© Carpe Diem Guitar Tuition
“Lessons with Tim are always highly personalised; he uses his vast experience
and personable character to create something perfect for every individual. I’ve really
enjoyed my lessons for the past couple of years, and we’ve never come across a song
I wanted to play that he couldn’t simplify enough for me to learn. Highly recommended!
:)” -
"Tim is an extremely personable and relaxed teacher who has a mastery of a
variety of styles and genres at his disposal. I very much look forward to and enjoy
my lessons with him and feel that my guitar playing has improved immeasurably in
a very short time, both in terms of my own technique and in terms of music theory
knowledge." -
“Tim’s knowledge of music, music-
“The Lyrics from Tina Turner’s ‘Simply the Best’ are fitting words to describe
Tim. At the start of my lessons I had no music knowledge, inflexible fingers and
dare I say at the time no great expectations of myself but with Tim’s skill and patience
made me more committed to improving week on week. Not really knowing which direction
of guitar style to take Tim introduced me to finger picking. That was just what I
needed, a focus and lovely songs to learn (not to sing to I may add!). Sadly due
to moving I had to leave Tim’s expert tuition. Any unsure guitarist out there, give
it a go, as Tim is The Best.” -
“I have just recently achieved Distinction in Grade 8 Rock Guitar. Tim has
taught me through all my grades, and has always been encouraging, supportive and
relatable. Over the years under Tim's guidance I have gained confidence in my abilities,
and a love for the guitar. His lessons both face to face, and over Skype have always
been fun whilst being challenging and inspiring. With Tim it isn’t just about the
guitar, it’s the commitment to his students -
“I Started with Tim at age 11 when I had no clue whatsoever how to play guitar.
Now at age 20, I've just finished all 8 grades and I wouldn't have ever dreamt of
getting this far without Tim. A top bloke, and not a bad guitarist either -
“Really knowledgeable on almost all artists and their songs. The time is very
relaxed and theory gets explained thoroughly. Loved it!” -
“I started learning guitar during the first lockdown having always wanted to give it a go but having never made the time. So, all my lessons have been online with Tim even though he only lives a mile away!
I started learning acoustic guitar but after six months switched to electric as I
was gifted an electric guitar and amp. Tim is highly skilled in both styles and has
a wealth of teaching materials and songs to support each lesson.Tim sets up a web
page for each student with copies of the materials used and also pre-
Tim is an extremely friendly and personable sort of guy with a vast experience of
guitar playing and styles. Tim makes the lessons both fun and interesting and my
guitar playing has improved significantly during the time I’ve been having lessons. I
would highly recommend Tim to anyone who wants to learn guitar at any level of experience.”
-
“Skype lessons with Tim work really well. He is very knowledgeable and very
patient. He takes time to get to know how one is learning and always has helpful
and useful tips to help me move along. I always finish a lesson knowing more and
absolutely enjoying wanting to try each new step. Thanks Tim.” -
“James has been receiving lessons for nearly the last 15 months with Tim and
his confidence and knowledge has grown beyond belief! With Tim’s guidance and support,
James has gone from not being able to play anything or holding a guitar to preparing
for his grades and playing numerous songs – He really is ready to rock out! During
recent times where travel has not been possible, Tim has accommodated lessons via
video link on Skype. This enables James to still continue with lessons seamlessly
and still promoting high professionalism. Thank you for all of your support Tim!”
-
“Due to Covid-
“Having Skype lessons with Tim is really useful. They are just as fun and informative
as a normal lesson, and having the option to still have my lesson when I am unable
to get to his house is great. They are a credit to Tim’s fantastic teaching!” -
“Unfortunately, amid the Covid-
“I’ve been having lessons with Tim since 2010, he is an amazing teacher with
incredible knowledge of music and the ability to tailor his lessons to suit. Thanks
to Tim, I’ve reached my goal of playing in a local band where he continues to help
me with the band’s wide range of music! Due to family commitments, I started to
have lessons on Skype – these lessons are just as helpful as being there in person.”
-
"Having developed an interest in the guitar 15 years ago and trying on and off
to self teach I decided to give real lessons a try and boy am I glad I did. Within
the first 15 minutes Tim had given me a tip which changed the whole feel of playing.
Over my time with Tim my playing has come on leaps and bounds and the only thing
holding me back is finding the time to put in the practice. If you can manage to
get lessons with Tim I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Tim's lessons are taught
in a comfortable setting helping you feel relaxed and ready to become an accomplished
guitar player, all you have to do is pay attention and put in the practice time.”
