Guitar Lessons - Composition and Improvisation - Beginners and upwards

From 93 C$ /h

Looking to develop your improvisation skills? Could you use some advice about songwriting?

I would be delighted to help with inspiration, ideas and techniques to give you encouragement and useful results.

I can offer one to one sessions online wherever you are based, or in person if you are in the West of Scotland.

Location

Online from United Kingdom

About Me

Friendly Scottish guitar teacher with over two decades of experience writing, recording and performing.
Comfortable playing a variety of genres.
Very fond of improvisation and open tunings.
Able to offer assistance with lyrics as well as song composition.

Education

Self taught musician. I studied Traditional Music at Stow College in Glasgow and continued my arts education with The Open University. I have also worked professionally in live venues.

Experience / Qualifications

25 years guitar experience. Capable on various other instruments including Bass Guitar, Banjo, Harmonica, Percussion, Organ, Voice.

Age

Children (7-12 years old)

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Duration

60 minutes

90 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Skills

Guitar

Acoustic

Blues

Electric

Folk

Indie & alternative

Punk

Pop

Jazz

Rock

Music composition

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00)

New York

Online via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Camille

5.0

(5)

Folk or classical acoustic guitar.

The teaching philosophy is adapted to the level of each individual, according to the pace of work and motivation.

For example, for beginners: Technique of the plectrum or fingers, coordination and correction of the right and left hand. Learning basic chords, simple themes, simple rhythms, reading tablatures (...).

For intermediaries: development of rhythm, construction of chords, writing of tablatures, basic notions of harmony (...).

Depending on your goals, you can learn, if you wish, to play 60 to 80% of current music from the first lessons, which often use the same chords and the same techniques. The objectives take into consideration the following points:

-Study of various playing techniques, chords, harmony, music of your choice, rhythm, with reading of tablature, teaching structured around the repertoire you like, technique of developing the musical ear
- Discovery of the neck, notes and basic positions of open chords
- Left / right hand coordination and rhythm exercises for the right hand
- Learning of different pieces of your choice
- Left hand control exercises, speed and precision
- Learning arpeggios
- Work around muscle memory
- Learning improvisation, musical play with others
- Ear training: use your ears to find chords, melodies, sounds and techniques used
-Spend a pleasant moment of exchange, without unnecessary institutional pressure, while obtaining concrete results
-Understand and discover the many facets of an exciting and user-friendly instrument
- Benefit from personalized advice on your posture and certain pitfalls to avoid when starting alone
-Adjust and clarify your self-taught knowledge
- Learn tablatures / tabs & in English.

Note :
- Possibility to use the guitar available on site, during the test phase.
- As our teacher is also a singing teacher, it is possible to combine the two disciplines: guitar + vocal instrument, and to work on synchronization, style and accuracy.
- Possibility of offering this course (birthday, party, Christmas, event ...) to the person of your choice.

THE TEACHER :
Trained in Grande Ecole post-preparatory classes & Ivy League university in the United States, our teacher has specialized and has worked for more than 15 years, in Europe and North America, in the field, in renowned international public and private establishments, with careful pedagogy and methodology as the watchwords.

PLACES :
- Locations: Geneva-Lausanne-Friborg-Neuchâtel-Montreux-Bâle-Sion-Sierre-Morges-Bienne. But currently, only by videoconference in accordance with national recommendations on Covid. These sessions also seem to be perfectly unanimous since they have the advantages of direct (example: quality of the interaction), without its disadvantages (ex: loss of travel time), with additional advantages (ex: of notes on the chat, which can be reread afterwards). In this context, these videoconference sessions for which you have requested me, seem to arouse a certain enthusiasm (and a certain enthusiasm). At your request, I therefore continue to offer them.

Jeremy

5.0

(5)

Hi, my name is Jeremy and I've played music for 19 years, having performed over 200 concerts and composed with a wide variety of groups and ensembles across England and Belgium in many genres (Funk, R&B, Soul, Jazz, Rock, Alternative, Punk and more). I have completed 3 years of intensive bass study at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and am currently playing bass plus backing-vocals and song arrangement for Kids of the Elephant and Arrubio.

In these lessons, I will help you reach your goals while having fun in the process, keeping the lessons structured and tailored to your personal needs. I have 5 years of experience helping students improve as well as specialist knowledge in a multitude of styles. Some examples of what you might learn include:

- Correct hand positioning & posture for best performance and faster learning.
- Learning your favorite songs quickly and easily.
- Breaking down rhythms & dynamics
- Understanding the role of bass playing in a band.
- Understanding what makes a good bassline and composing your own.
- Essential music theory for bass & more advanced techniques (eg: melodic techniques, rhythmic, slap bass, etc)
- How to improvise, jam and play with other musicians.

