Sean McMurray teaches guitar to students across skill levels in Oklahoma City, offering private lessons structured around each player's goals rather than a fixed curriculum. His practice emphasizes technique, music theory, and repertoire selection tailored to what students actually want to play, making him a fit for learners who prefer customized instruction over group classes or pre-packaged lesson plans.
McMurray works with beginners learning open chords and basic strumming patterns, intermediate players refining fingerstyle technique or preparing for performances, and advanced students tackling complex arrangements or composition. Lessons cover acoustic and electric guitar. The instruction includes foundational music theory relevant to what a student is playing, not abstract concepts divorced from practice. He can guide students through learning songs by ear as well as reading standard notation.
Most lessons run 30, 45, or 60 minutes, with the longer formats better suited to students juggling multiple techniques or preparing for recitals. McMurray works from a private studio space in Oklahoma City; lessons are scheduled one at a time, not in group settings.
Individual 30-minute lessons cost $30, 45-minute lessons run $45, and 60-minute lessons are $60. These rates reflect a straightforward per-session model with no package discount or commitment required. Confirm current rates and availability by contacting McMurray directly, as pricing can shift seasonally or with demand.
New students typically start with a 30-minute lesson to establish what they want to work on and assess their current ability. Returning students often move to 45 or 60-minute sessions once they have a clearer sense of their pace and goals.
Oklahoma City has guitar teachers available through music schools like Academy of Fine Arts and independent instructors advertising on platforms like Thumbtack and Craigslist. Academy of Fine Arts offers group and private lessons at rates often in the $50–$75 range for 30 minutes, with the added option of ensemble classes but less flexibility in scheduling and repertoire choice. Independent instructors found through online marketplaces vary widely in experience and require more vetting before booking.
McMurray's model suits students who know what they want to play and need a teacher to help them get there without paying for ensemble infrastructure they won't use. He's less ideal for young children seeking social learning or for players wanting monthly progress reports and formal recital opportunities through an established academy.
McMurray works best for self-directed learners with a specific song, style, or technique in mind. Adults returning to guitar after years away, teenagers learning electric guitar to play in a band, and intermediate players stuck on a particular barrier all benefit from focused one-on-one time. He suits students who want to know the why behind what they're learning, not just the mechanics.
He's not the best fit for very young children (typically under 7) who need short, game-based lessons and frequent parental involvement, or for students who thrive on group motivation and peer learning. Students seeking structured progress benchmarks tied to formal grading or certification should look elsewhere.
A first lesson typically establishes what brought the student to guitar, what they want to play within the next three to six months, and what they've tried before. McMurray assesses hand position, posture, and basic technique, then introduces or reviews material directly connected to the student's stated goal rather than working through a standardized beginner sequence. This means a first lesson might include learning the first verse of a song you brought in, not abstract finger exercises.
Students should bring their own guitar; McMurray can advise on instrument condition or setup if needed. Expect to spend 10–15 minutes of a first session answering questions about your background; the rest goes to playing.
McMurray operates from a private studio space in Oklahoma City. Street parking is available near the studio; confirm the exact address and any access details when you book your first lesson. Lessons are by appointment only, typically scheduled a week or two in advance. He works with a standard cancellation policy; verify the specifics when contacting him.
Sean McMurray fills the gap for Oklahoma City learners who want personalized guitar instruction without the overhead of a larger academy and without committing to a group class environment. His straightforward hourly rates and willingness to build lessons around what students want to play make him worth contacting if you're looking for customized one-on-one instruction.
