My name's Danny and I've been playing guitar since 1991, I've worked as a professional musician since my early twenties and I've been teaching guitar for over twenty years.  I teach all the fundamentals of technique and different playing styles within the context of songs, which enables people to progress faster while enjoying the experience. With my guidance, a beginner can be changing chords and playing full songs almost right away. Once you have a good foundation, you can pursue any musical direction you choose.

I also teach a large number of experienced players who are keen to progress to the next level. Whether you feel you have plateaued or you simply wish to up-skill your playing and musical knowledge, I can help you achieve this. Additionally, I have taught guitar at Auckland University and can help with your school or University music courses.

Lessons are held weekly, Monday to Thursday in the afternoons and evenings. I offer both in-person and Zoom lessons (learn more about Zoom lessons here) and each lesson is 30 minutes long.

About Auckland Guitar Lessons

Curriculum

I teach most playing styles and genres and take a flexible and adaptive approach to best suit the students personality and learning style.

To start

We first cover physical technique and posture, understanding rhythm/strum patterns and strategies for changing chords. We then start playing songs. I have a long list of songs prepared and the student is welcome to request songs too. As we move forward we introduce flatpicking, fingerpicking, barre chords, scales, riff work, improvisation, lead guitar, dynamics and much more.

Music Theory

Understanding music theory significantly improves your playing, your confidence and increases your musical potential.  Music theory can feel intimidating to some, but with a personalised approach, taught at the pace of the individual, music theory not only becomes accessible - it becomes a fun and fascinating  subject to explore.

Creative

As an experienced songwriter and producer, I often teach people how to write, develop and arrange songs and how to improvise. For some, this means helping them discover their creative side for the first time.

Application

As an experienced band leader I can help musicians who are playing in bands with how to manage and run your band, how to tighten and improve your band’s sound, how to prepare for live performances, professional etiquette, the art of listening and how to work under pressure.

Context & Priorities

There are many playing styles and opinions about music and guitar technique out there and it can be hard to know who to listen to. Different techniques have evolved from various genres, regions, eras and cultures, and this can all be confusing to navigate. The world isn’t black and white and neither is music, so in our lessons, we learn how to make sense of these varying ideas and how to incorporate the best ideas into our playing.

Summary

I approach lessons like a personal trainer. I assess the individual's playing and technique. I consider their goals and give them the necessary tools and strategies to achieve them. Learning music does take effort, but it’s a fun, fascinating, constructive and rewarding journey.

The benefits of having a tutor

Having an experienced and personable tutor will help you establish a good foundation, effective practice strategies and good techniques, so you can make real progress.

Instant Feedback

Like a personal trainer, a tutor will give you real-time feedback on your technique and approach.

Personalised Approach

Learning to play is much more fun if you're learning songs and techniques you're interested in. People have different goals with their playing and a good tutor will help you realise these.

Context

Learning a skill requires more than just knowledge. You need to know where to start, what steps to take and what to prioritise, to truly progress. 

Encouragement & Support

Learning to play an instrument can be challenging at times. It's important to have someone encouraging you and inspiring you, to keep you moving forward.

The benefits of playing music

First and foremost, playing music is fun.  Whether you're drawn to the expressive aspect, the puzzle of music theory, the gear and equipment or the social side, playing music is rewarding on so many levels.

In a noisy world filled with screens and algorithms, playing an instrument is a fantastic way to unplug, to be calm and to lose yourself in the joy of creating sound with your instrument.  It's always amazed me how the weight of the world often lifts of my shoulders when I sit down to play.

Playing music is fantastic for your mental health. The ability to have an outlet, express yourself and develop your coordination and physical technique is all extremely positive. It helps reduces stress and anxiety, enhances cognitive skills like memory and concentration, boosts creativity, problem-solving abilities, and promotes emotional expression and general self-improvement. Additionally, playing music can boost self-discipline and confidence.

Playing music is great for the brain's development. It strengthens neural connections, which can delay cognitive decline as you age. Watch the video below on how playing an instrument benefits your brain - by Anita Collins.

Music is increasingly being used as a form of therapy and scientists are becoming more excited about the variety of benefits music gives people.