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Guitar lessons in Sunderland
Clear, steady progress on acoustic or electric, with lessons shaped around the music you enjoy
Our Guitar Teachers in Sunderland
Browse local guitar teachers to get started, or search again above to find the nearest guitar teacher to you.
I’ve been playing the guitar since the age of 12 doing my first gigs at 14. I have a BMus which is a degree in Popular Music Performance from The Guitar Institute in London. Also, I am a fully trained secondary music teacher holding a PGCE and I also have years of Live Playing and Private Tuition experience. Currently, I teach privately and also teach in schools around the North East of England. Ideally, for me, it is easy if you come to my studio for a lesson as all resources can be easily accessed. However, if a home visit is required this can also be arranged. I offer students examinations that are optional. Currently, I am using Rockschool and Trinity mainly however any board can be used. All age ranges and levels taught. I believe a guitar lesson should be a fun place to learn and also a supportive learning environment. If you want to have a go at playing the guitar give me a try and I will do my very best to get you playing and enjoying it at the same time. Music Qualifications & Achievements: 2010 PGCE – Music Durham University 2005 Bmus – Popular Music Performance London College of Music & Media 2002 BTEC – Popular Music New College Durham 2000 GCSE’S – Music – B Park View Community School Grade 5 Music Theory Grade 8 Bass Guitar Grade 5 Classical Guitar Grade 6 Musical Theatre singing
Hi my name is Alan and I’ve been a full-time guitar teacher in the Sunderland and Washington area for 18 years. I teach all styles of guitar as well as Bass guitar if required. I teach most styles of guitar player including Rock, Blues, Metal, Indie, Country, Pop as well as many more. I also welcome students from complete beginner levels upwards. The lesson can take place at the student’s home or my studio as required. Music Qualifications & Achievements: Regular gigging in club and pub bands in the area Grades RTG and Rock School taught up to grade 8
Qualifications: BMUS Jazz, Popular & Commercial Music, BTEC Popular Music
I have extensive teaching experience (10+ years), and have worked as a teacher for Newcastle University (as an Associate Lecturer in performance and composition, and as a tutor in song-writing and performance studies), Northumberland County Council (as a peripatetic guitar tutor), and the Rock Project Newcastle (as a guitar and bass tutor and session leader). I am a registered guitar tutor with RSL and Trinity College London, an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and a member of the Independent Society of Musicians. I have a 100% pass rate for students sitting exams (initial grades through to Grade 8 and diploma) with Rockschool, Trinity, Trinity Rock and Pop, and the London College of Music exam boards. As a professional musician, I have over twelve years’ experience and have toured the UK as headline act and main support for international artists and performed at major UK music festivals. I have worked with numerous independent record labels and institutions such as the Church of England, the North East Folklore Society, the Newcastle Lit&Phil Society, and the rural arts organisation Slop Projects. My work has been funded by the Peter Warlock Society, Norfolk County Council, the Newcastle Performance Research Network, and the Newcastle Institute for Creative Arts Practice. As a creative practice and education researcher I have presented my research to multiple conferences including the annual Association for Popular Music Education conference at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (2025), and the 3 Rivers Regional Teaching Conference at Teesside University (2024). My writing has featured in multiple industry and research publications, and my book The Songs of Peter Warlock Arranged for Guitar is published by Goodmusic Publishing. I have a PhD in Creative Music Practice from Newcastle University, the theme of which was on the use of improvised composition-performance as a tool to seek out occluded knowledge. I am fully DBS checked and hold Personal Liability Insurance.
My name is Joseph Young and I run Newcastle Guitar School, my aim is to give students great guitar lessons and quality service. I teach a wide range of guitar styles and techniques, individually tailored to people of all ages. I want my students to leave my guitar studio feeling happy, excited and looking forward to more! I have many years teaching experienced and have studied a Music Technology BSc enabling me to offer high quality music lessons to my students. I am also an active musician, having lots of experience gigging with various bands, as well as spending time in the studio recording and writing music. I would be delighted to help you or your child learn to play the guitar, ukulele or bass. To find out more about my lessons in Newcastle simply get in touch. Music Qualifications & Achievements: GCSE & A-Level Music BSc (Hons) Music Technology Over ten years experience playing in various bands including gigging, composing and recording our material
About Guitar lessons in Sunderland
Guitar lessons in Sunderland suit children, teens, and adults who want practical, supportive teaching in a local setting. You can learn in person around Roker and Seaburn or take online lessons if travel is awkward or your schedule changes week to week.
