Introduction to guitar

Have you ever wanted to play guitar? Fancied yourself as a rockstar? Maybe you would just like to learn a new skill for yourself? Now’s your chance! From ‘What is a guitar?’ to ‘Look, I know songs!’, we’ve got you covered with a series of courses for aspiring guitarists. Join one of our small musical groups and sign up now, grab a guitar and let’s play some music!

Gregg Brennan (under his guitarist/songwriter stage name Bastion Highwalk) has been teaching music for 27 years and is a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts USA. He has taught, toured, performed and recorded internationally and is a mainstay in London’s music scene as a sideman, guest artist and with his own band Black King Crow.

Please note the individual courses. See notes below.

Beginners

For those who have limited or no knowledge of playing guitar. This class will teach you the basics of guitar and build your confidence.

Songs and Songwriters 1 and 2

In this course we look at acoustic songs by the likes of Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, CCR, Johnny Cash and many more, from popular music, to country and folk. We cover strumming patterns, rhythm, chords, song form and a little about the songs and songwriters themselves, as well as a look at what makes the songs ‘tick’.
(Some knowledge of the guitar is advisable). (Class 1 is a higher level)

Blues 

If you’ve always wondered how the blues works, why it sounds like that and how it can be so universal- and want to play it, this is the course for you! In Blues, we cover songs form, techniques, rhythm, some lead guitar ‘licks’ and ideas that make up the huge vocabulary that we call ‘The Blues’. We explore the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of Blues music through playing and history, putting it all in context. You don’t need to be Clapton or Muddy Waters to join this class, all you need is an acoustic guitar and a love of Blues music!
(Some knowledge of the guitar is advisable).

Please remember to bring your guitar!

Please note there will be no lesson the week of half term. Please follow this link for term dates

Unfortunately, these classes have now finished, please register your details and we will inform you as soon as more classes become available.

Click here to register

What topics are covered?

Instrument basics, technique, simple melodies (to begin with), chords, songs, song structure and form.

Potentially culminating in an optional performance of the class at the end of term.

How will I learn?

via demonstration, hand outs.

You will play various parts of a song (i.e. some will play melody, some will play the chords, then you switch so you all learn the same things).

What do I need to bring?

an acoustic guitar

Any Questions?

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Beginner Guitar

2023-07-28

I had tried to learn by watching YouTube videos but wasn’t really making much progress.

I joined the beginner class and started to make some real progress.

Bastion is a great teacher and his charisma helps make the class good fun.

Following on from the beginner class, I will continue to attend the Songs and songwriters class for as long as they run.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely.

The class is a good group of people who enjoy music and are keen to learn.

Irrespective of whether you haven’t ever held a guitar or if you are just out of practice. Don’t even ponder, just book a place.

You won’t regret it.

Andy

A Musical Experience

2023-02-23

I have enjoyed every session with Bastion. Each week we practice in the company of friendly like-minded enthusiastic would be musicians. We joke, we discuss and we learn. Bastion is an incredibly knowledgeable, experienced and fun teacher. He is the real deal and so brings an added authenticity to his teaching.

Pete

Brilliant!

2022-03-30

I’d never picked up a guitar before. Didn’t even know how to hold one correctly. Now, with the help of Bastion and a small but friendly group, I’m playing songs with ease and loving every minute.

Very much worthwhile.

Kevin

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