# Cool Gool Music — full site text > Every published page and blog post of https://malcolmcallus.com/ in plain text, for language models and AI search. > Guitar, bass, ukulele and music-theory lessons in London SE16 and online worldwide, taught one-to-one by Malcolm Callus. > Summary index: https://malcolmcallus.com/llms.txt > Generated: 2026-08-05 ============================================================================ ============================================================================ ## PAGES ============================================================================ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Cool Gool Music — guitar, bass, ukulele and music theory lessons in London SE16 and online URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/ Summary: Guitar, bass & ukulele music lessons in London — SE16 studio, at yours across SE1, SE8, SE14, SE17 & E14, or online worldwide. 29-yr RGT tutor, DBS-checked. Call +44 7983 868507. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- London · Zone 3 · Worldwide Online # Guitar, Bass & Ukulele Lessons in London SE16 & Online Learn to play quick. My skills, put to work so you learn faster. Guitar, bass, ukulele & music theory with Malcolm Callus — 34 years on stage and in the studio, 29 years teaching. Serious skills, proper structure, and the fun that keeps you picking it up. Book a lesson → See what I teach Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) RGT-registered tutor Berklee Honours graduate DBS-checked Choose your first lesson 1-to-1 · 30 min£30 1-to-1 · 50 min£40 Group course · 50 min£14 Studio · At yours · OnlineAll 3 34yrs Live & studio guitarist 29yrs RGT-registered tutor DBS Checked · safe for kids Berklee Honours graduate Six ways to find your sound ## What can you learn at Cool Gool Music? From first chords to full solos — every instrument taught with the same balance of enthusiasm, discipline and real musical knowledge. 01 ### Electric Guitar Riffs, solos, tone and technique — rock, blues, funk and beyond, from your first power chord upward. 02 ### Acoustic Guitar Strumming, fingerstyle and song-craft. Build a repertoire you actually want to play at home. 03 ### Classical & Flamenco Nylon-string tradition — classic repertoire and Flamenco palos with authentic techniques. 04 ### Bass Guitar Lock in the groove — timing, feel and the low-end foundation every great band is built on. 05 ### Ukulele The friendliest way into music. Quick wins, real songs and a smile within the first lesson. 06 ### Theory & Ear Training Understand what you're playing — scales, harmony and the ear to hear it. Musicianship that lasts. Where do you want to play? ## Where can you take guitar lessons in London? Choose the format that fits your life. Same tuition, same standards — in the studio, at your place, or across the world online. 01 ### In the Studio Learn in a proper set-up in Rotherhithe — amps, gear and full focus. Canada Water · SE16 02 ### At Your Home Door-to-door tuition across London. No travel, no fuss — I come to you. Within TfL Zone 3 03 ### Online Worldwide Live one-to-one lessons over Zoom/similar, wherever you are on the map. Zoom/similar 04 ### Group Courses 19 structured modules across instruments and levels — learn alongside others. All levels · £14 / 50 min Straight prices ## How much do guitar lessons cost in London SE16? Clear, honest rates — the same in the SE16 studio or online, with a small travel surcharge if I come to you. Individual · 30 min Quick Session One-to-one lessonstudio · online £30 Focused, fast progress in half an hour. Book 30 min Individual · 50 min Full Set One-to-one lessonstudio · at-yours · online £40 The sweet spot — room to warm up, learn and jam. Book 50 min 🎁 ### Group & Gifts £14 / 50 min per person in a group course. Prefer to give the gift of music? Gift vouchers are available for any lesson or course. Buy a gift voucher From the students ## Serious School of Rock vibes. Enthusiasm balanced with discipline and real knowledge — exactly what you want from a teacher. ★★★★★Guitar student The perfect balance of structure, creativity and fun. Every lesson leaves me wanting to practise. ★★★★★Parent of a young player Clear teaching, great attitude, and noticeable progress. I'm playing things I never thought I could. ★★★★★Adult beginner Serious School of Rock vibes — incredibly knowledgeable. Malcolm makes you a better musician, fast. ★★★★★Online student Read all 130 reviews → Malcolm Callus · Cool Gool studio About Malcolm ## Three decades of playing it for real. Malcolm Callus has spent 34 years as a live and studio guitarist and 29 years teaching it — an RGT-registered tutor who graduated from Berklee College of Music with Honours. He's DBS-checked, so younger players are in safe hands. Under the name Cool Gool Music, Malcolm teaches guitar, bass, ukulele and music theory to complete beginners and gigging players alike — always with that mix of enthusiasm, discipline and knowledge his students talk about. He runs music lessons across South East London — from the SE16 studio in Rotherhithe out to Bermondsey and Borough (SE1), Walworth (SE17), Deptford (SE8), New Cross and Peckham (SE14, SE15), Lewisham (SE13) and Canary Wharf (E14) — plus live online lessons worldwide. - 34 yrs on stage - 29 yrs teaching - RGT registered - Berklee Honours graduate - DBS checked Lessons in English, Italian, German & Maltese. Register for lessons ## Plug in. Let's begin. Tell me what you'd like to learn and how you'd like to learn it. I'll be in touch to get your first lesson booked. PhoneCall +44 7983 868507 (please don't Whatsapp) Emailguitar@malcolmcallus.com Mon–Fri 11am–11pm · Sat 10am–7pm · Sun 11am–5pm · Year-round Registration form ### Start your registration A few short questions — what you'd like to play, the music you love and the times you're free — and I'll match you to a slot and get your first lesson booked. - What you'd like to learn - Your favourite genres and players - The days and times that suit you - Your contact details Register your interest → Takes about two minutes. I'll reply personally to get your first lesson booked. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Acoustic Guitar Lessons URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/acoustic/ Summary: Acoustic guitar lessons in London with Malcolm Callus — blues, folk, rock, pop and indie, all levels. SE16 studio, at yours across SE1, SE8, SE14 and E14, or online. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Acoustic Guitar · Lessons # Acoustic Guitar Lessons The steel-string acoustic is the workhorse of popular music — pick, fingers or both. I teach every level, from early blues and ragtime to folk, country, rock, pop and indie, in London or online worldwide. Book a lesson → See the fees In-studio · London SE16 At yours · TfL Zone 3 Online worldwide · Zoom/similar The steel-string acoustic guitar sits behind most styles of popular music. Strum it with a pick, play it with your fingers, or mix the two — and it comes in a range of shapes and sizes, each with its own tone and feel. Not sure which body size suits you? We’ll match the instrument to your hands, your comfort and the sound you’re after before you spend a penny. In lessons I cover the lot: early blues and ragtime through to folk, country, rock, pop and indie. And if you fancy a whole different world of guitar playing, we can get into bottleneck / slide too. Everything the acoustic can do ## What you’ll learn in acoustic guitar lessons. 1 ### Strumming chords Solid rhythms and clean chord changes — the backbone of every song. 2 ### Plectrum & fingerstyle Pick, fingers, or a blend of both — whichever the music calls for. 3 ### Riffs The hooks and licks that make a track instantly recognisable. 4 ### Songs — yours & your favourites Learn the tracks you love, and how to work out new ones yourself. 5 ### Theory that sticks Practical, hands-on, stripped to what you can actually use while playing. 6 ### Reading music, TAB & chord charts As much notation as you want — never more than you need. 7 ### Playing across styles Blues, country, ragtime, folk, rock, pop, indie — and much, much more. 8 ### Bottleneck / slide A fun realm of guitar in its own right, once you fancy branching out. ## New to the acoustic? We start with a handful of basic chords and strumming rhythms, then move on to fingerstyle and more advanced strums as your hands settle in. You’ll be urged to pick songs you actually want to play — that’s how you keep it fun and keep making progress. ## Already play? Keen to fill in things you missed over the years, try a style you’ve never approached, or iron out some bad habits with better technique? We can do all of it. Play well but don’t quite understand what you’re playing? I’ll help you crack the code — learn the theory you actually use on the instrument, and leave out the rest. ### Playing for singers Struggling to play and sing at the same time? I’ll show you the tricks that make the two lock together with ease, so your voice and your hands stop fighting each other. ### Fancy a twelve-string? Twelve-string acoustics are available too, and they sound glorious. I don’t recommend one for a complete beginner — they ask for extra left-hand strength — but if you already play the six-string, we can absolutely give it a go. ### A quick note on the classical guitar The nylon-string acoustic, also known as the classical guitar, is a different instrument with a different technique. If that’s what you’re after, head to my classical & flamenco guitar page. ## Your first three months on acoustic guitar Month one is fingertips and chord changes. Steel strings ask more of a beginner’s hands than nylon or electric do, so we build up in short bursts, get you fretting cleanly right behind the fret, and work through the open chords — E minor, A minor, C, D, G and E — until the changes between them stop needing a pause. Alongside that: holding a pick, a steady down-strum in time, and reading a chord chart. Month two adds rhythm and the first barre chord. Down-up strumming patterns, the sixteenth-note feel behind a lot of pop and folk, muting for a percussive strum, and F major, the chord that stops most self-taught players in their tracks. This is normally when the first full song appears — one you picked, not one I imposed. Month three brings the fingers in. Travis-style alternating-bass fingerpicking, arpeggiated chords, simple hammer-ons and pull-offs, and the first riffs and melodies played on single strings. We look at a capo, at whether your guitar’s action and string gauge are actually helping you, and at how to work a song out from a recording rather than waiting for someone to hand you the chords. ### Where the level goes after that After the first term you choose the direction. Singer-songwriters go into accompaniment patterns, capo transposition and locking voice to hands. Fingerstyle players take on independent bass lines, harmonics, percussive body hits and full solo arrangements. Blues and roots players get into open tunings, bottleneck slide and the early blues and ragtime vocabulary. Behind whichever route you take, the theory stays practical — enough to explain what your hands are doing, and no more. ### Graded exams, if you want them Most acoustic students never sit an exam and are none the worse for it, but if a structured goal helps you practise, acoustic guitar lessons here can follow the RGT or LCM guitar syllabi. His teaching covers all aspects of acoustic guitar playing, chords, rhythm playing, theory, scales, arpeggios, and soloing… My confidence in my guitar playing has increased enormously in just 9 months of lessons.— John Ford, acoustic guitar student ### Where lessons happen In-studio in London SE16 — Rotherhithe, Canada Water and Surrey Quays — at your place anywhere within TfL Zone 3, including Bermondsey and Borough (SE1), Walworth (SE17), Deptford (SE8), New Cross and Peckham (SE14, SE15), Lewisham (SE13) and Canary Wharf (E14), or live online worldwide over Zoom/similar. When the weather’s kind, studio lessons can even move out to a private front-garden area. Get in touch and we’ll pick what fits you best. I teach music lessons right across South East London — see the areas I cover →. Simple, honest rates ## What acoustic guitar lessons cost. One-to-one acoustic guitar lessons are £30 for 30 minutes or £40 for 50 minutes, in-studio or online, with four weekly 50-minute lessons block-booked at £150. Group courses work out at £14 per person per session paying 12 upfront, and lessons at your place are £40 plus a small travel surcharge. See the full fees, blocks and referral cashbacks → ## Ready to start strumming? Tell me your level and the songs you want to play. I’ll get your first acoustic guitar lesson booked. Book → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Bass Guitar Lessons URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/bass/ Summary: Bass guitar lessons in London with Malcolm Callus — first groove to fluent, creative playing, beginner to advanced. SE16 studio, at yours across SE1, SE8, SE14 and E14, or online. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bass Guitar · Lessons # Bass Guitar Lessons The bass is the low end that holds every band together, in every style of music. I’ll take you from your first groove to fluent, creative playing — beginner to advanced, in London or online worldwide. Book a lesson → See the fees In-studio · London SE16 At yours · TfL Zone 3 Online worldwide · Zoom/similar The bass guitar is the low end of any band, in any style of music. Traditionally it’s played with the fingers, but as drummers and guitars got louder, bassists learned to pick too — so the bass can be heard, whatever the volume. I teach bass at every level, working through the patterns most common across contemporary music, with a focus on the ones that matter most in your style of choice. Wherever you want to sit in the mix, we build the groove and the fireworks together. Lock the groove, then break it open ## What you’ll learn in bass lessons. 1 ### Keeping the groove Rock-solid time and feel across every style of music. 2 ### Playing with the drummer Understand and complement the kit so the rhythm section breathes as one. 3 ### Patterns by style The go-to lines for pop, rock and beyond — and how to build your own. 4 ### Improvisation Say something of your own while still holding the song’s groove. 5 ### Accompaniment How to sit under a track and lift it, in any genre. 6 ### Plectrum & fingerstyle Knowing when each one gets you the right tone. 7 ### Songs & theory Learn the songs you love and the theory behind them, so you can add your own flairs and make them sound your own, and still awesome, if not more. 8 ### Reading music, TAB & chord charts As much notation as you want — always taught the practical way. ## New to the bass? We start with some basic patterns in pop and rock styles, getting your timing and your fingers working together, then move on to more elaborate techniques and timings across other genres as you grow. No bass yet? No problem — I can point you at the right first instrument before we begin. ## Already play? My lessons can fill in the basics you may have missed over the years, or brush up techniques that have gone rusty. Play well but don’t quite understand what you’re playing? I’ll teach you to crack the code — so you start putting your own bass lines together, faster. ## Your first three months on bass Month one is the right hand and the clock. We set your plucking hand up — index and middle alternating, and muting the strings you are not playing, which is the half of bass nobody tells beginners about — get you reading TAB and naming the notes along the E and A strings, and lock a simple root-note line to a click or a drum loop. By the end of it you can hold a three-chord song from start to finish without the pulse wandering. Month two brings in the fretting hand and the shapes: one-finger-per-fret position playing, the major and minor pentatonic boxes, octaves, and the root–fifth–octave moves that sit under most rock and pop. We start reading a chord chart and building your own line from it, rather than copying someone else’s note for note. Month three is where it starts sounding like music. In come the plectrum as a second tone, eighth- and sixteenth-note subdivisions, ghost notes, slides and hammer-ons — and playing along to real tracks in whichever styles are on your list, be that Motown, rock, funk, reggae or metal. Most students have two or three full songs under their fingers by this point. ### Where the level goes after that From there the path splits by what you actually want. Groove players go deeper into feel and dynamics: subdividing, sitting fractionally behind or ahead of the beat, locking to a drummer’s kick, and knowing when to leave a bar empty. Players after the fireworks move on to three-octave scales and modes, slap and pop, tapping, chordal bass, and walking lines over blues and jazz changes. Either way, reading, theory and ear work keep running alongside, so that when you hear a line you can find it instead of hunting for it. ### Graded bass exams, if you want them Grades are entirely optional — plenty of good bassists never sit one — but if you want a structured target, bass guitar lessons here can follow the RGT or LCM bass syllabi, which make a sound spine for a year’s work. If exams are not your thing the milestones are simpler: your first complete song, your first time playing with a live drummer, and the first bass line you wrote yourself. I’ve been teaching myself bass since start of 2022, and decided to get lessons with Malcolm during the summer of 2023 as I wanted guidance to help learn the bass guitar and music theory efficiently (not quickly). As of December 2024 I passed my grade 5 bass exam with a merit all thanks to Malcolm!