If you are thinking about taking guitar lessons from Rich Hamer and want to know more it might be useful to read a bit of feedback from students…
“Really good experience with Rich, the lessons are fun, and relaxed, all while learning a lot. He soon has you playing all the cool tunes you like, and while he adapts to your music style he also includes other genres, which has been really cool to learn.” (Brendan R, Plymouth)
“Rich is a consummate musician and a superb teacher. Really good at explaining theory for practical application, he is a very versatile guitarist who can master all styles of music. Rich is patient, kind, always enthusiastic, and positive, just what a nervous and newbie student needs. He has taught me a great deal and always responded positively to any requests to explore obscure pieces. He made learning fun and I wish him and his family every success” (Larry B, Plymouth)
“I made a big improvement in my guitar playing after starting lessons with Rich. He knew all about the style I wanted to learn and helped me get a grasp of the key theory and techniques. I was quite nervous about playing in front of someone/with someone when I started, but Rich put me at ease and within a few lessons I became much more confident. Rich also runs the Pluckwork workshops which are fantastic for gaining experience playing and improvising with other guitarists.” (Jacob P, Plymouth)
“I’ve been with Rich for over two years and I cannot recommend him enough. He helped me channel my passion for guitar into noticeable progress by giving me extensive resources (incl. sheet music, lead sheets, chord charts, scale charts…) and working with me to improve my technique, expand my repertoire and answer any questions I have about music. Rich is a dedicated hardworking teacher and his drive and love for music is infectious. He is a teacher who is second to none :)” (Ethan J, Online lessons, BA Music, Edinburgh)
“From the moment I started lessons with Rich, I felt completely at ease. I’ve had a few guitar teachers before but never felt so comfortable and none have ever made learning to play so easy and effortless. Not only is he a great teacher, he’s very personable, it’s like being taught by a friend.” (Justine K, Plymouth)
“I started guitar lessons with Rich with a view to improve my chords theory and jazz knowledge. Rich is a virtuoso when it comes to anything jazz blues or theory and his teachings were excellent. He’s extremely personable and his teaching always makes the lessons fun and informative. I would recommend Rich to anyone be it a beginner wanting to rock out, or an experienced guitarist looking to get out of a rut. A+++” (Tom R, Online Lessons, Scotland)
“I’d already been playing guitar before I started having lessons with rich, so I had some understanding of how to play and the theory behind it. However, I’d reached a plateau and wasn’t really sure where to go next or what I needed to work on to improve further… Rich really helped me identify the gaps in my current repertoire and, once those were covered, he took the time to understand what my ultimate goal was. From there, he laid out very specific steps and targets for each lesson. These were also transcribed for me, which meant I could continue practising outside of the lessons and progress at a steady, sustained pace…I usually read a lot of reviews before putting money into something and spend quite a bit of time looking through Reddit as well. I’m quite specific when it comes to the type of music I want to play, and I’d heard plenty of stories about people having to try five or more guitar teachers before finding one they really clicked with. Luckily for me, Rich was the first teacher I went to – and I stayed with him for the whole year… I’m also someone who really wants to understand the “why” and “how” behind the way something works musically. I can confidently say that Rich never struggled to answer any of my questions, and, more importantly, he explained things in a way that I could genuinely understand. Even when we got into more complex music theory, he never made it feel dull or like I was back at school. He struck the balance perfectly between making things interesting, understandable and genuinely useful… On a personal note. I can’t thank him enough for allowing me to extend the tools at my disposal to express myself through music/guitar…Cheers Rich!” (Nick H, Plymouth)
“I had about 30 lessons with Rich whilst studying for my Music BA (Hons) degree at the University of Plymouth. Every time I left Rich’s studio, my playing would improve in leaps and bounds. To top it off, I just graduated with a first class honours…thanks in no small part to Rich’s excellent tuition. Thank you Rich for helping me to believe in myself and my abilities when I needed it most! Keep on rocking!” (Jake B, Music BA, University of Plymouth)
“In my second year of university I developed a passion for Gypsy Jazz music. Now in my third year, Rich has been able to teach me everything I wanted to know from a very basic level to an advanced level of theory and practical understanding. I recently had an experience where I was able to put everything I had learn’t from Rich into practice and have a musically advanced and professional experience with it. Were it not for the lessons with Rich theres no way I would of been able to do that. Rich has a limitless and fantastic understanding of the guitar and he brews a mean cup of coffee, I’ve never enjoyed being in a lesson more than I have with Rich, Thanks for everything thus far and I look forward to continuing the musical journey with you, Cheers Rich!” (Elliot K, Music BA, University of Plymouth)
“Rich is fantastic with my son. His friendly and flexible approach to learning is engaging. Lessons are fun and progress made without realising it. Can’t recommend Rich enough. Thank you for the lessons 🎸” (Emma D, Plymouth)
