Oliver - East Finchley - Guitar

Methodology

Diploma qualified guitar tuition for all levels and ages, learn to play while having fun at the place of your choice!

- Which subject(s) do you teach?

I teach guitar which is tailored to the student's tastes and interests, so it is entirely down to you what you want to learn.

Introduction to Guitar
- For those starting out on the guitar we will examine the foundations of playing looking
at key issues such as rhythm, finger and hand positioning, tuning and open and barre
chords. This will be combined with learning and playing a number of famous songs,
both past and present, so that you can put the knowledge you've gained into practice.

Genres, Styles and Guitar Techniques
- Once you have gained a good understanding of the foundations, we will then be able to
examine and play some of your favourite songs and examine some of the different
styles and genres of western popular music such as folk, blues, jazz and rock, and
their relevant techniques.

Lead Guitar and Improvisation
- Those wishing to go beyond rhythm guitar will be able to do so, examining their
favourite players riffs, runs and solos while learning any relevant scales and arpeggios.
This ties in closely with Styles, Genres and Guitar Techniques as each musical genre
has its own specific lead guitar style with specific scales, arpeggios and rules.
Once you have gained the knowledge of various scales and styles you will then be
able to attempt to make up your own riffs and runs and start to form your own style, so
that you will eventually be able to improvise on the spot in the moment.

Music Theory
- Most people approach the word 'Theory' with caution but a good understanding of
music theory should add to the quality and standard of your playing and becomes
essential once you get to a certain level if you wish to progress. Initially, we would
look at issues such as chord formulas (what makes a chord a chord), scale formulas
and rhythmic sub-division (breaking down the beat).

Songwriting and Composition
- In Songwriting we will examine songs written by some of your favourite artists and by
some of the most well respected and revered songwriters of all time. By using your
knowledge of musical theory you will be able to break down songs and examine
their structure and form, and why they have the appeal they do.

- Tell me about your qualifications.

I studied at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance in North London and qualified with a Professional Diploma in Music Performance for Guitar.

- How much do you charge?

I offer a discount for the first lesson so you can see if my teaching style is for you.
It is £10 for half-an-hour and £20 for an hour, any further lessons are £12 for half-an-hour and £22 for an hour.

- Where do you teach?

I teach both at my home, which is in East Finchley, or I can come to student's homes. I'm pretty laid back so it is entirely up to you where you want to learn, but I do have limits in terms of how far I will travel. I'm happy travelling to students based in North London, North West London, North East London, Central London and East London as far as Whitechapel and Mile End.

- When are you available?

Monday 10am - 8pm Tuesday 5:30pm - 8pm Wednesday 10am - 8pm
Thursday 5:30pm - 8pm Friday 10am - 8pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Sunday 10am - 6pm

- Which ages and levels do you teach?

I teach people of all ages, mainly beginners and intermediates, but also people who are at an advanced level, however this term covers a wide range of abilities, so it is best to give me a ring and we can discuss whether lessons would benefit your playing and musical knowledge.