Marlowe Thornes Heywood Guitar Lessons in Rijswijk

Guitar Lessons Rijswijk

Are you seeking inspiration and a feeling of attainment? Bored of the same passive activities in your life? If so, come along and learn to play the guitar with me. I'm Marlowe Thornes, all-round guitarist and music teacher in Rijswijk

Studio in Plaspoelpolder

My guitar lessons take place in a relaxed, supportive studio environment in Rijswijk Plaspoelpolder, where the focus lies on enjoyment and the pleasure of learning a new skill. My studio is nearby station Rijswijk and close to Delft, Ypenburg, Laak and Wateringseveld

Pop, Folk, Blues, Jazz, Bluegrass, Celtic Folk

I have experience performing and teaching a range of musical styles (Pop, folk, rock, blues, jazz, funk and soul, classical), though I have a soft spot for acoustic guitar, so I play a lot of American old-time folk, bluegrass and celtic folk. I believe good music has quality on its own terms, regardless of genre. I am especially interested in music which makes people want to dance or hum along to the melody, but I also love the beauty of classical music, jazz, the raw expressiveness of the blues, and the direct joyfulness of folk music.

Why Music?

Learning a musical instrument is fun and has benefits beyond playing music itself. It improves your reflexes, focus and cognition, and presents personal challenges, which if overcome, yield huge rewards. The feeling of being able to play your favourite song or piece of music, solo or with others, is one of the most satisfying things life has to offer.

Guitar Classes - Intermediate - Advanced

Has your improvement suffered due to formless, aimless lessons with a disorganised guitar teacher? Are you unsatisfied with your progress? After our trial lesson I put together a flexible course trajectory based on your experience, tastes and goals. I’ll discuss this plan with you, and if you like the sound of it we can start making music right away!

Real Fulfilment

Learning to play the guitar is an active skill which engages you and others with whom you share it. Whatever your goals, diving into the world of guitar can give you lasting fulfilment.

De-mystify the Guitar

Does the guitar seem like black magic to you? Do famous guitar heroes appear almost superhuman in their abilities? Perhaps you feel even the guitarist at your local bar can do things you could never dream of. You’re not the only one to feel this way. I know this feeling first hand, and I’ve been stuck wondering if guitar talent is just something you’re born with. My lessons cut through the mysticism around the guitar and offer clear explanations for how competent guitarists do what they do, so you can become competent too.

Keep it fun, keep it musical

My lessons focus on making music together as soon as possible, while keeping it light and fun in the process. I believe that everything you need to learn can be learned by listening to and playing real music, so I don’t tend to give many finger exercises or studies. The content of such exercises can often be found within pieces of music or songs which are more rewarding to play.

What More?

Finger styles, plectrum, strumming, music theory, comping, lead guitar, solos, improvisation, acoustic/electric guitar, software, pedals, harmony, songwriter, composition.

Reading, Tabs, Ears

I’ll only teach you to read notes if it will be practical to you. I sometimes use guitar tabs to provide a reference for practice at home, but I always encourage you to use your ears first, because music is heard, not seen.

Creating a Connection

If you can hear what you play before you play it, whether you play from memory or from sheet music or tab, you’ll get much more from the guitar than otherwise. Part of the lessons will focus on developing a good ear for what you play, so you lead the guitar and not the other way around.

About Me

I’m Marlowe. I love playing, teaching and listening to music. It’s by far the most central part of my life, and it’s important to me to share this feeling with others by teaching the guitar. If I can help others to have a wonderful experience of music through this instrument, then I feel I am doing something tremendously positive. I studied music at the University of York where I specialised in performance and composition. Since then I have played on stages across Europe, and have taught professionally for five years. I currently perform as part of the Greenfield String Band and Marlowe and Juliëtte (a jazz duo), alongside my own solo projects.