Tim CollinsGuitar & Ukulele
Private guitar and ukulele lessons in High Park, Toronto — jazz, pop, rock, and folk, with specialized audition preparation for top postsecondary jazz programs.
15+ years guiding students from first chords to acceptance letters.
A teacher who plays.A player who teaches.
I'm Tim Collins, a Toronto-based guitarist and educator with over 15 years of teaching experience. My studio sits just steps from the northeast corner of High Park — a quiet, comfortable space where students come to listen, learn, and grow.
I trained at Humber College's jazz and contemporary music program, and also studied at Western University's Popular Music program. That dual background shapes how I teach: rigorous musicianship grounded in a genuine love of playing.
Whether you're picking up a guitar for the first time or preparing for a college audition, my focus is the same — patient, personal guidance that meets you where you are and takes you somewhere real.
Beyond the studio, Tim performs professionally as the owner and leader of Champagne Music, providing live guitar and music for weddings and events across Toronto — real-world performing experience that keeps his teaching grounded in genuine musicianship.
Two paths, one teacher
Lessons aren't just for advanced players. Whether you're aiming for a top jazz program or just want to sound better in your living room, there's a place for you here. I also teach ukulele — a wonderful starting point for young beginners and a rewarding instrument in its own right.
Audition Preparation
Specialized coaching for students auditioning for postsecondary jazz guitar programs. We build repertoire, technique, ear training, and the confidence to perform under pressure.
- Berklee College of Music
- Humber College
- York University
- University of Toronto
Many students have been accepted with scholarships.
General Lessons
Beginner to intermediate players are more than welcome. We'll build a solid foundation — chords, rhythm, melody, and the songs you actually want to play — at a pace that keeps it fun.
Every great guitarist started as a beginner.
Starting on ukulele
For young beginners (ages 7–12), I often recommend starting on ukulele. It's smaller, easier to hold, and builds confidence and fundamentals quickly before moving on to guitar. Ukulele lessons are available as their own offering too — some students love it and choose to stick with it.
Two ways to learn
I prefer to teach at my studio, where I have my full setup of instruments and gear — but I'm happy to travel to you for in-home lessons when it makes sense. Both guitar and ukulele are available either way.
Getting started is easy
A simple, low-pressure on-ramp — no long-term commitment up front.
Book a free trial lesson
No commitment — just a chance to meet, play a little, and see if it's a good fit before anything else.
Book a 6-lesson package
A prepaid set of 6 weekly lessons to build momentum and consistency — one easy upfront payment at the standard per-lesson rate, not billed lesson-by-lesson.
e.g. $360 for 6 studio guitar lessons, paid upfront
Move to 3-month terms
Once you're settled into a weekly rhythm, ongoing lessons are booked in 3-month terms, paid in advance and holding your dedicated weekly time slot.
Guitar
Studio and in-home options
Ukulele
A wonderful starting point for young beginners — and a rewarding instrument in its own right
Family discount
When 2 or more family members are enrolled under the same billing account, each registrant receives $5 off per lesson — applicable to guitar and ukulele, studio and in-home lessons. The discount applies to every lesson for each enrolled family member, for as long as they remain enrolled together.
Missed lessons & rescheduling
To reschedule a lesson, please provide notice by 9:00pm the day before your scheduled lesson. All missed lessons must be made up within 4 weeks of the original lesson date.
The studio
Studio lessons take place in a bright, comfortable home studio filled with natural light. The atmosphere is relaxed and easygoing — Tim's patient, no-pressure teaching style helps students feel confident whether they're just starting out or preparing for a competitive audition.
Your first studio session is complimentary — come see if it's the right fit before the regular rate applies.
A musician, in the frame
A few portraits from a photo session — Tim with the guitars he plays and teaches on. (The real lessons happen in a bright, comfortable studio near High Park — see About & Rates for more.)
What students & parents say
Tim Collins is a talented and intuitive music teacher. He knows when to introduce 'the next step,' challenging me to reach my new potential. I highly recommend Tim, no matter what level you are at.
Tim has been a wonderful guitar teacher for my daughter. As a beginner student he gave her a solid foundation in skills, but also motivated her to carry on with her guitar playing. His easy going disposition and encouraging words also made my daughter feel comfortable while learning a new instrument. Tim is an effective teacher. 5 stars.
Tim is an excellent guitar teacher. He is engaging and inspires my son to want to play. He makes it fun and maintains my son's interest.
Tim's a great guy, and an amazing guitarist! I had played for over 10 years before meeting Tim and was shocked by how knowledgeable he is. My guitar playing improved immensely in a short period. If you're looking for a talented musician/teacher look no further. I couldn't recommend Tim enough.
I love hearing my daughter playing her guitar with such confidence every day. My teenage daughter started learning ukulele with Tim and moved into guitar after about a year. Tim is so great at finding songs that suit her skills, tastes and talents. He was even able to get her to sing and perform in front of others! Tim is an amazing teacher with superior music knowledge. He makes music lessons fun.
5 stars! My daughter loved her ukulele lessons with you, Tim. You are so patient and supportive and the lessons were always engaging - the right amount of challenging, and most of all, FUN!! Thanks for your great teaching!
Good questions, answered
Let's get started
Whether you're preparing for an audition or picking up a guitar for the first time, reach out — I'd love to hear about your goals. Lessons are in-person only: at my home studio near High Park, or in-home where I travel to you.
Interested in in-home lessons? Please include your general neighbourhood or nearest major intersection so I can confirm the distance tier and pricing.
First-time students are welcome to schedule a free trial lesson to see if it's the right fit before committing.
After the trial, you'll purchase a prepaid 6-lesson package at the standard per-lesson rate (one upfront payment). Once you're settled in, ongoing lessons move to 3-month terms paid in advance, holding your weekly time slot.