Chord changes sound clunky!?
Can’t keep rhythm going or in time?
Strings buzzing?
Aching wrist?
Sadly, many beginners quit for the same few reasons, like those listed above...
Frustrated at their lack of progress, or just not sounding good.
Even today, I get new students coming to me for the first time, looking to give guitar another try.
Previously, they'd put their guitar aside after struggling with these issues.
So, after seeing the same problems recurring, I decided to put something together, to try and help other frustrated players that can't get to me for lessons.
Using my 30-plus years of 1-to-1 teaching, I designed the 6-week Guitar Kickstart Workshop.
AND JUST SO WE'RE CLEAR...
This isn't just another beginner course:
It's a LIVE online workshop where we work together.
Don't worry - If you're not able to take part at the moment. I run these often and can keep you posted on the next one... Just pop your name and email in here and I'll be in touch!
With my personal and direct input, in this structured 6-week program, we're going to work together to fix those things that have been holding you back...
With some simple routines, and support all the way, we'll get you unstuck and move you forward.
We'll focus on fixing the technical and physical details that bug almost every beginner and make so many quit!
Think of it as a "reset" for frustrated players who want to actually enjoy playing.
AND BY THE END OF WEEK 6 ?
You'll have everything you need to confidently play through loads of different songs, relaxed and without second-guessing your fingers...
LET'S GET GOING!
In this initial workshop we look at getting comfortable and overcoming some of those unseen obstacles. We dive into basic posture, left & right hand placement and much more - You'll leave this workshop playing some nice, clean-sounding, basic chord progessions!
FLOW & FEEL
Week 2 is all about fingers - anchoring them between chord changes and using different fingers for some chords. We also start to develop some rhythm & timing options and investigate "groove", tempo and beat!
RHYTHM CONFIDENCE & REPITITION
Week 3 is a deeper dive into longer progressions, groove development, chord change consistency and funkier timing! We'll be developing the all-important right hand rhythm and at the end of this sesh, you'll be playing a few songs with a nice steady strum!
FINGER FREEDOM!
OK - this week is a BIGGIE! Now you can play a few songs, we start making them more interesting: Finger independence, chord voicings, introduction to "barre" chords, how to make what you play sound awesome and much more, as usual!
MAKE IT YOURS!
This week is all about making it your own, by developing your strumming and feel, introducing dynamics and syncopation, variation and personal interpretation. We start jamming through song progressions and increasing your confidence to really play!
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
In the final week, we focus on putting everything together - and prepping for your first "performance" - whatever that means for you and whether you actually want to perform or are just playing for you! We'll put everything you've learned into practice, so you can continue moving forward as a player and musician!
Now - even after reading all that - you might still be wondering whether this is for you...
and maybe you've got a few more questions about what's involved, how it works etc etc.
So let me try and answer as many as I can here...
You don’t need to be ‘advanced' or even 'intermediate' - beginner is fine!
You just need to want to get better.
If you're still getting string buzz, struggling with some chord changes, or your rhythm or timing goes astray...
Then this is for you!
Whether you've had lessons before or YouTube videos just don't help you put things together...
This is your reset point!
Firstly, this is about direct interaction - one-to-one...
This is about listening to you play, chatting about what problems you encounter, or why you're stuck...
This is giving you clear feedback, looking at things you struggle with or find tricky...
and then helping you directly, with feedback and advice from my 45 years of playing.
This isn't trying to follow a video of how to play songs or just assuming you know basic things...
It’s about fixing the real stuff that's holding you back - things like:
Tension in your hands...
Aching Wrist...
Poor posture...
Sloppy chord transitions...
Strumming that never feels quite right...
We’ll sort those out - and any other issues!
We'll focus one week at a time, with direct input from me - and zero overwhelm.
Each Workshop is about 1 hour to 90 minutes.
I run them in the evenings when everyone's had a chance to get work etc out of the way!
As well as the actual live workshop, you’ll also get:
Access to the live session replays
A one-page "drill" sheet -
Even 10–15 minutes a day makes a difference with this format.
plus much more!
