It can always be a little intimidating when starting a new venture so I always encourage students to learn at their own pace in my structured but informal lessons.
I became a professional musician/entertainer in 1978 and started teaching in 1995 so have a wealth of experience in both fields. A fair number of my students have gone on to become fine musicians in their own right. Learn to play rhythm and lead guitar: Blues, Rock, Folk, Country, Fingerpicking...the skies the limit!
My teaching method is based on an innovative and result-oriented technique that helps students overcome barriers to bring concrete results. I am able to incorporate idea's and techniques associated with all my instruments and apply them to the one you have chosen. The uke is a wonderful instrument for adults and children. Learn to strum to your favourite songs or learn to play chord melodies.
Some people learn best on their own; others prefer learning in groups. Maybe you would like to learn with a friend or member of the family? No problem! The accordion is an orchestra all of it's own and is so versatile. After learning the basics you will be able to play almost any genre of music.
Every student has his or her needs so I offer lessons of different lengths. Sixty minute lessons are the most popular but shorter lessons are fine for younger students or those with time restraints. Longer times are fine as well.
Based in South Manchester, I have students from surrounding areas including
Stockport, Cheshire and Lancashire and further afield
Lessons are conducted in my home studio or online via Skype or Zoom and are
tailored for each individual.
I can teach students of all ages and abilities. Beginners are welcome.
Learn at your own pace.
I have adapted many different courses to suit different styles.
I encourage students to input their ideas and will always try and incorporate their
choice of music into the lessons whenever possible.
Contact me for a free 30 minute introductory lesson
My first musical performance was at the tender age of 9 when I played harmonica in a school production. At age 11 I took lessons on the piano accordion and by age 13 I had won several awards and trophies in accordion contests including coming first in the North West under 14's solo and then achieving 8th place in the All Britain. At this time I was also playing guitar which resulted in me, at age 16, starting to perform in social clubs. When I realised that there was money to be made out of doing something I loved I turned professional at age 20. Over the years I have performed in many different types of venues all over Britain and Europe gaining experience that I now love to pass on to my students.
I started teaching accordion in 1995 and then shortly after introduced the guitar and keyboard into my lessons. At the turn of the century (seems a long time ago now) I became qualified, through the National Open College Network (NOCN) to teach around schools. However I soon realised that I preferred the more intimate one to one or small group teaching and have done this ever since.
I took up the wonderful little ukulele when a long standing keyboard student told me she wanted to learn one. I had never even held one before but she gave me her uke and a tutor book, told me she was going on a 10 day cruise and expected me to start teaching her when she returned. I didn't disappoint her as I soon got to grips with it and she was playing simple tunes within weeks.
The youngest student I have taught was 6 year old guitarist and the "most mature" is a young man of 82 years on the accordion. I can tailor my lessons to suit any age or musical level and always try to incorporate the students tastes and ideas along with the course. In this way it keeps things fresh for all of us. I usually give weekly lessons but am willing to teach fortnightly or, indeed, ad hoc for those on shifts or irregular hours at work. Daytime or evening lessons can be arranged.
I have had many people pass through my doors who have started as students and have left as friends with a good knowledge of music and I am proud to say that I have seen some of my students perform to a VERY high standard in front of audiences in various types of venues.
I'm here for you so come on....LETS DO IT!
Tony’s approach to lessons are perfect. A combination of fun and technical training. My daughter started as a total beginner with no previous musical experience and has progressed beyond all of our expectations.
Julie Powell
Ukulele and then Electric Guitar
My son has had guitar lessons for about two years and has learned so much, I’m really impressed at how well he can play now. He recently switched to an electric guitar (sorry, neighbours) and Tony has been extremely helpful in advising which one would be best for him. Tony is highly flexible in his teaching, always happy to answer questions which can range from basic technical skills to some advanced strumming technique my son happened to ‘invent’ on his own, he even makes music theory interesting and encourages input for new tunes to learn.
The main reason for the progress, however, is because Tony has made him experience that practice doesn’t have to be a chore. The lessons are still way more fun than practicing alone (the chats, the giggles, they’re just as valuable as the serious stuff) but my son has transformed from someone who rushed his homework to be done with it to someone we have to tell to keep it down a bit because, well…the neighbours. Moving his focus from the goal to the journey is quite an important lesson for a 10-year-old
.My son’s comment says it all when, at the end of a Skype-session, he puts away his guitar: ‘That was fun!
Having seen Tony perform at the North Staffs
Accordion Club he was my first choice of teacher. I had been playing the accordion for about 2 years and was keen to learn how to accompany a singer, improve my bass playing and develop performance confidence.
Tony has excellent technical ability with a range of instruments and a lifetime of performance and entertainment expertise. His teaching is modelled according to my needs which I regard as an important skill for the teaching of adults. He delights in helping to progress my personal choice of music and aspirations. He has patience, is generous with his time, instils confidence and puts me at ease. He gives clear instruction and provides interesting pieces for improving skills. I very much enjoy his lessons which are good fun as well as effective instruction.
I feel I have made progress and have started to perform on a regular basis. I have no hesitation in recommending Tony as a teacher of a range of instruments to all ages. His Skype lessons have been invaluable during lockdown and are an enjoyable highlight of the week. Thank you Tony!
Thank you for contacting me.
I will get back to you as soon as possible