Mark from Broadstairs

I started to teach myself to play the guitar in my mid 50s, but having learnt to strum a few tunes I realised that in order to really progress I needed professional guidance and lessons.

In the year that I have been having with lessons with Simon my technique and capability has not only significantly improved, but I’ve also learnt new styles, new techniques, new songs and been introduced to music theory.

Simon has a very structured approach to learning which starts at a basic level and becomes more complex (and faster!) as skill levels improve. Each lesson is broken down into sections including chords, scales, strumming and finger picking techniques, music theory and, of course, songs. After all, that’s what I came here to learn to play!

Simon is a very professional, clear and enthusiastic tutor coupled with an open and friendly manner. Each lesson he pushes me to another level, which not only improves my playing but also gives me confidence in my own ability.

Guitar used: Tanglewood Nashville IV

Favourite guitarist: Bill Nelson, Frank Zappa

Charles from Kent

Simon is an exceptional guitar tutor with years of experience and skill behind him. He has no hesitation when it comes to delivering his knowledge or giving any tips and answers to specific questions and queries one may have. Simon can also adapt exceptionally well to a mass variety of guitar styles to suit the needs of the individual from classic rock to classical. Any song or skill I have asked about, to develop as a whole or to simply look into, is always accepted by Simon and his years of playing the guitar are used to deliver useful information with a large area of expertise.

As a young person developing my ability at the guitar, Simon has been very useful in teaching skills such as jamming and developing chords to allow me to sound like a sophisticated and natural player around various circumstances. I have been taught songs to a level almost identical to the originals from Black Dog to Andantino where Simon has been critical in perfection of the pieces with exceedingly positive outcomes. In contrast to this, Simon can also allow space for myself to introduce my own styles into pieces to add character to them, keeping them organic to reduce the effect of robotic learning.

One of the most outstanding characteristics of Simon’s lessons is the organization: Every session is video recorded to look over at home and well-presented music sheets and progress tables always make sure I am on track. Simon’s outgoing ability of care and concentration for my guitar playing goes beyond expectation which consequently lead to a large repertoire of knowledge and ability when playing the guitar.

Guitar used: Epiphone SG

Paul from Thanet

I've played the guitar on and off for 40 years but haven't felt I've ever made much progress. I needed help to get myself playing with confidence and in the nine months I've been having lessons with Simon, my playing has improved immeasurably, well beyond anything I was able to achieve on my own.

Simon pushes my abilities with each lesson, so I am always moving forwards. We learn new songs but in a planned way, so new techniques are introduced and practiced, making each thing we try feel achievable. My confidence has increased and I have even played for other people, something I'd never have dreamt of doing before.

Simon supplies a DVD of each lesson; an invaluable learning tool as it enables me to play back the full lesson each week, picking up points I would otherwise have missed.

I always look forward to my guitar lesson. Simon is a lovely guy as well as a brilliant guitar player. My only regret is not starting lessons with him years ago.

Guitar used: Squier Stratocaster

Favourite guitarist: Joe Bonamassa

Steve from Canterbury

I have been having lessons with Simon for a little while now. I have thoroughly enjoyed his lessons and appreciate the detailed guidance Simon can provide in terms of guitar technique. This is really important as I was picking up bad habits when I was learning on my own which can hinder development and general guitar playing.

Simon has selected some really interesting songs which I would not have attempted before and he has transformed the way I appreciate music.

I enjoy the process of learning the guitar even though it can be frustrating at times. This is why it is so important to me to have a great tutor.

The DVD recording Simon provides helps me to keep focused and supports my development. Like many people learning guitar I have a busy full-time job so it is really important to make the most of my limited free time to progress my guitar playing. Simon's guidance and direction help me make the most of the available time I have to develop my guitar playing.

Guitar used: Gibson Les Paul

Favourite guitarist: Peter Green, Mark Knopfler

Tom from Kent

I've had Simon as my tutor for a few years now and he's the gift that keeps on giving. I started with no experience or knowledge but with his patience and perseverance, I'm having the time of my life.

His lessons are always well structured, performances are tracked, and the session is filmed so you can review at a later date which has been extremely valuable. During my time, he's explained things clearly and provided hands-on examples.

His experience as a working musician shines through and his theory knowledge is excellent. I've learned many scales and been shown how to use them, worked on a bunch of songs in various genres - most of which I never imagined I'd be playing yet here I am.

He's worked with me to develop my technique, work on my timing, and push myself to see how far we can go on this journey. He reigns me in when I try and run before I can walk avoiding frustration, and I leave each lesson even more motivated than I did going in.

On top of all that, he's a really friendly, great guy and one outstanding player. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a great tutor.

Guitar used: PRS S2 Standard 24

Favourite guitarist: James Hetfield, Jim Root, Jason Hook, Mark Knopfler

Chris from Kent

Simon rocks! He’s a great teacher, and knows exactly what to correct in my technique, and how to reign in my horse and prevent me developing bad habits. Plus he’s a very kind and honourable person.

Guitar used:

Andy from Kent

As an on & off hobby guitarist for 35yrs I'd always promised myself to, one day, find someone who knew what they were doing to get some advice on how to improve.

When I turned 50 I was given 5 lessons with Simon as a gift. Nervously, I attended these lessons and I've now been having lessons with Simon for over 5 years. In this time, I have grown in confidence and my technique, knowledge and playing has improved no end. He's teaching style has, more than anything, helped me enjoy playing guitar more than ever.

The lessons are structured with purpose but with plenty of room for getting into all other aspects of guitars such as equipment, set-up and general music chat. During the lessons, Simon is incredibly patient and supportive and gives all manner of hints and tips to help you get over the next hurdle or breaking the new habit your fingers have decided to get themselves into.

With Simon, there's a good balance of learning the fundamentals of guitar playing, with discussing and agreeing the next steps, songs and playing techniques you wish to explore personally. This personalised approach has helped me enormously and something I really appreciate.

All in all, Simon is an excellent, friendly and understanding tutor for anyone, at any level, any age who wants to play guitar.

Guitar used: Very old Shaftesbury SG