So apart from the time to join in with the workshop, you'll just need a bit of time in between sessions to play and put into effect what we discuss.
I'll always give plenty of notice of the workshop day and time and generally, we do the same day and time every week anyway...
Usually a Monday or Wednesday depending on which group you join...
But if for some reason you can't get on one of the workshops sessions...
No problem!
Every session is recorded, so...
You’ll have full access to the replay and everything for that session afterwards.
PLUS:
We'll do a recap in every sesh anyway, so if you are unable to make one...
You won't get left behind!
Yep - ABSOLUTELY!!
This is the whole concept of Guitar Kickstart!
This isn’t a big, faceless course, where you're left to dive in and hope for the best!
I limit each workshop to 10–12 people so:
We can play together
I can give real LIVE feedback
I can answer questions, and
make sure you’re actually progressing — not just watching content.
Hey and don't forget - it's gonna be fun too!!
Nope - No theory and no flashy gear!
All you'll need is :
Your guitar
A willingness to show up
Some time to actually play, and
A desire to finally make some progress!
And you'll need a PC, tablet or phone of course, to be able to access everything!
Both are welcome!
Look, I get that - but trust me... it's all chill!
Because in reality, everyone struggles with exactly the same things.
I've seen it time and again after teaching for almost 35 years.
This isn't just about helping people get better - it's also about having fun while we do it!
Every week, I work with people at all different levels, with different goals and musical tastes.
It's totally normal to feel nervous or like someone is judging you...
That's because most people feel lacking in confidence and always seem to think someone is "better"...
But in reality, all the musicians I've worked with are actually really supportive.
Let's face it, we're all on the same journey of trying to improve!
And... I’ve built this to support real people, not perfect players.
If you struggle with some aspects of playing, don't have hours and hours every day cos of work...
but you really want to kickstart your playing so you can finally just pick your guitar up and enjoy having a strum...
I got you!
This is for you!
And don't worry - you'll never be forced to "perform" in front of others if you don't want to...
Everyone plays for their own reasons, so...
Whatever your personality or comfort zone, you can join in, ask questions when you’re ready, and go at your own pace.
And more likely what you'll discover is people just like you - who want to play but feel a little shy or dare I say it, even embarrassed...
And that's fine - that's why they're all here.
Everyone wants to improve and you'll be surprised just how many people are struggling with exactly the same things as you.
So you can come along and join in or just "sit quietly at the back" and take it all in...
It's your call.
No pressure, no judgement, no nonsense.
The Workshops are run twice a month.
I usually have a Monday and a Wednesday group.
Spots are limited to 10–12 players.
This is because it's all about dedicated time 1-to-1.
This really allows us to be able to deep-dive into your playing and work together in a small group.
The entire 6-week program is just £150.
That not only gives you access to the full live workshops, with a minimum of 6 hours with me...
BUT YOU ALSO GET;
✅ Full unlimited access to the replays
✅ Unlimited access to all the materials during & afterwards
✅ Targeted practice videos post workshop
✅ Downloadable "Cheatsheets / Drill sheets"
✅ Immediate access to all the weekly workshop materials
✅ Ongoing access to any other related videos and downloads
and of course...
✅ My full support throughout
So, if you think this is for you, come and join me!
As I say, spots are limited.
This allows me to keep it truly personal and for us to be able work closely without time limitations for each person...
And as well as all of the above...
At the end, you'll also receive a "toolkit" you can keep using to make progress long after the 6 weeks ends.
So...
READY TO LOCK-IN YOUR PLACE!?
If you're still wondering whether this is for you, you're probably also thinking; "will this actually work for me..?"
If it helps...
Let me just tell you: I've been teaching all levels for 30-plus years.
I've taught young kids from 7yrs old who never even held a guitar...
and at the time of writing, I have my oldest student ever - Nick, who is 80!
He's incredible. been playing since before I was born and still has a zest for learning and improving.
