"My daughter is always very positive about her guitar lessons with Dr Mann and obviously enjoys them."
If you are a student (or parent of a student) receiving guitar lessons from Bill or you are a former pupil, and you would like to recommend lessons to others, please contact Bill Mann by email. Your contribution would be gratefully received. Recent genuine submissions are shown below.
"Having decided some eight months ago to attempt to learn the guitar I have been receiving lessons from Bill.
I have been both surprised and delighted by the volume of knowledge I have gained in this relatively short time. Bill's lessons are interesting, informative and delivered with good humour.
For anyone interested in learning to play the guitar I would highly recommend Bill as a Teacher."
"Dr Mann is very patient with me and doesn't mind explaining things again until I understand them fully."
"I taught myself for many years to be a guitar player
Trial and error, hit and miss, on a wing and prayer
Learned by ear because I thought this was what it takes
But I now know this thinking was one of life's mistakes
I have wasted so much time but offer this to you
Fail to plan and plan to fail, a cliche that's so true
Learn by my example, the error of my way
Know that there's a better, smarter, faster way to play
Don't spend years of hoping you'll discover as you go
You have found a Mann who can, with all you need to know
So sign up now, waste no time, wasted time's not free
I cannot emphasise enough this opportunity
Learn from the best to be your best, this chance should not be missed
Don't be a guitar player, be a guitarist."
Comment by Bill - CP is a naturally talented guitarist with a technique to match some of the best professional players. I cannot take credit for CP's innate abilities or his self-taught skills, but perhaps only for drawing attention to aspects of music theory and helping with music reading. As a matter of interest, I too learned 'by ear' and believe that possessing a degree of auditory ability is essential to being a musician; at CP's level of ability this makes him a gifted musician. In an ideal world, innate ability and the acquisition of knowledge should go hand-in-hand.
A final word from Bill...
"An ex-student has set the bench mark for exams...
It is not my normal policy to publish any of my students' Guitar exam results on this website, not even those who have achieved good Distinction passes.
I believe that the work done by students in preparing for an exam is an achievement in itself, and the results (of whatever score) along with the examiner's comments are helpful indicators to the students themselves of things that they did well or perhaps show places where improvement is needed.
I am very proud of the work that ALL my students' do.
However, amongst ex-students who achieved Distinction passes in the past, there was one student who could have done nothing better!
JENNY HAMILTON scored a remarkable 100/100 points in the June 2009 sitting of her Trinity Guildhall Guitar exam.
Well done Jenny, on your special achievement of 100%."
Sincere thanks to all contributors -
Your efforts, achievements, and testimonials
make my efforts worthwhile.
Yours Gratefully ~
Bill
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"I started learning Guitar with Dr Mann in December 2009 and I am already playing grade 4 (classical) pieces. I have recently formed a band in which I play lead guitar, and we have started writing our own songs. Bill's teaching on the theoretical aspects of Blues and Jazz improvisation has been particularly helpful. I can now solo on everything from Robert Johnson to Jimi Hendrix.
I owe this all to Dr Mann's teaching."
- Submitted August 2010
"I took guitar lessons with Bill Mann from 1984 – 1988. Towards the end of my time as his student, Mr Mann helped me compile an audition tape for a prestigious music school. On the strength of my tape I gained entrance. Listening back to the tape now, some twenty-odd years later, I am amazed by the range of styles showcased – Classical Guitar (J.S.Bach, Tarrega), Flamenco, Jazz, Blues and Rock – and the high standard of the playing. I put my ability down to the inspiring, methodical, thorough and hugely enjoyable weekly lessons with Mr Mann, thanks to which I transformed from a complete beginner, into a confident and informed musician.
I have enjoyed many and various musical experiences as a guitarist over the years and now teach both privately and in an esteemed music school in London.
Thanks Bill"
- Submitted September 2010
Copyright (c) 2009 - 2011 by Dr Bill Mann, Scotland