— Skyler, bass guitar student ### Where lessons happen In-studio in London SE16 — Rotherhithe, Canada Water and Surrey Quays — at your place anywhere within TfL Zone 3, including Bermondsey and Borough (SE1), Walworth (SE17), Deptford (SE8), New Cross and Peckham (SE14, SE15), Lewisham (SE13) and Canary Wharf (E14), or live online worldwide over Zoom/similar. Get in touch and we’ll pick what fits you best. I teach music lessons right across South East London — see the areas I cover →. Simple, honest rates ## What bass lessons cost. One-to-one bass lessons are £30 for 30 minutes or £40 for 50 minutes, in-studio or online, with four weekly 50-minute lessons block-booked at £150. A place on a group course works out at £14 per session paying 12 upfront, and lessons at your place are £40 plus a small travel surcharge. See the full fees, blocks and referral cashbacks → ## Ready to hold down the low end? Tell me your level and the styles you want to play. I’ll get your first bass lesson booked. Book → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Black Death URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/black-death/ Summary: Guitar tutor Malcolm Callus on writing for Black Death, a purely underground A5 metal zine out of Sydney, Australia, since 2008. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Journalism · Malcolm Callus # Black Death A purely underground A5 metal zine out of Sydney, Australia — and one Malcolm has been writing for since 2008, lending a hand to a fellow traveller in the scene. More activities → Book a lesson Since sometime in 2008, I’ve been giving a helping hand to my metal brother Fabian in Sydney, Australia — writing articles for his A5 zine, Black Death. It’s a rag that, in its short life, has been steadily establishing itself as a small but significant voice for the metal underground in Sydney, with five issues to its credit so far. My contributions run to festival reviews, scene reports and the occasional album review — the sort of hands-on, paper-and-staples journalism that keeps the real underground breathing. Fabian runs Black Death the old way on purpose — photocopied, hand-assembled A5 pages, traded and mailed the way underground zines always have been. Over the years my pages for it have covered festivals I’ve stood in the crowd for, scene reports from the places I’ve passed through, and the occasional record worth the ink. Rather than just point you off-site, the actual scanned pages are laid out in full further down this page. The original articles live in the zine itself. Read all nine scanned pages directly below ↓, download the full info/press pack (PDF) →, or flick through the album on Google Photos →. For more of the writing and scene work I’ve done over the years, head to the bands & activities overview, or read up on Rancid Soup and my Brutalism reviews. The zine, page by page ## Read the scans direct. All nine scanned pages of the info/press pack, straight on the page — no need to leave the site. Tap any page to open it full-size. Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Want the lot in one file? Download the full info/press pack (PDF) → ## Words and music, both. The same ear that reviews the records teaches you to play them. Book a guitar, bass or uke lesson. Book → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Brutalism URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/brutalism/ Summary: Guitar tutor Malcolm Callus on his metal reviews for Brutalism, one of the vastest underground metal resources online, since 2006. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Journalism · Malcolm Callus # Reviews for Brutalism Since 2006 the urge to write came back. With no time to run his own mag, Malcolm instead contributes reviews to Brutalism — one of the vastest metal resources you’ll find online. More activities → Book a lesson Since 2006, I’ve felt the urge to write again. Having no time to run my own magazine, I instead throw my words at one of the most vast metal resources anywhere online — Brutalism. A big thank-you goes to the hard-working Twan Sibon, head honcho at Brutalism, for rekindling the spirit. And an open invitation: any serious writer who fancies reviewing should get in touch with Brutalism — they’re always after reviewers. In the meantime, take a pick of whatever interests you from the selection below; in some cases there’s a free download of the band’s music too. Selected reviews ## My reviews at Brutalism.com Artist · Release reviewed Aborym · Generator Alchemist · Austral Alien Alchemist · Tripsis Amber Tears · Revelations of Renounced C-187 · Collision Carnivore Diprosopus · Madhouse’s Macabre Acts Celtic Frost · Monotheist Forsaken · Dominaeon Forsaken · After the Fall Hail of Bullets · Promo 2007 Harm · Devil Inner Rage · Promo 2008 Keep of Kalessin · Armada King Diamond · Give me your Soul… Please Marc Rizzo · The Ultimate Devotion Mekong Delta · Lurking Fear Misery Index · Discordia Moonspell · Memorial Moonspell · Night Eternal Morbid Angel · Illud Divinum Insanus Nile · Ithyphallic Obituary · Xecutioner’s Return Pestilence · Resurrection Macabre Regurgitate · Sickening Bliss Requiem Laus · Promo CD 2006 Roadside Burial & Corpsickle · Split Saints of Eden · Shameless EP Septicflesh · Communion Slayer · Christ Illusion Slaughter Day Festival · London, May 2009 live report Slit · Ode to Silence Suffocation · Suffocation Sun.Has.Cancer. · Burn! The Faceless · Planetary Duality Uziel · Long Perished Rebels Vermin · A Nihilistic Swarm Voices & Ted Maul · Live in London, 18-02-2012 live report Voices · London Voices · Frightened Read all my reviews at Brutalism.com → Read on: visit www.brutalism.com for an array of info on anything you can imagine in the metal world — and the radio podcast too. ## From reviewing riffs to teaching them. The same critical ear that dissects these records will help you build your own. Book a lesson. Book → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Classical & Flamenco Guitar Lessons URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/classic/ Summary: Classical and flamenco guitar lessons in London and online with Malcolm Callus — nylon-string technique, beginner to intermediate. SE16 studio or at yours across SE1, SE8, SE14 and E14. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Classical & Flamenco · Lessons # Classical & Flamenco Guitar Lessons The nylon-string guitar — played with the fingers, home to classical, Latin and flamenco. I teach beginner to intermediate, from renaissance to rumba, in London or online worldwide. Book a lesson → See the fees In-studio · London SE16 At yours · TfL Zone 3 Online worldwide · Zoom/similar The classical guitar is used mainly for classical, Latin and flamenco music, and is played with the fingers rather than a pick. It comes in two types — the concert classical and the flamenco. My classical guitar lessons run from beginner to intermediate level, working through early music, renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic and 20th- and 21st-century pieces. From there we can take the same technique into Latin styles — from traditional bossa nova to today’s Latin pop and rock. I also teach flamenco: a different way of plucking the strings that adds a whole extra set of techniques on top. From posture to performance ## What you’ll learn in classical guitar lessons. 1 ### Technique & posture A comfortable, natural sitting position that lets the instrument sing. 2 ### Reading music Learn to read from scratch — the effective, genuinely fun way. 3 ### Repertoire Real pieces across every era, chosen around what you love most. 4 ### Scales, arpeggios & broken chords The technical foundations that make everything else possible. 5 ### Flamenco The distinctive right-hand techniques that give flamenco its fire. 6 ### Aural training Train your ear to hear what your hands are doing, and why. 7 ### Analysis & interpretation Get under the notes on the page and bring the music to life. 8 ### Graded exams (optional) ABRSM, Trinity Guildhall or LCME syllabi if you want a structured goal. ## New to the classical guitar? Classical guitar lessons for a complete beginner start slowly and deliberately. I’ll guide you through the early stages, introducing correct posture and technique and teaching you to read music from scratch — in an effective, lots-of-fun way. We also approach scales and arpeggios, seeing them in action within some simple pieces, before opening up the many directions you can take, guided by what you most want to play. More advanced technique and theory come in as they become relevant to the music in front of us. ## Already play? If you already play classical guitar, I can help you take it to the next level. Play electric or acoustic but never tried classical? No problem — I’ll teach you the sitting posture that becomes natural for the instrument, and the skills specific to it. Once your grounding is solid, we explore how to listen for the essence of the music and translate the notes on the page into something alive, because notes mean little if that essence never makes it into the playing. ### Flamenco or concert — which guitar? If you want to play flamenco, get a flamenco guitar; for classical, choose a concert classical. The two are built differently and that shapes their tone. There’s also a hybrid — the flamenco negra — worth a listen if you’re torn between the two. ### A quick note on the steel-string acoustic The steel-string acoustic guitar is a different instrument usually used in folk, country and pop/indie music. If that’s what you’re after, head to my acoustic guitar page. ## Your first three months on the classical guitar Month one is almost entirely posture and the right hand, because on a nylon-string everything downstream depends on them. Footstool or support, guitar on the left leg, the neck angled up; then tirando free stroke and apoyando rest stroke with i, m and a, thumb on the bass strings, and nails shaped and filed properly — a ten-minute job that changes your tone more than a new guitar would. Reading starts here too, from the open strings in first position. Month two adds the left hand and the first real pieces. Position playing in first position, simple two-voice textures where thumb and fingers hold separate lines, slurs, and the first arpeggio patterns from the Giuliani studies. Beginners usually play their first recognisable piece in this window — a renaissance dance, a Carcassi or Sor study, or a simple Latin melody, depending on where you are pulling. Month three opens the neck and, if it is what you came for, the flamenco door. Shifts into higher positions, scale fingerings across the strings, the half-barre, and dynamics and rest points that turn correct notes into phrasing. Flamenco students start rasgueado, golpe and the compas of a simple rumba or tangos alongside the classical work, since the two feed each other. ### Where the level goes after that From there we follow the repertoire chronologically or by taste, whichever motivates you: renaissance lute transcriptions and Sanz, baroque Bach and Weiss, the classical Sor, Giuliani and Carcassi studies, romantic Tarrega, then the twentieth century — Villa-Lobos, Brouwer, Barrios — and Latin repertoire from bossa nova through to modern Latin pop. Technique arrives as the music demands it: full barres, tremolo, natural and artificial harmonics, and picado and alzapua on the flamenco side. ### Graded exams, if you want them The classical guitar has the best-developed graded route of any instrument I teach. If you want that structure, we can work to the ABRSM, Trinity Guildhall or LCME classical guitar syllabi, whose set pieces make a ready-made repertoire plan. If you would rather just play, that is entirely fine — most of my classical students never enter for anything. I’ve been learning guitar with Malcolm for more than a year, during which I have seen my skills improve massively. Lessons are always well structured around specific topics with a good balance of theory and practice.— Victor Fenes, classic & electric guitar student ### Where lessons happen In-studio in London SE16 — Rotherhithe, Canada Water and Surrey Quays — at your place anywhere within TfL Zone 3, including Bermondsey and Borough (SE1), Walworth (SE17), Deptford (SE8), New Cross and Peckham (SE14, SE15), Lewisham (SE13) and Canary Wharf (E14), or live online worldwide over Zoom/similar. When the weather’s kind, studio lessons can even move out to a private front-garden area. Get in touch and we’ll pick what fits you best. I teach music lessons right across South East London — see the areas I cover →. Simple, honest rates ## What classical guitar lessons cost. One-to-one classical and flamenco guitar lessons are £30 for 30 minutes or £40 for 50 minutes, in-studio or online, with four weekly 50-minute lessons block-booked at £150. Group courses work out at £14 per person per session paying 12 upfront, and lessons at your place are £40 plus a small travel surcharge. See the full fees, blocks and referral cashbacks → ## Ready to play with feeling? Tell me your level and whether it’s classical, Latin or flamenco you’re after. I’ll get your first lesson booked. Book → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Contact URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/contact/ Summary: Contact Cool Gool Music: call +44 7983 868507 or email guitar@malcolmcallus.com. Studio at 3 Tillett Square, London SE16 6HR. Lessons at yours across TfL Zone 3, and online worldwide. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get in touch # Contact Cool Gool Music Malcolm Callus — guitar, bass, ukulele and music-theory tuition in London SE16, at your place across TfL Zone 3, and worldwide online. Call, email, or just fill in the registration form and I’ll come back to you. Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) → guitar@malcolmcallus.com In-studio · London SE16 At yours · TfL Zone 3 Online worldwide · Zoom/similar Three ways ## However you’d rather do it. ☎ ### Phone Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp). Quickest for a straight question about availability or a slot. ✉ ### Email guitar@malcolmcallus.com. Best for anything with detail — gift vouchers, session work, or a privacy request. ✎ ### Registration form Booking lessons? Fill in the form and I’ll have everything I need to offer you a slot first time. ## Where to find us Cool Gool Music — Malcolm Callus 3 Tillett Square London SE16 6HR United Kingdom The studio is in Rotherhithe, a short walk from Canada Water and Surrey Quays. Please arrange a time before coming — it’s a working teaching studio, not a shop, so there’s no drop-in. - Phone: Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) - Email: guitar@malcolmcallus.com - Book lessons: malcolmcallus.com/register/ ## Opening hours Lesson slots run year-round: - Monday to Friday — 11am to 11pm - Saturday — 10am to 7pm - Sunday — 11am to 5pm All times are UK time. Online students in other time zones are welcome — tell me where you are and we’ll find an hour that works for both of us. ## Areas served Lessons happen in three places: at the studio in SE16, at your own home anywhere within TfL Zone 3, or online anywhere in the world. ### Lessons at yours — TfL Zone 3 - SE16 — Rotherhithe, Canada Water, Surrey Quays - SE1 — Bermondsey, Borough, London Bridge - SE17 — Walworth, Elephant & Castle - SE8 — Deptford - SE14 and SE15 — New Cross, New Cross Gate, Peckham - SE13 — Lewisham, Ladywell - E14 — Canary Wharf, Isle of Dogs Somewhere else inside TfL Zone 3? Ask anyway. A travel surcharge applies to lessons at yours — see lessons at yours and the fees page. ### Beyond Zone 3 Online lessons reach you anywhere, at the same rate as the studio and with no travel at all. Lessons can be taught in English, Italian, German or Maltese. ## What to get in touch about - Booking lessons — the registration form is the fastest route; it asks everything needed to offer you a slot. - Group courses — see the 19 modules on group lessons and register there. - Gift vouchers — email with the recipient’s name and I’ll send a personalised printable voucher. See gift vouchers. - Session and live work — guitar and bass for hire, on services. - Something about your data — including having a name or photo taken off the students or testimonials page. Email and it gets done; see the privacy policy. - Anything about booking or refunds — the terms and conditions set it all out, and the FAQ covers most of the rest. Cool Gool Music is also on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and X. ## Ready when you are. 29 years of teaching, 34 on stage. Let’s get you playing. Register → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Electric Guitar Lessons URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/electric/ Summary: Electric guitar lessons in London with Malcolm Callus — first power chord to fluent lead. Music lessons in the SE16 studio, at yours across SE1, SE8, SE14 and E14, or online. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Electric Guitar · Lessons # Electric Guitar Lessons The instrument that shaped every genre from the 1950s onward — plectrum, fingers or both. I’ll take you from your first power chord to solid rhythm chops to fluent lead, beginner to advanced, in London or online worldwide. Book a lesson → See the fees In-studio · London SE16 At yours · TfL Zone 3 Online worldwide The electric guitar is the sound of modern music. It can be played with a plectrum, with your fingers, or a mix of both — and I can teach you all of it. My own stage and studio work lives mostly in the extreme-metal, jazz and world-music worlds, but in lessons I teach the lot: blues and rock ‘n’ roll, through rock, pop, indie, funk, reggae, the lot. We can write your own songs, learn your favourites, or work through pieces I’ve picked that address a specific technique. Your goals set the direction, we work as a team. The skills that make it click ## What you’ll learn in electric guitar lessons. 