GUITAR LESSONS
The guitar lessons follow the Trinity College London syllabus with the option of sitting guitar exams, and all students are taught to read music. Lessons include musicianship, tone production, left & right hand technique, posture, sight reading, scales, arpeggios, chords, rhythm, & exam preparation. Assistance for the aural skills requirement in the Trinity College exams is provided to students via the student login, with examples of exam aural tests and hints on getting good marks.
The guitar lessons are held in Onehunga, Auckland, and the tuition rates are $40 for a 30 minute one on one lesson, with fees paid for a term in advance. Hour long lessons are also available upon request. If you'd like to try a couple of lessons before committing to a full term, the first two lessons are available on a pay per lesson basis. The location & directions for the lessons can be found on Google Maps by clicking the following link:
Classical Guitar Lessons with John Wakelin MMus, GradDipTchg.
If you are interested in guitar lessons, or have any questions please feel free to contact me. I teach all students from 7 years old upwards, beginners to advanced - all are welcome.
The guitar lessons are held in Onehunga, Auckland, and the tuition rates are $40 for a 30 minute one on one lesson, with fees paid for a term in advance. Hour long lessons are also available upon request. If you'd like to try a couple of lessons before committing to a full term, the first two lessons are available on a pay per lesson basis. The location & directions for the lessons can be found on Google Maps by clicking the following link:
Classical Guitar Lessons with John Wakelin MMus, GradDipTchg.
If you are interested in guitar lessons, or have any questions please feel free to contact me. I teach all students from 7 years old upwards, beginners to advanced - all are welcome.
Guitar Lesson Terms & Conditions
Lesson Fees:
Beginning students may pay for the first 2 lessons on a per lesson basis if they choose. All other fees should be paid in full by the due date on the invoice, normally no later than 2 weeks after the first lesson of the term.
Missed Lessons:
If the teacher misses a lesson it will be made-up, refunded, or credited to the next invoice depending on what is most convenient for the student.
Lessons are non refundable unless advance notice is given prior to the first lesson of the term (e.g. school camp, business trips, etc.), in which case the lesson can be deducted from that term’s fees at the discretion of the teacher. A maximum of one lesson per term is deductable.
If a student misses a lesson it is usually possible to reschedule that student into any empty timeslots that are available that week. Make-up lessons are subject to availability and are not guaranteed as a result, so please give as much notification as possible. Make-up lessons must be taken within 7 days of the absence and are at the discretion of the teacher.
In the case of any arm and hand injuries (e.g. broken arm, sprained wrist, etc.) lessons can usually still continue as the opportunity can be taken to work on technical development of the uninjured arm..
Beginning students may pay for the first 2 lessons on a per lesson basis if they choose. All other fees should be paid in full by the due date on the invoice, normally no later than 2 weeks after the first lesson of the term.
Missed Lessons:
If the teacher misses a lesson it will be made-up, refunded, or credited to the next invoice depending on what is most convenient for the student.
Lessons are non refundable unless advance notice is given prior to the first lesson of the term (e.g. school camp, business trips, etc.), in which case the lesson can be deducted from that term’s fees at the discretion of the teacher. A maximum of one lesson per term is deductable.
If a student misses a lesson it is usually possible to reschedule that student into any empty timeslots that are available that week. Make-up lessons are subject to availability and are not guaranteed as a result, so please give as much notification as possible. Make-up lessons must be taken within 7 days of the absence and are at the discretion of the teacher.
In the case of any arm and hand injuries (e.g. broken arm, sprained wrist, etc.) lessons can usually still continue as the opportunity can be taken to work on technical development of the uninjured arm..
Testimonials
'My name is Theresa Kermode. John Wakelin has been my classical guitar teacher for the past five to six years. I have found him to be a very very good teacher. Not only is he very well qualified, with university degrees and teachers qualifications, but he teaches very clearly. He has taught me how to logically go about solving the physical and mental problems concerned in learning how to play the guitar. I think I am able to make this comment as I have had three previous classical guitar teachers over the years and it is only since I have been learning from John that I feel I have made significant progress. His approach is also straight-forward and light-hearted.