-
“I came to Tim for lessons after playing guitar for years and years and I felt
like I'd hit a wall through self tuition. The lessons are taught in a relaxed and
comfortable environment and Tim's passion for music makes the lessons enjoyable.
I've come away feeling much more confident with techniques, theory and as a guitarist
in general. I whole heartedly recommend his services to anyone especially those stuck
in a rut!” -
“My friend and I had a wonderful time learning to play the ukulele with Tim.
We were older ladies, complete beginners and very nervous about the new challenge.
However Tim was very patient and encouraging and had us playing very quickly. We
had such a lot of fun and a great sense of achievement. Thank you Tim” -
“I’d tried for over a year to be able to play and change chords smoothly but
just couldn’t crack it. Tim just explained it and showed me why I was going wrong
much more clearly than any of the videos and web sites I’d been trying. I also got
to learn my favourite songs along the way which I’d have never attempted before due
to my sloppy chord changing. Every time we learnt a new song there’d be a new chord
I’d never done. I’m now happy with my chords and know a lot more than the few I did
before Tim’s help.” -
“Tim is exceptional not only in his incredible knowledge of music, but also
in the way he is able to pass this onto his pupils whatever their level. Combined
with total reliability, patience, and an affable nature I cannot recommend Tim highly
enough.” -
“Tim is an inspirational teacher whose lessons have rekindled my love of the
guitar.He has adapted his approach to suit my interests and ability and has given
me a lot of practical advice. I can wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone interested
in improving their guitar skills.” -
“My 8 year old daughter has attended guitar lessons with Tim for 18 months
and has loved every minute of it! Tim is very talented and an excellent teacher,
my daughter started as a complete beginner and we were very impressed with how quickly
she picked it up, this has to be credit to Tim's teaching ability. My daughter has
thoroughly enjoyed her time with Tim and I would not hesitate to recommend him! :)”
-
“I went to Tim to learn how to play Moondance at my wedding and stayed for
three years! Having taken those first few steps and enjoyed it, I decided to try
to continue and set myself the target of gaining some Rock Guitar certification.
I have since passed Grades 1, 2 and 3. Tim has been great to do this with. He's always
able to provide a different perspective to help overcome blockers and he's very happy
to go at my sedate pace. Taking the grades slowly has allowed us to explore various
other things along the way such as folk, reggae, blues and slide. All great fun! Tim
knows the RGT exam system very well and was able to offer lots of great advice that
ensured that I got through. Unfortunately for me I am now moving to another part
of the country and will have to try to find another tutor as good as Tim. If you're
looking for an inspirational guitar tutor Tim is a great choice whatever your choice
of style and whether you want to do the exams or not.” -
“Tim is fantastic at putting you at ease and is easy to get along with. I'm 54
and have just started to learn to play, Tim has made it a pleasure. Tim's recent
move to Telford has made it awkward to attend lessons at the moment but if there
is a change in circumstances I would jump at the chance to return . Highly recommended
five stars.” -
“Lessons with Tim are an absolute pleasure – his guitar excellence and patience
in teaching make lessons both enjoyable and rewarding. My time with Tim has provided
a fantastic foundation on which to build. Unfortunately when Tim moved to Wellington
the travelling time became excessive for me, but the lessons with Tim have provided
sufficient momentum for me to continue to regularly practice and continue to improve.
If you’re considering taking up this wonderful instrument then I can’t recommend
Tim highly enough.” -
“As an ex-
“Tim is fab, he is a great guitarist and like he says, you give him a song
and you learn it. If I hadn't been taught by him with school I would not be playing
the guitar. I hope play to grade 8, I really recommend Tim as a tutor.” -
“I have ‘played’ the guitar since 1964. With retirement came the opportunity
to really get to grips with the theory behind this beautiful instrument. I have
been delighted with the time shared with Tim discussing all sorts of chordal arrangements
and musical pathways that I would never have discovered by myself. He is patient
and informative and I would recommend any ‘old hippy’ like me to avail themselves
of his lessons.” -
“I can't thank Tim enough for the tuition he has given me in learning to play
both the electric and acoustic guitar. From the very first lesson he made everything
seem simple and my confidence grew with every lesson there after. It is skill I can
now build on and is a great thing to take through life with you. I would highly recommend
Tim to anyone considering taking up this instrument.” -
“Don't know what you said to my son at his lesson last week, but he came home
and wanted to practice straight away and then he's been getting up early every day
to get more practice in and now he's come back from his lesson today even more excited!
