students with the creative, technical and entrepreneurial skills needed for today’s music industry. Rooted in contemporary styles, the program emphasizes live performance, songwriting, production and collaboration across genres. Guitarists work closely with faculty and peers in small ensembles, recording sessions and through weekly lessons focused on artist development and technical skills, gaining real-world experience on stage, in the studio and as part of community-based projects. See the Music (Popular Music), BA program link below for more information.
Music Learning and Teaching and Music Therapy
Students may audition for the Music Learning and Teaching and Music Therapy degree programs on classical or jazz guitar. In the Music Learning and Teaching program students develop strong pedagogical and musical abilities to deepen and broaden music-making in varied styles and contexts, and learn how to design and facilitate supportive, generative and inclusive music programs that support all music students. In the Music Therapy program, we prepare students for a career in health care, community-based and/or special education settings, among others, and to use carefully planned music interventions to achieve desired changes in a client’s individualized behavior and functioning. See the program links below for more information.
Visit the ASU Guitar website for more information.
Thinking Globally
Everyone has music inside them. It is ancient, deeply human, and present across all cultures. Music communicates beyond words, evoking emotion, memory, and connection, and linking individuals and generations in profound ways. When people experience themselves as capable of communicating through music, the world is meaningfully changed, strengthening empathy, cross-cultural understanding, and providing the foundation of diplomacy.
Learning music begins with the ear and unfolds as a lifelong process of curiosity and discovery. The role of the educator is to spark that curiosity, guiding students toward meaningful communication and connection with their communities. Musical study challenges students intellectually, physically, and emotionally, fostering introspection, humility, and empathy while offering lasting benefits for the body and mind.
In my teaching, technique serves musicianship. Relaxed, efficient technique and physical awareness support expressive communication, while thoughtful structure gives students the tools to grow with confidence and clarity. I encourage students to approach challenges with curiosity rather than judgment and to keep communication, connection, and community at the center of their musical purpose.
Acting Locally
Guitar Foundations
(Grades 1–3)
Wednesdays • 4:30–5:20 PM • 18 sessions • $400 Starts Jan 7 • Two weeks off for spring break • Final class + recital May 20
If you value what traditional piano or violin lessons can offer, but your child isn’t drawn to those instruments, guitar can be a wonderful alternative. Guitar programs are expanding across Arizona’s public schools—including All-State Guitar Ensemble opportunities for high school students beginning in 2025—making it an increasingly relevant and respected path.
This step-by-step course introduces young beginners to the nylon-string (classical) guitar, building strong musical foundations while nurturing discipline, creativity, and self-expression in a way that keeps children engaged and inspired.
What we’ll build:
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Classical technique
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Reading standard music notation
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Reading chord notation
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Steady practice habits and musical independence
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Confidence, creativity, and teamwork through music-making
Important: A parent/caregiver must attend each class and take notes (Foundations Class only). Students will need at-home practice to stay on track with the class content.
If your student enjoys this experience, they will have the opportunity to maintain their work on an individual schedule over the summer and continue in Guitar Explorations in Fall 2026 (Grades 2-4, the follow-on course to Guitar Foundations).
Group guitar classes
While my performing career is rooted in classical guitar, I have taught beginning students of all ages and experience levels across many styles. Teaching—and building a musical community—is among the most rewarding parts of my work.
New to Ahwatukee, I’m excited to get to know folks in my community through small-group guitar classes in my home studio (near Mountain Pointe High School). These classes are welcoming, focused, and designed to build skills, confidence, and joy with the guitar. Class sizes are kept small to ensure a personal and supportive experience.
Don’t see a class for you? Send a message and if enough interest exists I may add one!
Ahwatukee Coffee & Chords (Adults)
Saturdays • 7:45–8:50 AM • 6 sessions • $175
Starts Jan 3 • Final class Feb 7
A Saturday-morning class for adults who want to feel more comfortable on the guitar - and make steady progress with guidance.
In this course, you'll:
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Learn technique that makes playing feel easier and more natural
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Get practical “how to practice” strategies for your own guitar journey
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Play popular music in a fun, social setting
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Explore the basics of improvisation in an approachable way
Ideal for adult beginners and returning players who value structure, steady progress, and learning alongside others. Inspired by the Guitar Foundation of America’s adult-learner programming, this course emphasizes shared musical experiences and a strong sense of community.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
I’m proud of my students! Over the years they are too many to mention and too hard to pick amongst all the many wonderful classical guitarsists that I’ve taught. But I’d like to share the work of two guitarists I’ve taught who have used our work in classical guitar technique to pursue excellence in other styles. Enjoy these videos from Ryan and Pete!
Ryan Ayers entered my studio as a freshman during my first year on faculty at Loyola Marymount University. Although he had played guitar casually in high school and could read music, he was new to reading music on the guitar. He initially enrolled as a recording arts major, taking guitar lessons simply for enjoyment—but it didn’t take long for that curiosity to grow into a deep commitment.
Ryan went on to complete a double major in guitar performance alongside his degree in recording engineering. He studied classical guitar with me, and today he draws on that technical foundation in his work as a successful acoustic guitarist and composer, creating music of remarkable depth and sensitivity.
Below we see his great storytelling and effervescent personality on display with one of his most compelling pieces, Lanterns.
Pete Bradshaw has studied continuously with me on Zoom for nearly two decades, beginning toward the end of his career as a software engineer and continuing into retirement. Over time, our lessons evolved from a focus on technique and interpretation to include arranging and composition.
This video features Pete’s most recent completed work for the harp guitar, Bishop Creek, reflecting both his long-term dedication to craft and the creative possibilities that emerge through sustained study.
I’ll close by sharing a video of my daughter as young musicians. I’m incredibly proud of all my kids journeys and of the curiosity, discipline, and love of music that have shaped them. Teaching them at various stages remains among my most meaningful teaching experiences.