Welcome to
Guitar Lessons Altrincham
I'm Tom Favell, whether you're a beginner strumming your first chords or an experienced player looking to refine your technique, you've come to the right place. With a passion for both teaching and playing, I'm committed to helping you unlock your full potential as a guitarist.
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Lessons Tailored To You
Hi, my name’s Tom Favell. I’m a music teacher and gigging musician and I have worked in music education and the music industry since 2004. I have taught a variety of instruments for several schools, music services, privately and for after school companies. These instruments/areas of study include: Guitar (acoustic/electric/classical/jazz) Bass Vocals Ukulele Music Theory (preparation for auditions/interviews/entry exams/GCSE guidance) Piano (entry-level) Alongside teaching, I have been an actively gigging musician both in the UK and overseas.
Prices
£22.00 per 1/2 hour, £40.00 per hour
Guitar Teacher
Tom FavellLocation
Whalley Range, Manchester M16, UK
Get in touch to find out more.
Find out more about my guitar lessons, as well as book your first guitar lesson.
Understanding the Basics
No matter your age or skill level, mastering the basics is an essential stepping stone. As your guitar teacher, I'll guide you through the fundamental chords and rhythms that form the foundation of playing. We start with the strum patterns of popular songs, building your skills so you can start playing rock and blues riffs, as well as drawing upon other genres.
Embarking on the journey to learn guitar can be as thrilling as it is rewarding. It's a path that's unique to every individual. Whether you are a young learner or an inquisitive adult, the ability to strum chords, pick melodies, and create music is a profound skill.
Prices:
£22.00 per 1/2 hour
£40.00 per hour
Lessons are weekly, fortnightly or as suits you.
Advice for New Students
Embracing Your Learning Style
Music education is not one-size-fits-all. My teaching style is focused on your learning preferences. I offer lessons that draw upon the music that inspired you to start playing guitar. This tailored tuition is built around a speed that suits you. My aim is to allow your interest in various genres to flourish, no matter whether you dream of playing electric guitar solos or delicate ukulele ballads.
Exploring Music Theory
I bring years of expert knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to our lessons, helping you decode the language of music. I know first hand that a grasp of music theory can truly unlock your potential.
From reading sheet music to understanding how chords come together in a song, you’ll gain the tools to not only play music but to comprehend its structure.
Electric, Acoustic & Classical Guitar Lessons
The music industry is as diverse as the people who contribute to it. I'll guide you through a diverse range of sounds, from the heart-wrenching stories in country songs to the energetic rhythms in pop music. By exposing you to different genres, you’ll discover just how versatile the guitar is and find your own comfort zone or maybe even step out of it.
Benefits of Private Guitar Lessons vs Group Lessons
Personalised Attention
Inprivate music lessons, the focus is unequivocally on you. One-to-one sessions with a guitar tutor allow for personalised music education that group lessons may not provide. Tailored to your pace, style preference, and musical goals, these lessons can adapt to your individual needs, whether you're into strumming classical tunes or rocking out to popular music.
Flexibility and Convenience
Booking private sessions offers more than just expert music tuition; it also brings the benefit of flexibility. Beginners, children, and adults alike can enjoy the convenience of scheduling lessons around their own commitments, not to mention the choice of learning in a comfortable and familiar environment, eliminating the distractions often found in group settings.
In-Depth Feedback
Feedback is a gem in music education, and in private lessons, my feedback is as immediate as it is detailed. Unlike in group lessons, where a teacher’s attention is divided, I can provide in-depth advice tailored to improve your technique, from the basics to advanced concepts in styles like jazz, pop, or rock.
It's never too late, or too early, to start learning guitar. My lessons cater to beginner students of all ages and abilities. With a dose of patience and a spark of fun, you'll discover a fulfilling hobby or even a lifelong passion. Learning with a guitar tutor isn't just about playing an instrument—it’s about building confidence, enhancing creativity, and joining a community that shares your love for music. Reach out today, and let's strum our way to excitement and self-expression through music.
Frequently Asked Questions
To hold the guitar properly, sit up straight with the guitar resting on your right leg (if you're right-handed). Keep your back straight, and the neck of the guitar should be angled slightly upward. Position your strumming hand comfortably, and curve your fretting hand fingers to hover over the strings. Many guitar teachers suggest starting with basic chords like G, C, D, and E minor, ensuring each finger is placed behind the fret and not touching adjacent strings to avoid muting.
Guitar tabs provide a visual representation of where to place your fingers on the fretboard. Each line represents a string, and numbers indicate which fret to press down. Sheet music uses standard notation to represent notes and rhythms. Notes are placed on a staff, and various symbols indicate pitch, duration, and other musical elements. Learning to read both tabs and sheet music will expand your repertoire and understanding of music.
To enhance finger dexterity and strength, incorporate exercises like chromatic scale runs, fingerpicking patterns, and chord transitions into your practice routine. Warm up with simple finger exercises such as finger rolls and spider walks to limber up your digits. Gradually increase the speed and complexity of these exercises as you progress, focusing on maintaining accuracy and consistency in your finger movements.
Understanding basic music theory concepts is crucial for advancing your guitar skills. Scales provide the foundation for melody and improvisation, while chord progressions form the backbone of many songs. Learn the major and minor scales as well as common chord shapes and their relationships. Experiment with different progressions to develop your ear and musical intuition, and explore techniques like strumming patterns and arpeggios to add depth to your playing.
For beginners, it's essential to start with songs that match your skill level and interests. Look for songs with simple chord progressions and strumming patterns, such as "Wonderwall" by Oasis or "Horse with No Name" by America. Online resources like YouTube tutorials and guitar tab websites offer a wealth of beginner-friendly song lessons. As you advance, gradually challenge yourself with more complex songs across various genres to expand your musical repertoire and skills.
Find out more about my guitar lessons and how to book your first session.
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