I have regular feedback from my students. Here are some recent comments:
"After six lessons I've come further than in the previous six years of trying to teach myself".
Joe - Axbridge
"As a self-taught guitarist I felt I had progressed very little for years and had been meaning to find a tutor for a while. Stumbling across Chriss' website his teaching style instantly stood out to me. I felt nervous and excited about my first lesson but, right away, Chriss made me feel relaxed and confident. His style of teaching gives you a sense of gratification by being able to play a recognised tune as well as building upon skills and technique. I look forward to my lessons and enjoy playing and practising in between. Chriss has re-kindled my love of playing the guitar and I couldn't recommend him highly enough. Awesome!"
Ursula - Chilcompton
"I am so glad that I gave Chriss a call. He has a very relaxed manner and, when I heard him play, I was so inspired. He soon had me playing recognisable tunes and on each visit he always checks to see how you have done before moving on and, at the end of each lesson, he will leave me with a new tune to practice having shown me how it should be done with some good tips and techniques and, providing I am prepared to put in the practice time, I am always confident that it is achievable. I always look forward to my next lesson because I know that I will learn something new and it's also good fun".
John - Hutton
"Playing the guitar is something I've always wanted to be able to do, not so much on a professional level, but just to be able to pick up a six string and play a recognisable tune, I have been having lessons with Chriss now for around 3 months and I do enjoy our time with the guitar, Chriss is a very friendly, patient and knowledgeable teacher and I feel I am making good progress".
Marco - Weston-Super-Mare
"One of my big regrets is not learning to play the guitar when I was a teenager or young man. However, they say it's never too late and I have found Chriss to be an extremely knowledgeable and friendly tutor. I have now had 5 lessons and, although I feel that my progress is rather slow and my ability limited, I am enjoying the experience. I have also been sufficiently motivated to practiice every day since my first lesson. Chriss is also very patient and his teaching speed and method I find appropriate to my needs."
Keith - Congresbury
"Chriss makes every lesson humorous, relaxed and varied which has helped me to play the guitar. The lesson plans and content have really motivated me to learn the various skills and complete the tasks set by Chriss.
Chriss has given me encouragement throughout and is very knowledgeable and supportive as a tutor."
Donna - Pedwell
"I expect some of you reading this are probably in the same situation I was before I gave Chriss a call. You've acquired a guitar from somewhere (I was borrowing my son's steel string acoustic) and are trying to teach yourself how to play. My son gave me a few pointers and there's thousands of lessons on YouTube which I'm sure you've found that I used to watch and try and emulate. However unless you're either incredibly self motivated and/or incredibly gifted you'll probably, like me, at some point grind to a halt! It was at this point that I gave Chriss a call. I was really nervous when he made his first visit to my home but I needn't have been. He is welcoming, friendly, relaxed and very encouraging and by the end of my first lesson I was happy to 'play' the guitar in his company. I've had a number of lessons now and feel I'm making progress and more importantly I'm really enjoying it. Knowing that you've booked another lesson also encouages you to practice! By the way I bought a nylon string classical guitar and he's right - they are easier to play than a steel string acoustic."
Ian - Taunton
"For quite a while I had been trying to teach myself to play the guitar. I reached a point where there was very little progress and knew things were not as they should be. I teamed up with Chriss and, after 6 weeks, a lot of things dropped into place. His method of teaching is excellent , he is relaxed in his style, motivates and encourages you at every opportunity. In the time I have spent with him my playing ability has improved, I cannot recommend him highly enough. Chriss is well worth working wth - you will not regret it."
Colin - Weston-Super-Mare
"Strumming along, playing a tune that not only I recognise and enjoy playing, I feel excited knowing that I am learning a piece of music that my family and friends will also recognise. I feel a great sense of achievement as I have quickly progressed from not even knowing how to hold a guitar, to learning how to play a number of pieces of music. This is my 6th lesson.
I am so pleased that I stumbled across Chriss' website, and will certainly recommend his teaching skills to anybody wishing to start guitar lessons. I feel comfortable and relaxed during lessons with Chriss, and am impressed with my level of progress. Chriss is friendly and professional, and is always on time."
