Testimonials
“James has been teaching our 16 year old daughter to play guitar for the past 18 months. She had not played guitar before & has made excellent progress. She really enjoys his lessons because he is very encouraging and tailors the lessons to the music genres she is interested in. We would highly recommend him.”
Joanne James
Parent
“I have been a student with James over the last year or so, having done some group lessons elsewhere as an “absolute beginner” and having little experience of playing music on any instrument. I have found James and very patient teacher, and someone who takes the time to work out what the musical interests of the student are so that he can support them in learning how to play the stuff that interests them most. I have also enjoyed the way in which James pick songs that introduce a new component for study and practice every few weeks so that my skills are being expanded gently but consistently. James has also taken time to introduce me to more music theory which I have found really interesting and has helped me appreciate music is a new way. Finally, James has proved very adept at using technology such as Skype to allow the continuation of lessons during pandemic related lockdowns and his mic and camera setup have been of such quality that the virtual lessons have proved very effective too.”
Ray McGroarty
Telecoms Marketing Executive
“James has me back playing my guitar again after I had fallen into a bit of a rut. I was a little concerned that due to the pandemic all our lessons had to take place on Zoom but it’s actually worked very well. James has a patient teaching style which is ideal for me learning in my late fifties. I’ve also really appreciated some of the theory that he’s taught me giving a deeper understanding of music. I’m looking forward to finally meeting James for lessons in person once the restrictions ease.”
Adrian Drew
“My wife enrolled me for the guitar lessons with James as a birthday present. I had been using the self-learning route through youtube videos and was wondering if taking lessons was going to be what I really needed so late in my life-stage. However, after attending the first lesson all my scepticism vanished. James is very methodical and approachable instructor. He is very quick in assessing your strengths, weaknesses and tailors his lessons to suit both your style and needs. He picks songs in such a way that it gradually introduces you to the different chords and strumming techniques. The focus is always on technique and not just playing songs, which lays an excellent foundation. I would highly recommend James to anyone that is serious about learning guitar!”
Anirudh Jayaraman
“James has been teaching my son Jake (aged 9) the electric guitar for around a year now. James has a relaxed style of teaching and a flexible repertoire, meaning that he can pick songs that Jake will like and is able to play. Jake can also choose his own songs. This flexible approach means that Jake is highly motivated to play and practise at home. James even wrote some riffs for Jake into which he smuggled some scales, turning even practicing scales into a fun exercise! Jake has made great progress over the year and greatly enjoys his lessons with James. I can highly recommend James for guitar lessons.”
Anne Bittner
Parent
“I have had guitar lessons from James for a few months. Initially, the lessons were at his home but as Covid regulations bit, they had to be on Skype. I am someone who enjoys playing a few chords to himself and have no illusions about becoming a superb guitarist! I found James to be an excellent tutor both online and at home and believe he could assist guitarists of all levels of ability. He is a first-rate musician and can demonstrate techniques enabling the student to learn precisely the right chord and the right strumming pattern. His lessons are extremely professional and I am glad that I chose James.”
Howard Kitson
Retired Auditor
“James is a conscientious teacher with an organised approach to teaching relevant and interesting material. Having personally studied music at University level, I found his methodology sound and engaging and above all else applicable in real musical situations. As well as having lessons in person I have recently enjoyed Video feedback which has kept me going through Covid-19 lockdown. I highly recommend Skype guitar lessons with James.”
Justin Crouch
Semi-Pro Musician (Drums, Piano & Guitar)
“I’ve been playing guitar for 20 years in various bands and have been lucky enough to play live on numerous occasions. I’ve been largely self taught with the odd informal lesson from friends and family. Whilst I’ve really enjoyed my guitar playing journey, over the last few years my progression as player started to stagnate – I was not able to find a path to the next level. I initially turned to James to help me develop my technique as I felt my bad self taught habits were holding me back. But with his guidance I’ve started to appreciate the benefit of developing all areas of my playing. He has patiently listened to my frustrations and helped me through some difficult moments of my guitar journey. James helps you to listen, understand what you are playing and why you’re playing it. Over the months I’ve been working with James I feel I’ve started on the road to becoming a much more rounded musician.”
Ben Parks
Semi-Pro Guitarist
“James is a great guy and an excellent teacher. He takes time to get to know his students, to understand the music that inspires them and creates step-by-step plans to get them to where they want to be. He is meticulous and looks to build musicality and extinguish bad habits before they start forming. Above all, he is patient and is happy to let the student dictate their own pace, taking into account that most have to balance the commitments of everyday life on their journeys to musical stardom.”
Paul Nolan
PR Agency Owner
“My son has been having lessons with James since January and is enjoying them very much. He has learned a range of chords and is already playing songs that are a mixture of chords and plucked notes. The pace of teaching is ideal for a 10 year old and my son has been motivated to practice by himself without any nagging! James evidently explains things clearly as my son is confident about what he has been asked to do each week. I would not hesitate to recommend James as a music teacher.”
Helena Chaimberlain
Parent of new student
“I had been wanted to learn to play the blues for some time. However, my classical music roots were preventing me from getting to grips with it. James is a fantastic teacher. He took the time to understand where I was coming from, what my background was, and then devised the lesson structure around that. It worked a treat! I was able to learn the new scale modes etc. and how they are used in blues in such a way that I did not have to throw out what I had previously learnt in the classical space. I can highly recommend James to anyone who is either looking to start out on the guitar or, like me, try something new be that blues, jazz, rock etc.”
Dave Banthorpe
IT Consultant
“I would recommend James Holt as your teacher for guitar lessons. He has very good knowledge and professional approach to his teachings.”
Baiba Szynkiewicz
IT Field Service Coordinator