Nottingham
Providing first class guitar, bass and music theory tuition for over 40 years. Now specialising in online music provision. Many of my students have gone on to successful careers in the music industry. Lessons are tailored to your ability and progression.
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14 customer reviews
Nichola Taylor
Derek has been teaching my son the guitar via zoom for a few months now. I am amazed at how well this has worked over Zoom.
The lessons still feel so engaging and interactive. They have struck up such a good relationship which makes the learning feel effortless and he looks forward tk each and every session.
Derek is patient and able to explain complex concepts really well. He is also super friendly.
We highly recommend.
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Benji Taylor
I really, really enjoy my lessons with Derek. He makes learning the guitar so much fun and is really great at explaining things to me.
I look forward to my lessons every single week.
Benji (age 9).
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Ruth
I've been learning bass with Derek for about a year after taking up bass several years ago when I turned 40. He has fantastically broad experience of playing in bands or recording in sessions which he freely passes on. I've enjoyed learning more about the theory to enable me to play more flexibly. He is very patient and willing to work out songs that I like so I can play to them. Having a lesson over Skype works well and is very convenient. More...
Sarah Brand
Derek is very reliable & personable. My son loves his guitar lessons. Elliott says he will provide music that he’s requested, but also things that are graded, so he is getting something out if it as well as enjoying it. He’s a nice person, easy to talk to, doesn’t get cross & is very encouraging. The on line lessons have been fabulous. Elliott doesn’t miss any school, & still gets to have his lesson. It’s been great during lockdown when lots of other activities have been stopped. The lessons quite often last longer than the allotted half hour, so very good value for money. Elliott looks forward to his guitar lessons & that is a resounding endorsement from a teenager! I can hardly get him interested in anything!! Thankyou Derek, for the service you have provided during lockdown. Definitely worth the time & money & your effort. More...
Kevin simpson
Derek is an exceptional teacher, as a complete novice he has helped me develop my guitar playing skills. Lessons are both challenging and fun
Sarah Williams
We would just like to say thanks to Derek who has been teaching my son to play the guitar each week for the last 3 months online. I have to say I’m so surprised at how well the online sessions have gone. Derek is good with kids and my son continues to say how great Derek is at explaining each progression. Each lesson is focussed and personalised. Our son has definitely been more engaged in learning the guitar thanks to Derek making it an engaging experience. Highly recommend Derek for his professionalism and clear passion for teaching the guitar. Thank you! More...
Joyce
I really enjoy my lessons - get to play some great tunes of my choice and appreciate Derek’s expertise - online lessons work well at the moment too!
Ben
Derek taught me for 7 years and as well as the lessons being a lot of fun, they were tailored to my level of ability and areas of interest. With Derek I achieved Grade 8 Merit, a pass at grade 5 theory and have gone on to take the guitar into my university education. More...
Maria Devine
Derek is a fantastic teacher; innovative, patient and encouraging; my playing has improved exponentially through his tutorage. I recently moved to Canada but continue with lessons with Derek via Skype rather than find another local teacher. If you want to learn guitar and progress well, Covid doesn’t have to be a barrier, you just need your guitar, Derek and WiFi. More...
Andrew Hunter
Derek is a really nice guy and I've enjoyed our lessons so far.
You can tell he's a really experienced guitarist and he's razor sharp at spotting and correcting bad habits.
The teacher in him gives him patience and great communication even online.
I definitely recommend!
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Reply from NOTTINGHAM GUITAR LESSONS with Derek Crehan
Thanks Andy looking forward to you getting your funk on very soon
Max Everest
I've been learning with Derek for the past year and I have come a long way in my theory and playing since then! He is informative/ knowledgable and funny throughout lessons while being patient and professional. I would highly recommend his lessons for all genres and levels of playing :) More...
Reply from NOTTINGHAM GUITAR LESSONS with Derek Crehan
Thanks Max it’s been great helping you work on your grade 5 pieces really enjoying the way you are developing your dynamics
Donna morris
I have been having guitar lessons with Derek now for over 6 years, I have had 2 other tutors and Derek is by far the best. He has so much patience and will help you till you get it right! I never thought I’d get to where I am today but Derek gives you that drive to do it. My 12 year old is now having bass lessons with Derek & all I can so his he is incredible at teaching children. He is so talented and an amazing teacher! More...
Reply from NOTTINGHAM GUITAR LESSONS with Derek Crehan
Thanks Donna it’s great watching you and Keanu bonding over music and I can’t wait to hear you both playing together soon
Inna Schutts
My son enjoys very much online guitar classes with Derek.
Derek is knowledgeable, excellent musician and what is more important he is a great mentor, who knows how to motivate and engage his students so they not only learn music but have fun doing it!
Reply from NOTTINGHAM GUITAR LESSONS with Derek Crehan
Thank you Inna, it’s great watching Kevin grow in confidence and skills
Laura
The lessons are highly professional, customized and enjoyable. My guitar skills are improving and I get lots of great theoretical and practical material to help me learn.
The broadcast software used makes online studying easy and makes it in no way inferior to the face-to-face lessons.
Derek is a very dedicated teacher with a huge knowledge of guitars and music theory.
Warm recommendation :)
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Reply from NOTTINGHAM GUITAR LESSONS with Derek Crehan
Thank you Laura you are doing a great job with those jazz chords we will have you playing walking bass lines in no time
What do you love most about your job?
I love watching people grow in confidence, I enjoy helping them absorb new ideas, pointing them towards new uses for old ideas, nurturing their guitar playing skills, encouraging them to experiment with new techniques which will help feed their musicality.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I enrolled for a weekend guitar course at a local college, where I was asked if I would like to do some teaching, was told it could be about anything so I wrote a little five page document about the basics of guitar tapping, I delivered that during the course and had lots of positive feed back, and I loved it, was offered some teaching at the college and the rest is history.
Why should our clients choose you?
I am a professional musician and music educator with over 40 years of teaching and playing experience. Whether it's Jazz or Blues, from Punk to Pop, Baroque to Rock and Folk to Funk my passion and experience spans the range of traditional, popular and contemporary styles.
Since 1980 I have taught guitar and bass throughout Nottingham, presently I teach both privately and in local schools and colleges. My students have a 100% pass rate in graded exams and I am proud to work with students from diverse backgrounds and of all ages and ability levels.
I have toured, recorded and organised educational workshops throughout the UK and Europe and have been fortunate to work alongside many world-class musicians. This has given me personal experience of a huge variety of musical settings from solo/small group performance to orchestral/musical theatre and festivals. When at home I'm also very active in Nottingham's music scene and you'll often find me out playing and supporting local musicians and music venues.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
Individual, private lessons are offered online via Skype or Zoom. Each lesson is tailored to your interests/needs and includes downloadable media for onward study.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
I have moved all my teaching to online, this means the student does not need to leave the comfort of their own home, they have everything they need at hand. less stress due to traffic or forgetting anything.
Electric guitar tuition
I offer instruction on
the correct playing posture,
left and right hand position.
Left and right hand techniques,
chord and scale relationships,
useful and applicable music theory,
equipment choice,
fx placement,
tried and tested practice techniques.