Tuition
Tuition is a large part of what we do here and we have instrumental teachers that can help you reach your potential on all types of instruments including guitar, drums, bass, ukulele, banjo, mandolin, piano, cello, brass (and on and on!) and whether you are a complete beginner or someone who just needs a fresh approach, we can help you..... if we can't we will more than likely have the number of somebody who can.
Lessons are priced at £15 for 30 minute sessions and are all one to one. If you wanted to take grades then we tend to use either the Rockschool or RGT syllabuses.
We are also experienced in dealing with music for schools, we currently serve a number of schools as both peripatetic instrumental teachers and also workshop/after school club organisers.
All of our teachers hold public liability insurance and are CRB checked.
Meet Our Teachers
Full biogs not available on mobile site currently
Darren Jones - Guitar, Bass, Ukulele
Darren founded MAXJam Music in 2017 after the closure of The Guitar Workshop (aka centre of the universe). During his musical career Darren has played in all kinds of setups from touring originals projects to successful tribute acts. His self written album entitled 'First Love, Last Hope' was released in 2017 and can be found on all streaming media sites (itunes, spotify, amazon etc)
He began teaching the guitar in 2002 and in that time he has taught hundreds of students how to play. As well as private lessons Darren also teaches at a number of the local schools in the NWL area.
Relevant qualifications include..
Level 6 licentiate in Music Teaching
- RSL Grade 8 Guitar (Rockschool)
- RGT Grade 8 Acoustic Guitar (London college of music)
- RSL Music Educator (Rockschool)
- City & Guilds PTLLS Teaching Qualification
- City & Guilds CTLLS Teaching Qualification
- HND in popular music and production from Birmingham University
- Member of the Society for Education and Training (SET)
Guy Rogers - Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin
Guy Rogers has been performing on the acoustic music scene for over 40 years. Originally captivated by the thriving folk scene in the early seventies Guy soon got drawn into acoustic, bluegrass and country music.
Guy is by no means purely interested in acoustic music and loves all kinds of music and also draws his influences from rock, blues, jazz, world and classical music. Guy says, "I don't think music should be categorised, it is all music and we should listen to and explore all forms of music. I believe it was Duke Ellington who said; There are two types of music, good music and the other kind."
For fifteen years Guy was a member of the Down County Boys during which time the band gained no less than six consecutive BCMA (British Country Music Association) awards for Best British Bluegrass band.
Guy can currently be heard performing solo and with several bands, Phantom Horse, Dark Horse, Vitallion III, The Heywood Moore Hoedown Band, The Geezers (with Steve Cartwright) and guesting with any number of other acts.
Nigel Pretty - Drums, Hammond Organ
Drum Teacher Nigel is a working local drummer with over 30 years experience playing in many bands of all styles of Music from Rock to Jazz, he has been teaching for 10 years both privately and in schools.
His 'Bonham'esqe style of drumming puts him up with the best drummers in the area.
A great teacher with all age groups if your just learning, interested in grades or want to improve your playing get in touch
Nigel also plays a mean hammond style organ, there isn't too many of those types of players around.
Nicola Watson - Saxophone, Trumpet, Clarinet, Flute
Nicola studied music at the University of Huddersfield where she focused on the Saxophone. She was a member of its acclaimed Symphonic Wind Orchestra, under the direction of Phillip McCann. Nicola also played in the university's Big Band.
Since graduation, Nicola continues to maintain her love and passion for music, and is an active freelance musician with a significant presence in the local Jazz Scene. As well as her private tuition Nicola also visits a number of schools in the area as a peripatetic tutor.
Nicola has a passion for music education and her passion for music is infectious. She is able to work with children and adults alike, whether you have any musical background or not, Nicola will be able to get you playing and loving music!
Nicola also holds Grade 8 qualifications in Alto Saxophone and Flute from the Associated Board of The Royal School of Music
Jo Oxbrough - Vocals, Piano, Cornet, French Horn and Music Theory
Jo first started her music career 10 years ago, after graduating from Leeds College of Music where she specialised in Vocal Studies. Since graduating, she went on to complete a PGCE in Secondary Music Education and a Masters degree in Teaching and Learning. Jo is an experienced teacher, teaching in schools and providing private instrumental lessons.
Jo specialises in vocal teaching and is familiar with ABRSM and Rock School qualifications. She enjoys teaching a range of styles including classical, musical theatre and modern popular music. As well as enjoying vocal studies, Jo also enjoys teaching brass instruments (particularity Cornet and French Horn), piano and music theory to students of all ages.