Testimonials & Lesson Reviews

“It is with much sadness that we say farewell to Mr Cliff Smith. Cliff joined the instrumental music team in the summer of 2003 and has given outstanding service to the music school during his time with us. Having started with just 3 pupils he has built up the guitar faculty to an enthusiastic and talented group of 25 pupils with a waiting list of eager recruits. I have no doubt that all his pupils will wish to join me in thanking him for his inspirational teaching and wish him well for the future.”

“I’ve been trying to learn a song by Lindsey Buckingham (Big Love, acoustic). If you’re familiar with his style of playing you’ll appreciate his picking and, particularly, his thumb rhythm is somewhat tricky. I contacted Cliff for some advice and we set up a Skype session which has given me a great shove to dissecting and playing this song. Tips and insights into my own playing are just a bonus. “

“Skype lessons are a great way of keeping up momentum, especially when it hasn’t been possible to go to Cliff’s studio.  Cliff always sends lesson material well in advance of the lesson and, as ever, gives a detailed breakdown of each component of the song and runs through each part.  It’s different to being taught in the studio as you can’t play sections together.  Cliff runs through a section and then you repeat it.  The quality of teaching is still brilliant and as ever Cliff’s patience and ability to help you break down the song and then put it back together is excellent. “

“Overall, I was surprised at how well the lesson worked over Skype. I’ve had a few lessons from you, but then I moved and travelling would take far too long. So I looked elsewhere for a more local tutor. I knew you did Skype lessons, but I wasn’t sure about it, because I thought they would be awkward, and not very useful. Happily I turned out to be wrong. I found the lesson to be as enjoyable and worthwhile as the lessons in person. I have to say, it surpassed my expectations by a long way. Also, it’s perfect for me as I can’t justify weekly lessons, I’ll just get the odd lesson when I feel I need one. “

“After a five-year absence from playing, I decided to have lessons to give me an incentive to practice and speed up the learning process. Cliff quickly identified my bad habits and within weeks had me playing cleaner guitar than ever. He teaches with ease across all styles – rock, classical, etc, and brings the right mix of theory and fun to the lesson. Name a song, and within minutes Cliff can start teaching you how to play it – all in the comfort of his cool studio. I’m happy to recommend Cliff Smith as a guitar teacher. Well worth the money.”

“What’s really good about learning with Cliff is he doesn’t just show and help you to play better – he explains the WHY of things as well.”

“A proficient musician with an amenable persona who offers really simple, structured and informative lessons who catalogues exactly what has been taught and where the student needs to focus on, which is why I am happy to use Cliff as my teacher.”

“Cliff’s guitar lessons offer you patient and concise guitar methodology… my guitar playing has improved 200% in the 6 months I have been studying with him… I highly recommend them.”

“Cliff is professional, attentive and patient. I am quite busy and I need straightforward and effective advice, and Cliff gives all that.”