Business Details
9 Years
experience
Expert Guitar Lessons in Southampton
Southampton Guitar Academy was founded to provide structured, high-quality guitar tuition tailored to individual goals. With over 20 years of performance experience and formal qualifications including a BA (Hons) in Music and a City & Guilds teaching certification, Marcus Richardson combines academic expertise with real-world musical practice. Our approach emphasizes long-term progress through personalized lesson plans, detailed progress tracking, and comprehensive between-lesson resources. We offer flexible learning options including in-person and online lessons, supported by interactive tools and a risk-free guarantee.Our commitment to student development extends beyond technical skills, fostering confidence and a deep understanding of music theory and performance. By maintaining small class sizes and one-on-one sessions, we ensure focused attention while leveraging technology to enhance accessibility. The academy's partnerships with organizations like the Musicians Union and Registry of Guitar Tutors reinforce our dedication to professional standards and continuous improvement.
Services
Guitar Lessons
Online Tuition
Exam Preparation
Bass Guitar Tuition
Beginner Courses
Advanced Techniques
Performance Training
Music Theory
Group Workshops
Rockschool Grades
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- We create personalized lesson plans for long-term musical progress
- We provide detailed lesson recordings and practice resources between sessions
- Our students gain access to exclusive online learning tools and discounts
- We offer a unique money-back guarantee with every lesson package
- Our teacher holds formal qualifications from ACM and Rockschool Trinity
What people say
Patient and understanding teacher
Made theory fun and accessible
Significant improvement in playing skills
Excellent value for money
Flexible lesson structures
Services
Beginner Guitar Lessons
Structured lessons for complete beginners focus on foundational techniques, chord transitions, and simple song arrangements. Our step-by-step approach builds confidence through achievable milestones while establishing proper playing habits. Students receive personalized practice plans and access to online resources for consistent progress between sessions.
Online Guitar Tuition
High-quality webcam lessons offer flexible learning from any location. Sessions include screen-sharing for interactive TAB demonstrations, multiple camera angles for technique analysis, and digital resource sharing. This format maintains the same structured approach as in-person lessons with added convenience and accessibility.
Rockschool Grades
Comprehensive training for Rockschool Trinity examinations from introductory to grade 8 level. Lessons cover technical exercises, set pieces, and music theory requirements while developing performance skills. This structured pathway provides measurable progress markers and UCAS points for academic applications.
Advanced Guitar Techniques
Specialized instruction in complex techniques including sweep picking, tapping, and advanced improvisation. Lessons focus on speed development, extended chord voicings, and modal theory application. Designed for musicians preparing for professional performance or higher education music programs.
Performance Coaching
Training in live performance techniques, stage presence, and band collaboration. Covers equipment setup, soundcheck procedures, and performance anxiety management. Ideal for students preparing for public performances, auditions, or music competitions.
People
Marcus Richardson
Owner & Lead Guitar Tutor
Marcus has 20+ years of guitar experience, including live performances and studio recordings. He holds a BA (Hons) in Music, City & Guilds PTLLS teaching certification, and Rockschool Grade 8. With 7+ years teaching experience, he specializes in personalized guitar instruction.
Questions
What experience levels do you teach?
We teach all levels from complete beginners to advanced players working on grade 8 material. Lessons are tailored to your current ability and goals.
Do you offer online lessons?
Yes, we provide high-quality online tuition using Zoom with screen-sharing capabilities for interactive learning and multiple camera angles.
What teaching methods do you use?
We combine structured lesson plans with flexible content, focusing on your chosen songs while developing technical skills and music theory understanding.
What qualifications can I achieve?
Students can work towards Rockschool Trinity grades (guitar up to grade 8, bass to grade 5) or Registry of Guitar Tutors performance awards.
What equipment do I need for online lessons?
A computer with webcam/mic, stable internet connection, and Zoom account. Your guitar and amplifier (if electric) should be set up in your practice space.
Do you offer any guarantees?
We provide a money-back guarantee and will pay for a lesson with a competitor if you're not satisfied with our teaching quality.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Rob M.
Oct 11, 2020
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In 2016 I purchased a guitar and amplifier as part of my 2nd or 3rd midlife crisis and realised it was much, much harder than it looked. Fortunately I found Marcus and hes taken me on a musical adventure. His teaching style is excellent, Ive made really solid progress and I really enjoy our lessons. Marcus is a talented musician whos really personable and has a deep understanding of music, Im interested in the theory behind the music and hes never failed to satisfy my curiosity. Then came COVID19 and social distancing, but Marcus has invested in really good technology and for the
Matthew Surgeon
Aug 27, 2019
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Marcus is an inspiring and passionate teacher who encourages you to develop your own interests and provides you with the guidance to do so.
Martin Francis B. Green
Jul 31, 2019
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Marcus is a brilliant guitarist with infinite patience, attributes which contribute to his excellence as a teacher. He has very positive approach and will always find a way forward when you think you have hit a brick wall. His laid back style enables lessons to be very flexible, you can learn to play the music you like, or follow a structured course, or meander anywhere between. The results are rewarding and good value.
James Dyke
May 29, 2019
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Marcus is an exceptional guitar tutor. He combines excellent ability, enthusiasm, sensitivity of students needs, and progressive teaching techniques. He has transformed by sons guitar learning experience from something that had to be done to something he is genuinely excited about. Its been transformative!
Marcus has done this by taking a careful and thoughtful approach to what would work best for what my son wants in terms of progression. This means lots of rock guitar and examples of shredding solos! The use of software is very productive. Games and tutorials maintains interests
Marcus has done this by taking a careful and thoughtful approach to what would work best for what my son wants in terms of progression. This means lots of rock guitar and examples of shredding solos! The use of software is very productive. Games and tutorials maintains interests
Duncan Smith
Sep 21, 2018
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Marcus Richardson is an excellent effective music teacher and a mesmerising guitarist with a captivating range of inspiring skills. When searching for a Guitar teacher online, I was impressed with Marcuss profile on the MusicTeachers.co.uk website, particularly his emphasis on the importance of having the right motivation and structure for learning, practice, and progress in between lessons. I met Marcus for an introduction and initial Guitar lesson in June 2018. He showed a positive in-depth interest in my reasons for wanting to learn Guitar, and my aspirations as I returning to studying music
