James Daborn

My name is James and I have over 10 years of guitar playing and teaching experience. Learning an instrument should be rewarding and enriching and it’s great fun making your own music. I can deliver professional but easygoing and enjoyable online lessons to you, whether you are an absolute beginner or advanced level player  Playing guitar and making music has always been my passion, I even taught my best friend to play guitar at school! I am a Trinity College London  Grade 8 certified guitarist, so not only can I play by ear but I can also read music for guitar and understand music theory. More importantly my background means I am able to deliver you professional tuition and respond very flexibly to your individual needs.

I have taught many students, each with their own unique musical interests, encompassing both retirees and young professionals.  I have worked in several leading guitar schools as a resident tutor including two years at the prestigious Music Department in Saint Albans. My approach to teaching guitar would be best summarized as fun and relaxed whilst professional, with the ability to teach the key techniques from a range of styles to enable engaging and flexible lessons. Different styles can be adapted to the interests and abilities of each student and to achieve maximum progress and enjoyment. I have taught many absolute beginners of all ages as well as intermediate and advanced students. Most of my students start as absolute beginners and I send a free starter pack  I have designed with some great and simple songs which works really well. Of course there is an improver’s pack as well which suits you when you become more advanced.

My main objective is to get you up and playing as quickly and enjoyably as possible and I have fine tuned my approach to achieve this. Lessons can be focussed on songs and pieces you would like to learn - and the simple techniques needed to play them. I can also teach bespoke guitar techniques, reading music, simple tricks to make reading tablature easy, simple to advanced music theory, and how to be creative and improvise on the guitar. I will supply you with great resources and a personalized plan so you will be able to progress at the speed you want and in the styles of music you are interested in. My students are happy and motivated. I am an experienced performer having played in bands as well as running acoustic open mikes so I have a large repertoire of contemporary and classic songs I can teach you.