Learn Guitar at The Song School
Pick up the guitar. Play the songs you love.
Our Group Guitar sessions are perfect for beginners and improvers who want to learn in a relaxed, supportive environment. Whether your child dreams of strumming their favourite songs or wants to build towards playing in a band, this is the place to start.
What They'll Learn
In our guitar sessions, young people will:
Learn chords and strumming patterns — the building blocks of thousands of songs
Play real music — from pop hits to rock classics, we focus on songs they actually want to play
Read chord charts and tabs — practical skills they'll use forever
Build confidence — performing in a small, friendly group setting
Develop technique — proper hand positioning, rhythm, and timing
All abilities welcome. No experience needed.
Meet Your Instructor
Billy Hoyle heads up all things guitars at The Song School.
Billy has a degree in music performance from ICMP (The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance) and has played gigs across the UK and overseas — including the O2 Islington — with artists like George Gaudy and Tactful Kactus. Known for his confident delivery and enthusiastic stage presence, Billy brings real-world experience into every session.
As well as guitar and bass, Billy is an accomplished musical director, songwriter, and producer — so he's perfectly placed to help young musicians grow.
FAQs
Do we need our own guitar? Not for the trial — we have guitars available. If your child continues, we can advise on buying or borrowing an instrument.
What ages are the sessions for? We run sessions for different age groups. The widget above shows all current options.
What style of music will they learn? We focus on songs young people actually want to play — pop, rock, indie, and more. Billy tailors sessions to the group's interests.
Is financial support available? Absolutely. We never want cost to be a barrier. Through The Song School Fund, we offer free and subsidised places for families who need them. Funded spaces in each session are limited, so if there isn't one available right away, we'll pop you on our waiting list and let you know as soon as a spot opens up.
Book a Free Trial
Ready to give it a go? Select a session using our booking widget (below or to the right) to register for a free trial.
All sessions take place at our studios in Southend-on-Sea: 30 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1BU
How to Register
Select the appropriate age group for your child
Choose the date you'd like to come in for the trial
Complete the short induction form
Click 'Sign Up'
You'll receive a confirmation message straight away, followed by a reminder email 24 hours before the session, with everything you need to know.
Can't find a session for your child?
If there isn't a session available for your child's age group right now, pop them on our waiting list. We'll be in touch as soon as a space opens up or a new session is added.