ABOUT ME
Steve Gardiner is a professional guitarist, session musician and tutor based in Cannock, Staffordshire in the UK.
Having played guitar from the age of 8 under the guidance of his guitarist father Brian Gardiner, Steve's passion and playing ability quickly developed. At 15 he began gigging professionally, playing in bands throughout Birmingham and the Midlands. Working at such a young age, alongside musicians who were ten and twenty years his senior not only provided Steve with a wealth of practical experience as a musician, it developed in him the strong work ethic as a live performer and music tutor that he still possess today.
Over the last 30 years, Steve has worked in function and tribute bands in venues across the UK and Europe, playing the music of Rush, Whitesnake, Madness, Kate Bush and many more. A professional on stage and equally in the recording studio. He currently plays lead guitar for the UK David Bowie tribute band Jean Genie, filling the role of the legendary Mick Ronson with the help of his trusty Gibson Les Paul Gold Top.
Steve attained Grade 8 Classical Guitar from Trinity College of Music, London, is a member of the Registry of Guitar Tutors at London College of Music and has a full DBS check and insurance as a private tutor. In addition to his private tuition at his music studio in Cannock, he also teaches acoustic, electric and classical guitar, ukulele, bass and mandolin in schools across Staffordshire and Birmingham.
TUITION
Guitar, Bass, Mandolin & Ukulele
ONE TO ONE STUDIO LESSONS
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I offer bespoke tuition in acoustic, classical, and electric guitar, as well as bass, mandolin and ukulele, covering all major playing styles including chordal playing, plectrum, slide, and fingerstyle techniques. Every lesson is individually designed around your ability level, learning style, and musical interests, ensuring focused progress and maximum enjoyment.
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Lessons centre on the music you want to play, whether that’s learning a favourite song or riff, developing your technique, refining existing skills, or simply playing for fun. I teach a wide range of styles, including rock and pop, blues, Latin, jazz, acoustic, and classical music, and tailor each session to help you achieve your personal goals.
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With over 15 years of teaching experience, alongside a career as a full-time professional musician, I bring real-world musical insight to my lessons. This also allows flexibility for both daytime and evening sessions.
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Through a combination of private tuition and teaching guitar in primary and secondary schools, I have extensive experience working with students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. I am fully DBS checked, and beginners through to advanced players are warmly welcome.
ONLINE LIVE VIDEO LESSONS
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Alongside face-to-face tuition, I also offer online guitar lessons via Teams or WhatsApp, providing a flexible and accessible option for students who live too far from Cannock, are unable to travel, or have busy schedules that make in-person lessons difficult. Online tuition also allows international students to learn with me and offers a convenient way for existing students to continue their studies remotely. I currently teach online students based throughout the UK and Europe.
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Any lesson materials can be sent via email in advance, allowing you to prepare and practise between each session. All you need is a computer, tablet, or phone with an internet connection and a camera; we can then get started. Online lessons offer the same level of personal tuition and support as in-studio sessions, with the added comfort and convenience of learning from the comfort of your own home. As with my in-person teaching, every online lesson is individually tailored to your ability level, learning style, and musical goals. We focus on the music you want to play, working together to ensure consistent progress and maximum enjoyment from every session.
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While YouTube tutorials can be useful as supplementary resources, they cannot replace the real-time feedback, structure, and guidance provided by a live teacher. Without a clear learning plan, progress can become disorganised and important fundamentals are often missed. My one-to-one online lessons solve this by offering immediate feedback as you play, clear direction, and the opportunity to ask questions and receive instant answers.
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Whether you’re an absolute beginner, an experienced player looking to refine your skills, or working towards guitar grades, students of all levels and abilities are very welcome. Contact me today to arrange your free consultation.
GUITAR GRADE EXAMS
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As a member of the Registry of Guitar Tutors (RGT), I am fully qualified to coach students through a range of recognised examination boards, including RGT, Trinity College London, and Rockschool. I offer structured and supportive preparation for exam grades from Preliminary through to Grade 8, for students who wish to work towards formal qualifications as part of their musical journey.
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Grade-focused lessons can include music reading (standard notation and tab), music theory, harmony, technical development, stylistic interpretation, and performance skills, all taught in a clear and practical way. Exam requirements are carefully broken down and integrated into lessons at a pace that suits the individual student, ensuring confidence and steady progress without unnecessary pressure.
