Stay safe whilst learning the guitar

I think most of us have now come to the realisation that COVID is not going away anytime soon, and that we are all need to learn to live with it. It is important to not stop doing the things we want to do, whilst doing what we can to stay safe.

I am fully vaccinated and have had the booster jab. I am happy to do lessons wearing a mask if requested. I am also happy to teach if you have not been vaccinated, but would ask that you inform me of this so that we can both wear facemasks.

Don’t let COVID stop you learning a new skill – book guitar lessons today!

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Why not try something new?

Now that we are getting back to some kind of normality after a difficult 18 months, learning the guitar is a great way to relax and have some time to yourself in the midst of a busy life – all beneficial to your mental health. Not only that, but it is a great confidence builder, especially for children.

I am double jabbed, practice social distancing and happy to wear a mask during lessons if required.

Dust down that guitar during this difficult time

Hi everyone – I hope you have all been keeping safe and well during this difficult period.

For those of you with a guitar gathering dust in the corner, especially if you are still having to work from home, why not turn a negative into a positive and start to have some lessons.

I have now restarted subject to social distancing guidelines. My 30 minute lessons are flexible and an ideal break and change in the day. Weather permitting I am happy to teach in the garden.

Please feel free to email or telephone me for more information.

New year, new challenge

While there are many on-line tools, such as YouTube, that offer advice and tips on how to play songs on the guitar, there is no substitute for a one to one lesson.

Learning the guitar is a very personal thing as everybody is different and learns at a different pace. Whilst a lot of on-line lessons can tell you the ‘right thing to do’, it is often what not to do and where you are going wrong that a teacher can help you with.

I tailor all my lessons to individual needs and the songs that you want to learn to play. Please see my website for further details or feel free to call me.

Leave the Xbox and grab a guitar!

There is no substitute for one on one guitar lessons and I offer a practical modern approach which is fun and a great way for children to gain other skills. It helps develop their coordination, concentration and overall confidence. I use the Rockschool syllabus which have great versions of modern songs and children get a real sense of pride and achievement when they pass the exams. The first book is the Debut one and I have never not had a student pass it first time and they get a really cool certificate!

Which guitar is best for you?

If you are thinking about which guitar is best for you, the two major brands are Fender and Gibson. Most other cheaper alternatives are usually based on one of these brands.

There are lots of differences between the models but the main difference from a playability standpoint is that Fender necks are a bit longer and therefore tend to suit slightly bigger hands. If like me, you have quite small hands, the slightly smaller Gibson necks are usually more comfortable to play. If possible, try to play a guitar before you buy it as every person is different and a guitar is a very personal choice.

For younger children 3/4 size guitars are available but a good age to start thinking about a full size guitar is around 10 or 11.

Learning the guitar is about more than just learning the guitar!

Studies have shown that children who study music and learn how to play a musical instrument develop an appreciation for music and culture but also gain many other benefits.

Playing an instrument improves brain function by enhancing coordination, concentration and memory. It also improves communication skills and social interaction and overall confidence.

Children learning music perform better academically in school and gain higher grades and test scores.

These are just a handful of reasons why encouraging your child to learn the guitar can be beneficial.

Festivals

If you are into music and like watching live bands, one of the best ways to see a variety of different acts, is to go to a festival.

Whether it is a local one, such as Splendour, Dot to Dot, Chillifest or Gloworm, or one of the big ones such as Download or Glastonbury, you are guaranteed an eclectic mix of styles and music. Sadly, the only thing that can’t be guaranteed is the weather!

So why not drop me an email and one day you could go from standing in the crowd to playing to the crowd.