FAQs
Where are the lessons?
I teach at a studio in Meanwood called Leeds Music Teachers Collective. There we have guitar and drum teaching rooms and a great live room for band sessions!
How much do guitar lessons cost?
Lessons are £30 per hour.
Do you teach electric and acoustic guitar?
Yes, I certainly do. Most songs can be played on either acoustic or acoustic, although certain techniques are easier on one than the other. If you are unsure which you would like to learn, I will gladly help you choose.
Can you help me choose my first guitar?
Of course, I’d be glad to help. Having the right guitar makes a big difference to how much you’ll want to play it, but your choice of guitar will also be influenced by your budget and by the type of music you like. I’ll gladly talk it through with you and make sure you get the right guitar for you and your needs.
Can I sit in on your lessons with my child?
Yes, but I would suggest that this is not ideal. In my experience this doesn’t tend to create a very productive and relaxed environment. Young children sometimes feel slightly more nervous and under pressure with an extra pair of eyes watching them, as I would too!
I’d be more than happy for a parent to sit in the first lesson for reassurance, but after that my preference would be for just me and the student to be present.
Are your CRB/DBS records up-to-date?
Having worked in schools and with school children of differing ages I have had roughly five CRB checks done over the past five or six years, as well as one very recent DBS check. If you have any further questions related to these checks, please ask.
What times are you available to teach?
I teach all day Monday – Thursday until 9pm, and Saturday morning/afternoon. Once I know when you’re available, I will then be able to find a suitable time to fit you in.
How do I book a lesson with you?
The best thing to do is for us to have a chat over the phone and see what’s what. Feel free to email or text me though and then we can speak at a convenient time.
What age group do you teach?
I teach anyone over the age of 10 years old. There are exceptions, but most beginners younger than 10 tend to require a more specific approach to learning, which isn’t really part of my background.
How often do I need to practice?
There is no right answer to this question. You play and practice your guitar as often as you can and as often as you want to. If you have five kids, a full time job, then no one will expect you to put in hours of practice every day! The key thing to remember is that the more you play, the better you get – easy!
Do you only teach beginners?
No. I’d say half the people I teach are (or have been) complete beginners who have never even held a guitar before! Some had bought a guitar and a book on “How to Learn Guitar in a Day” and then got totally stuck after a week!
Some had learned some basic chords and riffs but weren’t sure if they’re doing it right or where to go next. Others have been playing for a few years and want to push themselves further and learn either different styles or more tricky things that are more satisfying to play.
How long are your lessons?
Lessons are one hour long. In special cases (usually for younger children) I can do 45 minute lessons.
Is there an introductory lesson?
The introductory lesson is FREE and is a good place to chat about lessons, guitars, time slots and any other questions you might have.
Do I need my own guitar before I take lessons?
Ideally you need your own guitar to be able to play, practice and improve. If you’re not sure whether learning to play the guitar is something you want to commit to, then I’ll happily loan you a guitar during the lesson.
What styles of music do you teach?
In my lessons, pretty much anything goes. From 60’s oldies to more contemporary chart hits; from classic rock and heavy metal to acoustic guitar, finger picking, funk, country, blues, and pop.
Do you teach group lessons?
Yes. Group lessons usually comprise of two or three people, all of a similar age and ability level and all wishing to learn similar things. Alternatively, you may want lessons for you and a friend, or for your son and daughter together. If you’re interested in the group lessons, please don’t hesitate to ask for further information.
What do I need to bring to the lessons?
Really, all you need is yourself, and ideally a guitar! I have plenty of songs, tabs and materials to use. Other than that, a decent tuner, a capo and plenty of picks would be useful additions, as well as a folder to keep all your sheets together.