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Guitar

Here is what people say...............

  • I must be one of Mel’s oldest students who doesn’t find leaning the guitar an easy undertaking, however Mel is a very good teacher who structures my lessons to meet my own personal needs and goals. He gives me confidence and knowledge to stick with it and I would recommend him to anyone wanting to learn guitar, whether beginner or advanced level. - Keith - Verwood
 
  • I decided at the age of 36 I would like to learn the guitar, having never learnt any musical instrument before, Mel came highly recommended, after my first lesson I was hooked, he is a fabulous, patient teacher. Every lesson is different and fun. Mel’s love of music and knowledge shines through. Mel has a fantastic way of teaching and will find a way that is most suited to you as an individual. I cannot recommend Mel enough. - Amy - Verwood
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  • I have been having guitar lessons with Mel since Jan 2020 after my girlfriend bought me a month’s worth of lessons for Christmas and I’m still learning with him in July 2023Whether in person or via the internet Mel always makes the lessons enjoyable and with his experience he is able to get you over those frustrating bumps in the road that you sometimes come across on your guitar journeySo if you’ve been staring at the guitar in the corner and keep telling yourself you’ll learn to play it one day, or you just fancy being able to play a few songs to annoy your mates, Mel can turn that dream into a reality and he has certainly managed to teach this old dog a few new guitar tricks! - Ady - Lymington
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  • Just wanna say how much I’ve thoroughly enjoyed our guitar lessons and how you cleverly go about striking the perfect balance between theory and practice. Each lesson brings me forwards and motivates me to practice in preparation for forthcoming “link” lessons. The result is that I am way more confident and enthusiastic as a guitar player. Big applause and thanks a million Mel.  Looking forward to our next lesson.  - Tony - Ringwood
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  • Mel is currently teaching my daughter and she is doing so well. Mel tailors each lesson to what she likes and what songs she is in to, encouraging her every step of the way. We would highly recommend him. - Nikki - Ringwood
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  • I can highly recommend Mel for guitar lessons. He explains theory clearly and is both patient and encouraging. Mel has a huge amount of knowledge and his enthusiasm for playing the guitar is inspiring and motivating. I look forward to my lesson every week.  - Ann - Ringwood
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  • My adult son has been coming to Mel for over a year for regular guitar lessons. Having seen my son's struggles with anxiety (especially since covid) I was keen to get him back out there and utilising his natural musical ability and building self esteem and confidence.      Well what can I say? A year later and things have progressed beyond our expectations. Every week Mel encourages my son gently to learn a new skill or approach, a different song etc, and despite my son's worries he is coming out of his shell. I love how Mel includes me in the process and I look forward to listening to my son and Mel play together with me as their number 1 fan! It has gone as far as my son actually singing which has blown me away as I never thought he'd feel comfortable enough to do that, but it has always been a dream of his to perform on social media and beyond. It invariably ends up being a fun lesson with lots of humour and Mel is brilliant at challenging and drawing out the best in my son without him even realising it!    I cannot recommend Mel enough as he has changed my son's life for the better and if you're a particularly nervous learner then he is the right person for the job. -  Anne - Verwood
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  • Mel has delivered a well-structured guitar course tailored from the very first lesson to my particular level of skill and musical interest. The course he created for me balances good practical technique with essential musical theory, all practiced with a wide range of well chosen and rewarding contemporary music. Patient, well organised and good humoured. From a simple strumming beginner, I am now comfortable in the world of minor pentatonic, major and minor scales, the CAGE system and even dabble with my own compositions. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended. Rock on Mel.  - Pete - Lymington
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  • My daughter started learning the guitar with Mel in January 2022 after I found him via a Facebook recommendation.  She is a very quiet, shy teenager and quite often struggles to commit to regular hobbies / activities, however Mel has such a calm, patient, enthusiastic manner that she has really now got the “bug” and looks forward to her regular guitar lessons.            Since starting initially on an acoustic guitar, she has bought herself an electric guitar and a bass guitar and Mel has also assisted her with issues she’s had with them, guided her with which guitar to purchase and encouraged her to play them in her lessons.  She has also gained a lot more confidence in herself and her abilities as a result of her commitment to her guitar lessons.  My daughter and I wholeheartedly recommend Mel as a guitar teacher.  He is flexible, adaptable and patient and an all-round lovely personable chap, with a clear passion and enthusiasm for what he does. - Julia & Maya - Verwood
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  • Many thanks to you for making your lessons engaging, inspiring, and enjoyable. These lessons are, without a doubt, one of the best things I’ve done this year.
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  • Mel has been teaching my son guitar for quite a while now. It originally started as part of his Duke of Edinburgh award, but Sam really enjoyed it so he’s carried on. Mel is a great teacher. He simplifies everything so it’s easy to understand, gets you playing a song you like very quickly, and then gently introduces the theory as you go. The lessons are fun and relaxed, and the environment is really good. I often sit in on the comfy couch and watch them play together, and it’s genuinely a joy to see. I’ve even had a lesson myself with Mel to fill in a few gaps, and it helped me a lot.I highly recommend Mel whether you’re learning guitar from scratch or looking to improve your skills.
        Rich and Sam Riley Ringwood
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  • I had played guitar on and off for some years, learning from books and online lessons, but was finding it difficult to progress, so I started lessons with Mel 2 years ago.  Since then, Mel has used songs and practical exercises to teach me new skills and improve my technique.  Not only has my basic playing improved through his excellent feedback, but Mel has introduced me to other genres of music and given me an understanding of underlying music theory, which has enabled me to explore the instrument and approach songs more creatively.  Mel takes time to tailor and adapt learning paths to each individual’s level, age and musical interests. Lessons are varied, always fun, practical and focused on playing and Mel is really supportive and patient.  I have no hesitation in recommending him. Eden Ringwood
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  • I’ve been having guitar lessons with Mel for over two years and thanks to his fantastic teaching have made some good progress in my playing. Mel makes lessons interesting and fun and explains the theory clearly. He is very patient when harder concepts are being taught and always has a good sense of humour. I thoroughly recommend Mel’s lessons whether you are a beginner or wishing to improve your playing.  Ann Ringwood
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  • I have been learning with Mel for around a year now, after a lifetime of trying to teach myself unsuccessfully. He has progressed me more in that time than I believed possible, with a great blend of learning songs, theory, and sheer enjoyment. He is highly adaptable to you as an individual, so the lessons are fun yet structured. I can highly recommend him!  Andrew Ringwood
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  • The experience Mel shows in his lessons with my young son is second to none. He shows patience, encouragement, humour and skill and he continues to love his weekly lessons after 2 years of practice. He even loves seeing Mel in his own concerts when able. So glad to of found him.  Jessica Fordingbridge
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  • As an older wannabe, not quite as old as Eric Clapton but not as young as Dave Grohl, Mel has taught this old dog some new tricks. I have been encouraged by Mel since September 2025 and his different teaching styles has helped the messages land & stick with me, as I try to learn a different language! Whether it be random rhythms about which numbers live next door to each other; using arithmetic to identify major & minor chords or other visual aids, Mel has helped me start to grasp not just the What to do & How to do it but also the Why behind it. While I am on my journey from clueless to Campfire guitarist, it’s comforting to know that Mel is there to cajole & cheerlead.Mel’s passion for his craft is clear, as is his passion for progressing his pupils but what stands out is that the time he invests in the person in front of him. Right best I go of and practice some more... Scott Ringwood
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  • "Mel has been an absolutely fantastic guitar teacher for our daughter. She’s had a weekly half hour lesson with him for the past 12 months and the progress has been incredible, not just in her playing, but in her confidence and motivation too. Mel is patient, encouraging, and really knows how to explain things in a way that clicks. He keeps lessons fun while still building strong fundamentals, and our daughter genuinely looks forward to every session. We’re so grateful for how much she’s learned in a year. I highly recommend Mel to anyone looking for a great teacher". Mr & Mrs Wood-Teall.

