Unlock
their Musical Potential

Film Production

Chris had his first guitar lessons with Music in Schools UK tutor James Manders during the late 1990s. Chris had a passion for film and the creative arts and now works in the movie industry alongside Nick Park and Aardman Animations.

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“James is very kind and patient teacher. He was able to make beginning to learn the guitar both engaging and encouraging, so that you start to see your progression clearly. He is also able to tailor your lessons to keep you engaged and positive with your progression. Whether you want to pursue academic ability with the guitar or just learn to play your favourite songs, James is there to break it down, show you how and cheer you along the way.”

Music Producer at BMG

Ben began his guitar lessons with Music in Schools UK tutor James Manders in 2006. At that time, he already possessed the ability to play basic chords and lead solos, demonstrating a natural talent for guitar playing and a strong musical intuition. Throughout his teenage years, Ben continued his studies with Guitar in Schools, successfully attaining his Grade 8 before departing for university. Currently, Ben splits his time between London and Los Angeles, where he works as a music producer for BMG, the fourth largest music publisher in the world.

Casual Musician

Christian started having guitar lessons from Year 3 and studied with Music in Schools UK tutor James Manders through to year 13. Christian became a competent musician playing guitar and drum kit to a very high standard. Christian continues to play music in bands and at church in his spare time.

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“I began learning Classical Guitar in Year 3 with Mr Manders [Music in Schools UK founder & tutor]. He helped me become disciplined in my practise and routines as I wasn’t the type to practise that much outside of my lessons at the start. He was firm in his teaching but so engaging and knowledgeable. He organised assemblies to help us all gain confidence in our playing, which was so helpful to me. Being taught by Mr Manders allowed me to gain passes with merit.

His lessons were perfectly personalised - he would record himself playing pieces so I could analyse and compare on areas I was struggling with; he would play along with me when it came to my music GCSE compositions; and aided me to become a well-rounded player. I began learning the drums in Year 7 , and his teaching was just as brilliant, aiding in my technique with additional resources and guidance. He was always so passionate about teaching and his playing in general. Having many years of experience in performing, he was always great at guiding me as I began playing the drums at church. I am so very thankful for my years with Mr Manders.”

“I can highly recommend James Manders to you as a guitar teacher for your children.

James taught my son for 7 years from primary through to secondary school and in that time gave him the confidence required for public performance. He regularly performed in school concerts and more recently at The Royal Albert Hall.

My son has special needs, guitar was the one area in which he needed no extra help or support. James is very sensitive to his students as individuals and adapts his approach to suit their personality, abilities and needs. James had a fantastic rapport with my son because he is an engaging teacher and has taken the time to get to know my son’s personality.

He is a very good motivator, able to make learning fun.

My son has enjoyed learning the guitar from his very first lesson with James and, in those years, he has gone from a complete beginner in an instrument to achieving a grade 5.”

Composer & Music Tutor

After studying electric guitar with Music in Schools UK tutor James Manders. Wil attained his Grade 8 in 2006 before studying Popular Music Performance at The Guitar Institute London. Wil now works as a full time musician composing music for video games and tutors guitar, ukulele and piano.

Musician

Oliver started learning the guitar with Music in Schools UK tutor James Manders at Primary school and moved onto the electric bass guitar in Secondary school. Oliver’s passion for music grew, and he achieved Grade 8 in Bass Guitar before moving on to studying Popular Music at university. Oliver is now a working musician and performs and plays in bands.

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“No one had more of an impact on me than James Manders [Music in Schools UK founder and tutor]. I had lessons with him for over 8 years and I took something out of every single one. Whether it was chord shapes or parts of a guitar, all the way to Jazz theory, I was inspired every single time.

I am now in my second year of university, where I study music. James has truly made a difference in my life, and set me on my way to become a professional musician.

James is an amazing teacher, and I cannot thank him enough.”

“James has supported my son George for five years and over this time George's Classical Guitar has moved from Grade 0 - can't play, to Grade 4.

James's flexible approach has been motivational and rewarding - George has been engaged every step of the way. James has developed George's technical ability with balancing structured lessons with music George wants to learn/play.

We are more than pleased with George's progress and would not hesitate to recommend James to future pupils.    

Thank you for your connection with George.”

Musician & Music Teacher

Jimmy studied bass guitar with Music in Schools UK tutor James Manders, achieving Grade 8 in 2009. Jimmy went on to study music at university and now works as a music teacher and performs as a solo artist.

“James taught me Bass guitar throughout my teenage years, teaching me to pass grades aswell as learn songs and different techniques I had seen or heard along the way. 

I was told about James through friends who also had lessons with him and he used to go out of his way to help us when we had eventually formed a band and were writing and performing ourselves. 

He made the lessons enjoyable and also productive, I can remember not knowing which string was which in my first lesson to learning Grade 8 pieces by the time my lessons finished around 9 years later.”

Musician

Keely was one of Music in Schools UK’s most disciplined students who developed a keen interest in classical and acoustic guitar over her early years. Keely started learning guitar in Year 4 and worked to achieve her Grade 8 at age 16. Keely went on to study in the USA and continues to play guitar as an adult.

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“I started guitar lessons with James when I was 9 years old. His patience and support are the reasons I continued for another 10 years. James is not only a fantastic musician but also an exceptional teacher. He created a supportive and motivating environment that truly helped me grow as a young guitar player. His focused attention in each lesson kept me inspired and motivated, even during times when learning new pieces felt impossible. I’m incredibly grateful for the time I spent with James; I wouldn't have achieved the results I did or become the musician I am today without him.”