Business Details
14 Years
experience
Expert Guitar Lessons in East London
Founded in 2012 by Darryl and Jennifer, our journey began as a passion project in our kitchen before evolving into East London's premier guitar school. We relocated to East Village in 2017, expanding our team with expert instructors who share our vision. Our teaching methodology combines personalized training plans with collaborative learning environments, fostering musical growth since day one. With over a decade of collective experience, we've maintained continuity through challenges like lockdowns by adapting to online formats while preserving our community spirit. Our structured curriculum balances technical proficiency with creative expression, offering age-specific programs from toddlers to adults.Regular performance opportunities and jam sessions reinforce practical application of skills, supported by monthly workshops and quarterly open mics. Our team's expertise spans multiple genres and instruments, ensuring comprehensive musical education tailored to individual preferences. We maintain rigorous quality standards through continuous curriculum development and teacher training. Client satisfaction is evidenced by our growing student base and positive testimonials highlighting measurable progress. Transparency in teaching methods and pricing structures underpins our trust-based relationships with learners and families.
Services
Guitar Lessons
Bass Guitar Tuition
Ukulele Classes
Band Programs
Music Workshops
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- Personalized training plans tailored to individual learning goals
- Experienced instructors with specialist expertise in music education
- Regular performance opportunities at professional venues
- Age-specific programs from toddler music classes to adult tuition
- Supportive community environment with collaborative learning
What people say
Excellent tuition
Supportive community
Improved technique
Engaging lessons
Measurable progress
Services
Kids Guitar Lessons
Structured guitar instruction for children aged 4-11 combines technical training with fun musical activities. Our curriculum develops proper technique while learning popular songs, with group playing opportunities to build confidence. Weekly one-hour sessions include parental guidance for effective home practice, ensuring steady progress through enjoyable learning experiences.
Adult Guitar Lessons
Tailored guitar tuition for adults balances individual instruction with group interaction. Lessons accommodate busy schedules while developing technical skills and musical understanding. Regular jam sessions allow practical application of learning in supportive settings, with optional performance opportunities at student events for those seeking stage experience.
Band Programs
Collaborative music programs for teens and adults focus on ensemble playing and performance preparation. Participants develop listening skills, stage presence, and group dynamics through rehearsing with professional session bands. Regular performances at local venues provide real-world experience, with optional VIP packages including additional rehearsal time for performance refinement.
Music Workshops
Monthly workshops offer specialized training in various musical aspects from theory to performance techniques. These sessions supplement regular lessons with focused skill development, covering topics like songwriting, improvisation, and stagecraft. Designed to enhance musical understanding while fostering peer interaction and creative exploration within a supportive environment.
Ukulele Classes
Specialist ukulele tuition for young learners aged 4-6 introduces fundamental music skills through accessible instrument training. Weekly group sessions combine technical instruction with musical games, developing rhythm and coordination. The program serves as an ideal foundation for future guitar learning while maintaining independent musical value through age-appropriate repertoire.
People
Darryl Powis
Founder
Co-founded the school in 2012 with Jennifer, transforming a kitchen-based idea into East London's leading guitar tuition provider. Oversees strategic development while maintaining teaching commitments.
Dan Mayhew
Lead Instructor & Head Of Guitar
Head guitar instructor with expertise in personalized music education. Specializes in making complex concepts accessible while maintaining technical rigor. Recognized for clear explanations and student engagement.
Barry De Jager
Mini Musicians Instructor
Specializes in early years music education, designing interactive classes that bridge pre-instrumental learning with formal instruction. Focuses on making music education fun and developmentally appropriate.
Carys Jones
Early Years Music Specialist
Develops toddler music programs that foster foundational musical understanding through playful, sensory-rich experiences. Creates engaging baby concerts that introduce musical concepts to infants aged 0-2 years.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We offer programs for ages 0-4 (Little Guitar Groovers), 4-6 (Mini Musicians), 6-11 (Junior Jammers), 11-17 (Rockers), and adults 18+.
Do I need my own instrument?
Yes for regular lessons, but trial sessions provide access to school instruments. Teachers advise on appropriate instrument selection and sizing during trial lessons.
How are lessons structured?
Weekly 1-hour sessions follow a structured curriculum with personalized training plans. Kids lessons use weekday afternoons/weekend mornings; adult lessons use weekday evenings/weekends.
Are performance opportunities available?
Yes! Regular open mics, quarterly showcases, and our annual Big Gig event provide performance platforms. Participation is optional but encouraged for skill development.
How do you accommodate different skill levels?
Personalized training plans start at each student's current level, whether complete beginner or experienced player. Instructors adapt teaching methods to individual learning styles and paces.
What teaching methods do you use?
Combination of technical instruction, song-based learning, and collaborative playing. Curriculum balances structured learning with creative exploration, incorporating student-preferred musical styles.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Kim
Oct 31, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
GTEL is a fun and informative space to learn guitar. I signed up when I was close to quitting guitar, but from my first lesson that turned around completely. Friendly team and like-minded people to learn and jam with.
GTEL is a fun and informative space to learn guitar. I signed up when I was close to quitting guitar, but from my first lesson that turned around completely. Friendly team and like-minded people to learn and jam with.
Lizzie Jarvis
Oct 31, 2021
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I'd been trying (and failing) on and off for eight years to learn to play the guitar before I found the school. The programme of classes (available both in person and online during the working day) is a brilliant way to structure the learning, and make it accessible to anyone with the appetite to learn. The mixed abilities' classes are fun and challenging, and everyone feels included and makes progress in every lesson. For the first time in my life I can remember and play lots of chords and it feels great!
E. Morrison
Oct 19, 2021
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The whole team at GTEL effuseenthusiasm and are genuinely committed to helping students improve. While it's a class environment, the talented Darryl and Dan quickly home in on each student's needs/development areas, offering bespoke feedback and coaching. And they are consistently positive and encouraging, going the extra mile to answer questions, offer suggestions and move students from stuck to unstuck.Simply put, GTEL is a special place tolearn guitar.
Catherine Faiers
Jul 15, 2021
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Guitar lessons are our daughters favourite thing to do each week, she looks forward to them more than anything else and always skips in to class. She adores Carys who is so kind, patient and supportive of her and makes learning really fun. They learn music that our daughter enjoys listening to which really motivates her outside of class too. The environment at the school is friendly and relaxed, nothing like the stuffy music classes I remember when I was young!
Francis
Jan 25, 2021
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A fun and friendly place to start learning the guitar or, if you're like me, to pick it up again if you haven't played it in a while. All the staff and teachers are patient and kind and have managed to build a real community around the school. They also coped admirably in creating engaging and fun remote lessons during the COVID lockdowns. If you're looking for a new hobby to keep you occupied in 2021, I'd heartily recommend getting in touch with the school and see what they can offer you.
Smitha Shankar
Dec 05, 2020
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My son has been learning to play the guitar with Dan for about 6 months now and the progress he has made is remarkable. Dan is very patient and encouraging with the kids. Best part for me is that my son always looks forward to his lessons and is now unafraid to explore playing on his own. He also loves performing in the open mics! Am a very satisfied parent :)
Stephanie Hemans
Nov 29, 2020
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Joining the school was one of the best decisions Ive made since moving to London! My confidence is hugely improved since joining and Im constantly making progress with my technique and approach to practicing. The lessons are well structured and challenging, I always look forward to going. The opportunity to jam with other students at the school is a great bonus and it definitely helps train your ear. The teachers are really encouraging, knowledgeable, and very passionate about helping you reach your potential. The personalised feedback has played a big part in my progress and has helped
