index » FAQs

Where do lessons take place? GDB covers West London and Buckinghamshire. In West London, lessons take place in Rayners Lane. In Bucks, GDB covers Aylesbury and all surrounding areas such as Wendover, Stoke Mandeville and Princes Risborough.

Do you offer lessons in the student's home? From September 2011, I will be offering a visiting service.

How long do lessons last? Generally, lesson slots last for one hour. Longer lessons are sometimes required for higher grades or to prepare for examinations and can be arranged on an individual basis. Please note that I do not offer lessons under one hour in duration.

Do I have to study for grade examinations? No. However, I strongly encourage students to work towards a grade, as it is hugely beneficial and provides a great focus and goal to achieve. This is particularly true for younger learners, but applies to any age of student.

Do I need my own guitar? For the initial lesson, you may use one of my guitars. However, of course, you will need your own for practise fairly soon afterwards.

What are your qualifications and experience? I am a professional guitarist, fully qualified (PGCE) secondary school music teacher, qualified guitar tutor and former grade examiner. I also hold an Enhanced Disclosure from the CRB. Full details can be found by clicking on the "About GDB" link on my homepage.

But, I only want to learn the basics, so I only need a part-time, lower level or unqualified teacher don't I? This is, perhaps, the biggest misconception of all, as it is precisely when you are a beginner that you need a qualified teacher perhaps even more. It is not the level that a tutor teaches to, it is about the quality of tuition that they provide at each level. I'd never go to a driving instructor who could only teach me to start the engine, as they weren't qualified to go further than this. Also, for me, out of principle, I'd never pay for a service unless the person offering it was fully qualified.

Surely, if the tutor is a really good player and plays in bands etc, that's enough for students to get good tuition from them? Well, I can drive a car, but I'd never attempt to teach someone else to drive. Being good at something doesn't qualify somebody to teach that topic. Teaching is a specific skill and a profession in itself. It also requires enormous amounts of training to develop. I always have a number of students come to me after a couple of years with an unqulified tutor and they always report learning far more quickly here and regret not coming from the start. Also, they always have to relearn a lot of things they have been mistaught, which is really disheartening for them.

I was told I am not at all musical, can I still learn to play? Absolutely! To be told you will never learn to play is nonsense. All you need is commitment, determination and the right guidance.

What is the minimum / maximum age requirement? I start students from around aged eight and teach all ages from there upwards. My oldest ever student was in their seventies.

Am I too old to learn guitar? Well, it's a cliche, but you are absolutely never too old to start learning. As long as your fingers work, you can learn to play guitar.

Do I have to have an audition before I am allowed to book lessons? Not at all, as I don't agree with this approach. To me, it's like having a driving test before you learn to drive!

Do I need to be able to read music? No. Reading music can be a useful tool, but it certainly isn't essential. Worth mentioning also that many people are scared of the whole topic of reading music, but it is actually very easy if taught correctly. I have taught eight year olds to read basic music in 20mins, so don't let it deter you in any way.

How much do you charge? My rates vary, depending on several factors and I ask prospective students to speak to me directly for a quote.

How do you accept payment? I offer a variety of ways to pay. The most popular with students is purchasing lessons in blocks of five. This system ensures commitment from both student and teacher alike and saves paperwork each week.

Can I "add-on" lessons to next block of five if I cancel any? Generally, missed lessons can be rescheduled at another time. As an example, many students have two lessons the following week or two 90min lessons over two weeks. I am as flexible as possible with this and always try to accommodate. However, in all cases, 24hrs notice is required, or lesson will be charged for in full.

What about half terms? As a business that caters to students of all ages, GDB does not observe school terms. All school aged students are expected to attend as normal during half terms. Summer holidays are an exception and all students are invited to pay on the day during this period.