Appropriate homework/exercises and recordings are provided during lessons. I also like to give advice and direction for people with musical aspirations. I'm also an empathetic person that loves teaching, so don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.

Natalia

5.0

(5)

As a piano teacher, I possess a strong musical ear, extensive piano skills, and a broad knowledge of music and music theory. Thanks to my experience as a music teacher, I can guide students in their musical development in a clear, structured, and inspiring way. I am fluent in sight-reading and can quickly analyze and explain music, which helps me support students efficiently and purposefully during their learning process.

In my lessons, I combine technical development with musical understanding and expression. Patience, clear communication, and a positive learning environment are essential to me. Every student is different, which is why I use a personal approach that pays attention to the pace, level, and goals of each student. My strong motivational skills help students gain confidence in their playing and continue to enjoy learning music.

An important part of my work as a piano teacher is recognizing my students' strengths and weaknesses. By observing and listening carefully, I can provide targeted advice and adapt exercises so that students develop step by step. I help them improve their technique, deepen their musicality, and strengthen their confidence on the instrument.

The primary task in my piano lessons is to motivate students and make them enthusiastic about playing the piano. I want students not only to learn to play, but also to develop a true love for music. Therefore, I pay attention to technical skills as well as musical interpretation and listening skills.

During the lessons, I work systematically on the development of hand and finger technique. This is done through targeted exercises such as scales, arpeggios, chord structures, and other technical exercises that help build flexibility, strength, and control in the fingers. Additionally, I guide students in reading sheet music correctly, understanding rhythm, dynamics, phrasing, and musical expression.

I also develop and use adapted teaching materials and exercises that match the student's level and progress. By regularly reviewing and adjusting the exercises and techniques, I ensure that students build a solid technical and musical foundation.

In addition to learning to play existing pieces, I also focus on understanding music. Therefore, students in my lessons are also introduced to elements of music theory, so that they better understand how music is structured. This helps them practice more independently, learn new music faster, and develop a deeper insight into music.

My goal as a piano teacher is to create an inspiring learning environment in which students can develop musically, discover their creativity, and grow step by step as musicians. Playing the piano is not only a technical skill but also an art form through which people can express emotions, ideas, and stories. Therefore, in my lessons, I always try to connect technique, knowledge, and musical experience.

Mayssa

5.0

(5)

I offer comprehensive guitar lessons for beginners, designed for those with no prior musical background who want to build a solid foundation in playing and reading music. The lessons follow a clear, progressive curriculum, combining practical application with theoretical understanding in a simple and enjoyable way.

Lesson content:

🎸 Guitar playing

Getting to know the parts of the guitar and the correct way to sit

Basics of using a quill and fingers

Exercises to strengthen the hands and improve coordination

Solo performance and vocal accompaniment

Developing a sense of rhythm and speed

🎼 Reading musical notation (from scratch)

Getting acquainted with the musical staff and basic notes

Reading sheet music on the guitar step by step

Practical exercises for linking musical notation and playing the instrument

Improving accuracy and avoiding common errors

🎶 Playing songs and musical pieces

Applying the lessons to well-known songs suitable for beginners

Playing simple musical pieces, then gradually increasing in complexity

Practicing musical technique and expression

Developing confidence in performance

📚 Music Theories

Basic musical scales

Rhythms and musical scale

Simple principles of harmony

Understanding the musical structure of songs

Teaching methodology:

Gradual and structured education

A simplified explanation with practical examples

Exercises tailored to the student's level

Continuous monitoring and evaluation of progress

An encouraging and stimulating learning environment

Who is this lesson for?

For complete beginners

For students wishing to learn guitar academically

For amateurs and music lovers

For children and adults alike

Mary

5.0

(5)

Welcome to the music class!

Here, we are gonna discover the wonders of learning an instrument. From reading note letters, implementing a proper form to sight reading a piece, we are gonna learn in our own pace. If you're just learning music now and it feels like there's a lot to understand, don't worry we're gonna start from the basics. I will help you understand music and its elements.

With your dedication and my guidance, I'm positive that we will get a good result!

Martin

5.0

(5)

In my class you learn how to play the guitar either finger style or with a pick (plectrum).
First, you learn the basics, if this is what you need. Then you learn about styles and ways of playing the guitar.
Consequently, you learn how to develop your own style in music and find ways of making yourself and others happy with the means of your guitar!

You also learn how purchase the right guitar and how to set it up for you to be comfortable with.

You save your money on a luthier's shop every month.

You learn the smartest fingerings for any chord changes and scales!

You get to learn the theory in detail so that you fully understand what you play.

You get best deals on guitars from local music stores.

You get to learn how to sightread music and more!

