Testimonials

Martin

I" have been to many guitar teachers over the years - both in person and tried the online stuff as well.  I get so far with them and then I seem to just not be able to move any further. Danny can communicate some little thing in most lessons that just turns a light bulb on in my mind.  Really enjoying the lessons - he's the real deal.  Learning technique I wished I had learned at the start 20+ years ago."

Wojciech

"I have been playing guitar on and off since I was a teenager, and found myself plateauing, not really knowing how to progress my playing on my own. Lessons with Danny have helped me immensely to correct my technique, expand my skillset and increase my knowledge of music in general. Danny is a very talented, patient and knowledgeable teacher - he will work with you on those aspects of your guitar playing that require the most attention, at the same time allowing you to focus on techniques and areas that you are most interested in progressing. It's also a great plus that you get to work on songs and music that you like! Between my weekly lessons, there is a steady sense of progression, there is always a challenge, and I really enjoy our conversations about the songs and music in general. I wouldn't hesitate recommending Danny to anyone looking to advance their guitar playing."

Alex

"I started lessons 12 months ago as a total beginner and am amazed by the progress I've made with Danny. His approach to starting with the foundations of the theory, timing, chord changes, etc. is really paying off now as we learn more complex songs. He's also been good at changing his approach when he can tell I'm not enjoying learning particular songs or techniques which really helps you stay engaged with the learning process. Overall I would recommend lessons with Danny."

Sophie

"I have been taking lessons with Danny for about two years and am loving it. Danny tailors each lesson to suit you and what you want to learn. I’ve since moved away from Auckland and we continue do our lessons over Skype. I’ve learned so much and we have a lot of fun too. I really look forward to our lessons every week!"

Eve

"I've been learning guitar with Danny since 2021. After attempting to learn via YouTube videos during lockdown without much success, I wanted to find a guitar teacher for adult beginners. Danny is an excellent teacher who creates a supportive learning environment and adapts to each individual's goals. Highly recommend!"

Logan

"Danny's knowledge of theory and ability to help me connect the dots have been invaluable in my progress on the guitar."

Holly

"I started learning from Danny at Auckland Guitar Lessons with the aim to improve my already basic skills on the guitar. He has really helped me break a lot of bad habits, understand the instrument, and nail the fundamentals which I will need to keep improving. I always look forward to my guitar lessons. Danny has a wealth of guitar and music knowledge, is great for a yarn, and I have been amazed at my improvement while learning from him."

Wayne

"Danny’s vast experience and in-depth knowledge is continually reflected at lesson time. Always well prepared, Danny’s passion for music in general and guitar in particular is continually mixed into on point learning techniques , a disciplined approach and of course , always necessary, a huge level of patience."

James

"I initially learnt guitar in my student days but approached Danny after 20+ years of not having played at all and wanting to revisit. Whilst I could remember the basics I quite quickly realised I had some bad habits and no sense of time in music having only ever learnt from books or online. Danny really helped me to get back in to the guitar and learn much better foundations in order to be a better player. I also fully appreciate how much more you get from having a teacher and getting instant feedback as opposed to learning online. I've now been with him for many years and am still learning and enjoying his lessons. He has a great way with his students and really puts them at ease especially when they are finding something difficult. Danny has an immense amount of patience and will progress at the speed that suits you. I can highly recommend."

Scott

"Danny's a great teacher, patient, knowledgeable in every facet of guitar tutoring. He's a working musician and applies his experience well. He'll work with you on the music you like, while letting you work at your own pace, though will always challenge you with the need for solid progression. Well worth it!"

Catherynne

“At the age of 47, I decided to learn to play the guitar, but knew I’d need to find the right kind of teacher, someone who not only knew their craft, but was friendly, encouraging and fun to learn from. After reviewing a few more ‘traditional’ teachers, I came across Danny, a professional performing/recording musician, who has exceeded all my expectations and continues to do so. Within a matter of weeks I went from not knowing a single chord to playing along with some of my favourite artists, to refreshing my rusty music theory, and thoroughly enjoying myself. Each lesson is so much fun; Danny is a fount of knowledge about all kinds of music, and genuinely passionate about sharing it, which in turn inspires and encourages me to find my own expression with the guitar. If you can grab some time with Danny, do it. You won’t regret it.”

Cindy

“Danny was highly recommended to me by a friend, and from the first session I was blown away and have not looked back since. Danny is obviously a talented and experienced musician but not everyone can be a teacher, however Danny is a fantastic teacher. His patience, motivation and knowledge that he shares means that I come away from each weekly lesson with the tools I need to tackle the next song and the drive to practice harder. I would highly recommend Danny to anyone who is wanting to push themselves and achieve their dream of playing the guitar.”

Bruce

“As a adult absolute beginner, I had a resident trepidation and discomfort. Anything less than a supportive and nonjudgmental approach would have snuffed my slender attempts. I'm pleased to say that Danny's warmth and friendly mastery helped encourage growing confidence. Highly recommended.”

