Welcome to
Bath Guitar School
Raising the standard of guitar tuition in Bath
Bath Guitar School offers students an innovative approach to learning the guitar with unequalled opportunities to attend exclusive guitar events such as band workshops, week-long summer rock camps and live performances at the renowned Bath International Music Festival opening night, Party in the City, and the world-famous Moles club.
Bath Guitar School was formed in mid-2003 when founder, Richard Perkins, made the move from his hometown of Oxford to begin studying a Commercial Music degree at Bath Spa University. Since the school’s inception it has grown into an exciting and vibrant hub of learning and music making for both young and mature students; with approximately 70 students attending regular one-to-one guitar lessons, band workshops and participating in exclusive live performances.
Bath Guitar School has built its reputation for offering the highest quality guitar tuition on outstanding personal recommendations from students and parents, past and present. Students enjoy a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of guitar and live performance, Rockschool and Trinity Rock and Pop exam grades and music history; learning from an experienced professional guitar teacher with recognised music qualifications and over twenty years of music industry experience.
Bath Guitar School is extremely proud to have mentored some of its most successful students through to further and higher education, achieving entry into many of the UK’s most highly regarded music establishments, including: BIMM, ACM, ICMP, Guitar Institute and Berklee College of Music in Boston, as well as the local City of Bath College. Star student, Johnny Budd, was featured on CiTV’s Skillicous TV show in the summer of 2010 and was awarded the Whizz Kid Award for his guitar playing achievements.
The school prides itself on building fantastic relationships with local primary and secondary schools, music groups and teachers, businesses and music festivals. Students have helped to raise thousands of pounds for local charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support and Dorothy House, by busking inside the annual Bath Christmas Market, as well supporting local Mencap charity Bath Gateway Out & About with donations raised from a sponsored practice-a-thon and themed performances for its members.
Students from Bath Guitar School have performed at Bath International Music Festival’s Party in the City event every year since 2007 and regularly perform at the world-famous Moles club as part of a Student Showcase collaboration with Bath College. In 2010 students were invited to perform in front of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and the many thousands in attendance on the streets, at the annual turning on of the Christmas lights on Milsom Street in central Bath.
Each year three hard-working and diligent students are selected to win the coveted Student of the Year Award. Winning students are presented with a glass trophy for their progress, good practice habits, positive attitude towards learning and enthusiasm to participate in extra-curricular performance opportunities, therefore making a significant contribution to the success of Bath Guitar School.
happy students
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Testimonials
What our students say
My son Zafar has been having guitar lessons with Richard for around 5 years now and he absolutely loves it – he always looks forward to his lessons. Richard always brings in new challenges to keep Zafar interested and we are constantly impressed by all the different skills he is learning. I love that Richard is very flexible - always responding to Zafar’s new music interests which is great for Zafar’s motivation. Having opportunities to play in a group and also at Moles has also been brilliant!
BESPOKE, INSPIRING, SUPPORTIVE lessons. I have nothing but gratitude and deep respect for the Bath Guitar School. Richard is the most fantastic teacher. As an adult learner with a perfectionist personality, I could easily have felt foolish or frustrated; I have been so clearly and gently taught, in a style that absolutely suits my personal learning needs, that I am not only becoming confident on the guitar after only three months of learning, but have written several songs (!!!) and am understanding music itself on a deeper level. And I am having great fun. And am deeply inspired. If you are looking for guitar lessons at any level, look no further. Bath Guitar School and Richard are it!
A hearty big thanks to Richard at Bath Guitar School for all his efforts during the lockdown. Always tries to make lessons enjoyable but has gone the extra mile with the daily boot camps which have been a great diversion in these difficult times. The tech hasn't always worked smoothly, and we've not noticed the time along the way, but that hasn't distracted from the great experience we've had. It has made Matt's time stuck at home that little bit better. Thanks Richard.
Both my sons, ages 8 & 10, love learning the electric guitar with Richard. Richard encourages and inspires them to play (even at home) and their lessons are never boring. I have seen them develop a love for the instrument and I can only give credit to Richard for being such a great teacher! Thank you for all you do for them!
Richard has been patiently teaching my son Jack for the past 3 years. He initially gets young students hooked by teaching them easy classic rock guitar riffs, which are rewarding and recognisable before breaking down and teaching entire songs. Richard’s teaching style is relaxed and honest with lots of humorous banter, that said he does motivate and apply a ‘firm but fair’ approach when needed. Alongside the one-to-one lessons there are regular group workshops and the chance to perform at key Bath venues such as Moles, Komedia and The Egg, a highlight for the kids and their families. Richard has worked with kids from age 7 and up for many years and his experience along with his passion for the guitar and rock music shines through.
Our Media
See what our students can do
During the coronavirus lockdown in 2020 students performed “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple from their homes!
