Frequently Asked Questions

No. There’s no age at which learning becomes physically impossible for the vast majority of people — what matters is consistent, well-taught practice, and adults (especially retirees) are often better suited to that than younger learners are. Studies of adults aged 60–85 starting an instrument found measurable cognitive improvements within around six months. If anything, later-life students tend to progress well precisely because they’re motivated to be there rather than sent by a parent.

Not at all. Most adult students start from exactly this point, and lessons are structured from complete scratch, assuming no prior knowledge of music, notation or the guitar itself.

No. Reading standard notation is taught gradually as part of classical guitar lessons if you choose that route; fingerstyle lessons typically use chord charts and tab instead, which most people pick up quickly. Neither is a prerequisite for starting.

Classical guitar is a specific nylon-string technique built on formal right-hand pattern and standard notation, usually working towards traditional repertoire. Fingerstyle is a broader approach — playing melody, bass and harmony together with your fingers — often used to play arrangements of folk, pop or other well-known songs on steel or nylon strings. Many students study both. See the classical and fingerstyle pages for more detail.

Many students manage this successfully with the right adjustments — a nylon-string guitar with a slimmer neck and lower action is often more comfortable to start on, and technique and practice pacing can be adapted around what’s genuinely comfortable for your hands. It’s worth discussing your specific situation before a first lesson so the right approach and instrument can be recommended.

No. Guidance on borrowing or buying a suitable beginner instrument is included, and it’s often better to get a lesson or two in first so any purchase is genuinely the right fit.

It depends entirely on how often you practise and what “learning guitar” means to you — most students can play simple, recognisable pieces within a few months of regular weekly lessons and short daily practice, with real progress building steadily from there. There’s no fixed timeline, and no test to fail.

Lessons are £30 per hour. Book a block of 5 lessons and get 10% off — £135 instead of £150. See the full pricing page for details.

No — but the first lesson is offered at a reduced rate of £12, which simply covers the room rental cost at Bromley Conservatoire. It’s a proper full-length lesson, not a shortened taster, so you’ll know by the end of it whether you want to continue.

In a private teaching room at Bromley Conservatoire, 23 East St, Bromley BR1 1QE — a short walk from Bromley South and Bromley North stations, with parking at The Glades car park (7-minute walk). See the Contact page for a full map and directions.

No — lessons are independent, one-to-one tuition; a room is simply rented at the Conservatoire because it’s a proper, comfortable venue to teach in.

Lessons normally take place at Bromley Conservatoire, but both home visits and lessons at my own home can be considered depending on location, travel time, and a few practical factors (parking, a suitable quiet space for teaching, and scheduling). If either option would make the difference between starting or not, mention it when you get in touch and we’ll see what’s possible.

Lessons are focused specifically on adult and senior students; this isn’t a children’s teaching practice.

No — grades are entirely optional and available only if you want that structure. Most adult students prefer to work towards playing pieces they enjoy rather than a formal syllabus.

Get in touch via the contact page with a few available days/times, and a first lesson will be arranged directly.