Ben Hoult

Hi, I’m Ben, and I’m passionate about all things guitar and music. The guitar has been a central part of my life for over twenty years, and for more than a decade I’ve had the privilege of helping others begin and deepen their own musical journeys through teaching. Whether it’s someone picking up a guitar for the very first time or an experienced player looking to refine their technique and musical understanding, I genuinely love being part of that process.

I recently moved to the UK from Australia, where I worked as a school guitar tutor as well as a freelance performer. During my time in Australia, I taught in a range of settings, including schools, one-to-one private lessons, and small group environments. This has given me experience working with students of all ages and abilities, from young beginners to adults returning to the instrument after many years away. Alongside teaching, I’ve always remained an active musician, performing regularly and continuing to develop my own skills as a guitarist.

My formal musical training comes from the Queensland Conservatorium, one of Australia’s leading music institutions, where I completed two degrees: a Bachelor of Popular Music and a Bachelor of Music, specialising in Jazz Guitar. These degrees gave me a strong foundation in technique, theory, harmony, rhythm, improvisation, and ensemble playing, as well as exposure to a wide range of musical styles. While my background includes jazz and contemporary music, my teaching is not limited to any single genre. I’m comfortable working with rock, pop, blues, funk, jazz, indie, and more, depending on the student’s interests.

Over the past ten years, I’ve taught more than 150 students, and one thing I’ve learned very clearly is that enjoyment is essential for long-term progress. While discipline and practice are important, learning music shouldn’t feel like a chore. My main goal as a teacher is to foster a genuine joy for music and for the craft of playing guitar. When students enjoy what they’re learning, they’re more motivated to practise, more curious, and ultimately make better progress.

I strongly believe that no two students are the same, so I tailor lessons to suit each individual’s goals, musical taste, and learning style. Some students want to learn songs and play for enjoyment, others want to understand theory more deeply, improve their improvisation, or prepare for exams or performances. I’m happy to adapt lessons to suit all of these goals. Song suggestions from students are always welcome, as learning music you love is one of the best ways to stay engaged. I also offer my own repertoire suggestions to help expand musical horizons and introduce new techniques and concepts.

Above all, I aim to create a relaxed, supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes, asking questions, and expressing themselves musically. My hope is that every student not only improves their guitar playing, but also develops a lasting connection to music that stays with them well beyond the lesson room.