Rebecca - Bishop's Lydeard
"I have been having lessons with Chriss for roughly six weeks now. I am making good progress and think Chriss is an excellent teacher. He is patient, friendly and, most of all, it's a lot of fun! I would recommend Chriss to anyone with the desire to learn the guitar. I wish I had done it a lot sooner!"
Lesley - Portishead
"Chriss has been teaching my son Alex and myself for approximately 5 months now. We have both thoroughly enjoyed every lesson, and are making steady progress. After putting off learning the guitar for years due to time constraints I am delighted that I found Chriss, and hope to continue learning with him for years to come".
Steve - Merridge
"As a mature student I found Chriss' methods very easy to understand and within a matter of weeks playing chords and popular tunes. If you're looking for a tutor who is knowledgeable, patient and friendly, then Chriss ticks all the boxes".
Mike - Pawlett
"I had been struggling to teach myself for a year and achieved little. Just a few short lessons down the line, I can play tunes that my family recognise without being asked "Isn't that.....?" Chriss is now helping me build a solid foundation of skills and techniques to equip me for the range of musical styles that I enjoy. What more can you ask of a teacher? Chriss is personable and always cheerful. His style is relaxed yet efficient, leading to rapid progress without pressure. I really enjoy our lessons, thank you!"
Nick - Redhill
"Chriss has given me the courage to pick up the guitar again after many years. The lessons are enjoyable, varied and most of all challenging, always with the opportunity to learn a new tune, even from day one. Most of all Chriss' quiet humour and patience.
A very big thank you!"
Ruth - Nailsea
"I have tried lessons several times and never had such an enjoyable and positive time!"
Mark - Holcombe Rogus (Nr Wellington)
"I have been having guitar lessons with Chriss for three months. I find his teaching style to be fun, flexible and interesting. Chriss has the ability to make something difficult appear easy and this motivates me to want to learn more. We have covered a variety of styles and techniques and I continue to enjoy the lessons".
Jules - Cheddar
"Chriss has been teaching my daughter Sally for around three months. With the approach Chriss takes it proves that learning an instrument as a child can be fun, not a chore. He is always encouraging and quick to praise. Sally is making considerable progress and having a good time doing it".
Lara - Wrington
"Chriss has a clever way of teaching along with an approachable manner that puts people at ease. Learning guitar this way makes it an enjoyable and rewarding experience! A benchmark that others should follow. I always look forward to my next lesson (especially as it's in the convenience of one's home) and would happily recommend "Somerset Guitar" to anyone. Long may it continue!
Roy - Cheddar
"I started lessons with my previous teacher in February 2007, aged 54, my first guitar! Attended weekly for 10 months. My tutor struggled with my musical dyslexia and I struggled with all the theory. We amicably agreed that he probably wasn't the teacher for me. I started to look for a new teacher. There were plenty around but would they be right for me? Found Chriss' website. Spoke to him on the phone and booked my first lesson. Just completed my sixth lesson. Chriss has shown me helpful techniques. We play along together and I feel I am going in the right direction and making real progress. He explains and demonstrates in a way that I, as a dyslexic person, can understand. With my old teacher I always felt I was failing and under pressure but this is not the case with Chriss. I look forward to continuing the learning process with Chriss.
John - Roadwater
"Chriss has been giving my daughter (Sammy) lessons for the past few months. I am very pleased with the lessons. I feel Sammy is making very good progress with Chriss, but mostly, she enjoys the lessons immensely. Chriss has a knack of putting Sammy at ease with herself and her guitar. I would wholeheartedly recommend Chriss to anyone interested in guitar. It is also a real pleasure to listen to him play."
Karen - Burnham-on-Sea
"It's great to be able to have lessons in my own home and to have a few pieces to practice the different techniques but also some helpful hints and tips to improve my techniques."
Mike - East Huntspill
"Chriss has a very patient style of teaching. Complimentary towards my playing (when not entirely deserved!). Makes learning the guitar a pleasureable and un-intimidating experience!"
Tim - Wrington
"Chriss is exactly what I was looking for in a guitar teacher. He makes me confident about my learning and is patient when I feel frustrated. I thoroughly enjoy every lesson."
