One thing seems to get forgotten in this business full of ego and that's the fun element of playing an instrument. Especially if you're a beginner, you can easily be put off if the lesson structure is rigid and the music you're learning is not your thing.
I offer three basic approaches which you can mix and match to suit. If you're just starting out, you can choose to learn to strum along to your preferred style of music or choose to get more involved in the mechanics of what you're learning. We can also include music theory to expand your knowledge. Alternatively you may want to develop your shredding chops and explore advanced technique and scale exercises. Yes, you can have a lesson plan that insists you practice 8 hours a day if you really want to!
A Little About MeI've been playing for 25 years and teaching on and off for 20 of them. I left college at 20 after A Level Music and the Commercial Music Diploma at Wakefield. I then became resident guitar tutor at 'Live On Stage' musical instruments. During my time at Live On Stage I had the opportunity to work with many great guitar players including Hugh Burns, Robbie Gladwell and Neil Schon.
I've been in bands since before I could play but developed my chops in Bradford based 'tech-rock' band Sir Jester (see the really old video!) along with fellow chopsters Gary Lawson and Adam Taylor. During this time we spent many hours blatantly plagiarising the music of Paul Gilbert, Ritchie Kotzen, Yngwie Malmsteen, Stevie Salas, Van Halen and a whole host of ridiculous technicians.
I've had the priviledge of studying with a number of excellent players including Rob Myers and Barrie Gledden. Barrie was heralded by Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records as one of England's best guitarists. I went on to become Barrie's guitar tech during his time with stunning rock band Old Man stone.My musical influences range from Neil Finn to Yngwie Malmsteen.
What does it cost?A standard lesson is 30 minutes and costs just £10. If you prefer you can have 45 minutes for £15 or the full hour for £20. If you need to be flexible and prefer to mix and match each lesson duration, that's fine too. What do I get from my lessons?That's entirely up to you and your lesson structure will develop over time. Whether it's theory, scales, speed playing, learning for fun or any combination of these elements, it's your lesson so you tell me. What Lesson Times Are Available?Week days 10am until 8pm and some weekends, on a first come first served basis for each time slot. You tell me when you want to attend and if its available, its yours. If you need to be flexible due to work commitments thats fine too.Is There An Age Limit?Learning guitar is uncomfortable on the fingers and this can put younger children off. Teenagers and upwards tend to concentrate better and get more from the lesson.What do I need?An acoustic or electric guitar, amplification is available. Just turn up and plug in, or not if you have an acoustic!
Please contact me via the form, listing your requirements and I will get back to you ASAP.
Thank you
I had been trying to teach myself guitar for many years without much success, going round in circles and not really getting anywhere, after just a few lessons with Mark I have a better understanding of theory, I can strum a few simple tunes and have learnt some classic licks and I'm getting more and more confident. I have got good practice routines, my scales and chords are coming together nicely. The lessons are based around what you want as a pupil and you can learn the music that you like which always helps. Marks studio is first class and his guitar skills / ability is first class.
As an absolute beginner I contacted Mark after becoming a little disollusioned with my previous tutor. Mark takes the time to find out what type of music and particular songs YOU would like to play and not what Mark wants you to play. I find Mark very friendy, informative and above all very encouraging. His studio is very light, modern and comfortable. I would recommend Mark to anyone wishing to take first steps guitar lessons or those wishing to improve their existing skills.
I've been learning guitar for 2.5 years and started being taught by Mark about 18 months ago. Marks approach has given me creative freedom to learn the style of music I want to play, when I want. Tuition times have been flexible to work around me. He's been really useful in helping me learn songs, exercises, and correct poor technique. Having originally started to learn guitar copying people on youtube and reading tabs, Mark knowledge of guitar theory now also has me understanding what it is I'm actually playing!
I've been playing guitar, self taught, for 16 years. I was looking for a tutor to iron out self taught bad habbits and help me progress further. I found Mark through this website (living less than three miles from me) and he has helped me to quickly progress from the self taught 'brick wall' i'd run into. He's patient and has a firm understanding of a lot of styles, fully recommended.
