Lessons

I have been teaching over 20 years now as a school teacher and private guitar tutor. I cover small groups and one to one lessons of all ages. I teach all levels and abilities of guitar and bass, enjoying seeing all my students succeed and achieve there goals whatever they may be!

At GJ's we provide a relaxed and engaging environment for lessons. My approach is to develop playing skills through the pupils musical interests. This can be your first steps or developing existing skills.

Online Lessons

I am now extending my private lessons to include online classes over video call. Classes will last 30mins - 1hr and will span from learning the absolute basics, to professional technique, and songs / pieces that you've always wanted to learn. There is also a blues club online which takes place on Mondays 8-9pm.

There will be a little bit of Music Theory, should you want to learn that too, but it isn't a necessity, if you just want to learn to play a few good tunes, its a easily digestible, logical, and exciting format.

Music Theory

Like most people, my first encounter with music theory was at school and it was complicated, boring, pointless and frustrating - not because it is - because the teachers back then made it seem that way (I'm hoping these days that's improved!). Over years music theory has become a real passion of mine and I teach it how it should be taught - using practical examples and explaining "the why” so you get a deep understanding the reason you should put a little effort into it - and I won’t lie - it will take some time and effort but I can assure you it is worth it and I’ll make it as easy and fun as it can be!

GCSE & A LEVEL MUSIC

Whatever your hopes for your child’s final years of study at school or college, GCSE or A - Level music is a wise choice. If they have a passion for a subject, they’re much more likely to enjoy their study and be motivated to revise and practise. Yet there are so many other reasons why they’ll benefit from studying music.

Independent learning: having to be disciplined about practising on their instrument or voice.
Team working: particularly if they’re involved in weekly groups or ensembles, concerts and performances.
Performance and presentation skills which are useful for any job/career.
Listening: this is highly developed in musicians and it is an important part of the course.
Analytical and essay-writing skills.
Confidence and self-esteem: which has a knock-on effect in all areas of life and learning.
Creativity and self-expression: helping young people to think differently and harness the power of their imagination.

GRADED MUSIC EXAMS

ROCK SCHOOL

The aim of this unit is to build the learner’s musical knowledge and give them the ability to express their thoughts and feelings about music using the appropriate language whilst drawing upon knowledge learned within this unit.

Learners will explore the impact an artist has had on them. Through a study of the artist’s background, music and career development, the unit will encourage the learner to measure this artists influence on their own development as a music practitioner and individual.

Whilst studying this unit learners will build a wider knowledge of contemporary music. This knowledge will be demonstrated through the ability to recognise key musical elements present within contemporary music

TRINITY COLLEGE

Every year Trinity College London supports the music education of thousands of students with assessments across a wide spectrum including popular, jazz, contemporary and classical music.

Trinity College London graded examinations and diplomas span performing, teaching, theory of music and composing, all of which are fully accredited by the relevant UK regulatory bodies.

The candidate is at the heart of our focus. That’s why we offer insightful assessments for everyone, from beginners right up to diplomas for the most advanced candidates.

All Trinity College London examiners are professional musicians, and they take special care to make candidates feel relaxed in the examination room, creating a positive environment for you to demonstrate your talents to your full potential