1 ### Scales, arpeggios, modes & chords The building blocks — and how they connect across the fretboard. 2 ### Left & right-hand technique Warm-ups and mechanics so any style comes out effortlessly. 3 ### Rhythm & lead Solid strumming and tight timing, plus soloing that sings. 4 ### Improvisation Learn to say something of your own over any progression. 5 ### Songs — yours & your favourites Write your own, or nail the tracks you’ve always wanted to play. 6 ### Rockschool, Trinity & RGT exams Graded prep if you want a qualification behind your playing. 7 ### Reading music, TAB & chord charts As much notation as you want — always taught the practical way. 8 ### Playing across styles Blues, rock, indie, metal, jazz and world — and much more. ## New to the guitar? Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to start on an acoustic. If electric guitar is your thing, get one and start rocking out — it’s actually easier on your fingers, thanks to the lower action, lighter strings and slimmer neck. We begin by warming up both hands so any style comes easily later, then move into basic chords and strumming, adding scales and soloing as we go. As you progress you choose where to specialise — rhythm, lead, or both — usually guided by the music you love. Theory is taught hands-on and stripped back to what you can actually recall while playing, so learning to read notation is available if you want it, but never a requirement. ## Already play? Want to catch up on tricks you missed over the years, iron out old habits with more effective technique, or finally sight-read? We can do all of it. Play well but don’t quite understand what you’re playing? I’ll teach you to crack the code — where every note lives on the neck, the thing most self-taught players miss, which opens up the whole fretboard to a myriad of new possibilities. Keen to improve your lead? We’ll cover how chords, scales and arpeggios relate to one another — when to look at the guitar horizontally and when to look at it vertically — so the notes stop being a mystery but become a tool. ## Your first three months on electric guitar Month one gets both hands working before anything else: a warm-up routine, fretting close behind the fret so notes ring cleanly, and alternate picking to a metronome at a speed that is honestly comfortable. On top of that go power chords, the first open chords, palm muting, and reading TAB and a chord chart. Riffs come in almost immediately — they are the fastest way to make an electric sound like an electric. Month two is chords and time. Barre chords and the movable shapes that make them portable, strumming and down-picked rhythm patterns, playing tight against a drum track, and the minor pentatonic in its first shape with bends, slides, hammer-ons and pull-offs on top. This is usually where students play their first full song end to end. Month three joins the two hands to the fretboard. We map the pentatonic across all five shapes, add the major scale and start relating chords to the scales they came from, so the neck stops being a set of memorised boxes. You solo over a backing track for the first time, and we set your amp and pedals up properly for the tones the music you like actually uses. ### Where the level goes after that Beyond the first term it depends on the player. Rhythm-minded students go into extended and altered chords, funk and reggae feels, drop tunings and riff writing. Lead-minded students take on modes, three-note-per-string scales, arpeggios and sweep picking, legato and vibrato control, and phrasing — which matters far more than speed. Most people want both, so we alternate, and songs you have chosen yourself carry the technique rather than the other way round. ### Graded exams, if you want them Grades are optional and plenty of students never bother, but if you want a target I prepare candidates for RGT, Rockschool and Trinity electric guitar grades, and I have taken students through the full run of them. Over a year learning guitar with Malcolm and I went from knowing a few basic chords to freestyle solos. Lessons are very methodical and designed to push you just outside the comfort zone.— Greta, electric guitar student ### Where lessons happen In-studio in London SE16 — Rotherhithe, Canada Water and Surrey Quays — at your place anywhere within TfL Zone 3, including Bermondsey and Borough (SE1), Walworth (SE17), Deptford (SE8), New Cross and Peckham (SE14, SE15), Lewisham (SE13) and Canary Wharf (E14), or live online worldwide over a choice of video conferencing apps. Get in touch and we’ll pick what fits you best. I teach music lessons right across South East London — see the areas I cover →. Simple, honest rates ## What electric guitar lessons cost. One-to-one electric guitar lessons are £30 for 30 minutes or £40 for 50 minutes, in-studio or online, with four weekly 50-minute lessons block-booked at £150. Group courses work out at £14 per person per session paying 12 upfront, and lessons at your place are £40 plus a small travel surcharge. See the full fees, blocks and referral cashbacks → ## Ready to plug in? Tell me your level and what you want to play. I’ll get your first electric guitar lesson booked. Book → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # FAQs — Guitar, Bass & Ukulele Lessons URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/faq/ Summary: Answers to the questions students ask most before their first guitar, bass or ukulele lesson with Malcolm Callus in London — starting age, exams, groups and more. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- FAQ · Guitar, Bass & Ukulele # Your Questions, Answered Got something to ask before your first lesson? Here are the questions students ask most — about starting out, choosing an instrument, lessons, exams and group courses. Still stuck? Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp). Book a lesson → Before you start ## Good questions, straight answers. ### ### At what age can I start learning guitar? Ideally at 8 years old, as some basic arithmetic and language is welcome. On the other hand, it’s never too late if you’re an adult keen to start. Besides the fun of learning tunes to share with friends, the guitar helps you unwind after a hard day. As guitar legend Steve Vai said when asked why he still practises so much despite a wife and kids — “The guitar always speaks nice to me!” The Chinese idiom has it that “the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step”. So start today! ### ### What if my son/daughter is younger than 8? Kids aged 4–7 find it more fun in a same-age group. On my Parent & Child Guitar (Mod 1) or Parent & Child Uke (Mod 2) courses, a parent or guardian is invited to join in free, so revision at home uses the same fun method as the class. The ukulele is especially easy, and so more recommended for children aged 4–7. ### ### How does a guitar vary from a bass, and from a ukulele? Bass guitars are bigger than guitars, which are bigger than ukuleles. By size and tuning they run: E A D G (bass), E A D G B E (guitar), D G B E (baritone uke), G C E A (tenor, concert & soprano ukuleles). The bass is an accompanying instrument, while guitar and ukulele can each be played on their own. For complete beginners, this page — including videos — clearly explains the differences. ### ### Which guitar — folk acoustic, classic or electric — is ideal to start on, and what size? Older students (and often teens) tend to already know whether they want acoustic (steel or nylon) or electric, but this can also be decided at the first lesson, since different guitars call for different techniques. Five basic rules: - The thinner the guitar, the easier to play. - An entry-level beginner guitar costs roughly — for kids: ~£100 (electric), ~£60 (acoustic), ~£30 (ukulele); for adults: ~£170 (electric), ~£90 (acoustic), ~£60 (ukulele). You may find cheaper, but poor quality can hold your playing back, so it’s not recommended. - An electric guitar is the easiest to play, but add ~£30 for an amp. - For acoustic guitars and ukes, coloured varnish ruins the sound. - Nylon-strung classical guitars have too wide a neck for beginners — buy one only if you’re a teen or adult specifically wanting classical, Latin or flamenco. Match your height to the right guitar size at this link before you buy. ### ### Which of the four types of ukulele is ideal to start on? Please read the ukulele page before buying. ### ### Do I need to buy a guitar or ukulele before starting? For individual lessons, let’s talk about it at your first lesson — especially if you’re buying second-hand. No lesson time is lost, because I’ll show you how to apply the basics on one of my instruments. Most students figure out all the notes on every fret of every string in under 15 minutes. It’s easy, and from day one you’re immersed in what really matters: creating music away from the instrument. The guitar is just a tool — the music is inside you. Come and discover how easy it is! For group lessons, please bring your own ukulele or guitar (a 3/4 size for kids under 140cm tall). See above for a price guide. ### ### Do I visit the tutor, or does the tutor come to me? The choice is yours! I can visit you in the comfort of your own home, or you can pay less by visiting my studio — kitted out with guitars, a synth, a bass, a uke and industry-standard software, media and hardware to make learning easier. You can also take lessons online or join a group course. See the fees for all of the above. ### ### What if I’m not based in London? Individual lessons are available internationally online. All you need is an internet connection, a camera and a mic. On my side I’m set up the same, plus a mixer that transmits multi-channel audio to you as a single soundwave. I can also teach in Italian, Maltese and German if English isn’t your main language. ### ### Should I read music, or can I play my favourite tunes with less effort? As a beginner there’s no need to learn musical notation. It’s introduced later in small measures to sharpen your sense of rhythm and help you understand and learn from varied styles and non-guitarists. The aim is to have fun and read effortlessly — just as you learn to read your own mother tongue the more you speak it. ### ### I quit guitar when I was younger because it was hard. How do I stay motivated this time? Our ability to learn sharpens as we mature. If an earlier attempt didn’t stick — maybe it was just a school subject, or your interest in music was lower, or you were pushed into it — the likeliest reason you stopped is that you weren’t making progress, so motivation drained away. But learning is understanding. A teen or young adult grasps the aims behind each exercise, which makes for faster progress, which in turn keeps you excited about what’s next rather than daunted by the challenge. Positive thinking! Like any language you learn at school and then abandon, if life leads you back to it in a foreign country, it comes back easily. Learning by doing. ### ### How long will it take to see an improvement in my playing? Whether you come as a beginner or already play, progress depends on how regularly you practise. I see lessons as two friends working as a team toward one goal — a goal you set. My job is to make sure you understand what we cover and help you set realistic targets; our success then depends on your regular practice. Polish what we cover so the next lesson lands comfortably. Ten minutes a day is plenty for beginners. As the Indian proverb goes — “the way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time!” ### ### Do I have to sit exams? Of course not — making music is all about fun. That said, exams do push you to achieve results within a set time-frame. So once I think you’re ready to pass one, I’ll suggest it and you decide whether to take it. And it’s rather nice to have a qualification! Some guitar boards are fully accredited as equivalent to GCSE, O and A Levels, right up to Bachelor’s and Master’s, so they can come in handy one way or another. ### ### Why learn with a tutor when I can learn online? Imagine you’re bursting with great ideas for art but, never having studied drawing, you lack the skill to put them on paper — and all the ideas in the world won’t change that. Music is the same. The internet is full of information, but not all of it comes from experienced players, so inaccurate advice is as easy to find as good advice. That’s why many people who start alone online eventually call a tutor: the time spent hunting for the right information doesn’t compare to how much faster you learn with someone experienced at making things easy. And the sooner you learn, the more motivated you’ll be to learn more. ### ### Should I sign up for group or individual lessons? Here are the key points to compare. Individual lessons are tailored precisely to your needs and offer more flexibility — your choice of 30 or 50 minutes, taken whenever you like, and available in English, German, Italian and Maltese. Group modules come in 50-minute sessions, offer the fun of measuring yourself against others, carry less between-lesson workload, cost less, and run in English only. Regular attendance is in your interest, as missed group lessons can’t be repeated without holding up the class. Not sure which suits you? Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp). ### ### Why choose Cool Gool Music for your tuition? Learn with me and you’re letting me share my foremost love in life — music. I’m passionate about it, and you gain a new friend who puts your musical dreams at the heart of every lesson. Don’t take my word for it — read what some students have said. ### ### I’m not a beginner. Do you have a group course for me? Yes! There are courses for advanced beginners (ideal if you already play but never took lessons), and for intermediate and advanced players. From pop to rock to metal to jazz — whatever your style, Cool Gool Music can help. ### ### Do you teach other instruments besides guitar? Yes — bass, ukulele, ear-training (for all instruments), and music theory and harmony (for all instruments). Read about all the modules here. ### ### How do I confirm my slot for group lessons? Pay directly at the booking page, or if you don’t use PayPal, book and you’ll receive an email explaining how to pay and the deadline. Your slot is confirmed once payment is made. ### ### How many students are there in a group session? Anywhere from 3 to a maximum of 8, to ensure personal attention for everyone. ### ### A course clashes with my commitments, but I’d like to start as soon as possible. Please book, and once 3 people register for your course I’ll contact you all to agree a mutually suitable start date. Give as many availabilities as you can to make this easier — and if you recommend friends, you get rewarded for each one who enrols. ### ### Where do the courses run? Currently, courses may run from any of: - Cool Gool Music, 3 Tillett Square, SE16 6HR; - Canada Water Studios, Vancouver House, Surrey Quays Rd, SE16 7BW; - Docklands Settlements Rotherhithe Community Centre, 400 Salter Rd, SE16 5LJ; - and other centres London-wide. The more students booked in an area, the sooner a course runs there — so spread the word. You also earn a reward for each friend who enrols. ### Your question still unanswered? Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp), daily until midnight — or register your interest and I’ll get back to you. ## Still curious? Let’s talk. The best way to find out if lessons are right for you is to get in touch. Guitar, bass or ukulele — beginner to advanced. Book → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Group Guitar Lessons London URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/group-lessons/ Summary: Group guitar, bass, ukulele and music-theory courses from £14 per 50 minutes — in London SE16 and at your venue across SE1, SE8, SE14, SE17 and E14, or online. Ages 4 to adult. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Group Courses · London & Online # Group Guitar, Bass & Ukulele Lessons London & online Semi-private courses in guitar, bass, ukulele, music theory & ear training — learn in a small, friendly group of your own age and level. 19 modules for everyone from 4-year-olds to seasoned players, in-studio in Rotherhithe SE16 or live online worldwide. Book a group course → See the fees Kids · Tweens · Teens · Adults 3–8 students per class Guitar · Bass · Uke · Theory · Ear Training Want to learn guitar, bass, ukulele or music itself in a fun group with others of a similar age and level? That’s exactly what these semi-private courses are for. My group guitar lessons in London and online run alongside group courses in bass, ukulele, music theory and ear training — same small classes, same method, one shared price. Classes are deliberately small — 3 to 8 students — so everyone still gets personal attention while enjoying the buzz of learning alongside others. There are courses for kids (4–8), tweens (9–12), teens (13+), adults and “superadults”, split by instrument and level so you’re always with the right crowd. This is a detailed page — if you’re on a phone, it’s easier to read on a computer. Take your time choosing the module that fits you, then jump to the booking form at the bottom. How it works ## Book, and we build the class around you. 1 ### Book & pay your place Register below and pay for your chosen course. Your slot is confirmed the moment payment lands. 