ANDY SKITTRALL

GUITAR TEACHER

Andy is a very capable and friendly guitar teacher who really knows his stuff when it comes to playing and teaching. He taught many of the students at Greendown School when I was Head of Music and helped to set up a ‘Rock School’ which was hugely popular. Both Andy and I have worked together on many occasions in both theatres, school productions and also studio sessions. I would always recommend Andy to anyone wanting to learn the electric guitar and he’s always my first choice if I need a great guitar player in the orchestra pit!

— Andre Pysanczyn — Music Teacher / Composer

All About Me...

I am a professional musician and I’ve been a guitar teacher in and around the Swindon area for over 20 years but my love of the guitar has been a life long passion. I can’t remember a time when I couldn’t get a tune out of the instrument - it really has been my focus from a very early age. After many years sat in my bedroom as a small boy trying to figure out how to play chords and the riffs of the time, my parents suggested I join the Guitar Club at my Junior School and that was the beginning of years of tuition. Without the help of local guitar teachers I’m sure I would not know what I know today - I’m grateful for the help and guidance I received from all of them!

Image of Andy

In Secondary School I was one of just a handful of pupils who took his electric guitar in to school each day to make music with friends and eventually form a band. Today, it seems that every other child is carrying an instrument of some sort and this is always great to see. As learning an instrument becomes evermore popular today so does the demand for music teachers with genuine passion for helping the next wave of musicians make their mark on the music scene. I’ve enjoyed teaching well over a thousand guitarists over the years, seeing many of them progress from playing their first chord to going on stage and inspiring others to take up the challenge of learning how to play guitar. Teaching those with a passion for the guitar is a great job - actually it rarely feels like a job at all!

As a session guitarist I have played with
the following music groups and artists:

  • Kentwood Choir
  • Stage Struck
  • The Cast Of Stage Struck
  • Gang Show
  • Infant and Junior Music Festival
  • Burford School productions including - ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, ‘Les Miserables’, ‘Grease’,’Hairspray’, ‘Sunshine On Leith’,’Oklahoma’ and more.
  • Hatherop Castle Productions - ‘The Wizard Of Oz’,’The Hot Mikado’,’Bugsy Malone’ and many more.
  • Studio recording sessions for ‘The Listening Device’ Album, ‘Mr Guitar’ on GWR Radio, guitar and bass recording sessions for ‘Lives And Times’(3 Albums) and guitar for Sam Moore (of Sam and Dave fame!) at ‘The Wiltshire Festival’ and more…

As a guitar teacher I have taught
at the following schools:

  • Hatherop Castle School - Private School
  • Burford School
  • Greendown School
  • Dorcan School
  • Isambard School

All About You…

All students have different requirements when it comes to music tuition. Some wish to play for fun, others have a career in the music business in mind. Here are some of my skills that I can pass on to you to help you achieve more with your music.

Learn For Fun — If you want to be able to strum some chords to a song, play the latest or classic guitar riff using tablature then I can tailor the lessons to your specific needs. I have an extensive catalogue of songs and pieces which is constantly growing to include some of the latest chart material and songs that all guitarists request. If I don’t know your favourite song and you yearn to play it why not bring it along on your iPod?

‘Rock School’ Grades — Study from the popular ‘Rock School’ books in all styles and ability levels. I’ve been using these books for many years now and pupils tell me how much they love playing the pieces in the books — even those students who have just played them for fun! Scales, arpeggios, chord work and lead playing — there’s something here for every guitarist.

Song Writing and Recording — If you have an idea for a song and would like to make it a reality then I can work with you to create a high quality demo of your song. Listen to the student demos to hear what you could achieve! I have helped many songwriters put the song in their heads on to CD using the latest Logic Pro X recording programme. I can produce high quality drum tracks, piano parts, bass guitar, lead guitar and record your vocals too.

GCSE Composition — For the past few years I have assisted students taking GCSE Music, in particular with their composition pieces. This involves me working with students to turn their musical ideas in to a piece of music which ticks all the boxes for the exam board and ensures that they meet with exam criteria. Areas such as harmony, melody, modulation, rhythm etc are covered along with a full score print out.

So if you are feeling inspired to learn Rock, Pop, Blues, Indie and Funk or Acoustic guitar why not get in touch with me? Lessons are 1 hour or half an hour long and recording sessions of any length can be catered for.

My rates are competitive and lessons are fun and relaxed in my purpose built studio.

Guitar Lesson Prices :
Half Hour £14
One Hour £25
Recording - Please contact me for a price

FAQ’s

Do you teach beginners?
Yes - all abilities and ages welcome

Where are you based?
Purpose built studio in North Swindon

Do I need a guitar?
Ideally yes but I do have a guitar you can use in the lessons

Can I make a recording of my progress?
Yes - I can make a high quality recording of your playing

Do I pay for cancelled lessons?
More than 24hrs notice - no charge and I will rearrange your lesson
Less than 24hrs notice - Lesson charged at full rate

Are you CRB checked?
Yes - I teach in a number of local schools

Audio

Contact

07802 498159

skitmusicservice@aol.co.uk