Charlie - Berrow
"Seems like a great teacher to me! As a beginner he's got me playing with TAB notation easily and has lots of up to date as well as more traditional pieces to practice. The way he helps you build your skills and guides practice is excellent and very flexible indeed. Highly recommended!"
Keith - Wootton Courtenay, Nr Minehead
"I have found Chriss to be an extremely good teacher as he was able to work at my pace and also able to teach me skills that I require using specific songs rather than scales. I am amazed at the progress that I have made in the 4 weeks that I have been having lessons".
James - High Littleton
"Chriss is an excellent tutor. He makes you feel very comfortable and the progress made from a scratch start is excellent. Looking forward to further progress!"
Paul - Street
"Chriss has given me an excellent repertoire of skills in the several lessons I have had. The teaching is a mix of review work (based on the pieces he has asked you to study between lessons) and exploring new pieces or revisiting existing pieces to fine tune your playing or explore new techniques. The pace is relaxing and you are never left to struggle. Chriss always has a few tricks up his sleeve to get you round any issues and plenty of advice to make your playing a fun and rewarding experience. Personally I have found Chriss to be a patient and knowledgeable teacher, who introduces new skills and techniques when you are ready and will always have words of encouragement for you should you find a piece of music hard".
Tim - Portishead
"I am extremely impressed by Chriss' professional approach - he is a pleasure to deal with and has a knack of putting people at their ease. Chriss has been very encouraging towards my daughter and she has enjoyed the fun tunes he has taught her. She is making great progress and Chriss' style of teaching is always appropriate. He explains things clearly and patiently - I would certainly recommend him to anyone thinking of taking up lessons."
Jessica - Baltonsborough
"I have found Chriss to be very patient and enthusiastic. Me being an "elder" pupil have found Chriss to be sympathetic and has helped to motivate and really enjoy playing the guitar. Chriss is also informative and is very good at explaining finger work and technique."
Ron - Bagborough/Brent Knoll
"I have had six lessons so far and found Chriss to be very patient, professional and most important of all for me, enthusiastic, he obviously enjoys the guitar and this shows in his teaching. The variety of techniques are really starting to come together in such a short time. I look forward to the lessons, there is no pressure, you are left to get on at your own pace which makes for enjoyable learning".
Ian - Shepton Mallet
"If I was asked by someone who wanted to learn to play the guitar to recommend a teacher I would have no hesitation in recommending Chriss. After a 5 year break from any form of tuition, learning with Chriss has been a complete pleasure. I was a little apprehensive as my previous tuition had been formal and quite oppressive to the point of being counter productive. Learning with Chriss is productive, relaxed, challenging but above all fun and comfortable. In 5 lessons I have progressed at a fast and steady rate thanks to Chriss’s expert instruction. I would like to thank you for your time, patience and instruction. You have enabled me to build my confidence and playing ability".
Mark - Bridgwater
"Chriss is unlike most guitar teachers because instead of spending months with theory and scales he gets you playing songs by the end of the first lesson and you pick up techniques as you go. Every lesson there is something new and the lessons are better, more fun and cheaper than any other teachers I've tried!"
Briony - Castle Cary/Glastonbury
"Hope I'll be as good as you soon! I like the way you are teaching me" (Steff - 11).
"Steff is enjoying her lessons - keep up the great work - both of you!" (Tracey - Steff's Mum).
Steff & Tracey - Hutton
"Alex is really enjoying learning the guitar with Chriss".
Russell - Cheddar
"Chriss' approach to learning the guitar has taken me from a complete beginner to playing several recognisable tunes within only a few lessons. His instructions are very clear to follow and his calm, patient approach has made every lesson very enjoyable for me and my daughter".
Jonathan - Ubley
"I enjoy just listening, talking and practicing the techniques with someone....rather than doing this alone. I have not been in the same room as another guitarist just trying to generally improve for 36 years............so I find our sessions enjoyable as well as valuable".
Jerry - Uphill
"Chriss has made learning to play the guitar enjoyable and has encouraged me to keep going when I have felt like giving up. He is friendly and has made me feel more confident".
