About
Hi there, my name is Dan and I've been teaching guitar for over 15 years. I have a Higher Diploma in Popular Music Performance, as well as a BA Honours Degree in Jazz Studies. I've taught guitar to literally hundreds of students, both privately, and in schools, colleges and Universities. I teach students of all ages and abilities, and cover many popular styles. I am also happy to teach music theory and sight-reading, as well as lead students through graded exams.
When I'm not teaching, I'm either working on my creating my own music, or I'm producing music for other artists. In short, I live and breath music, and I believe my passion rubs off on my students and inspires them to play, and practice more.
Get in touch
If you're looking to get started with guitar lessons, send me a message and let me know a bit about yourself and what you're looking for from guitar lessons. I'll also be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Services
Styles Taught
I teach a range of styles, including Classical, Acoustic, Folk, Blues, Rock and Jazz. I have studied all of these styles formally and to a high level, and I am intimately aware of the technical and theoretical principles behind each style.
All Levels & Abilities
I teach students of all ages, levels and abilities. Whether you've just retired and are looking to take up a new hobby, wanting to take your playing to the next level, or you're looking to get your child started on their first instrument, I am always happy to help.
Grades & Theory
As well as teaching you how to play guitar, I also teach music theory, aural recognition skills and sight reading. I'm also happy to lead you through graded exams should you wish to take them. If you just want to play for fun that's also fine.
What My Students Say...
'Dan makes leaning guitar what it should be – fun! By taking time to find out the types of music you like he is able to introduce new chords and techniques through playing songs you enjoy rather than just endless repetition. As a result you are able to quickly sound good and feel as though you are making progress rather than growing frustrated and impatient which often happens when trying to learn a new skill. As well as detailed and thorough technical musical knowledge he is able to offer tips and tricks from his long experience as a talented performer and songwriter that few have in their repertoire. I also recommend buying one of his CD's'
'I have played guitar for a few years but have not had any lessons. I started to lose interest as I felt there had been no improvement in my playing. Since I started Guitar lessons with Dan my understanding of both music theory and playing the guitar has helped me to make big improvements in my playing. In my first lesson I explained to Dan where I thought I was in my guitar playing and what I would like to achieve. I find Dan a great teacher and he certainly has inspired me to want to learn more. I would certainly not hesitate to recommend Dan to anyone who is either starting to play guitar or would like to take their playing to a higher level. Dan is a great guitarist and an excellent Teacher'
'After 8 years of trying to play I had accepted it was not really going to go anywhere. I felt like I was trying to flog a dead horse. I work long hours but I've always made time to practice and I felt like my practice time wasn't really paying off. I started to think I didn't have it in me and also whether my professsion (builder) contributed to my heavy handedness. My wife told me I should try a few lessons. I was reluctant as I don't always respond well to pressure. However, I now have a new found passion for this delightful instrument thanks to this very talented and extremely modest, natural teacher. Have a few lessons to start with you will be surprised how good you can become when you have help. It's been a revelation for me and I'm very thankful to Dan for all the help he has given me
My Teaching Approach
Step-by-step tuition
As well as a music teacher, I also consider myself a student of music. You never stop learning when it comes to music and there is always room for improvement. When I was growing up I was lucky enough to have had some amazing music teachers both privately, and at school, college and university. I studied under some incredible players, some of which were also amazing teachers. However, I also had some not so great teachers. I try to base my approach to teaching on the great teachers I had. These teachers always....
- Had a step-by-step approach. They didn't let me skip steps, instead they made sure that all the foundations were solid
- They taught me not only what to practice but how to practice
- They were patient and kind, but they also had high standards and demanded that I also had high standards
- They were engaging and interested in my progress
- The lessons were centered around my playing, not theirs
- The lessons were tailored to me and my musical goals
Where?
I teach from my home in Chesterton, Cambridge. See the map below. Parking available.
Book a Lesson
If you're looking to get started with guitar lessons, send me a message and let me know a bit about yourself and what you're looking for from the lessons.