 

  • "I am so glad I found Mel to teach me how to play the guitar! He’s patient and takes the time to explain things in a way I understand, and he gives me tips and tricks to help me improve what I’ve learned so far.
        What really stands out about Mel is his teaching style. He has a calm, encouraging approach that makes learning feel               enjoyable rather than intimidating. He adapts each lesson to suit how I learn best, breaking things down into manageable           steps. Mel is great at identifying what I’m struggling with and offering clear, practical guidance to help me overcome it. 
        Mel is extremely knowledgeable in all genres of music and teaches me to play the type of music I’m genuinely interested            in. It’s also really useful to get “homework” after every lesson, as it gives me something to practise between sessions and         helps my development while allowing me to work at my own pace around my commitments.
        I would highly recommend Mel!" - Emma Ringwood
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  • As a new person keen to learn guitar.
       My Granddaughter bought me a lesson with Mel. From day one I was hooked.
       His style of teaching of teaching and relaxed manner is very encouraging and helpful. Every week I feel my progress is              coming along.
       I can’t recommend Mel highly enough. If you would like to learn guitar, go talk to Mel.
      He is I always happy to video parts of the lesson which is very helpful.
      “One Happy Pupil”       Alan - Ringwood

Loan guitars are available for lessons but it is strongly advised to have a guitar that you can use for practicing between lessons. Free advice can be given on the style and size of guitar that may be best.

 

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ADDRESS

 

Westbury House 

137 Hightown Road

Ringwood

Hampshire

BH24 1NL

07885106132

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