Online Guitar Lessons for Adults
Achieve Your Goals with Tailored Private Guitar Lessons
We provide comprehensive solutions and support to help you reach new heights.
About Me
Based in Kilkenny, Ireland, I’m a professional guitarist and dedicated music teacher with a passion for helping adults achieve their musical goals. Starting my own musical journey at the age of 19, I understand the unique challenges adults face when learning music and how to overcome them with tailored, effective teaching. I still remember the thrill of playing my first song—it’s this joy I aim to pass on to every student.
I studied under Mark McGrath, who inspired my passion for the guitar, and Michael O’Toole, under whom I earned a First-Class Honours BA (Hons) in Music. I’ve continued to refine my skills with world-class mentors, such as Tal Hurwitz – A renowned classical guitarist, Alexander Pozdnyakov – An accomplished classical composer, and Ksenia Dyachenko – a Virtuoso classical pianist.
Achieve Your Musical Goals
What You Can Achieve
No matter your skill level, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of music theory, enhancing your ability to interpret and create. Through a structured syllabus, you’ll experience the satisfaction of measurable progress. The confidence and fulfilment that come from mastering a musical instrument will stay with you for a lifetime.
Unlike general guitar instructors, I specialise in teaching adults with structured, measurable approaches that fit into their busy lives and ensure consistent progress. Whether you’ve never touched a guitar before or are refining advanced techniques, I’ll guide you step by step, ensuring lessons feel approachable and enjoyable. Together, we’ll create a structured, personalised plan to help you confidently play your favourite songs, master challenging techniques, and achieve measurable progress—provided you’re willing to practice.
Beginners | Grade 1–3
Begin your guitar journey by mastering the basics, including simple melodies, chords, and rhythms. Within just a few lessons, you’ll confidently play your first song. These foundational skills will set the stage for more advanced techniques as you progress.
Intermediate | Grade 4–5
At this stage, you’ll tackle technical challenges like barre chords, complex strumming patterns, and scales. You’ll have the opportunity to learn to read music or refine your notation skills, building a repertoire of pieces that match your level. Using grade books from RSL and Trinity College, you’ll prepare for graded exams or set personal goals to track your measurable progress.
Advanced | Grade 6 +
Advanced students will focus on complex pieces, developing refined tone, dynamics, and expression. Moving beyond grade material, you’ll focus on repertoire that aligns with your personal interests, whether classical masterpieces or advanced rock and pop songs. This stage builds the confidence to perform publicly or prepare for university-level music studies.
Why Practice is Essential
Maximise Your Investment
Without regular practice, lessons can stall as we repeat the same material. To honour your time and investment, our focus will always be on measurable progress.
Practice Fuels Progress
Consistent practice is the secret to reaching your goals, building confidence, and discovering the true joy of playing the guitar.
Prevent Frustration
Students who don’t practise often feel stuck and discouraged. With regular practice, progress becomes achievable, motivating, and genuinely enjoyable.
What My Students Say
Hear from satisfied students who have experienced the quality and value of online guitar lessons.
After just a few lessons, I noticed a huge improvement in my playing. James’s practice plans kept me focused, and the clear guidance made all the difference.
– Sarah, Dublin
As a complete beginner, I was nervous about starting. James’s patient guidance and structured approach made everything clear, and now I can play songs I love!
– Emily, London
James is a very nice person but doesn’t sugarcoat it—if you don’t practise, you won’t improve. That honesty motivated me to stay consistent, and now I’m playing songs I never thought I could.
– Tom, Amsterdam
I was stuck playing the same things for years. With James’s help, I’ve learned how to break through my bad habits and finally see progress.
– Mark, London
In just three months, I went from barely playing a chord to confidently performing my favourite songs for friends and family.
– Gabriel, Zurich
I’ve worked with other teachers, but James’s combination of structure and encouragement helped me progress faster than I thought possible. Lessons are both fun and effective.”
– Liam, Zurich
Prices
Free Consulation
- Discuss your musical goals and experience.
- Get a personalised lesson plan tailored to your needs.
- Address any questions about the lessons.
Pay As You Go
- 1-hour personalised online lesson.
- Clear, actionable practice steps to ensure progress.
- Ideal for focused learning or troubleshooting specific issues.
Referal Program
- Easy referral process
- Earn a free lesson once your friend completes their second lesson.
- Help your friends start their musical journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions.
What equipment do I need?
– A guitar (acoustic or electric).
– A stable internet connection.
– A device with Skype installed (laptop, tablet, or smartphone).
– A webcam and microphone (built-in ones are fine, but external options improve quality).
How do online lessons work?
Lessons are conducted via Skype and follow a structured, grade-aligned approach to ensure measurable progress. Once you book a session, I’ll send you the meeting link and guide you through getting the most out of our time together.
What happens if I need to cancel?
You must provide at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule a lesson.
Cancellations within 48 hours will result in a 50% charge for the missed lesson.
How much should I practice between lessons?
To ensure steady progress and advance through grade material, plan to practise for 5–6 hours between lessons. Consistent practice is the key to mastering new techniques and achieving your goals.
Can I book lessons weekly?
Yes, weekly lessons are an option and would require around 5–6 hours of practice per week to ensure progress between sessions.
Do I need to read music?
No, reading music isn’t necessary to start learning guitar. If you’re interested, I can include this as part of your lessons.
What happens if there’s a technical issue during the lesson?
If we experience any major technical difficulties, I’ll reschedule the remaining time of your lesson at no extra cost.
What payment methods do you accept?
Single Lesson Payments: All single lesson bookings are processed securely through Calendly during the scheduling process.
Bulk Lesson Packages: For bulk lesson purchases, an invoice will be sent to you via email. Payments can be made using Stripe, Revolut, or PayPal for your convenience.