2 ### List your availability There’s no fixed weekday. Give as many day/time options as you can (UK time) — I pick the slot that suits the most students. 3 ### We confirm & start Your course kicks off as soon as 3 people apply, or shortly after the booking-close date — whichever comes first. ↺ ### Different day? Full refund If the confirmed weekday clashes with a day you never listed, you can move to individual lessons, wait for next term, or get a refund. £14 ### Bring a friend, get rewarded Earn £14 back for every friend you introduce who enrols — you don’t even have to be a student yourself. 💻 ### Online or in person Every module runs online except Modules 1, 2, 5 & 18. In-person courses run from studios around London SE16 (nearest tube – Canada Water). ## 2026 term start dates Courses begin on the following weeks — or sooner, as soon as 3 people apply for the same course. Book (and pay) by the close date to secure your place. - Week commencing 26 Jan 2026 — book by 20 Jan 2026 - Week commencing 27 Apr 2026 — book by 21 Apr 2026 - Week commencing 15 Jun 2026 — book by 9 Jun 2026 - Week commencing 28 Sep 2026 — book by 22 Sep 2026 The exact date, time (and venue for London groups) is confirmed once 3 students apply for the same course, or a few days after booking closes — whichever comes first. Please read the T&Cs and FAQs further down before you book. Course fees ## Group rates, per person Course · Length · Per person Standard group course · 12 × 50 min paid upfront · £168£14 / session Standard group course · 6 × 50 min · £100£16.67 / session Module 18 · Band jamming & tips · Once-monthly · 50 min · £17 Module 19 · Workshop: how to practise less and improve faster · Once-only · 2 hr · £35 Fees are paid upfront for a block of 6 or 12 lessons — you save by paying all 12 at once (dropping to £14 per session). If you pay for the first 6, lessons 7–12 fall due at your 4th lesson to keep your slot booked. Max 8 students per class. Introduce a friend who enrols and earn £14 back. See the full fees → ## Which instrument, which module? Every module is built for a specific instrument, age and level. Here’s what’s available on each instrument so you can find your fit: - Guitar — Modules 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10–19 - Ukulele — Modules 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 15–19 - Bass — Modules 5, 9, 12, 15–19 - All musicians (theory, rhythm & harmony) — Modules 5, 15–19 ## Young beginners — kids 4 to 12 Fun, gentle first steps on guitar or ukulele. For Modules 1 & 2 the fee covers both parent and child, and the same parent attends every session so practice at home stays just as fun. Module 5 is for general music and does not require the kid to play an instrument at all. ### Mod 1 : Parent & child guitar (kids 6–8) — in person only - Guitar introduction, alternate picking, notes on the fingerboard up to the 5th fret - Reading TAB, 1–3 fret chords, playing in time and simple strum patterns - Everyday songs on open chords, a group song written together, then a presentation gig ### Mod 2 : Parent & child ukulele (kids 4–8) — in person only - Uke introduction, open-string names, picking technique, chords and strumming - Playing in time, reading TAB, single-string melodies - Simple kids’ songs like “When the Saints Go Marching In”, “Kumbaya”, and similar ### Mod 3 : Kids 9–12 guitar — in person or online (parent alongside if online) - Everything in Mod 1 extended to notes up to the 12th fret - Tuning the guitar, fingering technique, a group song project and presentation gig ### Mod 4 : Kids 9–12 ukulele — in person or online (parent alongside if online) - All the ukulele basics, notes up to the 5th fret, tuning and fingering technique - Writing and arranging a song together, then a presentation gig ### Mod 5 : Music for young ones — no instrument needed (kids 4–12, 6 weeks, in person) - Clapping rhythms and the pulse to kids’ songs, listening and repeating, tapping to song rhythms - Creating short and long rhythms that fit together, with percussion at some lessons ## Beginners — teens or adults Total-beginner courses for teens and grown-ups (grouped separately). Positive attitude and around 15 minutes’ daily practice is all you need to start. Available in person and online. ### Mod 6 : Electric / modern guitar — rock, pop & more - A tour of styles, all the notes on the fingerboard, alternate picking, intro scales - Applying common techniques, chords & scales to make music - Chord structure and rhythm ideas, playing in time, reproducing song rhythms, ear development - Group project applying rhythm and soloing together ### Mod 7 : Acoustic / folk guitar - Folk styles and techniques, different woods and how they shape your tone, finger independence - Open chords, strumming in time, common scale fingerings, creating melodies, strum patterns - Playing as a guitar duo (rhythm + melody), then composing a song together for a final gig ### Mod 8 : Ukulele — beginner & improver - All contents of Mod 2 + notes up to the 5th fret, tuning and finger independence - Open chords, strumming to songs, common scale fingerings, melody-making and strum patterns - A group song written, arranged and performed together ### Mod 9 : Bass — beginner - A showcase of different bass styles, playing with pick or fingers, and learning all notes on the neck - Easy bass patterns, intro scales and arpeggios, finger independence, engaging with drum rhythms - Creating melodies and simple soloing, then joining patterns and solos together for a final gig ## Advanced beginner to advanced — all ages Already play and want to go deeper? These modules push technique, theory and repertoire for players from advanced-beginner (ideal if you play but never took lessons) through to intermediate and up to advanced. ### Mod 10 : Acoustic guitar & ukulele — players who already strum - Techniques, woods and sound production; the full fingerboard; closed transposable chords - Circle of 5ths, note values, solid timing, understanding your favourite songs’ strum patterns - Finger/hybrid-picking, 2-octave open scales, joining harmony and melody, writing a song and singing to it (optional) ### Mod 11 : Electric guitar — rock out like a star - Rock & metal riffing, palm muting and power chords, building and mapping chords on the neck - Rhythm guitar using closed position chords & 3-string 9th chords - Closed-position speed scales (major, minors, pentatonics), sequence patterns and harmonising - Same scale harmonizing & arpeggio patterns - Practical tips to solo — find the key, forget it, groove on — and combining chords and solos as one ### Mod 12 : Blues & blues-rock — guitar & bass (6-week course) - Common blues progressions and 7th barre chords; blues and pentatonic scales in 1, 2 and 3-octave shapes all along the neck - Soloing with every shape, using a finger slide, common turnarounds and blues rhythms - Chord substitutions and additions, song examples and jamming ### Mod 13 : Cross-genre guitar — become an above-average all-rounder - String skipping, finger-picking, slur-building, bending and vibrato - Modes and how they relate to major/minor scales; vertical vs horizontal playing across the neck - Natural harmonics and Latin rhythm guitar, then writing songs as a team for a final gig ### Mod 14 : Advanced rock & jazz - Prog-rock and jazz styles, artificial harmonics, 9th, 11th & 13th chords, two-note diads in solos - Hybrid-picking, Wes Montgomery octaves, transposition, modulation and pivot chords - Tapping with string-skipping, extending the CAGED system, whole-tone and diminished soloing, tritone subs, Neapolitan 6ths, Coltrane changes and Bebop scales ## Theory, harmony & songwriting — all levels, all instruments Open to any musician, not just guitarists — these modules build the understanding behind the playing. Mod 5 · Music for young ones belongs to this group too — it is the no-instrument rhythm and listening course for children aged 4 to 12, and it is set out in full under young beginners above. ### Mod 15 : Music theory - Get to the next level in 12 lessons. Choose ABRSM / LCM classical theory (for composition and general understanding) up to Grade 5, or LCM Popular Music Theory kept practical to contemporary music, up to Grade 8. ### Mod 16 : Practical harmony — write & understand songs - How chords, scales and rhythms work so you can write or learn songs — drop-ins welcome - How scales and chords are built and relate, rhythmic notation, post-1950 pop & rock history - Moving melodies and chords between keys + fun melodic, harmonic and rhythmic exercises - Builds a solid understanding of contemporary music regardless of your level - Speeds up your theoretic understanding so you have more hands-on time on your instrument ### Mod 17 : Songwriting (6-week course for any musician) - Song structure and riff-change hints; clapping back rhythms, melody and chords - Singing & identifying scales, intervals, chords & melodies - Chords built on each degree of the major scale, finding the key by ear or from a chart - The 10 most common progressions with song examples, and tips to bend them into your own songs ## Meet-ups & workshops — all levels, all ages ### Mod 18 : Band jamming & tips — how to contribute better in a band (once-monthly meet-up, £17) Putting what you know to use in a band setting, without homework — casual sessions that feel like musicians jamming together. They run every 3–4 weeks and every one is different, so drop-ins are welcome. Expect different styles, soloing, listening and complementing others, varied rhythm chops and harmonising — a non-stop pack of song ideas, sometimes with an ad-hoc student question turned into a class project. ### Mod 19 : Workshop: how to practise less and improve faster (once-only 2-hour session, £35) For any instrumentalist (not just guitarists) who wants to learn how to practise without over-studying — becoming a better player sooner, at a relaxed pace. We divide practice into focused blocks (technique, scales and soloing, chords and rhythm, songs, theory and ear training) and fit them into your daily routine, so you know exactly what to get from each session. Bring around two months of playing under your belt. Good to know ## Group course FAQs & T&Cs ### I’m not a beginner — is there a course for me? Absolutely. There are courses for advanced beginners (ideal if you already play but never took lessons), intermediate and advanced players — anything from pop to rock to metal to jazz, whatever your style. ### Do you teach instruments other than guitar? Yes — bass, ukulele, plus music theory, rhythm and harmony, which are open to all musicians, not just guitarists. ### How many students are in a group? Between 3 and 8, so everyone still gets personal attention. ### How do I confirm my slot? Your place is confirmed once payment is received. Pay by PayPal in the booking steps below, or fill in your details only and I’ll email you bank-transfer details to pay into. ### At what age can a child start? Kids 4–8 do best in a same-age group — it’s more fun and rewarding. For this age I recommend the Parent & Child modules (1 & 2), so a parent or guardian sits alongside and home practice uses the same fun method used in the class. ### A course clashes with my commitments — can I still start soon? Book anyway. Once three people enrol for the same course I’ll contact you to start on a mutually suitable date, so please supply as many availabilities as possible. Recommend friends and you earn £14 for each one who enrols. ### Do I need my own instrument? Yes — or the budget to buy one by your first lesson (roughly £30 for a ukulele, £60 for an acoustic guitar, £100 for an electric or bass). I’ll happily help you choose a cheap but good entry-level instrument. For electric instruments, please bring your own jack. ### Where are in-person courses held? At Cool Gool Music, the Docklands Settlements Rotherhithe Community Centre, or Canada Water Studios — all within walking distance of each other in Rotherhithe SE16. The exact venue is confirmed with at least one week’s notice. ### What’s the refund policy? (a) It’s in your interest to attend lessons. Missing them is your choice, so no refunds due. (b) Due to advance venue hire, if one drops out after registering/ during course, a refund for any due lessons (less £15 admin fee) is issued only if 6 students are currently in the course. (c) In the rare & unlikely event that Cool Gool Music has to cancel a lesson, 1 week advance notice is given via email & an alternative date sought for everyone. If you cannot make it, £14 are refunded yet the lesson material covered is sent to you via video/print format. (d) Once a group course day is announced, if lessons run on a day you do not list on applying, you can use the fees towards individual lessons at a convenient day to you, wait till next term hoping the course runs on a day you prefer, or ask for a refund. (e) Lessons are taught in English, and it is hence expected that participants can clearly understand and communicate in English; if not, no refund or back-up lessons will be issued. ### Please read our consent terms! By agreeing to these T & Cs, students/guardians herewith allow Cool Gool Music (a) to teach respective applicants 16 & younger in their care (b) to video lessons for the sake of continually improving lessons for you (c) to use videos excerpts & lesson photos for promotion. These media will be forwarded to you to show to friends. Remember that you earn £14 for each friend you recommend who enrols to lessons. Ready to join a group? ## Register for a group course. Tell me your details and course choice below, and list as many day/time options as you can (UK time). I’ll confirm your slot as soon as your group fills. Booking a group course means you accept the terms on this page and our terms and conditions. Your details are handled as set out in our privacy policy. ## Group Registration. I confirm to have read the group lesson info page above & agreed to the included T & Cs. DO NOT tick this before you have filled and sent Step 1 above. Please list your name again Please re-enter your email address Most importantly, please re-enter your telephone no. * Please choose group Module no. you are interested in (you can register for more than 1 module, as long as they are of the same level)1 Beginners Guitar Parent & Child (4-8)2 Beginners Ukulele Parent & Child (4-8)3 Beginners Guitar for Kids 9-124 Beginners Ukelele for Kids 9-125 Beginners Music Clapping for Kids 4-126 Beginners Electric Guitar Age 13+7 Beginners Acoustic Guitar Age 13+8 Beginners/Improver Ukulele Age 13+9 Beginners Bass Guitar Age 8+10 Improver Singer-Songwriter Acoustic11 Improver Rock Guitar12 Improver/Intermediate Blues Workshop13 Intermediate Guitar14 Advanced Prog & Jazz Guitar15 All Levels Music Theory16 All Levels Know it Hear It Harmony17 Improver/Intermediate Songwriting18 All Levels Catchup w/o Ketchup Jam19 All Levels Improve Faster Tap all the options that apply — you can choose as many as you like. Leave this field blank Send ## Prefer one-to-one? Individual lessons might suit you better — same rate in-studio, at yours or online. Book individual lessons → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Guitar Lesson Testimonials URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/testimonials/ Summary: 130 real reviews from students and parents of Cool Gool Music — read what learners say about guitar, bass and ukulele lessons with Malcolm Callus in London. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Testimonials # Guitar Lesson Testimonials 130 real reviews from students and parents of Cool Gool Music — in their own words. Serious School of Rock vibes, and the progress to prove it. Book a lesson → See the fees 130 reviews · in their own words ## What students actually say. Read more reviews on Facebook → Malcolm will push you to be a better guitarist, he always challenges me especially when he knows I can do more. I have made great progress with his lessons! ★★★★★Ines, electric guitar student My daughter has been taking in-person guitar lessons with Malcolm for the past six months, and we couldn't be happier with the experience. Malcolm is a fantastic teacher—patient, encouraging, and able to make every lesson both enjoyable and productive. One thing my daughter particularly loves is that Malcolm lets her choose songs she enjoys learning. This has kept her motivated and excited to practice between lessons, and it's been wonderful to see her confidence and ability grow over time. Malcolm creates a relaxed and supportive learning environment while still helping students make real progress. We have seen a huge improvement in both her playing and her enthusiasm for music. I would highly recommend Malcolm to anyone looking for a skilled, engaging, and inspiring guitar teacher. ★★★★★Paul, parent of an electric guitar student My young son has been studying guitar with Malcolm for the past four months. He has made great progress and always goes to his lessons with great enthusiasm and interest. ★★★★★Ekaterina, parent of an acoustic guitar student I’ve been taking guitar lessons with Malcolm (serious School of Rock vibes 😄) and I’m really happy with the classes. They’re a lot of fun, he’s super nice and incredibly knowledgeable, and you can tell he genuinely enjoys teaching. Makes learning guitar feel easy and enjoyable. Highly recommend! ★★★★★Aniket, acoustic guitar student Excellent teaching skills. Really pleased with the lessons. Clear teaching, great attitude, and noticeable progress. ★★★★★Anne, parent of an electric guitar student Malcolm is a very experienced guitarist, and, more importantly, an experienced teacher. He approaches lessons in a very structured and professional manner and will work with you to adapt to your interests. Another thing I appreciate about Malcolm is he will hold you accountable, which is good when you are trying to learn whilst juggling all the day to day activities of life. Great teacher and would highly recommend. ★★★★★Janos Rafael, electric guitar student I have been learning bass with Malcolm for few months. He is an experienced music teacher. Also, he is inspiring with fantastic skills and technique. If you would like to start your music journey, Malcolm will be your choice of teacher. Highly recommended ★★★★★Kim, bass guitar student Malcolm is a very experienced teacher. An accomplished musician, he has been teaching for decades and has refined his method. He is meticulous, disciplined and knows how to bring out the best of his students, regardless of their previous knowledge on the instrument. He rewards commitment with a great deal of useful knowledge. If you are serious about learning guitar and improving your technique, he’s the one to call. I highly recommend him. ★★★★★Paco, electric guitar student We couldn’t be happier with the bass guitar lessons our child has been receiving. These lessons strike a perfect balance of structure, creativity and fun. What really stands out is how well the lessons are adapted to suit our child’s pace and interests. Malcolm keeps things dynamic and engaging, using a variety of techniques that hold their attention and make each session enjoyable. There’s a great mix of guidance and flexibility, which has made a huge difference in keeping our child motivated and focused. Malcolm’s patience, positivity and ability to connect with our teenager really sets him apart. We would highly recommend these bass guitar lessons to anyone looking for a supportive, engaging and inspiring teacher. ★★★★★Audrey, parent of a bass guitar student Malcolm is a great teacher, his structured and progressive approach will give you results. ★★★★★Mario, electric guitar student Over a year learning guitar with Malcolm and I went from knowing a few basic chords to freestyle solos. Lessons are very methodical and designed to push you just outside the comfort zone. Students get to pick the songs they want to play which keeps home practice fun. 100% recommend. ★★★★★Greta, electric guitar student Malcolm is a great teacher - very patient but direct teaching style and I have progressed further with him than in years of trying to self-teach! ★★★★★Shantan, electric guitar student Before starting lessons, I did not know the guitar, but Malcolm made the learning process incredibly smooth and enjoyable. Instead of jumping straight into playing, he took the time to explain the essential music theory behind what we were learning. This approach helped me understand why I was playing certain chords, which made me much more confident in my progress. His patience, clear explanations, and structured teaching style made even the basics engaging. I now have a strong foundation to build upon, and I’m excited to keep learning. If you’re a complete beginner looking for a tutor who truly cares about your understanding and growth, I couldn’t recommend him enough! ★★★★★Simran, acoustic guitar student Malcolm is a great teacher who always comes well prepared to lessons and provides actionable instruction for students. I have seen a considerable increase in my ability to play since starting with Malcolm approximately 2 years ago. ★★★★★Ali, electric guitar student Before Malcolm, I went through a few different guitar teachers but struggled to find someone with a clear sense of direction. A lot of lessons felt casual or focused on learning random riffs without much long-term progression. Malcolm’s approach is different — structured, focused, and rooted in building solid fundamentals. He genuinely cares about his students and takes your development seriously. His method is clear and goal-driven, and if you’re willing to commit and follow his lead, you’ll absolutely improve as a musician. Malcolm isn’t just about playing songs, he’s about understanding how music works. It’s a more disciplined, academic style of teaching than most, but it pays off if you're in it for the long haul. Highly recommended for players who want real progress and are ready to put in the work. ★★★★★Diogo, electric guitar student Have been attending classes for several months now, and have developed a solid foundation of both theory and technique, with consistent progress. Great teacher. ★★★★★Daniel, electric guitar student Awesome guitar teacher. I started as someone that knew how to play basic chords, without understanding really what was going on behind the scene. Malcolm has helped me really understand how music works fundamentally, and trained me to recognise musical aspects by ear. He also works closely with me to better my songwriting, which is my passion when it comes to music. 100% would recommend. ★★★★★Nahian, acoustic & electric guitar student I had guitar lessons with Malcolm for a bit over a year and he’s an amazing teacher and musician! I’ve learned so much - not just in guitar skills, but music theory and ear training too - in a fun and interesting way. I always had a good feeling of progression and got to get out of my comfort zone. If you’re passionate about music and want someone who’ll make the most out of you and your time, I’d definitely recommend! ★★★★★Liana, electric guitar student Malcolm is an excellent teacher, with a passion for music that comes through in every session. I've been doing bass lessons with him for a year now, and I highly recommend him for anyone wishing to learn to play the guitar or the bass. ★★★★★Sandeep, bass guitar student I and my young daughter have been attending weekly ukulele lessons with Malcolm for the last 7 months. Despite taking turtle pace given our busy lifestyle, we have learned and progressed in our ukulele learning. Malcolm is focused in his teaching and actively encourages homework to be done on time to help advance learning and enjoyment. I recommend Cool Gool Ukulele Music Lessons. ★★★★★Suzi, parent of a ukulele student Malcolm is a great teacher, truly passionate about guitar and music in general. I've been taking classes once a week for two months, learned more than I did over a year practicing on my own. ★★★★★Andrei, acoustic guitar student Malcolm is a brilliant teacher and has massively helped me with bass. He is very methodical with his teaching, and is very knowledgeable when it comes to music theory. He is stern (not strict) but this is a good thing. It motivates you to always try your best and to practise to become a better musician, and bassist (in my case). Just because he's stern doesn't mean he isn't sympathetic. If a topic or technique takes you longer to learn/ grasp he is there to support you and will tell you how to improve it. It might take a while (for me it's with my rhythm clapback) but as long as you put in the effort to improve, he'll guide you through it. Malcolm is diverse with the genres he teaches in (you can always learn something from different genres even if you don't like that genre) but bonus points for also being a metal head 🤘🏻 I've been teaching myself bass since start of 2022, and decided to get lessons with Malcolm during the summer of 2023 as I wanted guidance to help learn the bass guitar and music theory efficiently (not quickly). As of December 2024 I passed my grade 5 bass exam with a merit all thanks to Malcolm! Overall I'm very happy to be taking lessons with the Cool Gool (especially for the price compared to other London teachers) and I'll be continuing to do so! ★★★★★Skyler, bass guitar student Malcolm is a very good teacher, he has a passion for music and clearly wants his students to do well, to understand the foundations of music, and to play music well. ★★★★★Daniel, acoustic guitar student Fully satisfied. Malcolm is a great musician with teaching skill. I recommend him without reservation. ★★★★★Getu, parent of an acoustic & electric guitar student Would recommend Malcolm to anyone who wants to learn ukelele. Very enthusiastic about your learning experience. Very keen for you to progress. ★★★★★Karen, grandma of Cassian, ukulele student Malcolm is very passionate about music. He has a very effective teaching style for those who want to learn chords, improvise, and analyze songs. Happy to recommend him as a great teacher. ★★★★★Julia, acoustic guitar student Malcolm’s lessons are never dull! He brings bags of enthusiasm to our lessons (think Jack Black's character from School of Rock) which he balances with discipline and knowledge (think Mr Miyagi from Karate Kid). He’s helped me gain a better understanding of music and brought far more structure to my guitar playing. ★★★★★Alex, electric guitar student Malcolm is great. He’s an effective teacher who cares about you both improving and enjoying the guitar. He is direct, in a good way, so you’re always clear in what you need to do. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. ★★★★★Mark, acoustic guitar student I really like that everything Malcolm teaches is very well orginized, structured and all the new topics are built upon previous lessons. During a year studying guitar with him, I've learned much more than for several years on my own ★★★★★Artem, electric guitar student Malcolm is a very professional guitar teacher. Every lesson is filled with valuable information and useful tips on how to take your guitar skills to the next level. I got the first 5 lessons as a gift from my friend and was happy to continue after because I really enjoyed his teaching style which is easy to follow and understand. Malcolm always has a solution to any difficulty and always finds a way to motivate and inspire you! Thank you! ★★★★★Renata, electric guitar student Mr. M. Callus is a great teacher who loves guitar and shares this with his students. He finds a way to build a relationship with students of different age and background, & explains the lesson in a funny and creative way. He can adapt to your learning pace, but also pushes to improve. As an adult student having other responsibilities and limited time to practise, I appreciate his understanding and flexibility. I have been priviledged to attend Mr. M. Callus guitar classes for the past year!. ★★★★★Ausra, acoustic guitar student Great teacher with a lot of guitar knowledge and expertise. Malcolm really wants to see his students succeed and get better. ★★★★★Kola, acoustic guitar student Great and experienced guitar teacher. Highly recommended. ★★★★★Dominika, parent of an acoustic guitar student Great music teacher. I've learned so much about technique and about my guitar playing in the few months already that I started practicing with him. It's great to finally have a guitar teacher to ask questions to, who is also a great musician! He helped me grow a lot in the 2 years that I had him as my teacher. Starting from being an absolute beginner on the guitar, I'm much more comfortable with learning songs and improvising in the key of the songs I would like to learn. The knowledge I gained from him benefitted not only my guitar playing, but other areas of my life too. I would definitely recommend Malcolm's services as a teacher! ★★★★★Ryan Morrisson, acoustic guitar student Malcolm is a very good guitar teacher. He has loads of enthusiasm for music, and provides very well structured lessons. He has great knowledge & wisdom in his chosen field, and shares it well with good analogies and explanations for any questions I have. I would highly recommend Malcolm to anyone who is serious about learning guitar ★★★★★Gavin Smith, electric guitar student I first started as a complete beginner and despite my "head in the clouds" learning style, Malcolm manages to give me a structure, makes me stick to an efficient method and I can already see massive improvements after a couple of months both on the theory and practice side. Already picking up on a favorite song this week 🙂 ★★★★★Celine Caro, acoustic guitar student Amazing teacher. Would recommend. I’ve improved greatly since I started lessons. ★★★★★George Malcolm, electric guitar student Malcolm is a great tutor! He loves music, and has experience performing and teaching. I would really recommend him - his experience as a tutor makes him professional while also super friendly and kind, able to play different styles and can adapt to your level. Thanks Malcolm!! ★★★★★Tatiana, bass guitar student Malcolm is a great guitar teacher, learning with him is very structured and you can see the progress every week. Would highly recommend to anyone! ★★★★★Gabriele, acoustic guitar student My daughter is very young and she really enjoys learning the ukulele from Malcolm. He is very systematic and patient especially with a child so young. Would highly recommend if someone is looking to learn uke/guitar. If one would follow the ways he teaches, the foundation would be really strong. ★★★★★Palak, parent of a ukulele student I've been learning guitar with Malcolm for more than a year, during which I have seen my skills improve massively. Lessons are always well structured around specific topics with a good balance of theory and practice, allowing you to take the content of the lesson up a level with homework during the week. Malcolm is flexible on the skills that you want to learn more quickly, tailoring the content of the lessons so you can get the most satisfaction from the learning experience with him. That keeps you motivated and wanting to learn more while making it a lot of fun. I would definitely recommend him if you are serious about learning to play guitar. ★★★★★Victor Fenes, classic & electric guitar student Malcolm is an amazing music teacher. Through his expert knowledge, he knows exactly when to push you, or when you need more assistance. With this skilled approach, you move along at a pace that is comfortable for you without ever feeling like you are out of your depth. For anyone who is looking to learn guitar or ukulele, you will find that Malcolm is a fantastic choice. ★★★★★Paul Gill, ukulele student Malcolm is incredibly knowledgable and a superb teacher. He explains things with brilliant analogies and has an expert level of musical understanding. Very friendly and welcoming, with lessons always going at the perfect pace. 10/10 - would recommend to anybody of any level. I’ve been playing guitar for over 10 years but wanted some lessons to improve in areas that I’m not as up to scratch on, and lessons with Malcolm have been perfect for this. ★★★★★Conor Cleere, electric guitar student He’s experienced, knows how to teach, can have fun and has a good selection of tea 🙂 ★★★★★Matthew Benjamin, classical guitar student Malcolm is a dedicated teacher. He looks for ways to engage students and stimulate their interests in music. My son had lessons from quite a young age, and the thought that went into teaching methods and techniques meant the lessons were never boring. I really believe Malcolm is passionate about helping his students to succeed and enjoy learning. ★★★★★Rebecca, parent of a ukulele student Pretty direct and straight to the point! By the time you know it you’ll realise you’ve actually learned something! If you're aiming to be a great guitarist with extensive knowledge of your instrument, Malcolm's the guy you want teaching you. He's a great teacher who knows what it takes to improve your skills and is very flexible as well. Prices are very reasonable too! ★★★★★Hidayat Muhammed, bass guitar student My son has been going to Cool Gool Music from when he was in year 5 at primary school. He did not know anything about the guitar & now he is doing amazing. Malcolm is a fantastic tutor. He is very passionate about his music and teaching and wants the very best for his pupils. He is flexible with his time and is very professional. I am very pleased with my son's progress, thanks to Malcolm he lives and enjoys playing his guitar. ★★★★★Elaine, parent of an electric guitar student Nice and friendly atmosphere. Very inspirational and motivational tutor! ★★★★★Kate, parent of a ukulele student Great fun! Malcolm is hilarious and extremely talented. He teaches you to have confidence in yourself and before you know it you'll be playing like a pro! ★★★★★Kym Marquis-Lee, acoustic guitar student Efficient, comprehensive, easy to follow and enjoyable ★★★★★Michael Ahimah, acoustic guitar student Malcolm is an excellent teacher - really committed to helping me learn and master the instrument. Definitely no shortcuts with this guy!! ★★★★★Anita Maj, electric guitar student Malcolm is a really great teacher and with his guidance, my guitar skills have developed so much since beginning lessons with him. His method of teaching also sets you up for success, while being as efficient as possible to get the more boring stuff (theory/technique) learned quickly so you can do the fun stuff of playing fun songs or even making your own music. Getting to understand the theory behind the music made things so much easier too. I started off just wanting to learn to play songs, but now I'm gaining the knowledge to sit down and one day be able to understand any piece of music and come up with my own solos. Definitely better than struggling along with youtube videos! I'd highly recommend lessons with Malcolm. The adjustment to online lessons during Covid has also gone really smoothly! ★★★★★Kelly Whiting, acoustic guitar student Just brilliant! ★★★★★Evie, parent of a ukulele student Very fun and enjoyable, learning new things every time without knowing. ★★★★★Aydin Arif, bass guitar student I learn a ton each lesson