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While examinations can be a motivating and rewarding goal for many students, they are never compulsory. Some students choose to follow a graded pathway for structure and accreditation, while others prefer a more informal, repertoire-based approach. Lessons are always tailored to your personal aims, and grades are only introduced where they genuinely support your development and enjoyment of playing.
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Whether you are working towards your first qualification, aiming to progress through higher grades, or preparing for an exam as part of school, college, or personal achievement, I provide clear guidance, encouragement, and expert preparation throughout the process.
* Please note, students are required to give a full 48 hours' notice before cancellation. If a lesson is cancelled without the required notice, the student will be charged the full lesson price, as the lesson slot cannot be offered to another individual within that time frame. (Where possible, if my diary allows I will always try to offer an alternate space in the same week should I have a suitable one available, but this is understandbly not guaranteed).
LESSON FEE
Prices vary according to the length of the lesson, regardless of instrument.
Lessons available for Acoustic, Electric and Classical Guitar, Ukulele, Bass and Mandolin.
STUDIO
Face-to-face lessons take place in a purpose-built, dedicated teaching studio, located in a large garden cabin office at my home near Gentleshaw, Staffordshire. The studio provides a quiet, comfortable, and distraction-free environment that is ideal for focused learning.
The space is fully equipped with guitar and bass amplification, along with lesson recording facilities, allowing students to revisit material and track their progress between sessions, should they wish. The studio is spacious, well-lit, and designed specifically for music tuition, creating a relaxed yet professional atmosphere.
For younger students or those who prefer to be accompanied, the studio includes comfortable seating for parents or guardians who wish to stay during the lesson. There is also free on-street parking available outside, making arrival and departure easy and convenient.
Lessons are available in person or online via WhatsApp video calling, offering flexibility to suit individual needs while maintaining the same high standard of personalised tuition.
-Photography by Steve Brown Photography
MORE THAN JUST LESSONS
- JOIN THE STUDENT COMMUNITY
Learning an instrument doesn’t have to stop when your lesson ends. You’ll have the option to join my private Student WhatsApp Group, created exclusively for my guitar, bass, ukulele and mandolin students. It’s a relaxed, friendly space where you can share your progress, ask questions, exchange ideas and connect with other like-minded musicians. Whether you’ve discovered a great guitar exercise, found a useful tutorial, bought some new gear, have a gig coming up or simply want to share a video of something you’ve been working on, the group is there for you to use however you’d like. There’s absolutely no pressure to participate. You may also find other students who are interested in jamming together, starting a band, sharing resources or simply chatting about music and instruments. It’s a great way to become part of a supportive local community of musicians, alongside your individual lessons with me.
REGULAR SOCIAL JAM SESSIONS
The student community also provides opportunities to take the skills you develop in your individual lessons and put them into practice in a fun, relaxed and social environment. Students regularly organise social jam sessions at Neon Sound Studios in Burntwood. Everyone is welcome, regardless of your age, ability or how long you’ve been playing.
PLAY WITH OTHER MUSICIANS
Learn how to listen, respond and keep your playing going alongside guitars, bass, drums and other instruments.
BUILD YOUR MUSICAL SKILLS
Put the techniques, chords, riffs and songs from your lessons into practice in a real playing environment.
GROW YOUR CONFIDENCE
Get comfortable playing in front of other people without the pressure of a formal performance.
IMPROVE YOUR RHYTHM & TIMING
Develop the feel and awareness that you simply can't get from playing along on your own.
MEET OTHER MUSICIANS
Make new friends, find people to jam with and potentially discover future bandmates.
MOST IMPORTANTLY - HAVE FUN!
There’s no audition, no expectations and no pressure to perform. Just bring your instrument, observe the jam session or take
part and enjoy making music with other people.
You don’t need to be an experienced musician or a confident performer to take part. In fact, these sessions can be particularly useful if you’re still building your confidence and want to experience playing with others in a welcoming environment.
YOUR LESSONS GIVE YOU THE SKILLS
THE JAM SESSIONS GIVE YOU SOMEWHERE TO USE THEM
Joining the WhatsApp group and taking part in the social sessions is completely optional, but if you’d like to meet other students, play more music and become part of a local community of musicians, you’ll be very welcome.
CONTACT ME
Get in touch to find out more about learning with me, for a free phone consultation or to book an initial lesson.
Steve Gardiner Guitar Tuition
Longstaff Avenue
Cannock
WS12 0QE
UK