Teachers work across Sunderland and nearby areas such as Washington and Seaham, with online lessons available across Tyne and Wear.
Find professional teachers with clearer trust signals — and inquire in minutes.
Guitar lessons: what to expect
Guitar lessons near you
The best guitar lessons near you aren’t just about distance — they’re about a teacher who helps you progress with clarity. Search by location to find in-person guitar lessons, or choose online lessons to access specialist teachers for acoustic, electric, fingerstyle, rock, or grades.
Who guitar lessons are for
Guitar lessons work for complete beginners, intermediate players, and advanced students. Lessons can be tailored for children, teenagers, or adults returning to guitar — with a focus on the styles and songs you actually want to play.
What you’ll learn in guitar lessons
Most students work on chord fluency, rhythm, strumming feel, scales, finger placement, and repertoire. A good teacher will also structure your practice so you build confidence and technique without getting stuck.
Online vs in-person guitar lessons
Online guitar lessons can be highly effective, especially for busy schedules and specialist tuition. In-person lessons can feel more hands-on and are great if you prefer local support and face-to-face feedback.
A simple learning path for guitar
A good teacher will tailor lessons to your goals — but here’s what progress often looks like.
Learn posture, tuning, chord changes, strumming patterns, and how to practise without building bad habits.
Build a steady sense of timing, expand chord vocabulary (including barre chords), and play full songs with confidence.
Develop picking, fingerstyle, lead basics, improvisation foundations, or exam preparation — depending on your goals.
Getting started: what you need
Keep it simple at first — your teacher can help you choose the right setup.
- Acoustic vs electric: your teacher can recommend what fits your music taste and comfort.
- A tuner + a few picks is enough to start — then add a capo or strap as you progress.
- A simple practice routine beats long sessions: aim for consistency, not intensity.
Styles & goals your teacher can support
Choose a direction — lessons can be tailored around what you actually want to play.
Chord progressions, strumming feel, accompaniment patterns, and building a set of songs.
Riffs, power chords, pentatonic shapes, bends, vibrato, and solo phrasing.
Right-hand patterns, independence, tone control, and arranging songs for solo guitar.
Technique, repertoire, sight-reading or musicianship skills, and a clear practice plan.
Browse guitar lessons by location
Explore guitar teachers by city and region.
Nearby locations to Sunderland
Try a nearby area if availability is limited.
Other lessons in Sunderland
Trust & safety
Parents and students should always feel confident asking about safeguarding, insurance, and lesson policies.
FAQs about guitar lessons in Sunderland
Yes. Lessons start with the basics—posture, rhythm, and simple chords—so you can play real music quickly without feeling rushed.
Either works. Acoustic is straightforward for building rhythm and chord changes, while electric can feel easier on the fingers. Your teacher can help you choose based on the music you like.
Absolutely. Tutors can mix styles and techniques, from strumming and riffs to fingerstyle and lead guitar, depending on your goals.
Most students take weekly lessons to build consistency, but fortnightly options can work if you practice between sessions and keep a clear plan.
Yes. Video lessons work well for technique, rhythm, and feedback, and they are a good option if you prefer learning at home or can’t travel.
No. Teachers introduce theory in small, practical steps so it supports your playing without feeling heavy or academic.
Yes. Your teacher can advise on buying or hiring a guitar, choosing the right strings, and setting up the instrument so it’s comfortable to play.
Many beginners can play simple songs within a few weeks. Consistent practice and guidance from a good teacher help you progress faster and avoid bad habits.
Yes. Guitar lessons are popular with adult learners of all levels, including complete beginners and those returning after a break.
It helps to have your own guitar so you can practise regularly. Your teacher can advise on a suitable beginner acoustic or electric option.
Online lessons work well for many students and can be just as structured as in-person lessons when taught by experienced teachers.
Yes. Many guitar teachers support students preparing for graded exams, helping with technique, repertoire, and practice structure.