Songwriting
Guitar Grades / Music Theory Grades - 100% Pass rate
Music Theory
MAP test Preparation
My teaching style is geared towards the individual: whether it's learning for a hobby or a profession. Initially, I find out where the student is coming from, what their interests and motivations are and develop from there. I aim to create an environment of enjoyment, creativity, progression and accessibility. I teach skills ranging from simple strumming to complex riffs and improvisation. I also teach grades and songwriting. I like to make sure my students are getting what they are interested in and that they feel encouraged. I cater for all styles, all abilities and all ages. If you are looking for an experienced, patient, focused, professional and passionate guitar teacher then please get in touch. BIOG
I graduated from LIPA in 2002 with a BA (hons) in Performing Arts Music, specialising in Lead Guitar. I’ve been playing guitar for 18 years. I’ve been in a variety of bands/duos/solo projects, playing both covers and original music rangin from acoustic blues to 80′s and most things inbetween. I play electric and acoustic, lead and rhythm. I have played lead guitar with original artists as well as performing for their studio recordings. I write, record and perform my own songs (alternative acoustic blues) and self-released my debut album in December 2010 and EP in 2013. I have been teaching private students since 2002 and have worked in music schools teaching a range of ages and abilities in one-on-one lessons from ages 6 to adult. I have been involved in a project called 'Girls Into Rock' as a mentor with Sense of Sound. I co-led workshops in songwriting, musicianship and band work. We got the band (14-18yr olds) gig-ready with their own original songs and also ready for the recording of their songs in Parr St Studios. I also mentored for Get Real Academy, LIPA and Bangin Pans project. I have experience in leading guitar workshops. I taught guitar at Enterprise South Liverpool Academy for 6 years. I have successfully helped students prepare for Music Theory Grades, MAP tests and performance auditions for places at LIPA, LIPA Sixth Form, St Edwards and Liverpool College in the Liverpool area. I am Enhances DBS checked and a member of Musicians Union and RGT. Lessons are face to face or online (via Zoom / Skype / Whatsapp)
Testimonials
"Three years ago I set myself the challenge of learning an instrument as an adult without being able to read a note of music. Jo Bywater 's name was a personal recommendation for a guitar teacher so I took the plunge. Jo has the patience of a saint but was able to motivate me to keep going when it got tough! And tough it was. However she always picked songs which I liked and of a difficulty that she thought I could master. So three years down the line . I am still a beginner, but I have played and sung in public and no-one laughed ( my personal goal) . I am relocating so have stopped lessons but would highly recommend Jo if you are beginning or honing up your skills because she is a great teacher"
Clare Littlewood Jime 2016
Adult beginner
"I have been going to Jo for over a year now, I have found her an excellent tutor and as a first time learner I would recommend her highly, she has brought me on loads!" Peter. 2016
"Jo is an inspirational teacher. She is patient, encouraging and really good at guitar. She understood that I would learn best if I was playing what I liked and so she helped me learn to play rock and alternative styles. I would definitely recommend her to others" Jasmin (aged 14). 2016
"As an adult guitar learner, Jo has been ever so patient with me and my confidence in playing has improved immeasurably. Jo is a talented and knowledgeable teacher and I would absolutely recommend her" Normandie
"Jo is outstanding, I was having trouble sumarising Jo’s guitar tuition, but that just about covers it. I've taken up guitar for a couple of reasons, but mostly personal amusement. Given that I've started with almost zero musical knowledge, Jo has shown extreme patience, insight and skill in diagnosing the numerous inventive ways I find to get things wrong. She works well, finding where I'm going wrong, correcting and providing ways for me to improve. Jo is good at providing building blocks you need and breaking things down into manageable chunks to learn. Simply put, in my opinion, it’s definitely worth seeking Jo out and seeing how she can help your guitar playing progress" Chris
"Jo has been teaching my two daughters for around 3 years now and in that time they have made great progress in using various techniques, grade work and playing for pleasure. Importantly they really enjoy their lessons and their practice!" Annette
"Jo has been a fantastic and inspirational teacher for me. As a "mature" learner who has been trying to play guitar for several decades, I've had several teachers but Jo has really helped me to develop in ways that none of the others could. She responds fully to my preferences regarding songs and styles and also comes up with excellent ideas. The mix of technique and performance practice is perfect for me. And she's such an easy person to like" Jack
"Jo Bywater is the best guitar teacher I have ever had. The lessons are very much focused on my own interests and the songs and skills I wish to learn which makes practising much more fun than just having tasks set for me. She has a fantastic eye for detail and uses this ability to break down complex riffs and songs into smaller, more easily understood techniques. Jo is patient, she communicates really well and is very understanding and flexible with lesson times and bookings. I would recommend any guitarist, beginner or expert to take lessons with Jo as her great skill and broad knowledge mean everyone stand to learn something new." Dan
"From the very first lesson Sophie had with Jo, she was hooked! At first she found getting to grips with the guitar difficult but through Jo's endless patience, not to mention skill, encouragement and flair, she progressed extremely quickly. Sophie will be attending ACM College in Guildford to study music. Jo's teaching has without doubt increased her confidence in guitar playing and songwriting and has inspired her even more to reach her goals. Thank you so much Jo - what a find!" Carol
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"You've made me fall in love with playing guitar, and even when I struggle and get impatient you always re-gained my confidence. I know for a fact if I wouldn't have had you as my teacher, I would have given up when it got too hard, I wouldn't have had the courage to make songs my own or even write originals! Any student would be lucky to have you Jo. Thank you for everything." Sophie
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"Jo's enthusiasm for both teaching and playing is contagious. She's helped me bring my guitar skills to life." Blythe
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"Jo is patient, enthusiastic and has made learning guitar excellent fun for my daughter and myself, spanning our ages from 7 to rather not say. Riffy always seems to come out bouncing after a lesson." Chris
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"I think you are a really good guitarist and are really good at teaching me. I really enjoy guitar lessons with you." Riffy
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"If you want to figure out how to get about those six strings, go to Jo. She's ace!" Kaya
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"Anyone wanting guitar lessons - check this out! Highly recommended!" El
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"Jo Bywater has passion and soul. She could teach you a lot."