“Amazing teacher – helped with school assignments by providing individualised support with technical and creative approaches. Friendly and supportive teaching style. Thanks Rich!” (Emma C, Ivybridge Community College)
“Rich is a great guitarist, teacher, and all-round human being. He has an easy-going manner that puts you at ease and his manner is infectious. He is a patient teacher, who quickly understands and adapts hia teaching to your musical ambitions and tastes. He has helped teach and introduced me to various styles of guitar, classical, jazz, folk-fingerpicking, pop and rock. He is great at guaging where you are and pushing you in small increments to go further than you think you can, and if you want to deep dive into musical theory he has that knowledge, gained from years of study and playing, to share. If you are just starting out on your guitar journey, or you are more advanced and want to push yourself further I cannot recommend Rich enough. His online lessons has meant that I can carry on my learning from him.” (Andy M, Online Lessons, Plymouth)
“Four years ago I walked into my local bank and heard a band bashing out lovely music. ‘Any of you guys teach?’ I asked. A Rich Hamer business card was flashed in front of me and little did I know this was going to take me in three years from a self-taught load of rubbish specialising in songs based around F / C & G to a proficient guitarist with a list of over thirty songs including many Jazz classics. Rich also takes you through the theory around guitar playing which is mind blowing. I am now 73 years old and play most days thanks to the timeand patience Rich gave to me and allowed me to become a guitarist and not an F / C & G beginner going nowhere – join Rich today and like me enjoy every day when you pick up your guitar and make music. Good luck.” (Rich O, Plymouth)
“Rich has taught me quite a lot in a very little time in a a way that finally makes jazz approachable for myself. He has a great base of jazz theory knowledge but has also taught me practical uses in my guitar playing and how to approach practicing and performance within jazz and jazz fusion. Lessons are well structured and laid back to suit the player, Rich answered any questions I had, including the vague ones! Most importantly for me, I finished my lessons feeling like I could find my voice on the guitar and apply the knowledge for my style of playing.” (Harriet D, Music BA, University of Plymouth)
“Rich is an incredible teacher. He makes complicated music theory simple and is full of simple tricks to improve your playing. I couldn’t recommend him more highly.” (Ross M, Plymouth)
“My husband and I have been going to Rich for a few months now – having a joint lesson as something we can do together. We have “played” guitar before, but we were kidding ourselves! We were basically beginners with bad habits and we have learned so much from Rich already. He is a great teacher, of course knowing what he is talking about but it is so clear that he loves what he does and it really comes across in his teaching. He is super patient, friendly and relaxed and manages both of us during the lesson really well, giving attention individually but also as a pair. From contemporary music to ragtime blues and throwing in some music theory, I feel we have come quite a long way in a fairly short time. I look forward to my lesson every time. Thank Rich!!!” (Reema B, Plymouth)
“Got about 6 free lessons with Rich because of my university course and I can personally attest that my guitar playing advanced leaps and bounds ahead of where I was before the lessons. Absolutly will be going back to his lessons and I suggest anybody in the area to do so as well if you are looking to play guitar.” (Conan D, BA Music, University of Plymouth)
“Rich is a very good musician and a brilliant teacher” (Dan S, Plymouth)
“I only worked with Rich for a small amount of time but he was one of the best teachers I have had. He made each lesson fun and engaging and I felt like I was learning stuff. When I got stress I couldn’t do something he was patient and didn’t make me feel bad about it, just reminded me that I was a beginner and with practice I would get it. I would recommend Rich to any one, he cool guy with heaps of knowledge and really makes the hour worth your time.” (Stan E, Music BA, University of Plymouth)
“Having been stuck in a rut with my guitar playing for a number of years I searched for a guitar teacher who could help me improve my playing. As an experienced (albeit sloppy) guitar player I was unsure if professional lessons would be right for me, but having found Rich I can say that I always look forward to my weekly lessons. Rich is an excellent teacher and a fantastic musician and in the short time that I’ve been going to him I can see my playing improving week on week. I highly recommend him to any guitarist – from novice to advanced – who are wanting to learn an extra trick or two.” (Steve R, Plymouth)
“Before starting lessons with Rich I had been playing for about 15 years and had reached a reasonably good standard, but felt I hadn’t improved for a long time. This led me to Rich, who seemed like the best suited teacher for me after scouting around the local area. Since my first lesson he has really opened up my playing and pointed out areas for me to improve on, whilst introducing me to new styles and genres. For any levels I recommend Rich, as he’s a very affable and knowledgeable guy and will immediately put you at ease.” (Jon G, Plymouth)
“I have been playing the guitar for 40 years, I went to Rich for lessons and it has reignited my love for the guitar. Rich is a dedicated and passionate teacher, all round good egg and a fantastic guitarist.” (Pete C, BA Music, University of Plymouth)
“I was an intermediate / advanced guitarist stuck in a bit of a rut before Rich started teaching me. My fingers are now doing things that I was pretty sure they couldn’t do and my musical horizons have expanded dramatically. Rich is a great teacher, honing in on where I’m at and stretching me to the next level in an enjoyable and seemingly effortless way. I always look forward to my next lesson.” (Jon D, Tavistock)
