Guitar Lessons For Children

Guitar Tuition by James Holt PhD M.I.Grad
Professional Guitar Tution in Earley, Reading

James graduated from the Musicians Institute, London in 1995 with a platinum award for his guitar diploma, after which he began teaching a wide range of students. James started playing the guitar back when he was twelve, inspired by his passion for rock music. He played in blues and rock bands for many years and then discovered contemporary jazz and fusion, which continues to be one of his playing passions today. He has a love of playing and teaching many different styles including rock, blues, jazz, classical, country, progressive metal, and fingerstyle.

Over many years James has also developed extremely effective techniques for teaching ‘ear training’ and ‘fretboard visualisation’, both of which are key to improvisation. He combines this with helping students improve their cognitive techniques for improvisational flow and memorisation, which are key for mastering the instrument. He has become a specialist in teaching guitarists to develop a real connection with the instrument so that they can fluently play the musical ideas they have in their head. For more advanced students there is a real focus on developing well rounded musical skills to enable them to excel in any musical environment.

James is very happy to work with students of all ages and abilities and also with those wanting to play in bands and other performance groups. He is passionate about finding what makes each student ‘tick’ and developing their playing in a way that is sympathetic to their learning style, in an environment that is friendly and fun. Lessons are both available 1-2-1 and in groups. Group lessons are normally recommended for younger learners (16 years old or less) who are at, or below, grade 3 level on the instrument. Students are normally grouped by both age and ability. For those students working towards being able to play a performance piece at Grade 4/5 level for GCSE music it would normally be advisable to take 1-2-1 lessons. If younger students are interested in taking grades it can be worth supplementing group lessons with additional 1-2-1 lessons to prepare their exam pieces and technical exercises.

Significant Advantages of Group Lessons for Younger Beginners
• Emphasis on playing together in time and improving rhythm skills
• Incentivises practice to prepare group pieces for next lesson
• Students often are more motivated, practice more and develop at a quicker rate
• Every student in the group can be given an individual part to play which is designed to stretch them and maximise their potential
• Encourages students to work together on creative projects such as song writing and improvisation
• Students learn early on that music can be a fun social activity that has them working together as a team to achieve a collaborative goal
• Graded syllabus can still be followed and students can still take graded exams if desired

Booking Information

Lessons are a paid for as a block booking for a half term (normally 6 to 8 lessons per half term). Please refer to your copy of the Tuition Half Term Dates handout to see all the half term dates for this year. Term dates are aligned with schools in the Wokingham Borough Council catchment area. Please note that lessons are conducted during term time, including all inset days, but not in the holidays or bank holidays.

The Equipment You Need

If you are a parent thinking about lessons for your child but do not yet have a guitar for them then James is always happy to help guide you through the options of how to start. He can discuss the different styles and teaching approaches he can offer, as well as assist in recommending the most appropriate acoustic or electric guitars for a beginner. Beginner students will always need a guitar to practice on, as it is impossible to improve without practice. Students will also need a clip-on guitar tuner, guitar picks and a music stand for practising at home (they are not required to bring the stand to the lesson). Students will be required to purchase any books required for the lessons. For beginner guitar recommendations pleas check out the Resources Page on this website.

Taster Lessons

If you are thinking about taking lessons, but have not yet decided whether you would want to commit to booking a half term group of lessons, then why not take a taster Lesson? You can pay for a one-off lesson and then decide if you want to book a half term group of lessons. Taster lessons are normally half an hour and done 1-2-1.

Lesson Charges

From the 1st April 2026: Group lessons are charged at £18 for 40min and 1-2-1 lessons are charged at £32 for half an hour. A taster lesson is conducted 1-2-1 and is charged at £20 (discounted rate) for half an hour. Lessons missed or cancelled by the student are non-refundable. Lessons cancelled by James are credited to the next invoice or repaid by bank transfer.