I offer one-to-one lessons on guitar (either electric, classical, acoustic or nylon strings) or bass guitar in London.
Afternoons and evenings are most popular.
My musical experience is both extensive and diverse - I have a First Class BA Hons degree in Music from Southampton University - perhaps most importantly, I have a great deal of playing experience in all sorts of different groups so I am able to cater for a wide range of styles and levels. Be you a complete beginner in search of some basic skills, or an advanced player looking to brush up your technique and learn some new ideas, I'm sure I can offer you enjoyable and informative lessons whatever your level.
I am also able to teach music theory, again at a range of levels. This may be something you wish to learn in tandem with my instrumental lessons, or perhaps you are looking to take a theory exam. Or perhaps you have been playing for years but seemed to have reached a point where you would like to get further but just don't know how - I have taught a lot of students who would like to know a little more about how chords and scales work together to improve their improvising or composing - then I can help. I can offer assistance with either classical or jazz theory, or practical solutions to common improvising problems.
All ages are welcome. I am happy for a parent to sit in on a child's first lesson if they (and you the parent) would prefer this. I have a CRB-check certificate which I am happy to e-mail to you if necessary.
I usually find that for beginners and youngsters, a half-hour lesson is plenty to start with. For half an hour I charge £10.
I charge £20 for a one hour lesson, and this longer session usually benefits intermediate or advanced players, and some beginners and youngsters as they progress.
NB. I do not charge for photocopies or any other additional material, but reserve the right to charge pupils the full price for missed lessons or cancellations within 24 hours of the agreed time unless there are understandable circumstances.
MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY...
I believe students benefit from being taught in a way that suits them, so my approach will differ from pupil to pupil. Common to them all, however, will be that I teach them what they want to know. Everyone has unique aims, so everyone should have unique lessons.
I am a conscientious teacher and plan my lessons and take notes on every pupil to track their progress. I also produce my own factsheets and photocopies where necessary to accompany certain lessons so there is no need to buy expensive books to learn from if you don't want to. I am also a patient, sympathetic and relaxed teacher - I know what it is like to learn an instrument as I had to do it myself!
I have no set method of teaching as the needs of each pupil is different and the way each pupil learns best is different. Some are more interested in sight-reading, while others prefer to listen and have things written down using different systems (numbers of tablature for instance).
I try to keep the lessons as practical as possible and encourage playing in groups to aid progress. I will often accompany guitar or bass pupils by playing guitar along with them or using my drum machine (especially for bass players as it can be a lonely instrument to study without people playing along with you).
There are more details below, but if you need to ask any questions at all then you can always drop me an e-mail at SB@stevieb.org for more information. When contacting me, let me know what experience you have with the guitar (or if you are enquiring on behalf of someone then let me know what experience they have) and what you want to get out of your sessions with me. If you're interested in how to emulate your favourite guitarist, I can equip you with the necessary technique and know-how. If you are more interested in advanced concepts, in-depth chord theory for instance, then I can also help. It may transpire that in order to reach your goals I have to teach you other things which may at first appear indirectly linked to your ultimate goal, but as with all learning processes, you can't run before you can crawl ... but I will help you get there eventually.
BEGINNERS ...
I teach plenty of students from the very beginning. I try to give young guitarists as broad an understanding of music as I possibly can and try and get them playing pieces as quickly as possible. Older students picking up the guitar for the first time might have a clearer idea of the sort of guitarist they would like to be. I approach the lessons in this case with a view to those goals set out by the pupil.
This said, no matter where a pupil wants to get to, they need to grasp the rudiments of playing. It's easy to get a sound out of a guitar or a bass - like the piano, it's as easy as just putting your fingers on the thing to get some response. This said, to get a good sound out of your guitar, you're inevitably going to have to learn where your fingers go and when, and how to do it properly. At this stage, it's worth sparing a thought for the poor novice trumpeter who spends the first months of his lessons blowing as hard as he can just to hear a few notes.
Once the basics are on track (it's a common saying but bad habits are very hard to break and do lead to problems as pieces get harder) I then teach some simple pieces. There may be some you have in mind, or a style you're most interested in. No problem. I should like to get you playing pieces as quickly as possible while also working on good technique and perhaps some basic theory (note names, chord names, basic scales) if I think it will help. As lessons progress, pupils can take more responsibility for what they want to look at.
I can also work out my pupils' favourite songs for them to learn when they are good enough. This saves buying overpriced sheet music or hunting for tabs on the internet which can often be misleading. I often request that a pupil makes me a CD of their favourite songs early on. Not only does this give us some songs to look at, but also gives me a great understanding of the sort of music that pupil is into.
INTERMEDIATE AND
ADVANCED PLAYERS ...
Given that intermediate and advanced players most likely already have a sound grasp of the basics of playing, these lessons can be more driven by the pupil's own unique goals.
Most often, guitarists come to me who are after solutions to problems they have encountered whilst playing. Sometimes they are in a rut with their solos and improvising or they are confused by some aspects of music theory or they want to learn how to achieve a particular sound or technique.
I can cover a range of advanced topics including chord construction and spelling, advanced scales, modes, jazz harmony, improvising strategies, stylistic appropriateness, groove playing, walking bass ideas, working with a drummer, ensemble technique, compositional ideas ...
It can help to have someone take you in directions you hadn't thought of previously and fill in the gaps in your knowledge or technique. If you have any queries as to what I could offer you then e-mail me at SB@stevieb.org.