Dani

"Danny is a fantastic teacher - I always look forward to our lessons and for someone with no prior music experience, I am really enjoying learning guitar. 10/10 would recommend!"

Margaret

"I have been having weekly lessons for over 5 years with Danny McCrum of Auckland Guitar lessons, initially at his well-equipped music studio but then swapping seamlessly in 2020 to  Zoom lessons during the Covid-19 lockdowns ( saving travel time and carbon emissions too!). Danny is a professional musician and proficient teacher, music producer, and podcaster whilst being an extremely  talented guitarist himself.  He has played in bands in NZ since his teenage years and with some big  names in the music industry internationally so teaches with a background of decades of experience in live performance. I have found Danny to be inspirational and tolerant and endlessly patient, providing honest matter-of-fact non-judgemental individualised critique and guidance which results in  progressive improvement of the student’s ( my!) technique and confidence. The choice of songs to learn along the way is great too. I’m very grateful to Danny for helping me, as an adult learner, work towards a goal I have had since childhood. Strongly recommended."

Declan 

"Being largely self-taught and not having advanced much in 20 years of strumming a few chords in the privacy of my home I was well out of my depth when I started playing in a church band and then with some mates in a covers band. Sink or swim were my options and Danny has been an excellent life-jacket. I’m not sure how many years I’ve now been a regular “student” but I cannot imagine there ever being a time in the future when I will stop learning. I’m an immeasurably better guitarist than I was when I first came to Danny’s studio and more importantly, despite occasionally being overwhelmed by impostor syndrome, I feel like a musician."

Grant

"I have really enjoyed Danny’s methods which have helped me along greatly and improved not only my skill and confidence as a guitarist but also my understating of music in general. Danny doesn’t take shortcuts with his students, he helps them to stick with it and the improvements come. His love of music really shines through also. I can recommend Danny to anyone wishing to learn at any level."

Gaby

 "Becoming a student of Danny McCrum has been one of my best journeys so far. When I first stepped into his lesson room, we started small. Danny always had a way of encouraging me and laughing away a lot of my anxieties. I started off as a pretty nervous and doubtful player, so, to have someone help improve my confidence and self-esteem has been a real gift. Danny doesn’t “stick to the rules”. In fact, he teaches me to think outside the box and challenges my habits of learning. Danny’s extensive music career has given him the grounds to teach and inspire many, and I feel very lucky to be one of his students."

Kevin

"Danny’s innovative way of teaching has allowed me to understand music from a different angle in comparison to the traditional “here’s a note, so you play the note” type of approach. I’ve been learning guitar with Danny for more than a year now and I’ve learned much more than the three years prior when I tried to teach myself. The progress made under Danny’s instructions has never ceased amaze me."

Ross

“I am 57 years old and have been learning to play the guitar over the last 4 years. I started lessons with Danny 18 months ago. It was one of the best decisions I have made . His professional and disciplined approach I believe has improved my playing ability and helped correct some of my bad habits. By choice I get to play songs by some of my favourite artists. Learning a musical instrument for the first time at my age has been a bit of a challenge but Danny’s encouragement, patience and sense of humour inspires me each week.”

Martin

“As an intermediate guitar player I had hit a wall and was making no progress. You can only go so far watching YouTube videos and jamming with your mates. From the moment I met Danny he challenged all aspects of my playing with the aim to improve my technique, rhythm and understanding of music. I’m delighted with my progress and enjoy the lessons. Danny is patient, observant and will push your boundaries. Being tutored by one of Auckland’s most respected musicians is a real bonus and he’s passionate about all types of music. I highly recommend you book some time with Danny.”

Helen

“As an adult, and complete beginner, I was worried about the repertoire of songs I would be resigned to learning. To my relief, ‘Michael Row The Boat Ashore’ has not once made an appearance and instead, each lesson, Danny teaches me my favourite songs of the week. Danny’s patient, competitively priced, and can teach you any song you want. I recommend him to anyone.”

Jess

"My son has been having lessons with Danny for 2.5 years, and we are very happy. More importantly he loves going to lessons and really likes Danny too, which is very important for a pre-teen. As a well known and respected real band musician it gives my son the feeling he is learning from someone that can teach him real music.”

Ginny

"I enjoy learning with Danny as he’s an approachable tutor and the lessons are practical and tailored well to my ability. It’s also great to be taught with someone so passionate about their craft"

John

"I hadn't picked up my guitar since the late 60's and was hesitant to approach Danny as his profile indicated he was a professional musician and I thought he may not want to teach a "mature" beginner. As it has turned out Danny has been superb to,work with. He is passionate about his craft, has a genuine skill as a teacher and is flexible enough about his approach that he can cope with my diversions from the prescribed method. Danny is a very accomplished guitarist as I found out when I watched him play live but he is able to keep it simple but inspiring for beginners. I can thoroughly recommend Danny to other "mature" students and my strong suspicion is he would appeal to all age groups."