Becky - Street
"I have tried to start learning the guitar once before but found my teacher's style of tuition plus the timing of lessons to be very detrimental on my progress. Chriss has helped me get back into it from the start with his positive, friendly attitude and patient but challenging lessons, always pushing me on but only when I'm ready to go forwards. The lessons are interesting and fun, all in the convenience of my home which makes a big difference. I would definitely recommend Chriss as a teacher to anyone! He is brilliant!"
Felix - Axbridge
"Having Chriss has been great so far. I've played some great tunes and I'm really happy with what I've learnt. The lessons are fun and enjoyable, plus, it's all at my house!"
Nathan - Street
"I have always wanted to learn the guitar but thought, at 55, time had passed me by and it was now too late. How wrong I was. I found Chriss' details on the web and started from there. I find Chriss to be a really good teacher explaining everything very well with an informative style that is not over-bearing but makes learning very pleasurable. Over the short time I have been learning (just finished my sixth lesson) I can now see that it really is possible to learn to play the guitar at an older age with a teacher such as Chriss. As many have no doubt said - "I wish I had done it before" So do it - age doesn't matter!"
Dudley - Stoney Stratton
"I can already play some really recognisable tunes, and I've only been going for a month!"
Sam - Winford
"Chriss, you make learning fun and easy, lessons are a pleasure. You have been great to deal with, from initial email/phone call through to bookings and actual lessons, everything is smooth, easy and professional. Your calm, warm personality and your ability to make an absolute beginner understand all aspects so easily is a delight. I can't believe what you have got me playing already. I'm so glad to have you as my teacher".
Clair - Wells
"Thank you Chriss for helping Ashley learn the guitar. You are a very patient person and explain everything clearly"...........Thank you for teaching me the guitar. You are a good player and thank you for being so patient with me".
Brenda & Ashley - Shepton Mallet
"Chriss has the ability to make you feel relaxed and confident, yet he is also able to give the right sort of material to allow me to progress at my own speed comfortably to a competent level".
Chuck - Burnham-on-Sea
"I am extremely grateful to Chriss for all he has taught this 53 year old and all the encouragement I have received since I decided to finally get around to fulfilling my teenage intention to master the guitar. Like so many of that age I lacked the drive and dedication to persist with the instrument and had been left with a conviction that it was now too late. Happily Chriss has been able to convince me that this is not the case! His style is relaxed and always encouraging but, more significantly, subtly creative. The result is that one not only enjoys the lesson but can detect real progress very quickly without realising one is being taught. If the student can supply the determination to practice regularly then Chriss will do the rest.
I can heartily endorse the Somerset Guitar!"
Martyn - Kingston Seymour
"Chriss is an amazing teacher with a great understanding of playing the guitar. It is with some trepidation that you allow a stranger found on the internet into your home - not necessary! Chriss dispels such thoughts through his professional and amiable approach. He teaches in a clear, structured and empathetic manner but, most importantly, it's fun! My daughter has only had a few lessons but has made measurable progress already - I can actually recognise the melodies and appreciate the improving technique. Thank you".
Tricia - Midsomer Norton
"Chriss is patient, encouraging and enthusiastic. His lessons are never dull and at the end of each one you're playing a new tune! I've gone from being a frustrated wanna-be player to an inspired hopeful. It's a bit like being taught to play by your best mate....and he comes to your home!"
Nigel - Street
"I am so pleased that I followed through my search online with a call to Chriss to arrange a guitar lesson. After just a couple of lessons he left me with some simple tunes to practice that I was able to play giving me a real sense of confidence. Chriss is a true professional in his approach. Always on time, covers the basics and then happy to adapt both the style and lesson to your needs. He gets a genuine sense of achievement from the lessons and always motivates you to improve and progress. I'm confident that Chriss would be able to accommodate and adapt to any student. At seven months pregnant we have had to adjust my posture slightly for guitar - the "baby" loves the music!"
Victoria - Creech St Michael
"Highly recommended! Chriss has an infectious enthusiasm for the guitar and a great repertoire of music that even a complete beginner can get to grips with. From the first lesson you’ll be playing music that you enjoy (and learning invaluable techniques as you do)."
