Miguel Cruz

About Me

Music has the power to change lives. Whether you’re taking your very first lesson, returning to an instrument after many years, or looking to develop your skills as a performer, my goal is simple: to help you become the musician you want to be while enjoying every step of the journey.

My name is Miguel (Miki) Cruz, and I am a professional musician, performer and qualified music educator based in Dorset. For more than 15 years I have been teaching students of all ages and abilities, helping them develop confidence, creativity and a genuine love for music.

Unlike many music teachers, I divide my time between the classroom and the stage. I regularly perform at weddings, festivals, restaurants, hotels and private events across the UK, bringing real-world performing experience into every lesson. I believe that music should be practical, expressive and enjoyable—not just something learned from books.

Alongside my performing career, I am the Head of Music at a specialist SEND school, where I teach children and young people with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD and a wide range of additional educational needs. This role has shaped the way I teach. Every student learns differently, so every lesson I deliver is carefully adapted to suit each individual’s strengths, goals and preferred way of learning.

I am a multi-instrumentalist with a particular passion for rhythm and live performance. Alongside guitar and vocals, I specialise in Latin percussion, teaching congas, timbales and flamenco cajón, as well as drum kit. Rhythm is at the heart of almost every style of music, and I enjoy helping students develop solid timing, coordination, groove and musical confidence through practical playing.

Whether you’re interested in acoustic guitar, Spanish guitar, flamenco, drum kit, Latin percussion or developing your overall musicianship, lessons are always tailored to your interests and goals. I also teach music theory, ear training, improvisation, songwriting and performance skills, helping students become confident, well-rounded musicians.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned throughout my career is that confidence often grows before technique. When students enjoy what they’re playing, they practise more, progress faster and develop a lifelong relationship with music. That’s why I encourage every student to learn songs they genuinely love while gradually building strong musical foundations.

My lessons are relaxed, supportive and completely personalised. Whether you prefer a structured learning programme or a more flexible approach, every lesson is designed around your own musical ambitions. Some students want to prepare for graded exams, others want to perform live, write songs, accompany themselves while singing or simply play for personal enjoyment. Whatever your goal, we’ll build a clear and achievable path together.

I teach children, teenagers and adults, from complete beginners to experienced musicians. Thanks to my extensive experience in specialist education, I also have a strong understanding of how to support students with additional learning needs, creating an environment where everyone feels safe, understood and able to succeed.

Above all, I believe that music should never feel intimidating. It should be exciting, inspiring and something you look forward to every week. My aim is not simply to teach you how to play an instrument, but to help you become a confident, expressive and independent musician who enjoys making music for years to come.

I look forward to meeting you and helping you begin—or continue—your musical journey.