Student Testimonials
Ethan - Age 11
I really enjoy the lessons because they help me excel at playing. The lessons are fun as I get to play songs of my choice as well as grade songs. Russ’s advice helped me get a Distinction in my first Grade. Thanks Russ.
Ffion - Age 10
Ffion loves her guitar lessons. She has made great progress over the last year. Always gently encouraged, but never made to feel under any great pressure. She is currently working towards her Grade 1 exam and she has been given the confidence to feel that this is something she can achieve.
Sam - Age 8
Sam has been having tuition with Russ for the past year and in that time he has improved greatly. Sam looks forward to his weekly sessions. Russ is very encouraging and patient and he provides Sam with the kind of playlist that he really enjoys, including songs that he particularly wants to learn to play.
For me the biggest improvement has been Sam’s confidence.
We are very pleased with Sam’s progress and with Russ as his tutor.
Eleri - Age 10
I have enjoyed playing guitar and passing Grade 1 with a merit and I am hoping to get a distinction in Grade 2.
Nick
I started learning with Russ about 3 to 4 years ago. I originally intended to have a few lessons just to correct any basic errors. After a few lessons with Russ it became evident that to progress meaningfully I would need Russ’s tuition.
It is obvious that Russ takes his tuition of his students seriously, a fact supported by Russ converting one of his rooms in his home into a studio to provide the best atmosphere for his students to improve.
His lessons are given in a relaxed atmosphere with no pressure and because he is an experienced qualified musician he is able to identify any shortcomings and is able to provide answers to any problems.
Mike - Age 60
I have played guitar off and on for over 40 years, but never had the time to be able to practice on develop my skills. Having retired I decided to give it a go.
At first, I was a little nervous as to how things would turn out, being an older man, learning a relatively new skill. However, Russ provided a relaxed and fun environment to help me discover what I already knew and together we planned where and how I would like to improve.
Russ has tended to work around the things that I enjoy, but also introduced various exercises and different styles of music to improve me as a guitar player. Lessons with Russ are always relaxed and fun. There is no pressure.
It is a testimony to Russ’s teaching that I am now even more enthusiastic about my lessons than when I first started with him, and after 9 months have noticed marked improvements in where I am as a guitar player.
Roger - Age 60+
Although I have owned a guitar since my early teens, it is only over the last 6 years that I have played regularly. During this 6 year period I have had two tutors and in my opinion Russ comes out on top.
Russ structures lessons to suit my musical tastes and abilities while also creating challenges that keep things interesting. The lessons themselves are relaxed but always helpful. For the most part I have been playing music that is tabbed by Russ, either from his extensive collection or at my request. These tabs are excellent and easy to follow which makes for trouble free practice between lessons. On the odd occasion when I have hit a snag Russ quickly responds to questions by email or phone. In very few words I highly recommend Russ.
David - Age 62
I was 61 before I took up the
guitar and tried to learn through books and DVD sets. I soon realised that to
progress I would need professional lessons. Russell has been both patient and
encouraging, giving me the confidence to continue playing, He is very
approachable and is always ready to listen to ideas about the music I would
like to play.
Although I am not going to be taking exams etc at my age, I hope with Russell’s guidance to become a more proficient player.
Rhys - Age 15
I have been provided with this tuition service for about seven years and have greatly enjoyed and learned a lot from it throughout. I have recently passed my Grade 8 Guitar Exam with great help from Russ and his tuition, which has allowed me to learn more about my instrument and music, in general. Russ has helped me every step of the way and I am truly grateful of his services. He is a patient and fantastic teacher for anyone, whatever their musical experience.
Mark
I've been studying with Russ for just over half a year now and I've enjoyed the experience and support I've had while learning. Russ knows what areas of you’re playing to focus on and how to progress you further. He's very accommodating to students such as myself with awkward schedules that don't always allow for practice or frequent lessons. On top of that Russ is very understanding and patient when it comes to new students which help when playing for the first time. Overall I'm very happy with the tuition I've received so far and would definitely recommend Russ to others looking for a tutor!
