Mark James

Hi, My name is Mark. Thanks for visiting my Guitar Tuition website.

I've been playing guitar since I was 11(nearly 38 years now, shhh) and have been playing in bands since I was 15. I now record under the name Back Bone Shiver - a solo project.

I have been teaching for over 15 years now. mainly in the Bolton area but branching out into Leigh, Walkden, Manchester and Horwich. I love it, as a business it keeps me off the streets but as a vocation I have loved every minute of it.

Effective teaching should be fun, I believe there is a contract between a teacher and a student that involves trust and an understanding of what the student needs form their teacher. This is very important to me. Lessons should be informative, relaxing and nuturing.

Children and Music: Benefits of Music in Child Development

My philosophy when it comes to music has always been no boundaries and I apply that to my teaching. If you want to play for yourself or others then I'm more than happy to help.

Playing a musical instrument makes you brainier

Google Reviews

One to one tuition, set at your own pace and well priced. Also Mark is very friendly and knows what he's talking about. I would definitely recommend

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Neon Rider

2 weeks ago

Been having lessons with Mark for a couple of years now.Lessons are relaxed and enjoyable.From a complete novice I think I have improved immensely due to Marks patience and knowledge.Look forward to my lesson every week.Would highly recommend.

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Joseph Lane

2 weeks ago

I would highly recommend Mark if you would like to learn how to play the guitar. Mark has a relaxed approach to teaching but, also pushes you to learn things that you wouldn't think of trying by simply watching online lessons etc. Mark has a very good broad range of musical taste and, knowledge and, I am sure can cater for any age/tastes.

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Colin Barton

2 weeks ago

Didnt know one end of the guitar from the other within weeks Mark had me playing chords. Been learning with Mark now for just over a year and it has been brilliant, is so good i booked and paid up for a year in advance. Cant recommend Mark highly enough.

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British Cop

2 weeks ago

My son and I have been having lessons with Mark for the past 6 months. Mark is brilliant with my son who is a complete beginner whereas I'm an existing player who wanted to improve my playing - both of us have come on leaps and bounds since we started with Mark. Can't rate him highly enough!

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Richard Baxter

3 weeks ago

I had never played a musical instrument before but I am fond of listening to music and learning the guitar was on my "bucket list". Retirement has provided me the opportunity to realise that objective. Mark has been my tutor for several months now and have really enjoyed working with him.The lessons Marks provides are informal yet challenging and a good combination of learning the basics and starting to the learn to play the songs you like, I think the latter really sustains your interest and enjoyment . Most importantly the lessons are at the right pace. I must say that I have progressed far quicker than I expected. As you would expect Mark is very knowledgeable but patient and has a great coaching style which pushes you on. I also value his guidance on the selection instruments and other related equipment.

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Mark R

2 years ago

My son Jim (9) has been going to Mark for 4 or 5 months now. He has really started to improve,by Mark keeping the lessons fun and targeting what Jim wants and enjoys to play. This also means he is always happy to practice whereas before it seemed to be a chore.

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Ray Wall

2 years ago

I started having lessons with Mark from middle July 2016 as a beginner, I have always wanted to learn Acustic Guitar but I thought at the age of 70 it's to late, Mark soon made me realise it's never to late, he has Special technique to bring out the best in you, age is no barrier, he is very patient a great musician and a really nice guy, I cannot praise him more highly for giving me the confidence I have today, I look forward to every lesson, Thank you so much Mark for all your help.

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Trevor Bennett

3 years ago

Wouldn't go to anyone else for guitar lessons! Great guy and even better musician. Very good structured lessons and will teach you whatever you want to know.Explains everything so well. I have learnt so much from Mark, way more than when i tried to teach myself.

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mossie cassidy

3 years ago

If you want to learn guitar, Mark is your man. Fantastic teacher and very patient, especially when I become frustrated with myself! Would highly recommend to anyone ....

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Daniel Kilday

3 years ago

I always wanted to learn guitar and when I moved into my new home I found an old guitar in the attic. I had it professionally restored, and attempted to play over the next six months. Not making any real progress I decided to take some lessons. I found Mark whom is a very knowledgeable teacher, knowing many styles and techniques. He's able to adapt training and lessons to suit you, being very patient and helpful even outside of lesson time. After nine months of lessons I am now able to play many songs, and also able to pick up music tabs from the internet and play along to them comfortably, although in all honesty a little slower and with mistakes, I am still playing. A great improvement. Mark has introduced structure, goals, and steady progression, and to top it off he's a great laugh! I would have no hesitation in recommending Mark, and look forward to many more lessons with him. Thank you Mark for all your help!

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John Hoy

3 years ago

I have only been playing guitar for almost two years and in that time Mark has made me love playing the guitar and made me amazing at playing one. So because of this anyone who I know wants to play a guitar I automatically point them to Mark.Mark is also a great person to be taught by he is very thoughtful and always try to improve your guitar playing. He is also an amazing dancer.

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Daniel Newsham

3 years ago

If you want a tutor that will instil a passion and love of music, then Mark is the tutor for you. My daughter now has both the passion and skill to pursue a career in music thanks to the tuition she has had from Mark. All this from when she first started, aged 7 with a guitar from Argos. And perhaps more importantly, she absolutely loves the lessons.

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Clare Roberts

3 years ago

Most helpful and skilled teacher i have ever had. Helped me with my GCSE in music and taught me all about recording and editing music. Did all he could to support me in my love of music! I would recommend Mark to anyone looking for guitar tuition! ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!!!!!

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Jamie Kaneen

5 years ago

If like myself you want to learn guitar and have bought books and spent hours watching you-tube videos but find yourself getting nowhere then you need lessons. A regular lesson will give you the drive you need to keep practising. Mark provides that impetus in a relaxed and friendly way. He's quite happy to tailor lessons to suit the individual whether its guitar theory or a particular style or song that you wish to learn. He doesn't criticise and has lots of patience, which is great if you're a sausage fingered buffoon like me. Just don't ask for a Nickleback song.

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darren thornley

5 years ago

Learning to play Banjo and over the moon with the teaching & help from Mark. His style of teaching is relaxed friendly and patient and I can thoroughly recommend Mark as a teacher to anyone who wants to learn and I’ am grateful for his tuition.

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Dave Wilkinson

5 years ago

my son Liam, has been having guitar tuition, for some time now... mark is a an amazing tutor, who is patient, flexible, knowledgeable and has a great sense of humour, that has helped put Liam at ease....Nothing is too much trouble for Mark, from retuning your guitar to replacing strings.Liam continues to progress musically, and the pure enjoyment he receives from his tuition, and the priceless look when he nails a tune.... is all down to mark's tuition! it's worth every penny!I have recommended and will continue to recommend mark, if you or your child want to become an experienced guitarist, look no further....

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kelly brander

5 years ago

Cognitive Benefits From a Musical Activity in Adults

I teach all styles of guitar, I also play bass, banjo, ukulele and mandolin. I also have a hi-tech studio recording setup which is also available to students should they need it.

Learning an instrument has lots of benefits for the student young and old

• It makes you smarter
• it improves problem solving skills
• it makes you think faster
• it makes you happier
• it gives you purpose
• it shows commitment
• businesses, appenticeships, universities and colleges love seeing a musical instrument on a CV

Ten Reasons Why Everyone Should Learn To Play Musical Instrument