See you soon!
Martin

Stephen

5.0

(5)

Stuck? I can help! If you know what you want your music to do (where your artistic North Star is guiding you), I can help you get more mileage out of your musical ideas. If you don't, I can help you articulate your aesthetic so you don't get lost as often. Through the analysis of great music, the composition of miniatures, and feedback on your current projects, you’ll both increase your technical fluency and simultaneously learn to love and develop your unique voice.

Lucy

5.0

(5)

🎛️ Music Production Lessons & Creative Coaching 🎶

Want to learn how to create, record, and refine your own music in Logic Pro X? Whether you’re a complete beginner or already producing your own tracks, I offer online lessons and personalized production coaching to help you grow and elevate your sound.

If you’re just starting out, we’ll build a solid foundation:

- MIDI & audio basics
- Arrangement & structure
- Sound design & effects
- Vocal editing
- Mixing fundamentals
- Workflow tips & creative approaches

Already producing? Great — then I offer tailored production advice and feedback. You can bring in your tracks, questions, or challenges, and I’ll help you with:

- Song structure & dynamics
- Sound choices & layers
- Mix clarity & depth
- Artistic direction
- Developing your unique sonic identity

The sessions can be fully online or live, flexible, and built around your needs.

I combine my experience as a pop producer and artist with my background in classical music theory and a degree from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam (Pop).

Whether you're starting from scratch or fine-tuning a nearly finished track — I’m here to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and creativity.

Brent

5.0

(5)

Do you have trouble reading music? Do you love listening to music, but don't understand time signatures, keys or chords? Music theory often sounds abstract, but with the right explanation and concrete examples it suddenly becomes a lot more logical, and even fun :)

For whom?
- Beginner or advanced musicians who want to better understand what they are doing.
- Students preparing for music theory exams (e.g. music school, entrance exams).
- Independent artists/producers who want to deepen their musical knowledge.
- Anyone who is curious about the language behind music.

What can you expect?
- Clear explanation, at your own pace.
- Theory made immediately applicable with examples on the piano.
- Extra attention to insight instead of learning dry rules by heart.
- Tutoring fully tailored to your level and goal (classical, pop, songwriting, production, ...).

About me
I obtained a Grade 8 diploma in Music Theory and also a Grade 8 Piano from the Royal Schools of Music. In addition, I hold a diploma in Audio Engineering from Hofa College. I am active as a music artist and producer myself. Thanks to this combination of classical training and practical experience, I know how important it is to make theory understandable, concrete, and musical. I use my own piano during lessons to clarify everything visually and audibly.

Possible topics:
- Learn to read music.
- Scales, chords & harmony.
- Form and analysis (classical, jazz or pop).
- Rhythm, time signatures & tempo.
- Music theory for producers/songwriters.
- Songwriting.
- Preparation for exams or entrance tests.

Practical
- 1-on-1 lessons, online or live (if you don't live too far away).
- I provide materials, or we work with what you need.
- No prior knowledge required. Lessons adapted to your level.

🎶 Feel free to send me a message with your questions or goals. We'll see how I can best help you.

Leandro

5.0

(5)

PROFESSIONAL GUITARIST, COMPOSER, MUSIC AND GUITAR TEACHER

Beginner-Advanced Level

Experience:
I am a professional musician and have been teaching students of all ages for over 20 years. My experience as a teacher and my pursuit of self-improvement as a musician have led me to develop an effective method that I have already tested with over a hundred students.
Throughout my career I had the satisfaction of studying with great masters of different specialties or styles, each one emphasizing different aspects of flamenco, classical or modern guitar and each one has given me their approach (technique, rhythms, accompaniment, harmony, etc.), which has led me after years of study and compilation to take the best from each one to develop my method.

My role in my classes is more that of a personal trainer than a teacher, where I will be very attentive to bringing out the best in my students, finding the right technique to help them develop a good rhythm, working on their rhythm, etc.
For me, the role of a teacher, in addition to teaching, is to be part of a team, to maintain morale and constantly improve oneself while always maintaining a love for music.

Methodology:
I tailor the lessons to the student's level, style, or goals. Generally, the first half of the lesson is dedicated to technique, focusing on proper placement, execution, and relaxation, which will result in a good sound. Over time, I've realized that it's also a way to connect with the guitar, concentrate, and warm up. So, little by little, we'll develop our routine, which will begin by working on basic rhythmic aspects.
The second half is dedicated to playing, trying to put into practice what we learned about the technique with the sticks or studying other concerns of the student, which may be a theme, harmony, falsetas, improvisation, or even other styles, etc., always obviously taking into account the search or interest of the student.

FLAMENCO
- Flamenco technique
- Palos (Tangos, Bulerías, Alegrías, Soleá, Taranta...)
- Accompaniment to singing and dancing
- Clapping and rhythms

MODERN GUITAR
- Harmony
- Improvisation
- Repertoire (rumbas, pop, jazz, rock, etc.)

