Bespoke lessons
I aim to get my students to play something meaningful straight away – an easy chord or simple way to play the James Bond theme is a far more exciting start than the dull, open-string ‘tunes’ offered by so many guitar tutor books.
Though all fledgling guitarists must learn essential skills and acquire an understanding of rhythms, scales and keys, I make the journey easier by tailoring lessons to each student’s preferences and aspirations. This means I’m often looking up songs on You Tube and transposing them into keys that will best fit an individual’s skill level as well as stretch them a little further. It’s a bespoke service rather than a one-size-fits-all approach and it helps to keep my students engaged.
All exercises are backed up by hand-drawn notes (see pics) that can be kept and built up into a file, which helps students to practise between lessons and serves as a checklist for what has been learned to date.
Though all fledgling guitarists must learn essential skills and acquire an understanding of rhythms, scales and keys, I make the journey easier by tailoring lessons to each student’s preferences and aspirations. This means I’m often looking up songs on You Tube and transposing them into keys that will best fit an individual’s skill level as well as stretch them a little further. It’s a bespoke service rather than a one-size-fits-all approach and it helps to keep my students engaged.
All exercises are backed up by hand-drawn notes (see pics) that can be kept and built up into a file, which helps students to practise between lessons and serves as a checklist for what has been learned to date.
Though I do teach people to know the names of the notes they are fretting and the importance of knowing how to play scales in different positions, I don’t teach them how to read standard sheet music unless they ask for it. Like most guitar teachers, I use a system of music notation called TAB, which is specifically designed for the guitar. Rather than the traditional five lines, which make a stave, TAB uses six lines, which represent the six strings of a guitar. Numbers placed along these lines show the student which strings and frets to play.
While I would advise some guitar students (especially those wanting to learn classical music) to read the standard music notation common to almost all instruments, the great majority of guitarists make faster progress with TAB.
Most of my students have a 45-minute lesson each week, with a few taking lessons fortnightly. I have found from experience that half-hour lessons work best for children under 10. I am happy to work around school, work and family commitments to find a time to suit you.
While I would advise some guitar students (especially those wanting to learn classical music) to read the standard music notation common to almost all instruments, the great majority of guitarists make faster progress with TAB.
Most of my students have a 45-minute lesson each week, with a few taking lessons fortnightly. I have found from experience that half-hour lessons work best for children under 10. I am happy to work around school, work and family commitments to find a time to suit you.
Lesson PlansFrom easy chords to the tricks and techniques of the pros, my lesson plans are divided into three levels – Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. For details of what you will learn at each stage, click here to open a new window.
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PricesHalf an hour £16
45 minutes £21 One hour £26 90 minutes £35 |
