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.

Meet Billy →

FAQs

  • Not for the trial — we have guitars available. If your child continues, we can advise on buying or borrowing an instrument.

  • We run sessions for different age groups. The widget above shows all current options.

  • We focus on songs young people actually want to play — pop, rock, indie, and more. Billy tailors sessions to the group's interests.

  • Sessions are £30/month (45 minutes) — based on 36 sessions per year, split into 12 equal monthly payments. You can cancel anytime with one month's written notice.

  • 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

View on Google Maps →

How to Register

  1. Select the appropriate age group for your child

  2. Choose the date you'd like to come in for the trial

  3. Complete the short induction form

  4. 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.

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