Carolyn - Burnham-on-Sea
"Michael has enjoyed the lessons so far. The choice of music has appealed to him too."
Yvonne - Regil
"We have been really impressed with how friendly and approachable Chriss has been. Eddie feels very comfortable in his lessons and is learning fast. I recommend Chriss to any other guitar player."
Jo - Yarley Cross
"Since my first lesson with Chriss I have been inspired and amazed by the abilities of my instrument. Chriss' thorough understanding and excellent teaching methods are an inspiration to me to continue practicing and hopefully improving my musical ability. In the course of six lessons Chriss has given me a very complete set of tools that I feel will allow me to develop my playing skills and, hopefully one day, play with as much competence and expression as he does himself".
Greshna - Watchet
"I need the discipline that a lesson brings. Good guitar teachers that are nice people as well are very rare. I thank you for the praise and the confidence you've given me".
Steve - East Huntspill
"Chriss has been an excellent teacher, after wanting to learn for years and trying from books he has finally given me the direction I need to really start playing and enjoying the guitar in a very short period of time".
Aaron - North Newton
"Chriss has proved to be an excellent teacher, encouraging my daughter to want to improve her guitar playing. He is always willing to track down pieces that his students are keen to learn".
Sherry - Edington
"A few points from me; 1) a very encouraging style for timid beginners, 2) the practice pieces chosen maintain interest and give just the right amount of challenge, 3) the pace is just right and the explanations make sense, 4) it's very convenient and pleasant to have Chriss come to the house - we look forward to Mondays, 5) timekeeping is excellent, 6) a professional yet relaxed approach to teaching, 7) administration and booking arrangements are very professional and clear."
Jim - Wedmore
"I look forward to each lesson as I know that Chriss will help me to get one step closer. The progress I have made with Chriss has been far greater than I had expected. After four years of having my guitar, I am finally making it do what I want it to do! As I am sure that all his other students say the same "Why didn't I turn to him sooner!"
Farran - Shepton Mallet
"Learning to play the guitar with Chriss is great fun and it is so very helpful and convenient to have ‘one to one’ tuition in my own home. His patience and encouragement is marvellous and it is such a joy to hear him play which inspires me with the determination to keep practicing to improve".
Lizzie - Axbridge
"Thank you for your time, comments and encouragement today. Likewise your help in understanding, decoding and demystifying TAB was just what I needed. I feel spurred on to try and get to grips with it now, the ball is firmly in my court to make the time to make some real progress to learn other pieces and improve. I will keep in touch, and once I feel as though I have made some progress will arrange another session with you if that is OK. In the meantime, if you are in the area between lessons or whatever, you are more than welcome to call in for a cuppa".
David - Spaxton
"Chriss is a very likeable chap (despite being an Everton fan!) and our daughter is very happy with his lessons. He is calm, patient and, as a result, our daughter feels completely comfortable in his company. Our daughter's guitar playing has progressed quickly under Chriss' tuition and she has stated that she has learnt more in a few weeks with Chriss than she has in several terms with her school guitar teacher. Overall, our daughter and us (her parents) are entirely happy with Chriss' guitar teaching and the level of service he provides".
Patsy & Simon - Street (Liverpool Fans!)
"Thanks for your help! I’ve reached the first goal of being able to play something my wife recognises. Within five weeks of starting guitar playing I’ve got to the stage of being able to pick up most tabs and, whilst not a rock legend, I can pick the tune out. I’m particularly pleased that you taught me to use the guitar as a solo instrument. It’s a great feeling when you play all of the song - not just the bits that the lead usually gets. Come back and drink my coffee anytime!"
Richard - Mark
"My daughter Lucy really enjoys her lessons".
Naomi - Polsham
"Your obvious enthusiasm is what I really wanted to experience from a teacher and, as a result, I find I'm concentrating on my patience to master both the fingering and the picking techniques. I enjoy the practice so much it's no longer something I have to set aside time for and I'm really determined that I won't give up when something proves to be difficult - I really want to show you how much I want to succeed".
Carol - Westonzoyland
"Our son James is seven years of age. In a very short time he has made steady progress and showing confidence playing the guitar. We are very impressed with Chriss' method of teaching".
