Testimonials

"John is a master guitar player, he has an incredible ability to play and thanks to his patience and cool, calm approach towards teaching he is able to pass much of this skill onto his students. I have been having lessons with John for around five years now, he teaches in such a way that you pick up the basics, and as you begin to develop your own tastes in what you like to play he accommodates to those very well, whether that being transcribing songs you have asked for to make them easier to learn, suggesting songs you may like, or giving you new genres of music to learn in order to see if they appeal to you. He goes above and beyond, giving advice on the best ways to practice, the best guitar to buy to suit your ability and price range; he taught me how to restring my guitar, he always has a spare pick when you inevitably forget to bring yours, and he is always keen to answer your questions, or engage in discussion about music. John really does take a personal interest in his students, and his teaching will further your passion and skill on the guitar."

                                                                                                                                                                           Lachlan Stark

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“I’d like to recommend John Blackmore as an acoustic guitar and bass teacher. He was a very conscientious teacher of both instruments to my son Innes over six years. John always gave very generously of his time, and was well resourced with funky, well-known music by musch-loved musicians. Learning both of these instruments has been an incredible boon to my son, as it will be to other pupils of John’s. He began lessons with John at age 11. Innes always thoroughly enjoyed his lessons and looked forward to them. Since then he has ‘picked up’ the ability to play drums also. This is no doubt come to him easily as a result of John’s foundational training in the importance of timing; his emphasis on rhythm and varieties of beats. I see John as a successful music teacher who relates well to children and teenagers, and who would always be encouraging rather than condescending.”

Liesl Johnstone BA, ATCL (Teacher’s) (Previously itinerant keyboard/piano teacher at Waiaraki School)

"John has taught both of my sons guitar, they enjoyed the experience very much and were always keen to go to their lessons. The skills they learnt have enabled them to play in school productions and bands formed with friends. I would recommend John to anyone interested in learning or enhancing their skills with the guitar."            Mike Parsons


“Thank you for teaching Tim over the years and fostering his love of music. Watching Tim and his band playing at school and seeing the results of a boy and his great teacher was a highlight this year.”             Anna Orr

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"I highly recommend John Blackmore as a guitar teacher. I've only been learning for one year and already I can confidently play a set of songs to my friends and family.  He is a very patient teacher and understands my tastes and needs in guitar playing. I have learned so much from him and I am thoroughly enjoying my lessons and the confidence I now have when I pick up a guitar. "            Nadia Marinelli

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