Colchester, Essex and online across the UK
It is never too late
to play the guitar.
I'm Mick, aka Guitar Grandad, and I've been teaching guitar and ukulele for over 45 years. I coach retirees, returning players and anyone who has always wanted to play, with no exams, no jargon and no pressure. Just songs you love, at your pace.
Retiring soon, and that old wish to play is coming back?
You are far from alone. Many of my students dreamed for years of playing a favourite song for someone they love, entertaining the family, or joining friends at an open mic. Plenty simply want to enjoy playing for themselves.
The fact you are here means you have already started. What is holding you back?
Learning that feels enjoyable, encouraging and pressure free.
Longer winter nights are the perfect excuse to start. Here is how it works.
Have a friendly chat
We have a free, friendly chat. I'll listen to your goals, your worries and the music you would love to play.
Choose your path
Face to face in the Colchester area, or online from anywhere in the UK. Whichever feels right to you.
Play songs you love
Patient, step by step coaching built around you, with no intimidating exams or confusing jargon.
Self teach or a tutor? For me, it was a tutor, but not any old tutor.
I went looking for a coach who would listen to my goals, stay patient and encouraging, and let me work on songs I enjoyed at the level I wanted.
After more than 45 years of coaching guitar and ukulele to all ages, I'd love to offer you a free discovery call, so we can work out together which path will help you realise your dream.
Face to face or online lessons?
Both work well. Here is my honest take on each, so you can pick what suits you.
The good bits
- I can closely observe your hand position, posture and technique
- Some people find it easier to connect in person
- Playing together feels natural and immediate
- Fewer distractions than you may have at home
- I can demonstrate adjustments from different angles
Worth knowing
- Allow time and money for travelling
- Lesson times can be less flexible
- Weather, traffic or mobility can disrupt lessons
- You are limited to teachers within travelling distance
- Playing in front of someone can feel intimidating at first
The good bits
- Learn comfortably from your own home
- No travelling
- Lessons can be recorded to watch again
- Easier to fit around your lifestyle
- Choose the right teacher wherever they live
- Learning in your usual practice space makes it easier to carry on
Worth knowing
- You need a reliable internet connection and a suitable device
- Camera and sound can take a little practice to set up
- I cannot physically adjust your fingers or posture
- Playing together live can lag because of internet delay
- Home interruptions may affect concentration
So, which is best?
There is no single right answer. Face to face gives hands on support, online gives comfort and flexibility. With me you choose the approach that suits your confidence, lifestyle and musical goals, and we focus on enjoying the journey instead of worrying about grades.
Fancy a taster first?
I have a free Intro to Guitar eBook that shows how simple the first steps can be. Just ask me for it when you get in touch, no obligation.
Real moments from real students.
Face to face and online students, from first chords to wedding day songs.
I wanted to play 'Here Comes The Sun' for my daughter on her wedding day. Mick broke it down step by step, was so patient and encouraging making the whole process fun. On the day I played the song and saw the biggest smile (and a few happy tears!). I'll never forget it.
I really wanted to play 'Happy Birthday' for my grandson but never believed I could. Mick broke it down into bite size pieces which kept me motivated. It was a moment I'll always treasure, the look on his face was priceless.
I find Michael is great at keeping me motivated by always trying to help rather than criticise. It's been a very good learning experience which I've really enjoyed. I'm having a great time.
Thank you for your super ukulele lessons. I'm particularly grateful that even when I am struggling to learn something, I come away from the lesson feeling positive rather than dejected which has happened with other teachers.
Having started my guitar journey some years ago via YouTube videos, I came to the conclusion that I was not progressing as much as I would have liked. I really needed individual instruction. I have never looked back. With his guidance and patience, and choice of songs to keep me interested, I have improved immensely, motivation has returned and picking up the guitar is no longer a chore.
When I speak about my musical pursuits, I still tell the story of auditioning for a band, not knowing any songs and handing you the burden of teaching me a set's worth of songs in a few months! You are among the major influences in my life.
Things people often ask.
Am I too old to learn?
Not at all. I coach retirees, returning players and complete beginners, and many of my happiest students started later in life.
Do I need to read music or take exams?
No. There are no intimidating exams and no confusing jargon. Lessons are shaped around the songs you want to play.
Where do lessons take place?
Face to face in the Colchester, Essex area, or online from anywhere in the UK.
Do you teach ukulele as well as guitar?
Yes, both guitar and ukulele, for all ages.
What happens on the discovery call?
It is a free, friendly chat about your goals and any worries, so we can decide together which path suits you best. No pressure to book.
Let's find the right path for you.
Drop me an email for a free discovery call and take the first step towards playing the songs you have always dreamed of.