with Malcolm and it’s clear he has a huge amount of knowledge and skill. I've been learning guitar with him for two years now. He's an amazing guitarist and also an outstanding teacher. His very structured approach mixed with a huge depth of knowledge means I'm always progressing and learning new skills at a pace that works for me. ★★★★★Paul Case, electric guitar student Malcolm is a very knowledgeable teacher and at the same time he is able to keep you focused on your career path, regardless if you want to be a campfire guitarist or a top guitar player. Super cool teacher, but not as cool as me! But who is? I am cooler than all Westminster Parliament put together 😀 ★★★★★Jose Ardini, electric guitar student It's great learning from Malcolm. When you learn a lot and don't even notice the time it's an amazing experience. I recommend him to everyone who wants to learn how to play guitar and have a good time. ★★★★★Tiago Figueiredo, electric guitar student Malcolm is a very patient teacher who has taught me a lot and helped me through 7 exams. ★★★★★Nancy Booker, electric guitar student I really enjoy learning guitar with Malcolm, he explains things well to a newbie like me! ★★★★★Claire Reynolds, acoustic guitar student He is a great teacher who genuinely wants you to improve. His lessons are always well structured and fun. ★★★★★Peter Copper, acoustic guitar student Interesting! He likes to keep me on my toes! ★★★★★Jaxon Darby, electric guitar student Malcolm really understands what I want to learn and tailors the lessons to fit that. ★★★★★Graham Seabrook, electric guitar student Great teacher. Really understood how to teach me. Very organised & highly recommended. ★★★★★Emma Oriana Grewal, online acoustic guitar student I'm not the best at keeping up with practice or homework but Malcolm's never judgemental, always supportive and very adept at assessing what level I'm at and what I need to do next to improve. I keep up my lessons because I enjoy them and because Malcolm always makes me feel like I have the potential to be a good guitarist!!! So far I've had around 5 months of weekly lessons with Malcolm and I'm extremely happy with my progress . He really is an exceptional teacher, organised, efficient, thorough and supportive. Highly recommended. ★★★★★Karina Leigh, electric guitar student Malcolm is the greatest teacher and friend. He come to Australia back in 2003 and I only had the pleasure of meeting and learning from him half way into his stay here. He made sure I understood the theory he laid out before he left. What he taught me is so beneficial and I'm forever grateful. ★★★★★Pete Gange, electric guitar student Malcolm is a great and passionate teacher. Our lessons are very enjoyable and he has given me a great musical foundation upon which to build on. I taught myself before Malcolm to a certain level but Malcolm has pushed me way beyond the level I was at before I met him ★★★★★Alex Achikeh, electric guitar student My young son has been learning ukulele with Malcolm for around 1 year. He has made good progress and enjoys playing the ukulele. Malcolm is a great teacher. ★★★★★Sally Dowman, parent of ukulele student Invigorating, fun & lively, structured & progressive fast paced learning from basics through to soloing! Malcolm encourages me to practice – I’ve seen a lot of improvement and can now improvise and solo in a way I hadn’t thought I'd be able to. I’ve found someone to jam with as a result of the encouragement, learning and confidence Malcolm has given me. I really also enjoy the group lessons – jamming the blues in the park with Malcolm and my fellow students on a sunny evening was a great feeling. Good fun - highly recommended! ★★★★★Rob Cruz, electric guitar student Wicked guitar tutor, I learned loads in a very short time! ★★★★★Greg Taylor, electric guitar student I found Malcolm via his website and I was seeing him for a few months to take 1 to 1 guitar lessons. He is very knowledgable and passionate about both music as a whole and guitar playing in particular. What's more important, he really tries to give you the maximum value for your money and time, he is very organised and has created his own curriculum and materials which are all spot on! I had to cease with the lessons temporarily simply because my work wasn't leaving me much time to practice but am intending to return to his tutoring as soon as I stop traveling for work so much. I recommend Malcolm's tutoring services very much! If you have enough time to practice and do the homework he assigns to you, you will advance quickly! ★★★★★Tony Pavlov, acoustic guitar student I've been learning with Malcolm for a while now and enjoy it immensely. I really feel like I'm learning the techniques to play the style of music that I want to play and I can feel myself progressing in my preferred genres which is immensely satisfying. ★★★★★Graham Seabrook, online electric guitar student Malcolm is an experienced guitarist and educator who can quickly evaluate skill level and understand how and what to teach. He is organized and methodical and pushes his students at necessary measure. As someone who has played guitar for a long time but has never been disciplined in my practice, I have found Malcolm to be a great instructor for me. ★★★★★Rick Ducott, acoustic guitar student Malcolm is a very energetic teacher. He makes each lesson interesting and challenging, with progression from week to week. He makes sure I'm challenged so my skills develop. ★★★★★Katy Shearer, acoustic guitar student Malcolm is a perceptive, engaging teacher, who I have found provides me with just the right level of challenge to continually improve without feeling totally out of my depth. He really knows his stuff, and often the reasons behind certain exercises and techniques aren't immediately obvious, in short order they are thrown into sharp relief with a 'Gotcha!' moment. He's constantly working with me at a challenging level, but not one which goes beyond my level of comprehension. I'm thankful we got back on track after an interruption of studies and can't recommend him more highly. ★★★★★William Ayerst, online electric guitar student Malcolm is a very structured music teacher, which I like. I can see my progress, as the classes mount up. I would recommend him, especially for a beginner, like myself. ★★★★★Lyn Hanrahan, bass guitar student Perfect teacher for my metal playing. Thank you. ★★★★★Valentin Kratochvil, electric guitar student Malcolm is an enthusiastic and professional teacher. In the 9 months I have been having lessons with him my playing has improved so much that my girlfriend no longer has to leave the room when I practice! His teaching covers all aspects of acoustic guitar playing, chords, rhythm playing, theory, scales, arpeggios, and soloing. He encourages self expression in his teaching and his enthusiasm for his subject shows in approach to lessons. He encourages students to express themselves and to enjoy playing, as well as making sure that the fundamentals of theory and technique are in place. My confidence in my guitar playing has increased enormously in just 9 months of lessons. ★★★★★John Ford, acoustic guitar student Glad to be learning the guitar properly at long last! Really enjoying my sessions with Malcolm. Very organised and structured to help each individual from beginner level onward. Just signed up again for more lessons. Recommended. ★★★★★Martin Suffolk, acoustic guitar student A very enthusiastic, diligent and inspiring teacher. Keeps people engaged in the art of music, be it child or adult ★★★★★Bernardette Curley, acoustic guitar student Malcolm is a great teacher. I have tried learning for a while, but Malcolm was able to make it possible through providing a clear path of progression for me and loads of experience about what works in teaching. He gave me classes a couple years ago, then I went abroad for a while, returned and he gave me classes. I would recommend him strongly. ★★★★★Ashley Aarons, online electric guitar student Excellent guitar tuition method! I asked specifically to learn the basics of guitar (I already knew music theory & piano) in the direction of improvisation and Malcolm put me through the paces in a structured way, starting from exercises to strengthen the fingers and achieve correct position on the guitar, through scales and arpeggios onto advanced techniques. If you're willing to back up each lesson with a few solid hours of practise, the Cool Gool method is definitely the best way to get you playing what you want to play! ★★★★★Dave Alan Caruana, electric guitar student I started with Malcolm about 6 months ago through a friend. I had wanted a guitar teacher for a while but I wanted a teacher with the right skill set that could teach the specifics I wanted for my career. He has been a very supportive tutor and I find things clicking better with each session. I highly recommend Malcolm to anybody who is deeply serious about their craft in guitar and he can take you to the next level . ★★★★★Evan Williams, acoustic guitar student If you are ready to put in the work, Malcolm will help you get to where you want to be in no time. In less than a year I have made astonishing progress and keep getting better. Definitely the guy to see if you're serious about learning the guitar properly. ★★★★★Andre` Spiteri, online electric guitar student Malcolm is very passionate about music and the progress of his students and always goes to great lengths to ensure I understand and enjoy playing guitar. Always very friendly and patient with me in the lessons, all in all he is a great teacher and guitar player all round. I can’t ask for a better teacher . ★★★★★Daphne Kamara, electric & acoustic guitar student I've been learning with Malcolm for many years now and I am very pleased with how I've progressed. The lessons are very flexible and you get out as much as you want to put in. You may want to just do group classes once every few weeks, or intensive studies several times a week. There is something for everyone at every level. I definitely recommend. ★★★★★Sam Taffs, electric guitar student Malcolm is an excellent professional, committed and hard-working person, that makes sure his students' goals are achieved. He is very enthusiastic and you can see he loves playing and teaching guitar, so that encouraged me to practice more and more. It was a pleasure to go to his classes, and if I was in London I would definitely continue attending them. ★★★★★Maria Presencia, acoustic guitar student Malcolm is an excellent teacher. He is a very talented musician who clearly knows his subject and the guitar very well. Always enthusiastic and encouraging. I learnt a lot in 8 months. ★★★★★Alok Gupta, acoustic guitar student Malcolm has proved to be an inspiration to my son and has provided him with a solid framework in guitar which I hope he will be able to build upon over many years. Nobody ever forgets a good teacher and we will definately not forget Malcolm ★★★★★Caroline Bittar, parent of acoustic guitar student Malcolm is a dedicated Guitar tutor. I spent only 2 months with him - his dedication and focus helped with my Grade 6 guitar exam. ★★★★★Kumar Abraham, electric guitar student My experience has been great - I have learnt a lot more with Malcolm than with my previous two teachers combined! ★★★★★Henry Brewer, electric guitar student I started with Malcolm to finally learn guitar. I'm a trained musician (piano, brass), and I can play by ear. I messed around with guitar but wanted to finally play properly. Malcolm's approach is strong on technique, but you soon see the purpose - follow his method and put in some effort, and you'll be equipped with the skills to make your own music! It works. I know music, and I'm very demanding of myself. But I recently recorded myself, and I was surprised. That's me? I now honestly feel like I can actually play! I'm having more fun than ever and I continue to improve. In short, if you want to learn to play, call Malcolm! ★★★★★George Stein, electric guitar student Being originally a banjo player, and largely autodidact at that, I was never taught how to play the guitar properly. I'm learning something new every time now and lessons are good fun! ★★★★★Peter de Bont, electric guitar student He is clear and direct but at the same time laid back in his teaching. Which makes learning with him very fulfilling and a whole lotta fun. Rock on! ★★★★★Tristan Barraclough, acoustic guitar student Malcolm makes learning fun & enjoyable, using his crazy humour to help remembering things much easier. Would highly recommend to others. ★★★★★Kemal Sumelman, electric guitar student Clearly explains technique & is patient with me when I do not do my homework. Overall, allows me to freely express myself to learn at the rate I am comfortable with. ★★★★★Amit Chatterjee, electric guitar student Amazing! Just when I thought I couldn't get any better I've been booted into the right direction of greatness by Malcolm. Top stuff!! ★★★★★Dave Christmas, electric guitar student Malcolm explains the theory and techniques in an easy to understand way so you can get on with rocking! ★★★★★Andy Langthorne, electric guitar student Learning with Malcolm is great! He is encouraging and friendly and a great boost for anyone wanting to learn but lacking a bit of confidence. ★★★★★Eljay Lambert, electric guitar student Malcolm has been a great help! An awful lot of work but my playing is light years ahead of where we started. Good clean fun! ★★★★★Mike Sledge, electric & acoustic guitar student Great! He was the reason I stepped up from classical guitar to rockin out on my electric! A great and dedicated teacher! ★★★★★Norbert Scicluna, electric guitar student Malcolm teaches very well. He is very expressive so his class is always entertaining & never boring. ★★★★★Marko Mosquera, electric guitar student Brain-expanding! ★★★★★Guus Hoovenaars, electric guitar student Brilliant. Took up guitar to see how it goes, and Malcolm has convinced me to continue. ★★★★★Dave Gasson, acoustic guitar student Malcolm is great fun - knows his stuff and even more his metal! That is exactly what I was looking in a guitar teacher ★★★★★Ashley Naismith, electric guitar student I've been studying with Malcolm for over two years now and can highly recommend his lessons. I had a very, very basic understanding of the guitar when I started and Malcolm helped me use that to get up to grade 5 fairly quickly. Although I've slowed down a little recently due to other commitments, I plan to continue studying and hope to move up to grade 6 and beyond in 2015. If you're looking to get started, or to improve your technique, then I'd certainly recommend lessons with Cool Gool. ★★★★★Chris Roos, electric guitar student Structured but fun! Been with him for over 2 yrs so that says something. ★★★★★Matt Koss, electric guitar student Wonderful teacher! Very passionate for music and patient with my slow learning. ★★★★★Pavan Kumar, acoustic guitar student Malcolm is easy-going & approachable. He makes lessons fun and interesting ★★★★★Daniel Bellington, acoustic guitar student It is fun and interesting, and at a good pace. ★★★★★Damilola Hassan, acoustic guitar student Awesome rockstar! I want to be like him. ★★★★★Sid Kumar, acoustic guitar student Hardworking but in a fun way! ★★★★★Stanley Temple, electric guitar student It's cool - I get a lot out of it and I find it really fun!!! ★★★★★Max Meherin, electric guitar student He constantly pushes me to get better (although I might hate him a little for it hehe!) ★★★★★Richard Harper, electric guitar student Fun, but serious at the same time. ★★★★★Rowland Phillips, electric guitar student Brilliant! I've learnt so much over the past few months, and I really enjoy his lessons. ★★★★★Zuhan Ahmed, electric guitar student To dedicate my time more consistently, and know what I am aiming to achieve! ★★★★★Celine, acoustic guitar student I feel more positive and enthusiastic about practice now because I know that although sometimes it feels harder work than it actually is, breaking it into chunks makes it easier to do ★★★★★Alex, electric guitar student The course made me understand what is good/bad about how I practise ★★★★★Anita, electric guitar student The course made me understand what is good/bad about how I practise ★★★★★Hiroki, electric guitar student Learnt how to structure & track my practice, which turns into motivation as I progress faster ★★★★★Nancy, electric guitar student The right length, introduction of new ideas, useful to improve practice ★★★★★Shantan, electric guitar student We will fail, and each time we stick to it, stand up & start again. That will result in success! ★★★★★Ric, acoustic guitar student Gave me a better idea how to practice & to inspire myself when I feel less like playing ★★★★★Henry, electric guitar student A lot learnt with fun videos included. Overall a great course. ★★★★★Joel, ukulele student The practical & thought through process how to approach a weekly practice schedule. ★★★★★Adriel, electric guitar student I now see guitar practice with renewed calmer focus. Positively, and thinking of the bigger picture ★★★★★Katy, acoustic guitar student I have a better structure for how to practice ★★★★★Shantan, electric guitar student I now feel to have the tools to be more organised and consistent ★★★★★Janos Raf, electric guitar student I am less intimidated to strive for perfection and I now instead see my practise as an opportunity to enjoy small progress every day ★★★★★Federica, bass guitar student It's great for motivation and structure. I now look at my guitar playing as a tool for improvement ★★★★★Paco, electric guitar student ## Write your own review. Start lessons, make real progress — then add your name to the wall. First lesson booked in minutes. Book → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Guitar Lessons at Yours URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/lessons-at-yours/ Summary: Music lessons at your home across South East London — Rotherhithe, Bermondsey, Borough, Walworth, Deptford, New Cross, Lewisham and Canary Wharf. Guitar, bass, ukulele & theory, TfL Zone 3. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Home Visits · TfL Zone 3 # Guitar, Bass & Ukulele Lessons at Your Home Can’t get to the studio? I’ll come to you. Guitar, bass, ukulele, music theory or harmony — taught in your own home anywhere within TfL Zone 3 — SE16, SE1, SE8, SE13, SE14, SE15, SE17 and E14 — or wherever your friends and colleagues gather. Book a home visit → See the fees At your home · Zone 3 Online · worldwide Group visits · your venue Would you love lessons in guitar, bass, ukulele, music theory or harmony, but can’t easily travel to SE16 London where I teach? No problem — you’ve got three good options. Guitar lessons at home are the most popular of the three: same teaching, same method, just at your kitchen table instead of my studio. Three ways to learn without the commute ## You don’t have to come to me. 🏠 ### Lessons at your London home I come to you anywhere within TfL Zone 3 for face-to-face one-to-one lessons — same great teaching, none of the travel for you. 🌍 ### Face-to-face online Learn live from anywhere in the world over Zoom or similar, with my multi-camera studio set-up bringing the lesson to your screen. 👥 ### Group course at your venue Get some mates or colleagues interested and I’ll run a course at your office, school or local centre — anything from a small room to a hall, even your back garden. You earn cash for every student who enrols. ## The areas I travel to My studio is on Tillett Square in Rotherhithe, SE16, two minutes from Canada Water — which puts the Jubilee line and the Overground on my doorstep and most of South East London within half an hour. These are the areas I regularly travel to for guitar, bass, ukulele and music-theory lessons. - SE16 — Rotherhithe, Canada Water, Surrey Quays. My home patch, and mostly walkable. Lessons here rarely carry a surcharge worth talking about. - SE1 — Bermondsey, Borough, London Bridge. One stop on the Jubilee line to Bermondsey, two to London Bridge, so early-afternoon slots work well. - SE17 — Walworth, Elephant & Castle. The 1 bus runs there directly from Canada Water, and the 53 and 453 cover the Walworth Road end. - SE8 — Deptford. A short hop down Evelyn Street on the 47, 188 or 199, or the Overground to New Cross. - SE14 and SE15 — New Cross, New Cross Gate, Peckham. Straight through on the Overground from Canada Water and Surrey Quays. - SE13 — Lewisham, Ladywell. The 199 or 47 bus, or the DLR down from Canary Wharf. - E14 — Canary Wharf, Isle of Dogs. One stop north on the Jubilee line, which makes weekday evenings easy here. Somewhere else inside TfL Zone 3? Ask anyway. If I can reach you and get back around the rest of the day’s lessons, I will — it is the travel time, not the postcode, that decides it. Beyond Zone 3, online lessons reach you at the same rate as the studio with no travel at all. Whichever area you are in, it is the same teaching: electric, acoustic and classical or flamenco guitar, bass, ukulele and music theory and ear training, beginner to advanced, with an RGT-registered and DBS-checked tutor. ## What a home visit costs At-your-place lessons are the standard £40 per 50-minute one-to-one lesson, plus a small travel surcharge to cover my time on the road: - £15 for a Mon–Fri start between 11am and 2pm - £25 for Mon–Fri from 3pm onward, and all weekend times The surcharge is shared or waived entirely if you introduce students near you who take lessons the same day, just before or after you — back-to-back lessons at a centre carry no surcharge at all. Block discounts aren’t available on outcalls. ### Not in Zone 3? Online lessons reach you wherever you are in the world, at the same rate as the studio and with no travel to worry about. See how online lessons work → ## Let’s come to you. Tell me your postcode and what you’d like to learn, and I’ll sort your first lesson at yours. Book → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Guitar Tutor Profile URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/profile/ Summary: Meet Malcolm Callus — 34 years a live and studio guitarist, 29 years an RGT tutor, DBS-checked and a Berklee Honours graduate. Guitar lessons in London and online. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Guitar Tutor · Profile # Guitar Tutor Profile Meet Malcolm Callus — 34 years a live and studio guitarist, 29 years an RGT tutor, DBS-checked and a Berklee Honours graduate. My groove, to your groove. Book a lesson → See the fees In-studio · London SE16 At yours · Within TfL Zone 3 Online worldwide · Zoom/similar Why learn with me ## Credentials you can count on. 34 ### Live & studio guitarist More than three decades playing on stages and in studios, across a huge span of styles. 29 ### Years an RGT tutor A registered member of the Registry of Guitar Tutors, teaching to graded, examinable standards. Verify at rgt.org → ✓ ### DBS-checked Enhanced background-checked, so parents can book lessons for young players with total peace of mind. ★ ### Berklee Honours Graduated from Berklee College of Music with Honours — and chosen to play the Blow Out Concert. Berklee.edu → 4 ### Languages Lessons in English, Italian, German or Maltese — whichever puts you most at ease. 9 ### Guitars & more A working collection of guitars, ukuleles and instruments, mostly on hand at lessons. ## My story — my groove to your groove. I’m a music tutor based in Southwark, London. Born and educated mostly in Malta, I was pulled into heavy metal at 13 and picked up my 1st guitar at 16 — and never looked back. Malcolm Callus — Cool Gool Music, Rotherhithe SE16 Like any rock ‘n’ roller I love to break the rules, so from day one I promised myself to learn the rules first. Eight years with Mro. Tony Pace built my technical and theoretical foundation on the instrument — and, ironically, gave me the insight to break the very rules my own tutor didn’t want broken. That’s exactly what I look for in students today: challenge me. The best way to learn is to question. I went on to deepen my theory with Mro. Carmelo Schembri and Mro. Gordon Zammit — who taught me to hear and appreciate music from an aural and compositional angle — and sharpened my lead playing with Jean Pierre Zammit, who’d hand me a flashy new exercise one day and a simple acoustic tune the next. ### Berklee, and the groove. In 1998 I put together a demo for Berklee College of Music. The tape earned me a sponsorship in the form of a fee discount, and there — tutored by shred guitarist Joe Stump among others — I graduated with Honours and was chosen to perform at the Blow Out Concert to a packed house. Back then I was predominantly a death-metal guitarist, so I owe a lot to tutor Joe Galeota, whose “Drumming for non-Drummers” poured a multitude of African rhythms into the class and pushed everyone’s creativity beyond their own style. Session work — tracking acoustic guitar in the studio Why mention all this? Because of the groove. Next time someone drags you somewhere you’d never choose, or you land somewhere alien to your musical comfort zone, don’t scorn it — keep an open ear. Clap the pulse. Understand what makes the technoheads rush, the metalheads raise their horns, the Andalucians stamp their heels, the punks kick into a pogo, the Latins dance the salsa. That one thing that puts you and everyone around you in the groove — that’s the essence of music. As an educator it’s always been at the front of my method: play in time, so people have fun to your music. The best way to learn is to question.— Malcolm Callus ### From Malta to London. Back in Malta I pushed to introduce the RGT (Registry of Guitar Tutors) electric-guitar exams and handbooks. The books took off and RGT even came over to examine candidates; it was only some years later — to the credit of Mark Galea of the Euro Institute of Music — that the exams became an annual reality. I’m grateful to Mark for chasing that dream with me. Meanwhile I became the main guitar tutor at the Euro Academy of Music & Arts in B’Kara, a post I held from January 2000 to December 2002. Then I travelled — to Australia, then Germany — before settling in London in 2007, where I’ve built my career as a private guitar, bass, ukulele and theory tutor and a member of the RGT. If you want a tutor who helps you see your instrument as the tool to find the music within you, get in touch or call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp). In numbers: 34 years as a live and studio guitarist, 29 years as a tutor registered with the Registry of Guitar Tutors, and teaching in London since 2007 — these days from the Cool Gool studio in Rotherhithe, SE16, and at students’ homes across Southwark, Lewisham and Tower Hamlets. I graduated from Berklee College of Music with Honours and was chosen to perform at its Blow Out Concert; I am enhanced DBS-checked, so parents booking guitar, bass or ukulele lessons for younger players are covered. I teach in English, Italian, German and Maltese, to graded and examinable standards wherever a student wants them — RGT and LCM for guitar and bass, ABRSM or LCM for music theory and ear training. ### Session work & my own music. If you’re a band or artist needing live or studio session guitar, I’m open to many styles — send me your ideas and the final word stays yours, not mine. As a composer, though, I’m the opposite: given free rein I’m an adversary of comfort zones. My past and present projects include EthnaMorte (world music with a dark twist), Sceptocrypt (avant-garde metal), Weeping Silence (doom/death), Achiral (thrash), Dysmenorrhea (extreme metal) and Wound (dark trip-hop). Alongside the bands I’ve run a magazine and radio show (Rancid Soup), organised live events (Bisoul Promotions / Rancid Soup) and written for the likes of Brutalism.com and Black Death — there’s more on my activities page. Live with EthnaMorte · photo: Roza Emadi ## Fancy a lesson? Tell me your level and what you’d love to play. I’ll get your first lesson booked — in London or online worldwide. Book → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Guitar, Bass, Uke & Music Theory Lessons Online URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/online-lessons/ Summary: Live 1-to-1 online guitar, bass, ukulele and music-theory lessons worldwide — real-time video and personal feedback from a 29-year RGT tutor, not a pre-recorded course. £30/30min, £40/50min. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Online Lessons · Worldwide # Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Music Theory & Ear Training Lessons Online Learn from the comfort of your own home — anywhere in the world. A proper multi-camera, multi-channel studio set-up delivers an experience as close to face-to-face as online gets, in English, Italian, German or Maltese. Book an online lesson → See the fees Individual & group Zoom · Teams · Google Meet Flexible hours worldwide If you’d rather learn guitar, bass, ukulele or music theory online, I run individual lessons — and most of my group courses — remotely, wherever you are. My online guitar lessons are live and one-to-one, never pre-recorded video: I watch your hands, correct you in the moment and set your homework there and then, exactly as I would in the studio. Individual online lessons usually run within these UK (GMT) hours, though I’m happy to flex, especially for students outside Europe: - Mon–Fri 11am – 11pm - Sat 10am – 7pm - Sun 11am – 5pm I also run 19 group modules split by instrument, age and level — most of which can be taken online. See the group lessons page for which run remotely. My set-up ## A real studio, beamed to your screen. I’ve built the online experience to feel as close to being in the room as possible. 🎥 ### Multi-camera angles A 720p main webcam plus two extra cameras and a guitar-cam mount, so you can watch my hands from any angle. ⚡ ### Fibre-optic internet A rock-solid connection at my end keeps audio and video clean throughout the lesson. 🎚️ ### USB mixer Mic, instruments and backing tracks all run through one mixer, sent to you as a single clean soundwave. 🔁 ### Loop station Built-in drum-beat library to record and loop any instrument — lay down a rhythm, then solo over it live. 🌍 ### Four languages Lessons in English, Italian, German or Maltese — whatever you’re most comfortable in. 🎹 ### Theory made visual Theory and harmony taught with software, on-screen music and live instruments — synth, guitar, bass or uke, related to whatever you play. ## What you’ll need To keep your lesson as close to face-to-face as possible, it helps to have the following at your end: - A strong broadband connection — fibre is best; if not, plug your computer into the modem with an ethernet cable rather than using Wi-Fi. - An up-to-date browser — I’d suggest Brave, which handles screen-sharing and audio best, though Google Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari all work fine. No add-ons or extensions needed. - Video software set to accept files — Zoom (my first choice), with Teams, Whatsapp for Desktop or Google Meet installed as a reliable back-up. - Electric instruments: a jack from your computer to your amp, so you control both volumes from one place. - Acoustic instruments: a set of external speakers (not your laptop’s) angled toward the computer’s mic. - A desktop or laptop — not a tablet or phone — so we can switch screens and still see each other. Once you book your first lesson I give you access to your own Google Classroom, with cheap purchase links and tips on jacks, speakers, lighting and mics to sharpen your set-up. If any of this feels fiddly, I’ll help you get everything working before we start. Fees at a glance ## Online rates. Lesson · Format · Price 30 min · one-to-one · Online · £30 50 min · one-to-one · Online or 4 lessons for £150 · £40 50 min · group course · Per person 6 weeks · £100 50 min · group course · Per person 12 weeks upfront · £168 UK students pay by bank transfer (details supplied on booking); overseas students pay via PayPal to guitar@malcolmcallus.com, or the equivalent in your currency. See the full fees, blocks and referral cashbacks → ## Anywhere in the world? Tell me your instrument, level and time zone. UK-based? Call me. Overseas? Drop me an email. Book → Email me ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Malcolm Callus — Bands & Activities URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/bands/ Summary: The bands, zines and scenes of Malcolm Callus — three decades in extreme music from Malta's early-90s underground to London stages, behind Cool Gool Music. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- About · Malcolm Callus # Bands & Activities 30-odd years in the thick of live music — from Malta’s early-90s underground to London stages. Here are the bands Malcolm Callus has built, the zines he printed and the scenes he helped run. Book a lesson → His influences Death metal · avant-garde · world Malta → London 1990 → today Want to know a bit about the guy behind Cool Gool Music? Beyond teaching, Malcolm has spent 3 decades playing in bands, printing zines, spinning records and running events — the real-world hours that put the experience behind the lessons. Below are the bands he has contributed to over the years, followed by the other corners of the scene he’s worked in — event organisation, journalism and DJing. It’s a proper tour through the Maltese and London music scenes. The bands ## Bands I am/was part of ### Sceptocrypt · 1992–99, 2014–15, 2022–present Co-founded in 1992 with the vision of a varied death metal unrestricted by the style’s own boundaries. The debut CD finally surfaced in 2014 — fifteen years after it was recorded — timed to the band’s resurgence that August in London under a different, experimental sound tagged “extreme music research”. Sceptocrypt regrouped again in 2022, releasing three singles along the way (late 2023, early 2024 and early 2026), with a full-length now in the works. sceptocrypt.com → ### EthnaMorte · 2007–2017 Formed in 2007 after Malcolm moved to multicultural London. Its sound owes itself to the balance of life and death, light and darkness — borrowing from a myriad of world-music sonorities, from sweet bossa nova to hybrid avant-garde to fury-filled flamenco to dark overtones: the very death of musical boundaries. EthnaMorte released two CDs and was recording a third (one song made it online) before going on hiatus. ethnamorte.com → ### Unus Quod Insane · 2011 A project Malcolm dabbled with through 2011, centred on sounds that influence but sit outside the EthnaMorte platform. It pulled instruments EthnaMorte used more in the studio than live to the fore, merging them with drony vocal whispers and tribal beats over a distinctly industrial backbone. reverbnation.com/unusquodinsane → ### Wound · since 2002 Started in 2002 and later put on hold. Sirene, slow-tempo classical and jazz harmonies laced with electronic and rock pulses — a sound they coined “trip-hop doom rock”. The line-up is Pope Crool (keyboardist from Lithomancy), Sean Pollacco (Malcolm’s replacement on bass in Weeping Silence), Dino Mifsud on vocals and drums (ex-Weeping Silence vocalist; Lithomancy and Victims of Creation drummer; Deluge of Sorrow percussionist) and Malcolm on guitars. One day, hopefully, that unfinished recording gets finished. myspace.com/woundenroute81 → ### Dysmenorrhea · 1999–2001 