And at the end of the day, everyone's progress comes down to one thing - playing.
(I don't like to call it "practice" - that sounds like work!)
But the desire to play can only come from being motivated or inspired.
However, sometimes that motivation gets lost because you just can't see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Your previous progress may not have been what you wanted for a number of reasons.
These could range from a lack of time to a guitar that was just hard to play!
I do these Workshops because I keep seeing great people get stuck for the same reasons.
You see, it's often the stuff that you can't see someone doing, or the things which are not obvious that hold players back.
And in my many years experience, sometimes, the only way you can get past that hurdle is to actually have a face to face discussion.
Having someone just say; "move your thumb here"
or
"hold your pick like this"
can be a game changer and the catalyst you need to suddenly transform your playing.
So...
In answer to that question of whether this will work for you:
I make it my job to help all my students get to where they want to be!
All you need to bring is the desire to want to play.
So if you feel like you have "been there"...
you're stuck not sounding how you think you should...
and you're not playing the way you want to play...
or just want to join the community of like-minded players...
Then come and join me!
I promise you we'll have fun!
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Click the link above and that'll take you to the sign-up page.
Once you're in, you'll get an automatic email from me by return, with all the details you'll need for the next workshop.
PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER, JUST IN CASE!
The email discusses the next available dates, so we can make sure we get you on the best workshop for you.
It also includes a link to the Resources Page.
This has pre-workshop info to help you get ready along with access to the resources you'll use over the next 6 weeks.
The workshops themsleves are all via "ZOOM" or "Teams".
You've likely heard of these online video meeting services.
They are pretty low tech, easy to join and again, I give you full instructions on what to do!
I send links via email; you click it and you're there!
You just need your phone or laptop or whatever device you have, and you're on!
As long as it has a webcam or camera built in and a microphone... that's all you need.
Oh - and you'll get plenty of notice of the times and dates and we'll get the diary organised!
By the way...
I know buying online can still be considered risky so just to let you know...
Payments are handled by a well-known online financial service provider, so you have all the regular buyer protection and you can use all the usual cards or Apple Pay, Google Pay etc.
I only mention this because I know some people are reluctant to buy from "unknown" sources - so I just want to give you peace of mind!
So..
If you're ready to finally get past all those old sticking points...
And become the player you've always wanted to be...
Join the next workshop - just click below!
I look forward to meeting you!
Thanks and all the best for now,
Mark
Mark's musical knowledge is so vast and thorough. When it comes to teaching, he's able to get the best out of each student and adapt his teaching methods to fit each student's playstyle instead of enforcing one set method for everyone.
As a former student, Mark was always able to not only show me "how to play" but explain to me why, which I found really helped me understand the guitar and helped me become a better musician!
“Learning guitar from Mark was an amazing experience for both my dad and me. His passion, patience, and skill made every lesson enjoyable, and he truly felt like part of our family.
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced player, Mark brings out the best in you and makes music come alive!”
Mark taught me guitar for a number of years, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. He doesn't just teach you how to play, but he teaches you how to enjoy playing as well.
Each lesson is engaging, but tailored as well - knowing which technical areas need to be brushed up on. With the perfect blend of personality and professionalism, I've come to have a deeper love for the music I make from my fretboard. Whether you're a beginner, or an experienced musician, Mark is the guy to go for.
When you start learning an instrument you truly have no idea how many doors it can open up for you.
Whilst being taught by Mark not only did I learn the guitar, but I was also introduced to many other avenues that come with playing an instrument, whether that be new social circles, skills such as performing or an increase in confidence and experiences in my everyday life.
Mark's a great teacher who makes you feel confident in what you’re playing but equally pushes you out of your comfort zone, allowing you to progress further than you could have ever imagined. Picking up the guitar was one of the best things I ever did and it went on to shape my University course as well as career path.
Don't worry - If you're not able to take part at the moment. I run these often and can keep you posted on the next one... Just pop your name and email in here and I'll be in touch!