Besides being a very good teacher, John runs the business side of his music profession as he teaches – straight-forward, open and very organised. At the beginning of each term he emails to each student a lesson timetable stating where and when their lesson will be and the amount to be paid for the term. John’s message also states that if any aspect of it does not suit a pupil, then to email him and he will try and alter things to suit. In this respect I have found him to be very relaxed, easygoing and helpful about making changes to suit a pupil. John gives to each pupil each term a paper copy of his invoice.
John has also sent to each pupil a notice of his terms regarding missed lessons. It states that if a pupil misses a lesson without contacting him to have the time changed within a reasonable time, then the lesson will be forfeited. Otherwise, I have found him to be very willing concerning the changing of lesson times and making up of missed lessons. Each time I have had to change my lesson time John has gone to the trouble of finding a suitable replacement time.
In all, I find John to be not only terrific player and teacher of the classical guitar, but also to be very well organised, professional, honest and light-hearted. I look forward to my lessons each week with John.'
(Theresa Kermode)
Besides being a very good teacher, John runs the business side of his music profession as he teaches – straight-forward, open and very organised. At the beginning of each term he emails to each student a lesson timetable stating where and when their lesson will be and the amount to be paid for the term. John’s message also states that if any aspect of it does not suit a pupil, then to email him and he will try and alter things to suit. In this respect I have found him to be very relaxed, easygoing and helpful about making changes to suit a pupil. John gives to each pupil each term a paper copy of his invoice.
John has also sent to each pupil a notice of his terms regarding missed lessons. It states that if a pupil misses a lesson without contacting him to have the time changed within a reasonable time, then the lesson will be forfeited. Otherwise, I have found him to be very willing concerning the changing of lesson times and making up of missed lessons. Each time I have had to change my lesson time John has gone to the trouble of finding a suitable replacement time.
In all, I find John to be not only terrific player and teacher of the classical guitar, but also to be very well organised, professional, honest and light-hearted. I look forward to my lessons each week with John.'
(Theresa Kermode)
'John has been my guitar teacher for 6 years; I could barely read music when he took me on. All throughout high school, he mentored me in not just my ability to play, but also in musicianship and performance techniques, and since I have gone on to study classical guitar at university, I have realised how invaluable his teaching was. John has the incredible skill to accompany someone along their musical journey, adapting his instruction to account for age and ability, and allowing his students to grow and develop efficiently. I hope many more have the opportunity to learn from John, and be as inspired as I was.'
(Emma Sandford)
(Emma Sandford)
'I have been playing guitar for years but hit a plateau. I needed an expert to take me to the next level. I found John’s website and was initially astounded by his qualifications. To meet someone who had a Master’s degree in classical guitar, let alone being taught by one was a very exciting prospect. After only a few lessons, John already corrected my technique, had me reading music and fixed the RSI I had in my elbow from overplaying. John has a brilliant sense of humour and is highly adaptable to any age level and ability. If there is one thing I miss about living in Auckland, it is having John as a guitar teacher!'
(Daniel Cottle)
(Daniel Cottle)
'I wanted to give you a heads up that Zac's last lesson will be on June 8th. Unfortunately it is time for us to return to Virginia. He has learned so much from you & we really do appreciate it. Your style of teaching has offered Zac an opportunity to grow as a guitar player. You have also allowed him the freedom to try new things & not just the classics. Thank you for finding the musician in him. You will be greatly missed.'
(Elisa Medel).
(Elisa Medel).
'Courtney has thoroughly enjoyed learning this instrument with you & has participated willingly in practicing & playing the guitar at home. He has often commented to us, here at home, how much he looks forward to his lessons with you. Thank you for your tuition & all the skills you brought to each lesson, ensuring it was meaningful & fun for Courtney.'
(Monica Officer).
(Monica Officer).
'From my first lesson with John I was impressed with his ability & patience to teach the guitar to people of all ages, he is a brilliant teacher. After five lessons I can play tunes, & am loving every minute of it. I am far more advanced now than I was after one year when I previously learnt.'
(Liz Pressley).
(Liz Pressley).