He's loving it!! Thanks so much for all you've done for him -
“This has been way more fun than lessons via DVD!” -
“At the age of 14 I had always wanted to learn to play the guitar, so at school
I took lessons but they were so boring I quickly lost interest. 20+ years later,
I thought I would really love to be able to play guitar, so I found Tim's number
and after only a few lessons Tim has me learning the songs I want to play. His method
of tutoring makes you feel relaxed and makes lessons very enjoyable. I can recommend
Tim to anyone old or young you won't regret it. Many thanks Tim” -
“Learning to play the guitar at aged 9 was always a risk -
‘It is fun to be a rock god at school... thanks Tim’” -
“I have been having weekly lessons with Tim for almost four and a half years and have thoroughly enjoyed each one. I like the attitude and style of teaching in the lessons where you choose what you want to learn, whether it be your favourite songs or wanting to do some music theory, Tim is up for pretty much everything. Either way whatever you choose to do with Tim you’ll have a blast doing it as he is an excellent guitar teacher as you can most likely tell from the amount of time I’ve been going for lessons with him.” – James P
“Just wanted to say thank you very much for all Dan's guitar lessons. He has
learnt so much. He has really enjoyed his lessons.” -
“Thank you so much for the last six months. I've gone from not being able to
play a single note to playing all my favourite songs. Your time and patience is much
appreciated.” -
“I waited five years before my first guitar lesson because of my tone deafness.
I now see this as a big mistake. I knew that personal recommendation was the way
to find a guitar teacher. But I did not find Tim Bush by recommendation. Among his
many strong testimonials on his website someone had added "and he's also a really
good guy". I am so pleased that I chose to try him because of that comment. Since
my first visit I have been able to move forward with my playing, my understanding,
but mainly with the enjoyment of my guitar. Through Tim I no longer believe that
I am tone deaf! I would like to strongly recommend Tim as an excellent and effective,
no pressure, guitar teacher, having unlimited patience, letting me move at my own
pace, and understanding my limitations... and he is also a very good guy!” -
“Tim’s a fantastic guitar teacher. I’ve been having lessons for six months
and I’ve learnt so much. The way Tim teaches guitar is really enjoyable, I would
definitely recommend him.” -
“I had 3 other teachers before Tim and I used to hate having lessons. Now when
school is over, I think , “Yes -
“I have just completed my first run of lessons with Tim and have thoroughly
enjoyed the experience. I tend to flit from band to band and song to song in terms
of what I'm interested in learning and playing but no matter what style, band, song
etc you are interested in, Tim is your man! Every lesson is tailored to your needs
and Tim’s laid back, friendly, supportive style is great. As a result of the lessons
my confidence has grown tremendously. Oh and by the way . . . he's also a top bloke!!
cheers Tim” -
“I learned to play the guitar in my teens and dabbled a little during the next
thirty years before taking the bold step and starting lessons again with Tim. It
is the best thing I have done in years, the lessons are always varied and thoroughly
enjoyable. We play a mixture of music and the different styles Tim teaches always
keep me challenged. I would recommend Tim to anyone who wants to learn guitar and
have fun while you are doing it” -
“You are never too old to pick up a guitar. My family treated me to an electric
guitar for my 50th birthday and after a few months of struggling with books and
online lessons I got in touch with Tim. It was a slow start because of the amount
of time I could set aside to practice, but thanks to Tim things are beginning to
happen. I can now enjoy playing my guitar at home, playing improvisation along to
backing tracks which is something I never imagined I would achieve. I’ve still got
a long slow road ahead of me, but I am enjoying the journey. At the end of the day,
he must be good as I am making a 400 mile round trip for lessons each week (lets
ignore the fact that I have to do it for work too).” -
“After playing guitar for approximately 7 years I decided to return to guitar
lessons. Tim is an excellent teacher who I would recommend to anyone, as he takes
your interests into your lessons. With me being very punk/alternative based, Tim
taught me any song I came to him to help me with and also found easier ways to play
them. Tim also broadened the varieties of music I played to different genres to help
with techniques, such as tremolo picking and advance my technique in rhythm and lead
guitar playing. Also you can shuffle between electric and acoustic in your lessons, so
no matter what the song, you will be able to learn it.” -
“An old guitar found in an attic and a little interest in this 6 stringed instrument led me to Tim for instruction. His laid back and relaxed approach to teaching had me playing a new song after each lesson. He encouraged not just the playing of songs but also skills that would enhance technique. I have a new found love of music thanks to Tim and my wife is thoroughly impressed with what I have learned with only 6 weeks tuition. Thanks Tim!”