Dan
Having been nervous at attempting to learn the guitar, with no previous musical experience, I was immediately put at ease by Russell’s patient and understanding teaching style. The lessons are always informative, interesting and good fun and I leave eager to go home and practice what I have been taught. I look forward to carrying on the learning process with Russell moving forward!
Mike - Age 27
I started having guitar lessons with Russ a few months ago. In these few months my playing has improved more than it has in the last five years. I could not play any solos before I started but now I can play several, being able to identify the techniques in each.
Evan - Age 19
I have been having lessons with Russ for many years, (since I was 12 I think) and there is no doubting the improvement in me as a guitar player. He has helped me whenever I have asked or needed help and has taught me pretty much everything I know. The lessons are well structured and goal orientated but also really laid back and relaxed without pressure. Not only has he made me a diverse guitar player but influenced me to appreciate many of the bands and genres of music that I still love today. And without the music I wouldn't be who I am.
Rob - Age 30+
I have been playing guitar for nearly 20 years on and off.
I have been meaning to take lessons for the last 15 years as I have felt that my playing has been “Stuck in a rut”. Russ came highly recommended!
I found Russ very open and easy to discuss the short comings of my playing, he put together a lesson plan which is helping to expand my playing both in the area’s I had identified as being weak and in area’s I hadn’t even considered previously!
Under “Lesson” conditions Russ quickly puts you at ease and has oodles of patience. He also offers honest feedback on how you are doing, which again is very helpful and helps you reflect on how your playing is progressing.
Ellie - Age 14
Russ is a very talented guitarist who I have been having lessons with for almost three years, and I have enjoyed every one of them. Russ is very patient and friendly and I can learn to play at my own pace. I have gained a lot from his tuition and look forward to all of my lessons. I would recommend him to anyone who wants to enjoy learning to play the guitar.
Francis - Age 19
I have had lessons with Russ for a few years and my abilities have greatly improved. Russ is an excellent teacher; patient; empathetic and explains everything thoroughly. My understanding of music and the guitar has improved greatly thanks to him.
Martin - Age 56
I have truly enjoyed my weekly lesson. As an ageing guitarist I have been playing on and off for 44 years.
I am beginning to understand how it works which is fantastic.
Jack - Age 15
I've been learning guitar with Russ for four years and am now at grade 4 level. I really enjoy my lessons and think that Russ is an excellent teacher.
As well as technical exercises and grade pieces Russ is always willing to transcribe my favourite songs making learning and practicing very enjoyable.
Matt - Age 35
A relaxed and easy going teacher who is happy to go at your own pace in whatever style of music you choose; I've been with Russ for over a year now and find his tuition extremely beneficial to my practice, both in terms of the songs I can now play and the various techniques I have mastered along the way.
Rhys - Age 13
In my experience, I have achieved a lot from the tuition service. I have learned to play the guitar fluently, read most basic and advanced music. It has helped me to play guitar well in lessons and at home and I have learned many musical techniques and terms.
Jamie - Age 13
Russell is an awesome teacher. He teaches you the right stuff at the right time. His tuition service is very helpful and friendly. May I just add that he is an awesome guitar player too. You can't be a teacher without being a beast on the guitar.
Jason - Age 40
I've been having guitar lesson with Russ for over a year. And I find Russ to be a very patient teacher that lets you learn at a pace that's comfortable.
Russ has a very good knowledge of all types of music.
Jack - Age 14
After several lessons I have learned to play a few songs which I have really enjoyed, I like the way Russ teaches and I don't find the sessions in any way boring. I look forward to my lessons and learning new songs. I didn't expect that learning the guitar could be so much fun.
Rhys - Age 18
I have been having guitar lessons for about 4-5 years and in that time I have learned a lot. Russ has helped me with my music theory to be accepted into college and I thank him for that. He is a very patient teacher and I can learn at my own pace. He transcribes my favourite songs and also helps me with any questions that I may have about guitar strings, effects and anything instrument related.