Welcome to Bristol Guitar Lessons
My name is Adam Chilvers and I am a qualified and experienced musician, guitarist and tutor based in central Bristol.
I offer lessons in acoustic and electric guitar styles to and adults and children, from complete beginners to advanced and everyone in between.
Teaching the guitar in Bristol professionally since 2006, both in school and privately during which time I have been privileged to have worked with a great number of students all the way from complete beginner to grade 8. To date my students have ranged from as young as 5 to 70 plus.
I teach from my dedicated teaching studio at home in Arno’s Vale and online via Zoom or Google Meet.
“Adam’s a great teacher who really knows his stuff”
Electric and Acoustic
Adults and Children
Lessons for all ages and abilities. Find out more about children’s lessons here
Music Theory
Learn purely for fun or learn all about music theory and take grades (also for fun). Find theory resources here
Gift Vouchers
I offer gift vouchers for any denomination. Find out more about guitar lesson gift vouchers here
Qualifications and Certificates
I have been playing guitar since age 14 and first began teaching the instrument whilst teaching English as a foreign language in Prague in 2000. I began teaching the guitar full time following graduation from Bath Spa University in 2006.
- B.A Music (First Class Hons)
- Dip. Musicians Institute (London)
- Rockschool Music educator award
- CTLLS Certificate (Teaching in the Lifelong learning sector)
- DBS Certificate
- Public Liability Insurance
- Musicians Union Membership
- Code of Practice
- O.C.N Music Technology
In a Nutshell
From basic strumming to advanced theory. Whether you are starting completely from scratch or stuck in a rut, I can help you to get where you want to be. I have a BA (hons) Music as well as being a graduate of the Musicians institute, London and can offer a variety of styles in a relaxed environment. I am a member of the Musicians Union and am fully DBS checked. Good rates…..
Lessons are from my teaching studio in Arnos Vale, Bristol. The studio is well equipped with a range of instruments and teaching aids including computer based learning tools and recording equipment.
Many of my students are young children and I welcome complete beginners of all ages. I enjoy teaching all genres of electric and acoustic guitar, to students of all levels. Among the most popular styles tend to be rock, pop, folk, jazz and blues but I am extremely open to helping you explore your particular area of interest, whatever that may be.
I also specialise in guitar-specific music theory, essential for those wanting to write songs, improvise, or simply increase their theoretical understanding of the instrument and music generally.
Beginners
I have extensive experience working with complete beginners and, over the years, have tutored many students—from their very first chords to becoming extremely competent and well-rounded players. My goal is to help everyone reach a point where they feel they have the necessary tools and confidence to continue progressing on their own self-driven learning path.
“Adam is an excellent musician and teacher. He has really helped me gain in confidence, and to expand my theoretical and practical guitar playing from near zero to amateur performance level”
Bespoke Lessons
Lessons are tailored to each student’s individual needs and aspirations. Many students choose to learn through classic songs—or songs of their own choosing—and in my experience, this is a very effective method. It allows you to develop a repertoire while the material serves as a springboard for further exploration of guitar technique and music theory. Others prefer a more academic approach, focusing on music theory or working towards grades, which can be equally effective.
I encourage each individual to consider which path suits them best, and I always enjoy learning new material myself to help students fully explore and develop wherever their interests lie.
You may be a singer looking to acquire skills to accompany yourself, or you might want to learn the fundamentals of harmony to write your own songs. Perhaps you’re interested in picking up a few blues licks, or ready to dive headlong into the world of jazz theory.
Whatever direction you choose, all lessons are supplemented with either paper or audio-based materials to support a thorough and productive daily practice routine.
Take a look here at some of the tunes students have requested in the recent, or distant past.
My Approach
I believe passionately that my relationship with the guitar—and my creative interest in music more broadly—has had a tremendously positive influence on my life. I think most musicians would say the same. I have always found the journey of study and constant improvement to be hugely rewarding and far-reaching, extending well beyond just chords and scales (which can be fun too!). I believe this holds true no matter what your current level of ability.
Fundamentally, being able to reach for the guitar while the kettle is boiling or the computer is firing up—to see you through a lull in a movie, or to croon away a quiet night in without the TV; to play along with a song, or better still, to write one yourself; to jam with friends or make new ones—whatever it may be, it’s a way of life I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone. And it is never too soon or too late to start.
For those who prefer a formal, goal-driven structure, I can also offer support with any of the Rockschool or LCM acoustic or electric guitar grades.
Grades
I have worked with many students over the years, young and old, helping them work their way through various guitar grades. Studying and taking electric or acoustic guitar grades—either with LCM (London College of Music) or Rockschool—can offer numerous benefits. These structured syllabuses are designed for all skill levels, ensuring a thorough and enjoyable learning experience.
By working towards these grades, students can systematically develop their technical skills, musicality, and performance confidence. The exams provide clear goals, which can be both motivating and rewarding.
Achieving these recognized qualifications also looks great on a musical CV, opening doors to further educational and professional opportunities. Additionally, the diverse repertoire and flexible exam formats allow students to explore various musical styles, making learning fun and personalized.
For younger students, one significant advantage of achieving grades is the potential to earn UCAS points, which are important for university applications in the UK. Successfully completing higher-grade exams can contribute valuable UCAS points, boosting a student’s application and increasing their chances of securing a place at their chosen university. This recognition of musical achievement highlights the importance of hard work and dedication, providing students with a sense of accomplishment and further motivation to continue their musical journey.
About Me
Guitarist, Musician and Music Educator
I have been playing guitar since 1984 and teaching full time since 2006
I have been playing the guitar since 1984 and teaching professionally from 2006. have been playing the guitar since 1984 and have played in many bands over the years trying my hand at many styles including pop, blues, country, rock and roll and jazz. I am committed to continual professional development, both as a teacher and as a musician and currently hold the following qualifications and memberships:
- GIT Diploma from the Musicians Institute in London
- First class BA (hons) Music- Bath Spa University
- Rockschool Music Educators award
- CTLLS (Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong learning sector)
- Enhanced CRB/DBS certificate
- Musicians Union membership
- Full public liability insurance
- I am a member of Musicleader and actively subscribe to their code of practice