Exeter Guitar Lessons - Steve Down

General information

I have been teaching guitar and music theory for over a decade, as well as being an active professional musician. Graduating with a 1st Class degree in Music from Southampton University, I have since worked with many world class artists including Joss Stone, Jeff Beck, Beverley Knight, Joselyn Brown, Nitin Sawhney, Lamar, Mica Paris, Incognito, Lack Of Afro, Leigh Coleman, The Voice contestant Hannah Berney, Keith Emerson, KT Tunstall… I have performed at prestigious venues and festivals worldwide including Wembley Stadium, The Royal Albert Hall, Byron Bay Blues Festival and the North Sea Jazz Festival.

I have over a decade of experience teaching guitar and music theory in colleges and schools, as well as teaching private students and running group and university workshops. I have a full DBS check, Public Liability Insurance and am a member of the Musicians Union and the Registry of Guitar Tutors.

I uphold a friendly and professional attitude towards lessons, making sure the student gets the most out of their time with me and has fun. I encourage students to nurture their creativity in their musical journey, learning not just to play and reproduce what they hear, but develop their own voice, improvise and compose for themselves, be it a short riff or a symphony!

Lessons are planned around the students needs and abilities. I am able to teach all abilities from beginner to advanced, in all styles (including classical, rock, pop, funk and jazz) on both electric and acoustic guitar. Sight reading, reading tablature, and music theory are all taught within the lesson and I am able to tutor students through performance and theory exams. It’s not all about results, but for students looking to take grade exams I offer Rock School, RGT, LCM, ABRSM and Trinity College exam boards. I have a proven track record of success, with over 95% of students achieving a Distinction, and 100% achieiving Merit or higher. I can also support students with GCSE and A-Level studies in Music.

When I’m not teaching, performing or behind a guitar, you’ll probably find me walking through the Devon countryside with my miniature dachshund or enjoying some good food and local ale with my wife and baby son.