Having played acoustic, electric and classical guitar since I was fourteen, and with ABRSM Grade VIII in Guitar and Music Theory, together with qualifications in teaching children (Primary PGCE at Master’s level) and adults, I now teach the Guitar – and especially the Classical Guitar – to a variety of adults and children in the Bournemouth and Christchurch area.

This gives me the expertise to help you reach your goals, be they for yourself or your children.  I provide holistic music lessons integrating not only technique and style but also aural skills, music theory and creative activities such as improvisation and song-writing.  Sometimes students decide to enter for music examinations: so far, every student I have entered has passed their Practical examinations, and everyone entering for an ABRSM Music Theory examination (from Grade I up to Grade V) has achieved a Distinction – this is a testament, of course, as much to their own application, dedication and achievement as it is to mine.

For children, I am able to offer Guitar lessons (and Music Theory lessons) at a relaxed pace completely outside of the school timetable, which enables ambitious students to concentrate fully on their other subjects during the school day.  It can also be the case that school music lessons take place for fewer weeks throughout the year, which is often not best-suited for a committed student seeking to sustain progress.

Safeguarding considerations are paramount and I subscribe to DBS Update, which means my DBS certification is continuously up-to-date. The business is also registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office as a Data Controller.

I offer initial face-to-face consultations with prospective clients and students free-of-charge.

“The weekly guitar lesson has been a pleasant time away from parenting to focus on learning … I have really enjoyed revisiting the lessons I had at school.”

“Thanks for being so patient!”

Guitar Lessons FAQ

What do I need to bring for my guitar lessons?

You need to be prepared to change the strings at least once a year (say, in the summer) – and I can advise you with how to do this if necessary.  Please also have a metronome that you can use at home for your practice sessions.

You need to bring to every lesson: a full spare set of strings, a guitar tuner and a capo suitable for your type of guitar.

For the classical guitar, you also need to bring a foot stool to every lesson.

For acoustic and electric guitar lessons, you need to bring at least two plectra (plectrums). 

What about practising?

For beginners and especially younger children, little and often is a good principle, as it is with other areas of learning such as developing reading skills or knowledge of times tables facts.  For older children and adults, creating a practice timetable can be very useful. It is important that music students clearly understand what they need to practice, and what they are aiming for, otherwise they might be ingraining errors in their playing.

I offer guidance on practice suggestions through the week, especially for younger children, however another principle is that we want the student increasingly to take responsibility for their own practice and enjoyment of music according to their developing maturity and ability.

At the intermediate stages and beyond (Grade III and above), if lack of practice leads to an impasse lesson by lesson in terms of progress with a piece a child is learning, I will discuss this with the client.  For beginners, daily practice will often dramatically increase the speed at which they progress to reach more and more sophisticated and interesting pieces.

What about guitar gradings?

I have experience teaching at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Please let me know whether entering for guitar gradings is important to you.  They can be a useful target and celebration of progress, but music education and enjoyment should always be broader than passing assessments.

How do I get in touch?

Details of half-term dates, fees and charges, terms and conditions and practical information are contained in the music lessons tuition guide, which is available on request.

For more information about how the tuition I provide can support you, please send an outline of your tuition requirements, availability and phone number to this email address: brett.milner.tuition@outlook.com.

Thank you for your interest in having guitar lessons with me.