Kay - Brent Knoll
"Thank you for your expertise and patience".
William - Maesbury, Nr Wells
"I really enjoy learning with Chriss, he had me playing tunes I recognised by the end of our first session and he's taught me some really interesting pieces of music. If you want to learn to play in a relaxed environment with a patient and very competant teacher - phone Chriss".
Chris - Wembdon
"Since starting his lessons with Chriss my son has improved immensely. Chriss has a very good way of explaining things, making learning understandable. My son and I have never regretted asking Chriss to teach my son".
Karen - East Huntspill
"After five lessons with Chriss I already feel a sense of achievement. Chriss' guidance on what to practice and his tips to make playing easier means I have manageable goals and new ways to reach them. I find that his flexible approach and encouragement makes learning a pleasure".
Timothy - Winscombe
"My guitar playing has improved greatly since I began my lessons with Chriss and I have learned many new techniques and styles. The lessons have been extremely enjoyable and informative. Chriss is friendly, flexible and has great patience - he's also a very talented musician. I would highly recommend Chriss as a guitar teacher".
Josie - Glastonbury
"My daughter has been having guitar lessons for about a year now, she always enjoys her lessons. Chriss is very enthusiastic and talented which makes Lorna aspire to work harder"
Karen - Burnham-on-Sea
"In the six weeks that our twelve year old son has been tutored by Chriss, we have found Chriss to be friendly and approachable with good communications via Email making it easy to arrange lessons. Our son has very much enjoyed his lessons and has been enthused by Chriss' approach and learning style".
Debbie, Nick & Liam - Shepton Mallett
"Chriss obviously has great talent and a great desire to pass on his skills, he is always punctual and provides varied content for practice. A great service!
Steve - Bridgwater
"I am very much enjoying Chriss' lessons, I find the way he breaks each song down into small parts and teaches it you step by step a much easier and more enjoyable way of learning. Having a song or two to go away and practice each week is very helpful too".
Matthew - Street
"Chriss has taught me so much in such a short space of time. He is a pleasure to work with and I consider myself very fortunate to have found him. Above all it is his approach to his teaching that stands out in my opinion which is relaxed, friendly and flexible. Thank you Chriss"
Geoff - Bridgwater
"I am very impressed with Chriss' style of teaching. My son has come on leaps and bounds in just six weeks. He thoroughly enjoys his lessons. I would recommend Chriss to anyone - a fantastic guy".
Julie - Burnham-on-Sea
"I feel as though I've come on leaps and bounds. Should have met Chriss a long time ago. He is also a great inspiration to me. Hopefully I can continue to improve with his guidance".
Mike - Mark
"Chriss is my guitar teacher and I would highly recommend him to anyone of any age as he is well experienced, has patience and is very thorough.......From a satisfied pupil".
Moira - Highbridge
"Chriss has been teaching our children for two months, in that time we've found him to be a very friendly and enthusiastic teacher. They enjoy being taught at home where they are comfortable and relaxed - it also saves two trips to drop them off and collect them. The children find his explanations clear and easy to follow, they enjoy their lessons and look forward to his visits. He gives the kids lots of support and encouragement and we have found him to be an excellent teacher. It is truly amazing how much they have learned in such a short space of time".
Karen - Berrow
"Since having lessons from Chriss I've been amazed how much I've improved. He has simplified the things that were confusing me and he explains things in a clear and precise manner. I've found him to be very friendly and extremely punctual. I'd gladly recommend him to anyone wishing to learn to play the guitar!"
Martin - Bridgwater
"I really enjoy my guitar lessons with Chriss and I'm thrilled with how much I've learnt without having to learn music. The fact that he comes to your home is a real plus and I love to hear him play. I wish I'd started lessons ages ago and not spent a fortune on books trying to struggle through on my own. Very patient - much needed with me!"
Keith - Weston-Super-Mare
"I am very pleased with the progress my son has made in such a short space of time. I have found Chriss to be very patient and understanding. My son has only been learning for six weeks and, the progress he has made in such a short space of time, is impressive. My son looks forward to his lessons every week and I have no problem recommending Chriss to other prospective pupils as he is very good at what he does".
Nicola - Burnham-on-Sea