-
“I’ve had Tim as my guitar tutor for near enough two years now, and I think
it’d be safe to say that he is one of the coolest teachers I’ve ever had the pleasure
of being taught by. You’d be hard pressed to find a better teacher for guitar, whatever
your level. He helped me to improve my technique, learn new songs, and helped immensely
in learning a bit of the theory in how chords and scales actually work! With him,
I managed to go from not being graded at all in Guitar straight to an RGT Grade 5
pass. I think that feat speaks for itself. No matter what you want to achieve with
your playing, Tim Bush is your man.” -
“I have had lessons with Tim now for 6 months and I couldn’t be happier with
my progress. I had been playing guitar for about 8 years but felt frustrated that
I hadn’t moved on to the next stage. Tim has helped me to understand the guitar so
much better. My goal when I started was to get a good grasp of theory, start learning
to play by ear and to create my own solos. I can now listen to a song, figure out
the key, play along and even create basic solos. Its incredibly satisfying and makes
a lot more sense to me now. I have learnt songs that I would otherwise have not even
attempted and my confidence has grown hugely. Tim’s resources, environment and teaching
style are second to none and my only regret is that I didn’t know Tim 8 years ago.”
-
“I was looking to get back into guitar playing, and found Tim. I was with him
for five months and had a great time. I learnt a lot, it was very casual and relaxed,
which is what I wanted. I would recommend him to anyone. It’s great to learn the
tunes you want to play and not the usual text book tunes.” -
“I have been interested in guitar for many years, and just over a year ago
I jumped in the deep end and bought an electric guitar. As so many do, I too let
it sit to collect dust whilst I produced excuses to avoid learning, including 'I
only mess about', 'I'm not good enough', 'No time', and finally 'It looks better
in the corner, best not scratch it'.
Lucky for me I was gifted my first lessons as
a birthday present. Now 10 months on I feel greater confidence in picking up the
guitar and giving it a go. Under Tim's tuition I have been able to improve my technique
and enjoyment in playing. What seemed to me impossible at the start now comes to
me more naturally, even for a music novice like me. Unlike learning from a book or
internet site, Tim encourages and involves himself in the playing of the guitar,
taking each step with you and at your own pace, giving feedback and advice and working
things out together with you. He plays what you want to play and is a great guy to
have a chat with, making an hour fly by. So if you’re sat next to a guitar that's
gathering dust, I can recommend giving lessons a go. It can release a lot of frustration
and stress from everyday life and gives you some fresh skills too.” -
“Never too old to improve your guitar playing! I'm 62 and lessons with Tim
over the past months have enabled me to play things I didn't think I would ever achieve,
even though it's a bit of a struggle sometimes! I enjoy playing my guitar at home
much more than I used to and hope to resume lessons with Tim again in the New Year.
I look forward to every lesson, probably due to Tim’s relaxed way of teaching and
his enthusiasm and endless patience!” -
“I've been having lessons for around 12 months and am amazed how quickly
I have progressed. Tim is an excellent tutor and lessons are fun and never boring.
It's great how you can learn whatever you want with as much or as little theory as
you like. Looking forward to the next 12 months! Thanks Tim!” -
“I have been having lessons with Tim for over six months now. I started with
no knowledge of how to play a guitar or even hold it but Tim has been patient and
encouraging throughout all my lessons. I started doing half hour lessons and soon
realised this wasn't enough time and now have an hourly lesson weekly. My guitar
playing has improved at a pace that suits me, learning songs of my choice as opposed
to what is expected. I simply do the lessons as a hobby I never expect to be the
next Brian May or John Mayer but who knows, with Tim's help and encouragement and
positivity I don't know where I will end up. P.S. Not a bad bloke to talk to either.”
