A solid foundation for learning

The Childbloom Guitar program is a comprehensive musical education program for children ages 5 and up. It was developed in 1980 by Kevin Taylor, of Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. The Childbloom Guitar Method is currently being used by educators throughout the nation and is the largest program of its kind in the United States.

The Childbloom method of guitar instruction focuses on using playful, accessible songs and activities to help students develop confidence, motivation, and a love for music. Our curriculum and positive, low-pressure teaching environment is structured to give students fun learning experiences that are appropriate to their age and development level, while helping them develop good technique, expressive playing, and music reading skills.

The Missoula Childbloom Guitar Program was established in 1996, and has been under the direction of Nathan Zavalney since September 2000. Missoula Childbloom has received numerous awards recognizing the high level of our teaching quality, including the national "Outstanding Childbloom Program " award in 2010.

Community and family focus

Our program is built around providing a supportive, community oriented musical experience for students and families. Classes are small group format, 2-4 kids of the same age and ability, giving the opportunity for interactive music making with peers, as well as individual attention for each student. We consistently offer students opportunities for community group music events and motivational activities such as contests, jam sessions, student concerts, and performance ensembles.

Parent involvement and support

Parents are an important part of their child's learning process. To this end, we strongly encourage parents are to attend the lesson with their child. "We have found," says founder Kevin Taylor, "that the more parents are involved in this process, the faster the student learns, the more the student learns, and the more persistent the student will be."

Many parents involved in the Childbloom Program do not have a musical background. This is not an issue, as we provide tools for even the most non-musical parent to be able to support their child's learning. Along with written materials and recordings of the music your child will be learning, parents are provided with strategies for helping guide your child’s skill development, tips for practicing at home, national contests for students to enter, and suggestions for dealing with challenging issues.

Note: For student performance clips, links to excellent guitar resource websites, and more information on the Childbloom Guitar Program visit the national website via the following link: www.childbloom.com (new window will open).