“Rich is a great instructor who teaches a broad range of guitar styles with enthusiasm and humour. I began as a beginner who had picked up a number of bad habits learning alone. Rich gave me access to new skills and techniques that dramatically improved my playing. I am still playing the tunes from the notes he gave me. These are from styles as varied as Irish Jigs to the Jeeves and Wooster theme tune (Jazz). I would thoroughly recommend taking lessons with Rich Hamer; you won’t regret it!” (Richard F, Plymouth)
“I have had lessons with Rich for just under 2 and a half years now and my playing has improved massively. I love that I am now able to pick up a guitar and play a song that can be recognised and it is all down to Rich’s teaching. Thank you.” (JJ, Cornwall)
“I have been taking lessons from Rich for 4 years, returning to guitar playing after many years. I was very fortunate to find him via a neighbour’s recommendation, because he is a great musician, a great teacher and a great guy. My playing and confidence have progressed hugely. I am in a band that gets together weekly and gigs occasionally. Rich really takes the trouble to understand where you are coming from and to help you develop how you want. He is comfortable with a wide variety of music and takes the trouble to extend his repertoire in your direction where needed. We have covered a number of styles, acoustic and electric and enough theory to support what I want to do. We are currently working on embellishing melody. I intend to continue with him for a long time as it is productive and enjoyable.” (John A, Yelverton)
“Rich is a great guitar teacher who will introduce you to many genres of music, a very patient teacher who does not become infuriated when you mess up a jazz chord progression for the 30th time!” (David C, Bristol)
“Great learning advice! And super chill teacher!!” (Harry S, BA Music, University of Plymouth)
“Rich was very friendly and helpful for learning topics I was struggling with. He is also attentive and pays attention to your specific playing style and tailors the lessons around your ability, what you want to learn, and pushes you to challenge yourself.” (Cameron R, BA Music, University of Plymouth)
“I started having lessons with Rich as a total adult beginner, the lessons were tailored to match my ability and as such helped me to progress rapidly. The one to one tuition meant the lessons could be developed to meet my progress. I was with Rich for two years and covered all styles of playing guitar. Rich as a teacher was reliable, friendly and very pleasant, he was able to adapt his style of teaching to ensure I understood what was being taught. Since finishing lessons with Rich I have now formed a band that get together each week for jam sessions and help develop my abilities further. I would recommend Rich and his unique teaching ability to anyone who would like to learn any style of guitar.” (Tony T, Plymouth)
“I was a beginner when I started learning and I quickly progressed into a semi-professional guitarist. I always enjoyed lessons as we learned something new each week and Rich would always keep things interesting to say the least. I have been learning the guitar from Rich for roughly 4-5 years now and I still continue lessons today. We learned quite a few Jazz songs, some Irish Jigs, which I really enjoyed, and we also learned some Rock songs and a large range of different genres. I study A level music in my school in year 13 and because I had to learn quite a few songs in a short space of time on several occasions, he was always more than happy to help me learn the songs as well as show me how to play variations of difficult chords. It was always a pleasure to learn with Rich and I would definitely recommend him to anyone interested in learning guitar” (Dylan M, Plymouth)
“Rich is a great guitar teacher! Our son thoroughly enjoyed his weekly lessons. Would recommend!” (Brittany D)
“I started learning guitar 4 years ago with Rich; starting from the ground up. I have now worked my way up to level 8 standards of playing, with the ability to play a range of music styles from rock to gypsy swing and from many generations of guitar playing. Not only has he taught me how to play guitar but I have learnt much theory behind it, giving me a true understanding of the art. I am now 19 years old and a professional chef, despite the long unsociable hours I make room for my guitar lesson every week. As it is the one thing I enjoy most as a hobby, I recommend Rich to anyone looking to start learning or continue learning guitar 5 stars!” (Jake W, Tavistock)
“When I started I was a complete beginner. The next lesson could never come quick enough haha, really enjoyed them. I learned for 5 years I think, not sure exactly. I learned all sorts, started off with classic rocks, delved into folk and irish jigs, progressed on to spanish/classical more then finally plenty of gypsy jazz!! Very glad I chose Rich – couldn’t ask for a better teacher, even got my Dad to a reasonably good level!! I’m playing regularly for several different groups and bands, in fact this summer on days off I busked a lot in Italy and earned more than my actual job.” (Tom C, Exeter)
“Rich has been a fantastic guitar teacher to my son. My son has learnt so much, Rich has been a supportive teacher tailoring lessons to match my sons interests. My son has gained so much in his time with Rich as his teacher.” (Claire K, Plymouth)
“I come to you for lessons to learn a particular style of music based on Django Reinhardt. I don’t play the guitar but play ‘piano accordian’ but your knowledge and expertise to improvise over chords and the way you teach this is inspiring and at last, I’m getting the hang of it!” (Joy R, South Brent)
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