Ben Gallagher

Two of my passions in life are the guitar and teaching and I feel so blessed to be able to combine them into a profession.

If you’re a complete beginner, don’t worry because that was me once too so I know what it’s like! For your first few guitar lessons, I’ll provide a guitar if you need one so you don’t have to burden yourself with that expense until you’re confident you want to carry on. We’ll work at a pace that suits you and I’ll have you up and running in no time with a few simple chords and songs.

Learning something new can be daunting so please invite a friend along if that would make you more comfortable. If they want to participate by learning themselves as well, we can work out a reduction in price for the two of you.

If like me, you’ve been playing for years, you’ll have a different motivation for seeking a tutor. Maybe you want to extend the skills you already have, perhaps there are gaps in your knowledge that are hindering your progress, it’s possible you’re an expert in certain elements but a novice in others and you want to develop yourself as an all-round musician. If any of these are you, I’m here to help.

Why choose me over another teacher? Well, what I offer that many other tutors don’t is that I will come to you. This means that not only do you get to avoid any hassle with travelling but you can learn from the comfort and security of your own home. Alternatively, if this is your preference, I provide lessons through Facetime or Skype.

We all have a number of commitments in our hectic lives. If you can only manage fortnightly lessons instead of weekly, if you do a night shift and are only available for lessons during the day, if you have holidays planned and can’t commit to regular lessons, if you spend a few months each year out of the country and are worried that will be an issue, don’t concern yourself. Whatever your situation, I can work around your schedule.

Gradings and exams might be the route you want to take and if that is the case, I can guide you in the development of your skills, whether that be: playing set pieces, scales, sight-reading, improvisation, aural or music theory. However, if you have no interest in attaining a qualification, that’s not a problem. Instead, we can concentrate on learning to play recognisable songs, incredible guitar solos or beautiful classical pieces.

You may be interested in the electric guitar and using a plectrum with an amp or effects pedal. It might be the acoustic/classical guitar and the fingerstyle technique that inspires you. Either way, you’ll learn all you need to know from me.

Whilst I teach, I write out notes and draw diagrams for you because I know what a pain it can be trying to remember what we went through together in the lesson. I also have printable resources for all aspects of learning that I provide as and when you’re ready for them.

If you live in Winchester or the local surrounding areas, get in touch and we can discuss setting up an introductory lesson. For those who live further afield, I’m more than happy to make the journey to you but I would ask for a reasonable fee to cover my travel expenses.

Please note that my lessons are for adult students and I do ask for money for travel and for any parking expenses I incur whilst in your home teaching you.

Music Qualifications & Achievements:

I first started playing the guitar 15 years ago when my brother bought an acoustic for himself and I couldn’t wait to have a go. Since then, I’ve worked my way up to grade 7 with Trinity College London, which means I’m very familiar with the ins and out of preparing for and taking exams.

As well as that, I’ve spent numerous hours reading books, visiting websites, watching YouTube videos and experimenting to harness my abilities. I’ve also built up a large bank of songs, some just the chords that I strum out and sing along to and others the amazing guitar riffs, licks and solos of tunes we all know and love.

As well as having a natural ability to explain things in a way people can understand with ease, I’m very organised, almost to OCD proportions, which means I give lessons to a high standard. Over many years, I’ve created tonnes of teaching resources, all of which I use to guide and support my students.