-
“I have been having lessons with Tim for a little over 6 months now and it
was the best decision I ever made. He has developed my guitar playing significantly
and I truly enjoy every minute of every lesson. Each time he shows me a little
of what he can do on a guitar I smile and it keeps me gripped to want to improve
more and more. Whether it’s acoustic or electric he gets you playing your favourite
songs in a remarkably short time. As for me, well he has taken my playing from basic
chords and simple songs to more complex finger picking. Right now he has opened
up my eyes to a whole new level of playing as he is teaching me lead guitar techniques
on my new Telecaster. Whatever direction you want your playing to go and whatever
your skill level Tim will set you exciting and yet realistic goals and you won’t
believe how quick you progress. Each week it has been a pleasure to learn and talk
with Tim and if you are thinking about taking lessons, and I guess you are if you
are reading this, then you have come to the perfect place.” -
“I always thought playing electric guitar was for someone else but after
being inspired in the Gibson Interactive Studio at the British Music Experience in
London, I was lucky enough to buy my first guitar and also lucky to find Tim to teach
me. As other testimonials from some of Tim’s students have already stated how patient
and enthusiastic Tim is, I can only echo their thoughts and confirm from my own experience
that learning with Tim is great fun. Always smiling, relaxed, prepared and with a
great selection of music to learn, I can genuinely recommend Tim to any other students
wishing to learn guitar.” -
“I would just like to say that I was amazed how much I learnt in such a short
space of time. Also it's great playing songs that I actually know and like.” -
“I first wanted to learn to play guitar when I was 10 but I never did go
through with it, I’m now 15 and recently I bought Guitar Hero which made me want
to have lessons again. So I asked my dad and he said he had seen Tim's advert on
his car so we phoned him and I have been learning weekly since. I really enjoy the
music and the relaxed way that Tim teaches you, he doesn’t rush you and plays only
things that you like/would like to play. I have been having lesson for around 10
weeks and every time my lesson finishes I can’t wait for the next one to come. I’m
very grateful, Thanks Tim.” -
“Tim is an amazing teacher, trust me. As well being a talented musician he
is a talented teacher. He is very patient and help u achieve those tricky techniques/styles
and songs that u want to learn. Lessons are never boring, its almost feels like we're
messing around jamming in his house. While learning a lot of things simultaneously,
Tim will help u progress, your way. As well as teaching, he gives a lot of advice
on how to improve your technique or if you’re doing something wrong Tim will immediately
notice them. Tim rocks (including his cats)=]” -
“Tim is a great teacher. I’ve really been enjoying practicing everything
he has taught me and I'm really happy to be learning all the different styles and
songs! He always gives me a lot to learn in the lessons, which is great and he makes
it easy to pick up and remember. I’ve learned loads in the last few months that I’ve
been going to Tim.” -
“After being inspired by The Clash guitarist Mick Jones & Generation X /
Sigue Sigue Sputnik’s Tony James’ new band Carbon/Silicon (www.carbonsiliconinc.com)
I finally decided to pick up an Electric Guitar at the ripe old age of 39. I spent
a few months picking up basic chords / lessons off various websites but then one
day I discovered Tim’s site via Google. A few quick emails and he soon had me booked
in for a FREE starter lesson one night after work. Since then I’ve been attending
weekly and at each lesson we learn a new song which really helps me pick up new chords,
strumming styles and techniques. Tim’s a great tutor -
“Having been given an electric guitar as a present 3 years ago, and my son
who is now 9 getting one for Christmas nearly 2 years ago, I thought it about time
we learned how to play them. You can imagine how difficult it must be to teach a
9 year old and a 47 year old together to play what I perceived as being one of the
most difficult instruments to learn to play! But not Tim, his patience and guitar
knowledge make him the perfect tutor. After just two lessons he has already taught
us to play some basic Status Quo. We believe we are lucky to have found him and as
I write this I am being pestered by my 9 year old as to when we get our next lesson!
If you are serious about learning to play guitar then Tim is your man.” -
“It has been brilliant. In just a few weeks, I can now pick up my guitar
and play actual music, it is so much better than the years I have spent looking at
my guitar in the corner. Thank you for this great gift.” -
“Tim rocks! :) He is a very inspiring teacher and definitely knows what he's
doing!!!” -
“After only two lessons we have already learned and retained so much. Though
we know we are not hitting the chords ‘just so’, we are enjoying learning. Tim is
very patient and makes the lessons seem just like a fun jamming session. Tim encourages
even our littlest efforts. This has been way more fun than lessons via DVD!” -
“I had a great time with the guitar lessons today... I have had a few lessons
with my tutor, but I am going to cancel them and join the lessons [with you] instead...
That's exactly what I was looking for. Tuition that is fun.” -
If you’re one of my students and would like to add a testimonial to this page, I’d
love to hear from you -
I only put your first name on the website.