"Having waited until my 40s to learn to play guitar, I didn't hold out much hope of success. But with Jon's guidance, I can play real music and have passed several grade exams. Before, I would greet every new challenge with 'I can't do that,'; now, I think, 'What can I do next?' ", Grace

Individual lessons are suitable for those who wish to study at a steady pace over a longer period of time or for more advanced students. These last usually for 30 minutes or one hour and are available for anyone. In this time, the attention will be entirely on your current abilities and progress and the lesson can be tailored to suit you. The opportunity to study for exams in classical guitar, electric guitar and bass guitar is available, but not essential for lessons.

Another option, for those who are just beginning guitar or who wish to explore a different guitar style, is to take a 10-lesson guitar course. These can be taken over any period of time to fit in with other commitments.

As part of each course students are supplied with CD recordings and tutor books which will be useful as practice material and information after the course has finished. Lessons will generally last from 45 minutes to one hour and will be a more cost-effective way of starting to learn. Group lessons are also available with lower costs per student.

 

Guitar courses available:

Introduction to Spanish guitar - techniques

This 10-lesson course is suitable for those who are interested in Spanish, classical or flamenco guitar and is suitable for complete beginners or guitarists who wish to explore a different style. The focus is on technique with no requirement to read music. You will learn about the fingerstyle approach to playing with exercises and music to practice.

The course includes a 20-page tutor book with accompanying CD which is packed with information on the best way to approach Spanish guitar. The lessons will help you understand physical techniques and elements of music theory that will help you to achieve the most from your playing.

Introduction to electric guitar - for complete beginners

If you have never played guitar before and would like to learn electric guitar, this is the course for you. The 10 lessons focus on playing with a pick and learning to read tab & chord charts which are used in songs and guitar music. You will learn essential techniques and skills that will help you play with a band.

The course includes 20-page tutor book/CD packed with musical examples and exercises plus a second songbook/CD featuring a professional band. Topics introduced include: chord progressions, riffs, the blues, improvising, elements of reading music and playing with a band.

Introduction to bass guitar - for complete beginners

This course is for anyone who would like to learn to play bass. The 10 lessons will cover necessary physical techniques and musical knowledge to help you play with a band. Tuition will explain finger techniques, creating basslines, arpeggios, elements of music theory & reading music and playing in group.

The course includes 20-page tutor book/CD packed with musical examples and exercises plus a second songbook/CD featuring a professional band.

Introduction to Spanish classical guitar - reading music

This course is for those who have completed the course Introduction to Spanish guitar - techniques or for guitarists who would like to focus on improving music-reading.

Reading music is an essential skill for classical guitarists and this 10-lesson course focuses on improving reading ability and understanding. Lessons will explain music notation symbols and signs and basic music theory to help understand written music and play it effectively.

The course includes a tutor book and CD full of music examples and exercises to practice.

Introduction to classical guitar - expression, repertoire and style

This 10-lesson course is suitable for those who have completed the course Introduction to Spanish classical guitar - reading music or for more advanced guitarists.

The focus here is on creating and controlling an expressive sound and tone. Tuition explores a fuller understanding of technical possibilities and looks at more complex music. We will look at a range of repertoire from the Renaissance to contemporary Latin American music by playing five classic pieces from important composers.

A 20-page tutor book with CD is included in this course. It may be necessary to buy some extra music towards the end of the course.