Tristan Bellerive
Founder & Instructor
I’ve been a guitar teacher and musician in the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire for over 15 years. My passion for the instrument and my calling to teach led me to establish a private guitar studio called All Around Guitar. The studio is a space where people of all ages and abilities can find meaningful instruction to become confident musicians.
I learned to play the guitar as a teenager in the 90s with classic and prog rock music. I grew as a musician and teacher during my adult years - playing jazz, blues, folk, rock, and bluegrass. As a recent graduate of Berklee College of Music, I enjoyed training in classical and contemporary music. Ultimately, my lived experience as a working musician has shaped me into a guitarist that teaches with intention, empathy, and an appreciation for all musical styles.
Classical Foundation
My classical training is based in the pedagogical traditions of Julio Sagreras and Christopher Parkening. This foundation equips students to play classical repertoire with confidence and control. Classical methods emphasize:
Technical clarity
Beautiful tone production
Strong music reading skills
Musical phrasing and expression
Structured progression
Contemporary Styles
For students interested in pick-style guitar and contemporary approaches, my instruction draws from the curriculum of William Leavitt and Mel Bay. This pedagogy is effective for students interested in popular music and who want to continue their studies in higher education. This approach builds:
Fretboard fluency
A rich musical vocabulary
Stylistic versatility
Technical precision
Strong rhythmic sensibilities
Teaching Philosophy
I work with students at different levels of experience and ability. Whether you’re picking up the guitar for the first time, returning after years away, or seeking advanced skill development, we’ll define clear goals and work through a structured learning progression together. I believe in:
Patient, steady growth
Intentional and consistent practice
Clear technical foundations
Musical independence