Music tuition

I offer private one-to-one tuition in three areas: guitar, improvisation, and music theory. I am fully DBS checked and have been teaching since 2017. Most of my teaching is done via Zoom or at my house in Bow, or I can travel to students local to East London.

Guitar

I teach a range of contemporary styles including jazz, rock, pop and blues. Often we’ll start by looking at a song, and then we’ll look more carefully at the technique being used, or the theory behind it, and how the music can be practised effectively.

For more advanced students, lessons may go deeper into specific techniques or music theory - always with the goal of making great music, and enjoying yourself! Whatever is being taught, I encourage a curious ear and an active mind, helping students to explore how their instrument works and to be a great player.


Improvisation

Feel free to get in touch regardless of your instrument, and we can discuss improvisational techniques and approach. Being able to create music on the spot can be learned by anyone. I ensure that students can see their improvisational voice developing early on - finding their potential rather than getting lost between different keys and scales.


Music theory

Again, regardless of your instrument we can chat about music theory and break down concepts that needn’t be complex. For those looking to go further, I also teach advanced jazz music theory.

For classical exams, I teach Grades 1-5 of the ABRSM music theory syllabus - particularly useful for those looking to go beyond Grade 5 of the ABRSM practical exams, since Grade 5 theory is a requirement.


 

Rates:

60 min: £40

45 min: £35

30 min: £30


Cancellation policy

Please notify 48 hours in advance of cancellation, otherwise half of the fee will still be charged.

For cancellation within 24 hours, the full fee will be charged.

If a rescheduled lesson is requested within 48 hours, but it cannot be fit in, this counts as a cancellation. Either half or full fee will be charged as above.

For a no-show, the full fee will be charged.

Full terms and conditions.


Testimonials

“Joel has a very kind, peaceful, intelligent manner; both my boys felt at ease with him immediately. They looked forward to their lessons and their guitar playing progressed well under his guidance (in spite of far too little practice!).”

— Fiona, Battersea (sons aged 8 and 11)

“Joel is a wonderfully intuitive teacher. Having started lessons with an array of random knowledge of the guitar, he has been able to fill in the gaps and tailor lessons to exactly what I’ve been missing so that I can continue to progress. He is incredibly patient and it’s clear he loves what he does. Thanks Joel!!”

— Emie, Maida Vale

“Joel's really good at breaking down the theory in jazz - it's now so much easier to put into practice. For my piano playing, he's helped with general approaches to practising efficiently, while also honing in on specific ways to improvise and find my musical voice. On top of this Joel creates a really non-judgemental space to practise/learn jazz and is a really motivational teacher!”

— Helen, Birmingham

References available on request.