Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of guitar playing? Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned player looking to deepen your understanding of the instrument, my tailored teaching methods are designed to meet the unique goals of every student. Here’s an overview of the five approaches I use to guide students to guitar mastery:
1. Traditional Guitar Learning: Reading Standard Notation
For students who aspire to learn classical guitar and develop the ability to read traditional sheet music, I use “Guitar Basics” and “Guitar Repertoire” by James Longworth and Nick Walker. These books provide a solid foundation in technique and musicality. Once students are comfortable with the basics, we progress to Trinity Classical Guitar Grades 2–8, which offers a structured pathway to becoming a proficient classical guitarist.
2. Rockschool Electric Guitar: Tablature and Popular Music
If your passion lies in popular music and the thrill of playing electric guitar, the Rockschool Electric Guitar Grades (Debut to Grade 8) curriculum is perfect for you. This program focuses on reading tablature, understanding contemporary guitar techniques, and playing the music you love. From beginner-level riffs to advanced solos, this method provides an exciting and engaging way to master the electric guitar.
3. 50 Progressive Classic Guitar Riffs: For Non-Readers
Not everyone finds reading music easy, but that shouldn’t stop you from learning the guitar. For students who prefer a more intuitive approach, I offer 50 Progressive Classic Guitar Riffs. This pathway allows you to focus on playing iconic riffs in a step-by-step manner, building your skills progressively without the need to read sheet music. It’s a fun and effective way to learn.
4. Bespoke Lessons: Learn Your Favourite Songs
Music is deeply personal, and nothing motivates more than learning songs you love. My bespoke lessons are tailored to individual interests, whether you dream of playing the classics of your favorite band, mastering intricate solos, or simply strumming along to your go-to playlist. These sessions are fully customized to ensure you achieve your musical aspirations.
5. The Numbiano Guitar Method: Comprehensive Fretboard Mastery
For students seeking a deeper understanding of the guitar, I offer the Numbiano Guitar Method. This approach is ideal for:
- Intermediate or Advanced Players: Those who want to refine their skills and explore the guitar in a more comprehensive way.
- New Students: Beginners who wish to develop a complete understanding of the fretboard from the start.
The Numbiano Guitar Method emphasises fretboard mastery by placing red and blue number notes on the guitar neck, visually representing scales, melodies, and harmonies. This unique system allows students to:
- Visualise finger placement with clarity.
- Learn scales and harmonies across 5 shapes that span two octaves.
- Develop the ability to improvise and compose music with ease.
Incorporating green screen technology, I also create engaging YouTube videos where students can see the guitar fretboard overlaid with Numbiano number maps. This interactive approach enhances learning and ensures you fully grasp the relationship between notes and patterns.
Why Choose My Guitar Lessons?
With a diverse range of methods and a commitment to personalised teaching, I help students of all levels achieve their goals. Whether you’re pursuing classical guitar, rocking out on an electric, or unlocking the secrets of improvisation, I’ll provide the tools and guidance you need to succeed.
Let’s make your guitar-playing dreams a reality! Reach out today to start your musical journey.
Testimonials
Andy is more than just a guitar teacher. He’s a life coach. I’m always so elevated after our sessions. Now I’m a committed guitar player. His intuitive, holistic and utterly bespoke approach to teaching makes music accessible and fun.
Jo Berryman
My lessons are really enjoyable, they are fun and I learn lots. Andy is very calm and I feel I have improved so much since starting my lessons with Andy.
Lola – aged 13
Andy has been teaching my son for about 3 years. I am very impressed with how fast he has progressed. He is not only not looking at finger placement but he is reading music and creating his own melodies.Thanks you, Andy.
Frank Schmidt
Andy has been teaching me for about 3 years. I look forward to his lessons as he is patient, explains well and is fun. I have just started electric along with acoustic guitar and I really enjoy learning both.
Emile aged 11
Andy has been teaching my son guitar for a number of years. He has a sensitive and clear approach, successfully supporting my son through his Rockschool grades.
Anita Bell
Andy is a great teacher, and is brilliant at explaining the different methods of understanding how to play and read music. He is very understanding and is flexible for different circumstances I have had. He is a really nice and genuine person.
Onni aged 15
Andy has been teaching my daughter for 3 years and she has been loving the lessons. Andy is very friendly, calm and intuitive. He understands my daughter well, he welcomes her song choices, often adjusting them brilliantly according to suit her ability.
Katrina Cespivova
Andy is an outstanding guitar teacher and has provided excellent tuition during the last few years. Our son has really flourished from his systematic and expert guidance and has established a strong technical foundation through a wide variety of learning experiences, including ensemble lessons, music exams and performances. Andy is observant and conscientious, and builds secure and trusting relationships with his students. He fosters a real love of music, across many different styles and genres and we are privileged to have him as our son’s guitar teacher.
Francis Druitt
Andy has worked with 3 of our children over a number of years. Our children are all engaged in and motivated by the lessons. When they started, I wasn’t convinced they would have the discipline needed to learn to play instruments well but Andy has instilled not only pleasure in their playing but also a sense of determination and persistence so that their initial interests have had an opportunity to last and develop. They have been able to experience that practice does indeed make perfect. It is a pleasure to hear them playing. Our children are not by any means children who are compliant across the board – but for Andy, they not only go to their lessons but practice during the week. I have seen them becoming competent with their instruments, learning to read music and play in front of audiences which has boosted their pleasure in life and their self esteem.
Gemma Kayum
Andy is a great teacher. He is very patient and encouraging with my 6 year old son. Ive been very impressed with how Rowan has progressed. Andy certainly gets my recommendation.
Daniella Corroza
Andy, with his undoubtedly versatile and deep knowledge of all aspects of guitar playing, has helped me, tremendously, improve both my ability and enjoyment of making music, with whichever instrument I ask him to help me with. I am in my early 70’s, and Andy has always demonstrated patience, and also the ability to help me understand and achieve my goals, through explanation and demonstration, regarding areas I have any difficulty with, due to my years. It is not easy to learn something new at this age! However, I would recommend him highly, as a teacher, whatever your age.
Kevin Smith