CLASSIC
- Reading, solfège and interpretation.
- Works
- I work with progressive learning books

José

5.0

(5)

Would you like to play your favorite artists' songs on the guitar? 🎸🎶

In these classes, you'll learn in a practical, dynamic way, perfectly tailored to your musical tastes. You choose the songs, artists, or styles you love, and we'll work together so you can learn to play and accompany them on the guitar.

You'll learn chords, chord changes, rhythms, strumming patterns, and different accompaniment techniques, always applied to real songs. The goal isn't simply to memorize songs, but to gradually understand how they work so you can learn new songs on your own.

The classes are adapted to all levels. If you're starting from scratch, we'll go step by step so you can begin playing your first songs from the beginning. If you already have some guitar experience, we'll work on improving your rhythm, technique, and accompaniment skills.

We can work on pop, rock, rumba, flamenco, singer-songwriter songs, and many other styles. From artists like Estopa, Melendi, Pablo Alborán, Manuel Carrasco, or Fito y Fitipaldis, to any group or singer that's part of your favorite music.

If you also like to sing, we can also work on how to accompany you on the guitar.

🎵 You choose the music.
🎸 I'll help you learn to play it.
📈 And little by little you will acquire the tools to learn many more songs on your own.

Tell me what song or artist you'd like to play and we'll get started!

Tammi

5.0

(5)

I am only prepared to go as fast as you are willing to practice and if that is not much then we will use the lessons to have fun and explore music while you find your rhythm. If you have found an instrument that interests you or you want to try many then that is great. Most students start out by choosing covers they wish they could play, songs that they love and want to show off and this can be done within one or two lessons which is very gratifying. Scales, theory and technicality come later if desired or when we are making great progression.

If you are technically sound and driven however and wish to do exams, I can prep you for this easily but do not sign up with exam boards or institutions for you - this would have to be done yourself. I currently have a student studying for Grade 6 MTB flute.

All you require is the instrument and yourself. I will provide the rest and my teaching method depends on what you require.

For guitar and piano I use chords and tabs from ultimate guitar and want to get you playing your favourite songs as quickly as possible.

If technical classical playing on any instrument is what you require then I will provide you with pictures and diagrams sourced from various parts of the web that I find explain everything easily and I incorporate them with my own images and notes.

Every lesson you will be left with an image on your email or platform, that highlights the areas we worked on that day. I also create my own backing, harmony and rhythm tracks for whatever it is you may be learning. So that you can play, clap and sing along.

Damián

5.0

(5)

I am a professional bass player and music teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience.

As a performer, I have developed an extensive musical career in different styles and ensembles, encompassing rock, jazz, and flamenco. Since 2025, I have been a member of Alfred García's band as a bassist and flautist on his tour of Catalonia.

What do I offer in my classes?

Develop your technique and sense of rhythm. Learn harmony, accompaniment, and improvisation. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.

How do I teach?

I am interested in each student learning to play a real instrument, developing their musical abilities and autonomy, always enjoying the process.

I adapt the classes to the interests, objectives and level of each person, combining technical work with musical practice, improvisation and the repertoire that interests them most.

It's not just about doing exercises: it's about acquiring tools to be able to make music independently.

Where?

Face-to-face classes in my fully equipped teaching space, in the Sants-Badal area, near the Badal and Santa Eulàlia metro stations.

I also offer online classes.

I teach in Spanish, Catalan and English.

If you want to start playing, pick up an instrument again, or improve your level, you can write to me and tell me what you would like to learn!

Dennis

5.0

(5)

My approach is to help you develop your ears so they become the main instrument for your music journey. That applies to guitar, piano, etc. I teach you to learn theory as map for your musical journey and not as strict rules to follow. I teach you to teach yourself.

Rokas

5.0

(5)

My teaching style is very flexible and adaptable. First off, I believe each student is special in their own way and that there is no one way of teaching. I try to make my classes fun, not only focusing on the progress but also giving the space for the adventure of listening to different genres or even learning about each band or artist. I also think that every topic can be interesting if portrayed in the right way. It can be equally fun to feel the trembling energy in metal, the flowy feel in jazz, or committing and working hard to learn scales and understand music theory. I believe that if you give the right amount of time and space to analyze any aspect in music that might seem intimidating or scary, you might surprise yourself and learn a lot more than you expected.

Another one of my strengths is giving insight on how to learn different techniques such as fingerstyle, 3-finger fingerstyle, slap, double thumb, playing with a pick, muted playing, and any other technique you can imagine. I can show you not only how to play all those techniques but also how to master the dynamics of each technique, help you choose when to use which one, and how to choose a tone that fits your style of playing.

I also have to mention, having gigged and toured professionally for over five years, I can give you personal insight on what goes on in my head while under pressure on stage, how I got used to stage fright, what gear I and many other musicians use, and a lot of different aspects of being a professional, touring musician.