Private Guitar Lessons
Learn how to play guitar with the guidance of a friendly, experienced pro!
Even after 12 years as a professional guitar tutor and literally thousands of guitar lessons, teaching is still very much a passion for me. I can still remember struggling with the first chords I was shown and wondering how they were ever going to be good enough to use in a song! Learning how to play guitar can be a frustrating process but help and advice from an experienced teacher can save you hours of wasted time and avoid the pitfall of practicing bad habits which can be very difficult to remove.
When you learn with me, your guitar lessons will be geared very much to the style of music you want to play and a strong emphasis is placed on learning 'real world' techniques. I'll show you the most effective and powerful ways to develop your skill on the guitar and help you to understand teh very powerful connection between mindset and progress!
Guitar lessons with me offer you a practical, real world approach to learning this incredible instrument whatever area of your playing you are looking to improve and no matter your own level of experience. All my one to one lessons take place at a purpose built, air conditioned studio in Croydon.
'Do you offer guitar lessons for beginners?'
Yes! Guitar lessons for beginners are something many people believe teachers try to avoid, but my approach is completely the opposite. If your first experience with a guitar is an uninterested and short tempered teacher, you're unlikely to stay enthusiastic for very long.
From the outset of your lessons, all you will find is encouragement and patience! You will learn methods and techniques that really make a difference and help you to achieve the goals you set for yourself.
As always, the real proof is in what students have to say about it!
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John's teaching studio in East Croydon
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Set up and ready for action at Abbey Road, Studio 2.
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Student Testimonial
"Outstanding! John is the best guitar tutor I have been to - and I've tried several! He's a really nice guy and has been able to answer any question I've thrown at him (whether it be theory, technique or practical) whilst willingly sharing the wealth of knowledge from his session recording and live performance experiences. Most importantly he has ensured that I achieve the goals I set myself. The lessons are never boring and are jam packed with information. My playing has seen great improvement. He's not just a tutor, he's a mentor!" (Phil P, Feb 2016)
Get in touch on 0779 654 7711 or e-mail me about guitar lessons!
Bass Guitar Lessons
As well as playing guitar, I've also spent a lot of time as a bass player and offer bass guitar lessons to anyone interested in learning how to hold down the low end! I spent a number of years playing bass in the Dave Markee Band whilst Dave played acoustic guitar. Dave himself was a renowned session bassist and the experience of playing under the guidance of someone who had been such a giant of the London session scene was an invaluable musical education. Great bass players are the beating heart of a band and I'm constantly moved by the playing of bassists like James Jamerson, Pino Palladino, Nate Watts and Bernard Edwards to name just a few!
Student Testimonial
"John has taught guitar to my husband for a number of years so when I decided to learn bass he was the obvious person to choose as I have seen vast improvements in my husbands playing and confidence. I am so glad I did as he is incredibly patient and knowledgable and makes the lessons interesting so you always want to go back for more. I would highly recommend him whether you are a beginner or someone who just wants to improve. " (Maggie K, May 2016)
Online Guitar Lessons
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, taking guitar lessons online has never been so popular! It's also an excellent way to connect with students in other countried and time zones. I've given guitar lessons to students as far afield as Singapore so as long as you have access to a reliable and reasonably quick broadband connection, online guitar lessons may be right up your super highway!
Online guitar lessons are also ideal for people with mobility issues who find it difficult to leave the house or just very short on time as it cuts down on travelling time. If you're interested in having guitar lessons online, there are several options such as Zoom, Facetime or WhatsApp.
Student Testimonial
"I was a latecomer to the guitar, have sang all my life, but wanted to be able to accompany myself. I was worried though ...very self conscious, and had no confidence...and I also didn't want to be treated like a school kid. I honestly should not have been worried at all, John is an amazing teacher, he is patient and very constructive, he tells you "try this ..." rather than critiquing what you are doing, so you always feel encouraged whilst being corrected. He has an amazing knack of using everyday analogy to explain things, that make them easy to understand and retain. I moved to Singapore, and was devastated to think he wouldn't be able to teach me anymore. We now use Facetime and it works a treat, the picture and sound are perfect, its just like being in the studio with him. For those who have time constraints, I highly recommend online lessons with him". (Rachel P, May 2016)
Ukulele Lessons
The Ukulele may be one of the most fun instruments to play that's ever been invented! Ukulele can be very helpful for beginners and is also a great introduction for younger children who are keen to move on to the guitar.
Ukulele lessons can be given alongside regular guitar lessons and you can now even do graded exams up to a Grade 5 level on the Ukulele. As with guitar lessons, you can also take Ukulele lessons online!
Home Recording Studio Lessons
The ability to record at home has never been easier. You can set yourself up with very good quality equipment for a very low outlay and there is a dizzying array of options available when it comes to equipment and software.
I've got over 25 years experience as a studio musician and I can help you with some hard won experience and insight into the recording process so you can take your first steps into this exciting world.
Recording yourself at home is one of the best ways to make improvements in your own playing/singing and I regularly include recording sessions within lessons and offer help and encouragement to students looking to get into the exciting of world of home recording!
Student Testimonial
An hour's lesson whizzes by in what feels like 15 minutes. He knows his subject inside out and he has the knack of explaining the theory behind what you're playing without making your head hurt. I've learned masses in the last 12 months, played all kinds of things and even had a stab at recording in John's teaching room/studio. There's nothing more motivational than actually hearing your own guitar fumblings coming out of a pair of speakers! Book now! I pretty much guarantee you'll come away going: "Aaaah! Now I get it!" (Peter V, Sept. 2013)
Production and Songwriting Lessons
In addition to help with regular recording techniques, you can also get help and tuition if you're an aspiring singer/songwriter. I'll show you how to make the most of demo recordings and what to expect when going in to the studio for the first time.
The picture on your right (or below if you're reading on a mobile device!) is me preparing to record a guitar part in Studio 2 at the world famous Abbey Road Studios! A humbling experience when you think of the world changing music that's been recorded there.
How much do lessons cost?
Lesson prices vary according to length but 30min lessons start at £16 for children and £18 for adults. 1 hour lessons cost £37 but discounts are available for daytime lessons.
Choosing to take lessons of any sort is an investment in yourself and you should never pick a tutor on price alone. Teaching an instrument involves a great deal more than technical instruction and it's important to build a strong working relationship with the tutor of your choice.
If you're interested in lessons, I'm very happy to arrange a 'virtual' chat via Zoom, Facetime or WhatsApp so you can ask me any questions and get more of idea about learning guitar with me.
Student Testimonial
"John is an immensely talented and patient teacher. After 25 years of getting by I decided to take a few lessons. John has opened my eyes and ears to a wide variety of playing styles and for the first time I feel that I am beginning to understand what I'm doing. Lessons fly by and everything I learn proves to of use in other aspects of playing. I really can't recommend John highly enough". (Roy F, Sept. 2012)
Want to know more?
If you're interested in learning guitar, bass, ukulele or would just like to talk with me about learning an instrument, please fill in the form and I'll get in touch as soon as possible.
Alternatively, you can call or text me directly on 0779 654 7711.