Testimonials
'Matt has been teaching me for a little over 7 years and my guitar playing has developed significantly during this time. He is an excellent teacher and a talented musician. Learning the guitar with Matt is tremendous fun and he continues to push both the practical and the theory, whilst remaining supportive and patient. The music we play is the stuff I love and that in itself helps to inspire my playing and practice. Matt has knowledge and enthusiasm in abundance and is always willing advise on equipment and set-up. During the Covid lockdown, Matt has switched to teaching virtually and this has been a revelation. Lessons are just as productive as before, but the quality of the streaming, the video tutorials which can be downloaded, and music instruction have taken the lessons to a new level. The virtual experience is excellent and I thoroughly recommend any one to give it a go. I cannot praise Matt more highly as a first class teacher.'
Chris Rackcliffe
'I started having guitar lessons with Matt some 15 years ago - my guitar playing was going nowhere. I needed guidance to get out of a rut & develop my playing and a confidence boost to get out and do things, to play in public.
I didn't really want to go down the music theory route - so we didn't except when I asked.
I learnt a bit about acoustic finger picking, some interesting jazz chords; I learnt about classic rock stuff and a bit of blues; I learnt about punk;
I learnt about amps and effects, even a little about mixing. I learned about setting up and looking after guitars. And we did this at my pace.
Now I play in three bands and I've played all over Kent. I have got 2 EP's out - some of which I wrote - and we've had plenty of radio play, even a live session on BBC Radio Kent.
I'm now in my sixties and I'm still learning! I am not the most talented musician - far from it - but I've wildly exceeded what I ever thought I could do and had a huge amount of fun along the way and that all stems from getting a tutor who could take me forward on my terms and at my speed. Thanks Matt!'
Nigel Bent
'We have found a rare gem in Matt and have been so pleased with the progress our son has made even though he only started remotely a short while ago. Matt has a fantastic easy-going manner and lessons are a great mix of hard work and encouragement. We have also loved having videos sent to us when needed as well, helping our son develop great habits from the start. I'd highly recommend!'
Jessica Brieley:
Son, Caleb
David Mann
'I have been working with Matt weekly for about 13 years. He's a great guitar teacher. Very encouraging, great sense of humour and full of ideas on how to improve my playing. In recent years I have been playing and recording my own songs via his recording equipment with really professional results. Great teacher!'
'Matt has taught my son (9 years old) online over the past year. The progress he has made has been amazing. Matt’s enthusiasm for guitar is infectious and his teaching consists of a perfect balance between skills progression and fun. He also has huge amounts of patience which is a bonus! Matt’s own playing is inspirational and at the end of every lesson, our son can’t wait to try out what he has just heard (Matt is also happy to send clips to aid practice and keep up momentum during the week). He has a vast amount of musical knowledge and I would recommend him to all levels of player through to the most advanced.'
Greg Bowyer-Sidwell: Son, James
Matt has given lessons to Louie for the last 9 years. Matt is an excellent teacher who obviously loves what he does. His approach is friendly and enthusiastic. He has been able to help Louie with every aspect of music, from playing and setting up his guitar and amps, to configuration of his Production software. Matt has always made lessons fun and has given positive and helpful feedback.
The online teaching environment that Matt has invested in is excellent. In many respects it gives a better experience than a face-to-face lesson. We were very lucky to come across Matt when looking for Louie’s first teacher. Louie will be starting a music A-Level next year and hopes to study music at University. Matt has helped inspire Louie’s love of playing and creating music. We would not hesitate in recommending Matt.
Mark Slavik
'Matt has been teaching our family guitar for over 10 years. His breadth of knowledge and skill is adaptable to all stages of playing and his friendly, laid back but professional approach puts us at ease and makes us feel supported even at the more challenging stages of learning. The transition to online lessons during the Covid-19 lockdowns has been brilliantly handled. His tech set up is really well thought through and adds to the lesson rather than detracts. In particular, the short tutorial films which Matt sends over afterwards are invaluable as a reference back to the lesson. Perhaps to our surprise, we’re all more than happy to stay online. I certainly won’t miss the weekly waits in the car outside Matt’s house whilst one of the boys has a lesson!'
Ben Parker
Matt is a brilliant guitar teacher who has really sparked my son’s interest and helped him gain confidence with his playing. He was really helpful when we bought a new electric guitar and amp. He is very patient and encouraging with him and his playing has come on in leaps and bounds. During lockdown his zoom lessons were a real highlight of my son’s week. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him!
Clare O'Connell:
Son, Reuven
Matt has been my guitar teacher for coming up to 3 years now. His lessons are fun and immersive despite being on a screen! Matt gives you plenty of confidence and is very patient. He will happily teach you any preferred songs you like listening to and will help you perfect them. He will gradually push you onto more advanced songs that sound very impressive and will help you when you are stuck. Matt is a very inspirational musician and is alway willing to share his knowledge with you. He will easily turn playing music into a very enjoyable hobby for you!
Mark Bridger
Matt has the knack of making guitar lessons enjoyable while keeping focussed on technique and musicality. He has taught my children since 2011 and through patience, encouragement and dedication, nurtured a love of music and given them a skill for life. Whatever their age or aptitude, Matt will get the best out of his students. Remote learning has been a revelation. Matt has all the kit and technical know-how to make it work really well. Highly recommended!
Jono Roberts
Son, Elliot
Matt taught my son to play the guitar a few years ago and hence he was the obvious choice, when I decided to learn. This has turned out to be the correct decision, since Matt is very knowledgeable and an excellent teacher. The recent lessons have been online and this has proved to be very successful. Matt has invested in a lot of equipment, so that online lessons are just as good as being in the same room. I would have no hesitation in recommending Matt to anybody who is thinking of taking guitar lessons.