Here's feedback from some of my students who get big results from taking lessons with me…
I am very proud of all of them - they've worked hard to reach their goals and continue to grow as great guitar players.
I've had the privilege of teaching guitar lessons to literally hundreds of people from the Southampton area since 2011 and some continue to take lessons with me to this day!
Jimmy
Alex: ...kickstarted my progress on the instrument...
"Jimmy is a fantastic guitar teacher and all round top bloke.
I first took lessons with him after having around a 10 year break since my last lessons as a teenager. Although I had kept playing throughout the intervening period I’d developed plenty of bad habits, which Jimmy quickly identified and helped me fix. This really kickstarted my progress on the instrument again and allowed me to make great progress towards my goals.
Jimmy’s extensive experience as a gigging and recording guitar player give him an excellent background to offer general advice in addition to musical tuition.
I would not hesitate to recommend him to guitar players of all ages and experiences who want to improve and enjoy the instrument to the fullest."
Alex K. Salisbury, UK
"A lot more professional than lessons I've had in the past..."
Mark S. Southampton, UK
Rob: BEGINNERS: Read This First!
"So you've probably just brought a guitar, or are in the process of getting one, Congratulations! You're now scouring the Internet for videos on how to play the darn thing. After a few days of watching close to a hundred videos about playing '3 songs with 2 chords' and maybe being able to strum a few chords and playing a few notes, you turn to your partner and say "this sounds alright, doesn't it?"Their reply, in a tone of mild optimism with a succinct lack of encouragement, "yeah, great..." At this point you have now realised what you must do, you have visions of being the next Hendrix, Hetfield or even Gallagher. This is why you have chosen to search for guitar lessons in Southampton.
In just under a year of sharing every Tuesday evening with Jimmy I have developed my guitar playing technique and I now feel comfortable playing a variety of music genres. The lessons are based around what YOU want to play and learn! Don't get me wrong, you don't simply ask to learn one particular song... Oh no, no,no. Jimmy teaches you the techniques and methods behind playing different genres of music allowing you to play a multitude of songs in the space of a few weeks!
Ian: ...even my wife recognises the songs I'm playing now!
"Jimmy has been improving my guitar playing... - even my wife recognises the songs I'm playing now!
I have to say Jimmy is an excellent teacher using your favourite music to teach theory and technique.
I would recommend anyone wanting to learn to play guitar to guitarists wanting to improve technique to contact Jimmy, you will not be disappointed!"
Ian. Romsey, UK
Paul: ...Patient, Positive Attitude...
"Tried a few teachers but never really clicked with any of them before someone recommended Jimmy to me. I got on with Jimmy straight away, He's patient helpful and his positive attitude rubs off on students and their playing.
I had to stop lessons due to life getting in the way but even now he stays in contact to see how things are going.
I would not hesitate to recommend Jimmys teaching to anyone wanting to start playing or improve."
Paul. Southampton, UK
Alex P:...helped boost my confidence to play in front of others.
"I went to Jimmy as a complete novice.
He is a great teacher. I have progressed loads in the few months I have had Jimmy as a teacher.
Alongside teaching me how to play, Jimmy has helped boost my confidence to play in front of others. The lessons are really well structured and Jimmy has a wealth of knowledge and also resources that he is happy to share."
Alex P. UK
Gavin: I feel far more confident in my abilities to play the guitar...
"I tried teaching myself the guitar a while back, but hit a wall with my progression and stopped playing. I thought it would be good to get lessons to give me some structure and discipline to learning the guitar.
A quick search on the internet returned Jimmy, and after looking through his webpage at his credentials and testimonials I felt he was the guy to go with.
Since taking lessons I can honestly say that I have improved in all aspects of my guitar playing. I now have a good level of knowledge and abilities to go away and learn new songs, and have developed the confidence to play my guitar in front of other people. One of the biggest areas I have improved in is my timing, which I always found to be an issue.
I feel far more confident in my abilities to play the guitar, and more capable to go out and find new material to learn using the skills which Jimmy has taught me.
I found that within very few lessons with Jimmy I was able to play far better than I had previously, so the returns you get are quite quick and incredibly satisfying.
I really enjoyed our lessons. Jimmy is such a great guy, and lessons were always fun. My favourite aspect of my lessons was when Jimmy had me playing around with notes on scales and he'd be providing the backing to whatever I notes I happened to be hitting.
Gavin, Southampton, UK
Max: ...I've really improved...lessons are amazing!
“I’m better on guitar now more than ever and feel confident. I’ve really improved a lot and lessons are amazing!
I’ve improved my technique & now everything I play is sounding clearer.
We get to work on our own songs which is cool and I feel proud that I’ve managed to come up with some nice sounding ideas.The lesson pace is just right for me. Not too much or too little.I really feel more confident on guitar and giving things a go. I now know how to improve by myself if I mess up.
f you’re thinking of taking lessons- just do it! You’ll never know just how good you can be until you try!”
Max. Southampton, UK
Darren: ... wouldn't go anywhere else for lessons now!
”I have been playing about 8 years now with some private lessons elsewhere, but just didn't feel I was evolving and struggled with the method of teaching that was being used. So I looked on the Internet for a well rated, professional, very patient teacher and Jimmy came up at the top.
Jimmy has helped me in my weak areas of scales and barre chords and has given me much needed confidence to do them. He has showed me different ways to play all over the fret board in a easier way then previously told in much quicker time which makes great value for money.
I'm definitely more confident and more knowledgeable to embrace new things I once found very hard to grasp. He teaches in a way that links things together so it's big breakthroughs in small steps so not too overwhelming.
I have tried 2 other local teachers and had no connection with them which I find makes you nervous and stunts growth as a guitarist. Jimmy is relaxed, patient and an exceptional player. Very well trained and connects with any age group and all levels of ability. He's easy going and we've never had a problem...(I have had with other teachers) He's happy and enthusiastic about people learning all types of guitar playing.
The lessons are fun and personnel and it in with my busy life style.
You can do 1-2-1 lessons or even with other guitarists to help timing and playing with others.
I wouldn't go anywhere else for lessons now!!”
Darren Smith. Southampton, UK
Sam: "My confidence has improved - A LOT!"
"I started taking lessons with Jimmy as I wanted to improve my playing generally and get tighter.
I think I have improved a lot. My timing has got much better and my soloing and riffs have come on a long way.
In lessons I enjoy learning to solo over backing tracks – that’s a lot of fun and I like working on my rhythm/riff playing too.
A big thing for me is that my confidence has improved. Before I started taking lessons, I used to dread practicing as it didn’t sound that good. I though about giving up…Now, I’m glad I didn’t!"
Sam Dando, Southampton. UK
This is one of my very talented students Jack who has passed his Grade 8 rock guitar exam whilst taking lessons with me.
He now studies at BIMM in Bristol