Hello, my name is Don King.

I teach private acoustic guitar lessons in Wellington, New Zealand.

When you enrol with me at the Academy of Guitar you will have the benefits of:

• expert tuition
• friendly, one-to-one personalised weekly lessons
• step–by-step lessons making learning easy and enjoyable
• learning the versatile classical/acoustic finger-style technique

• having fun while developing your playing skills by exploring a wide variety of music including renaissance, baroque, classical, folk, blues, pop classics, rock and Spanish flamenco
• easy to understand lessons in music reading and theory

I especially welcome adult beginners.

Expert tuition

When you begin learning any instrument it is important to have an experienced teacher to guide you.

Doing so can save you a lot of wasted time and effort in learning wrong and unhelpful playing habits and then having to re-learn to correct your technique. Importantly, it will also make your learning easier, faster and more fun.

I have had more than 35 years of guitar teaching experience, see About Don King

One-to-one lessons

In my experience I have found that students learn much faster with a personal, individual approach in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Because everyone is different, with different commitments, (juggling work or business trips, looking after children, school activities, homework etc) your guitar lessons are tailored to suit you, and to suit the amount of time you have available to practise at home.

Classical finger-style technique

Because of its versatility, the method that I teach is the Classical 'finger-style' technique. It is ideal for playing solo classical, blues, folk, Spanish, and instrumental arrangements of popular songs. Read more about different Playing Techniques here.

Guitar lessons with a step-by-step approach

Research has shown that learning is easier when one new skill or concept is introduced and studied at a time. I have designed this course with a carefully graded, comprehensive step-by-step approach. And this means that you will find learning the guitar both achievable and enjoyable.

Exploring a wide range of music

Most guitar teachers specialise in one type of music (rock or classical or folk chord strumming for example).

This course is different. Because I have found that students love exploring different sounds, your course will cover (step-by-step) classical, renaissance, folk, blues, ragtime, pop classics, Spanish flamenco and many more. Read more about Guitar music styles here.

I am sure that you will discover that this variety not only builds your musicianship and technical skills, it is a whole lot of fun.

Music reading and theory

Music reading and the theory of music is a vital part of learning any instrument. The problem is that it is often taught in a way that makes it seem daunting to a beginner.

I have designed an innovative method that will make learning to read music easy and enjoyable for you.

And you will learn about the theory of music in a practical way that is related to the particular piece or style of music that you are studying at the time. This makes theory practical, easy to understand and at the same time it will enhance your enjoyment of playing and listening to music.

Both children and adult beginners are welcome.

Wellington Guitar lessons for children

Your child can start learning the guitar as early as six or seven years of age. Two main criteria are: 1) that they are keen to start, and 2) that they have good physical co-ordination.

I aim to provide a warm, friendly and encouraging atmosphere — so important for children to learn successfully. This provides the foundation in allowing a child's natural enthusiasm for music to flourish and grow.

By-the-way, there has been substantial research that shows that music training at an early age greatly enhances the ability of learning in other activities — notably mathematics, see Children & Music



Wellington Guitar lessons for adult beginners

If you are an adult beginner you are especially welcome.

I have discovered over many years of teaching, that people in their 50's, 60's and even 70's find great enjoyment and make good progress in learning to play the guitar even if they have had no previous musical experience at all.

There is also a bonus in learning new things when you are older... it keeps your brain young! See Older Adults & Music

Your first lesson — no obligation — your choice.

I recommend that you begin with just one 'no obligation' lesson.

In this first lesson I'll get you started playing, show you how the course is structured, and the sort of music that you will be playing along your learning path. This way you can decide if my course is right for you.

If you do decide to continue, we will work out a regular weekly lesson time to suit you.

If you live outside the Wellington area, I may be able to recommend other teachers...

... but for guitar lessons in Wellington, New Zealand, please contact me for times and location, and click for lesson fees.

I look forward to your enquiry.

Call Don King:

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