Your questions answered

Yes. You do not need to read music or know any chords before starting. We can begin with holding and tuning the guitar, finding a comfortable playing position and making your first clear notes.

Yes, I teach children aged eight and above as well as adults. A parent or guardian should make the enquiry for a child. Tell me their age, interests and experience so we can discuss a suitable guitar, lesson length and arrangements at home.

Both acoustic and electric guitar lessons are available. We can explore rock, pop, jazz, metal and indie, with music chosen to suit your experience and interests.

You need access to a guitar for your lesson and for playing between sessions. If you are choosing your first instrument, ask me for advice before buying. The Bristol music shops guide explains what to look for.

Bring a few songs or artists you enjoy. We can choose a manageable part and develop the chord changes, picking or timing that help you play it. Lessons combine practical skills with music that matters to you.

Yes, I can help you work through the Rockschool guitar grades if you would like that structure. I hold a Rockschool Grade 8 guitar certificate. Exams are optional: learning for your own enjoyment is equally welcome, and no examination result is guaranteed.

Yes. Bring the music or technique you are working on and explain where you feel stuck. We can focus on a particular style, phrasing, timing or musical understanding, then agree a useful next step.

Choose a small task from your lesson and return to it regularly. Slow a difficult chord change or phrase down until you can hear each note clearly, then build it back into the song. Bring questions to your next lesson so we can work through them together.

I am a mobile guitar teacher: I travel to students’ homes throughout Bristol, with no extra travel charge. Tell me your area when you enquire so I can confirm the journey and available times. Read about lessons at home.

Individual guitar lessons cost £22.50 for 30 minutes, £30 for 45 minutes or £35 for an hour. Lessons are paid as you go. Compare the three lesson lengths.

Weekly and fortnightly lessons are available by arrangement, or we can discuss a frequency that suits you. Regular time on the guitar between lessons helps you make use of what we cover. Confirm available times with me before booking.

Please give at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or rearrange. The advertised policy is that cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice may be charged at the lesson price. Any charge should reflect the loss incurred, taking account of a refilled slot or costs saved, and your statutory rights still apply. Confirm the booking and cancellation arrangements with me before agreeing a lesson.