Experienced, professional and nurturing tutor, with a Master's in music, teaching guitar to all ages and levels. Lessons are tailored to your needs!

Find out more about Callum

• When and why did you develop an interest in your chosen field?

  For as long as I can remember, I've loved music. I was born in '95, before streaming, smart phones and apps, so I discovered music via the radio and TV. My Dad was a big influence on my music taste - introducing me to Jimi Hendrix, The Stone Roses and Pink Floyd - and he got me an electric guitar when I was 10. I started teaching myself and my love for guitar began. It helped that my best friend had played since the age of six - he helped me to learn how to play acoustic guitar as well as how to sing while playing. I've now been playing guitar for over 16 years and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon!

• What makes you passionate about your subject?

  I'm passionate about music and guitar, and teaching these subjects, because it's a special thing to be able to express yourself musically. To be a musician and have a creative and/or artistic outlet is a wonderful thing. I also believe that being a guitarist is something that you can carry with you for your entire life. That is, it's not about the guitar player that you can be today, it's about the guitar player that you can be tomorrow, or in a month, or in five years. Music and musicianship, for all the joy they can bring, can also bring us life lessons time and time again - lessons like resilience, determination and commitment. I'm passionate about music because it moves people; I'm passionate about guitar because of its unlimited possibilities, and I'm passionate about teaching because I believe everyone can benefit, in their own way, from becoming a musician.

• What do you like about tutoring? What makes you a "Superprof"?

  I love to teach guitar and to share my knowledge with others. Even just to discuss guitar, music theory and/or music history is such a pleasure, not to mention subjects like songwriting and recording! Something that I learned in school is that a teacher can make all the difference for a student - this is why I love teaching. Seeing a student's eyes light up when they make a pivotal realisation, or hearing them surprise you as they develop their own musical voice, these are some of the joys of being a music teacher. If I can be the difference for the student and help guide them effectively on their musical journey, it brings me a lot of fulfillment and satisfaction. I believe I'm a "Superprof" because of my nurturing character. I excel at listening and working with people, and striking the balance between positive encouragement and constructive encouragement. I also believe that it's important to teach the student in front of you, i.e. treat each student individually and avoid one-size-fits-all approaches.

• Do you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you? Please explain.

  When I was in secondary school, my English Language teacher, Ms. Constantine, really made an impact on me. She went out of her way to support me and help me get my grades up during a pivotal part of my education. It was the first time that I'd experienced such treatment from one of my school teachers and it has stuck with me ever since. If I can make even a quarter of this kind of impact on my students, I'll be proud. Ms. Constantine has inspired me to care about the work that I do as a teacher, and to care greatly about the individuals that I work with.

• What are your keys to success?

  With regard to learning the guitar, I have a few simple keys to success. Firstly, a little goes a long way. If you can play the guitar for even 5-10 minutes per day, you will see improvement. Secondly, consistency is key. Practising 10 minutes per day is better than practising for one hour on the weekend but not touching it during the week. If you can consistently dedicate at least 5-10 minutes every day towards playing the guitar then you're on the right track. Thirdly, patience is a virtue. Nobody likes to hear it, least of all 10-year-old me when I was first learning, but being patient is really important with guitar. Learning the mechanics takes times and our hands need time to develop the muscle memory. Lastly, "the slower I go, the faster I get there". I believe this is an old farmers saying but it absolutely applies to learning the guitar. Double lastly, booking lessons with me is the most important key to success, haha!