Born when Conrad, Sceptocrypt’s ex-vocalist, offered to keep playing some metal together. Put together as a project band always meant to disband, it delivered in-your-face thrash / death / grind — while the lyrics took a deliberately funny, at times knowingly daft, approach. In their short run they recorded a nine-song promo. brutalism.com/dysmenorrhea → ### Achiral · 1999 Soon after Sceptocrypt’s demise in 1999, Malcolm lent his friends in Achiral a hand for a short while, playing thrash / death / black metal and performing one live show together. Achiral went on to release their debut mini-CD Wander Ignite and became one of Malta’s leading live metal acts. ### Weeping Silence · 2001 Intrigued by playing bass at a time when his friends couldn’t find a replacement for the bassist who’d left after their debut mini-CD Deprived from Romance, Malcolm joined Weeping Silence as a session player. One of the most emotional bands in Malta — though they never got to play live together, as he moved to Germany. The band has since found not only a bass player but label and touring support too. weepingsilence.com → Beyond the stage ## Events, zines & the airwaves. ### Pics with musos Am I a fanboy too? Absolutely — my passion for other people’s good music never dies. This page features snaps with the rock and jazz icons, tutors and guitar makers I met along the way. From legendary rock and jazz icons to my own tutors, fellow guitar educators and instrument makers. View the album → ### Bisoul Promotions · 1999–2009 An alternative events outfit merging art with darkness — classical nights, holographic shows, middle-age fashion, and underground music. Malcolm span the decks here as DJ NecroGool. ### Rancid Soup Productions· 1990–1998 Malta’s first printed underground zine, later a radio show and event organisation — the pinnacle being Anathema live in Malta in 1995. Read the story → Dig into the archive — the two printed issues, plus the two nights that made it all worthwhile: Issue 1 · 1990 Issue 2 · 1991 Anathema live, 1995 Too Loud for the Crowd, 1998 Read the full story → ### Brutalism· 2009 Ongoing review contributions to Brutalism, one of the vastest metal resources online. Read the reviews → ### Black Death Fanzine· 2008 Festival reviews, scene reports and the odd album review for this purely underground A5 zine out of Sydney, Australia. Read more → ### Rock City & Solemn Reviews written in German for Rock City magazine; the English translations ran on Malta’s now-defunct Solemn web-zine, by the label Solemn Music. medienbüro-reimnitz.de → ## Learn from someone who’s lived it. All those stages, studios and scene years feed straight into the lessons. Bring your instrument and let’s play. Book → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Malcolm Callus’ Services & Gear URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/equipment-list/ Summary: Malcolm Callus' guitar-teaching services and gear — the guitars, ukuleles and studio kit behind Cool Gool Music, most on hand at your lessons in London. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Services · Gear # Services & Gear Everything I offer as a tutor and working musician — and the guitars, ukuleles and studio kit behind it. Most instruments are on hand at lessons. Book a lesson → See the fees In-studio · London SE16 At yours · TfL Zone 3 Online worldwide · Zoom/similar What I offer ## Choose a Service 1 ### Guitar, bass & ukulele lessons At mine or yours in London, or online worldwide. Beginner to advanced, every style. See fees → 2 ### Music theory & harmony lessons Theory and harmony lessons at mine or yours in London, or online worldwide — taught the practical way. 3 ### Lessons at yours Guitar, bass, uke or theory at your local spot in London — office, club, house-share, wherever suits. 4 ### Live & studio session player Session guitar or bass for your band or project, live or in the studio, around London. 5 ### Online studio recordings Studio guitar and bass recordings tracked and delivered to you online, wherever you are. 6 ### Many styles, your call Blues to metal, jazz to world music — I welcome your proposal and the final word stays yours. The collection ## Guitars & basses for use at lessons ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Music Freebies URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/freebies/ Summary: Free guitar and music practice resources from Malcolm Callus — tuners, metronomes, backing tracks, printable sheets, fretboard trainers and restringing guides. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Free Resources # Music Freebies A hand-picked stash of free tools and resources to power up your practice — tuners, metronomes, rhythm tracks, printable sheets, fretboard trainers, restringing guides and more. Grab what you need and enjoy. Book a lesson → What I offer Something sparked in a lesson that you want to explore on your own? These are the free resources I point students to — make the best of each and enjoy the ride. Everyday practice tools ## Tune up, keep time, stay sharp. 🎯 ### Get tuned Pick your instrument and tune up before every practice session. Open → ⏱️ ### Play in time A versatile, practical digital metronome to lock your playing to the beat. Open → 🥁 ### Your buddy the drummer A metronome with a human voice — like your drummer counting “1, 2, 3, 4” at rehearsal. Open → 🎶 ### Rhythm — beginner to intermediate An array of simple beats, starting slow so beginners can practise playing in time. Open → 🔥 ### Rhythm — intermediate to advanced More beats, more fills, more up-tempo grooves for advancing musicians. Open → 🎸 ### Learn your fretboard An adjustable, downloadable tool to learn the notes and shapes on your neck — handy when a guitar isn’t to hand. Change it, save it, download it. Open → Print & write ## Blank paper for your ideas. 📄 ### Blank music sheets Free printable sheet music and TAB for guitar, bass, uke, piano and more. Open → 📐 ### More staff paper Even more free printable sheets and TAB in many formats — for getting creative with how you present music to your bandmates. Open → 🎓 ### Get graded Free syllabuses and info packs for the RGT bass, electric and acoustic guitar exams. Open → Guitar care & know-how ## Keep your axe in fighting shape. ⚡ ### Restring an electric How to restring a Fender-style electric steel-string guitar. Open → 🪵 ### Restring an acoustic How to restring your acoustic folk steel-string guitar. Open → 🎼 ### Restring a classical Restringing a nylon-string classical guitar — two videos, best watched together. Open → 🎵 ### Restring a bass How to restring your bass guitar, step by step. Open → 🔧 ### Guitar maintenance & more A deep resource on everything guitar — from setting intonation and killing fret buzz to building one from scratch. Look under the Maintenance & Cleanup tutorials. Open → ▶️ ### Cool Gool on YouTube Student performances, tutor ideas and “how to learn better” vlogs. Subscribe to catch every new upload. Open → ## Follow the blog Want the thinking behind the playing? My music & guitar blog shares mindsets for turning lesson material into real practice — and why music is an innate part of all of us. Join the mailing list to catch future posts. ## Want to go further? Free tools are a great start — a lesson is how it all clicks. Let’s get you playing. Book → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Music Lesson Fees URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/fees/ Summary: Music lesson fees — £30 per 30 min and £40 per 50 min one-to-one, £14 per 50 min in a group. Same rate in the SE16 studio, at yours across TfL Zone 3, or online worldwide. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fees # Music Lesson Fees Clear prices for guitar, bass, ukulele and music-theory/ear training lessons — the same whether you learn in-studio, or online, with a slight surcharge if travelling to yours. Refer a friend and earn generous cashbacks on top. Book a lesson → Gift a voucher Per session ## Pick your lesson. Individual · 30 min Quick Session One-to-one lessonstudio · online £30 Focused, fast progress in half an hour. No block discount or outcalls on 30-min lessons. Book 30 min Individual · 50 min Full Set One-to-one lessonstudio · online £40 The sweet spot — or block-book 4 weekly lessons for £150. Book 50 min 🎁 ### Group & Gifts £14 / 50 min per person on a group course paying 12 sessions upfront. Prefer to give the gift of music? Gift vouchers cover any lesson or course. Buy a gift voucher Lesson · One-to-one · Group · per person 30 min · studio or online · £30 · n/a 50 min · studio or online · £404 for £150 · £1412 upfront 50 min · at yours / local centre · £40+ travel · £1412 upfront Group course · 6 × 50 min · — · £100 Group course · 12 × 50 min · — · £168 Monthly Mod 18 · Band Jamming & Tips· 50 min · — · £17 Once-only Mod 19 · Learning Faster Workshop · 100 min · — · £35 Group rate is £16.67 per session paying 6 weeks upfront, dropping to £14 per session paying the full 12 weeks upfront. Max 8 students per class. Holiday packages are priced on enquiry. ## Group courses 6 or 12-week courses start any time of year, with 19 different modules to choose from. Courses run at Cool Gool Music and other studios within TfL Zones 1–3. - £16.67 per session if you pay in two blocks of 6 weeks upfront. - £14 per session if you pay all 12 sessions upfront. - Max 8 students per class, so everyone still gets personal attention. If you pay for the first 6 lessons, payment for lessons 7–12 is due at your 4th lesson. This keeps your studio slot booked at the same time and day for the following 6 weeks, and keeps things fair for classmates who paid 12 weeks upfront. ## Individual lessons ### 50-minute one-to-one £40 per lesson at Cool Gool Music or online — or block-book 4 weekly lessons for £150. Outcalls (I come to you) are £40 plus a travel surcharge of £15 for a Mon–Fri start between 11am and 2pm, or £25 for Mon–Fri 3pm onward and all weekend times. The surcharge is shared or free if you introduce students near you who take lessons on the same day, just before or after you — for example, back-to-back lessons at a centre carry no surcharge. ### 30-minute one-to-one £30 per lesson at Cool Gool Music or online. There are no block-booking discounts and no outcalls on 30-minute lessons. ### London holiday package Visiting London and want to brush up specific areas of your playing? I can come to your hotel, club or venue for an intense 2–3 hour Q&A session focused entirely on what you want to work on. Prices are very reasonable — please enquire. ## How to pay By bank transfer (details supplied when you book) or by PayPal. Holiday-package prices vary and are hence not listed. Discounts & reward cashbacks ## Recommend a mate, get rewarded. You don’t even have to be a student to earn — you recommend, I reward. Rewards are paid as cash equivalent by BACS or PayPal once your friends actually start. £40 ### Refer for individual lessons £40 off your next payment for every friend who books at least 2 × 50-min individual lessons — face-to-face or online. £30 ### For 30-min lessons £30 off your next payment for every friend who books at least 2 × 30-min individual lessons. £14 ### Refer for group courses £14 off your next payment for every friend who books a group course — or a free 6-week course for recommending 4+ who enrol. 2× ### Monthly bonus 2 free lessons (or cash) for recommending 4+ mates who enrol in a month, and 4 free lessons (or cash) for whoever recommends the most. ★ ### End-of-course reward A special reward at the end of each 12-week course for whoever brings the most referrals. ↺ ### Group loyalty Group lessons drop to £14 per session when you pay 12 weeks upfront. Just remember to tell your friends to mention your name when they register. Lessons and cash are granted once your friends actually start, and are equivalent to the lessons they enrol for. ## Let’s get you booked. Questions about a price, a block or a package? Just ask — I’ll sort out the right option for you. Book → Email me ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Music Lesson Gift Vouchers URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/gift-vouchers/ Summary: Music-lesson gift vouchers from Cool Gool Music — personalised guitar, bass, ukulele or theory lessons for beginners and improvers. The perfect musical gift. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gift Vouchers # Music Lesson Gift Vouchers Give someone the gift of music. Every lesson type is available as a personalised voucher — guitar, bass, ukulele, music theory or ear training — for total beginners and improvers alike. Order a voucher → See the fees Personalised with their name Any lesson or course Individual · group · online Know someone who’d love to learn guitar, bass, ukulele, music theory or ear training? A gift voucher is the perfect way to start them off. The most popular choice is an intro pack of 4 individual 50-minute lessons for just £150 — ideal whether your friend or partner already plays and wants to brush up, or is a complete beginner ready to pick up their first instrument. Every voucher is personalised with the recipient’s name. Prefer something else? There are vouchers for group courses (6 sessions at £100 or 12 at £168), online lessons from £30, or simply a set number of individual lessons of your choosing. How it works ## Two simple steps. 1 ### Tell me who it’s for Email me the name and surname of the lucky recipient, and I’ll send you a printable PDF voucher personalised for them. 2 ### Pay for the voucher Pay by PayPal or bank transfer. For a custom amount or if you don’t use PayPal, just email me and I’ll send my account details. 🎁 ### Print & give Print the voucher, wrap it up, and hand over the gift of music. They redeem it whenever they’re ready to start. ## Give the gift of music. Email me the recipient’s name and I’ll have their personalised voucher ready to print. Order a voucher → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) Voucher options ## Pick an amount. Voucher · Format · Price 30 min · one-to-one · Guitar · bass · uke · theory · £30 50 min · one-to-one · Guitar · bass · uke · theory · £40 4 × 50 min · one-to-one · Intro pack most popular · £150 6 × 50 min · group · Per person · £100 12 × 50 min · group · Per person · £168 Monthly Mod 18 · Band Jamming & Tips· 50 min · — · £17 Once-only Mod 19 · Learning Faster Workshop · 100 min · — · £35 Whatever the amount, your voucher arrives as a smart printable PDF with your friend’s name on it. Want a custom value? Just ask. More on individual lessons, group courses and online lessons. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Musical Influences URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/influences/ Summary: The artists that shaped guitar tutor Malcolm Callus — extreme metal, jazz, fusion and world music across a lifetime of chasing new sounds behind Cool Gool Music. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- About · Malcolm Callus # Musical Influences Ask any musician what inspires them and you’ll get a flicker of uncertainty. Here, in a nutshell, are the artists that have shaped Malcolm’s ear across a lifetime of chasing new sounds. Book a lesson → His bands Extreme metal Jazz & fusion World & ethereal What music inspires me? Ask that of any player and signs of hesitation cross their face. I’m no exception — but here’s my honest attempt to round up the artists that, one way or another, have marked me over all these years. Past my early days of Venom and Destruction, the band that stole my soul and has never loosened its grip is Morbid Angel. With mainman and guitarist Trey Azagthoth turning up in the popular guitar magazines back when death metal was badly under-rated, the cubistic rifferama and twisted solos of this act are remarkably singular — and seeing them live many times has only deepened it. In New York I got to meet Trey in person, and there we bonded over our shared love of Dead Can Dance and Lisa Gerrard‘s voice: pure sirene music that carries you to other worlds. Listen in a dark room, one candle lit in the corner. ## Away from metal Another name worth a mention is Al Di Meola. His Latin roots fused with jazz have given me hours of listening pleasure — and his instructional books and video sharpened my string-skipping no end. Then there’s Egberto Gismonti, that arranger and composer who’ll go and live in whatever corner of the world he wants to capture on record, treating his 8- and 10-string classical guitars and piano as if they were nothing but percussion, or wood-boxes speaking for their habitat. ## The Rancid Soup years Back in metal, my Rancid Soup years — editing a zine and presenting a radio show — kept me constantly meeting new, talented ideas. So many, in fact, that rather than pile on more words I’ve listed some records below I’d recommend any day, and that I reckon shaped me one way or another. For some artists I’ve picked my favourite release; a few of these aren’t metal at all — but if it’s good music, it’s in my books. Recommended listening ## Records worth your time. Artist · Essential record Al Di Meola · Land of the Midnight Sun Anathema · Judgement Ancient Rites · Fatherland Arcturus · La Masquerade Infernale Atheist · Piece of Time Atrox · Contentum Beyond Dawn · Longing for Scarlet Days Cathedral · Forest of Equilibrium Coroner · No More Color Dead Can Dance · Toward the Within Death · Spiritual Healing Deathrow · Deception Ignored Depeche Mode · Ultra Destruction · Release from Agony Egberto Gismonti · Sol Do Meia Dia In the Woods… · Strange in Stereo Into the Abyss · Cosmogonia Jamiroquai · Travelling without Moving Katatonia · Brave Murder Day Lisa Gerrard · Duality Mick Karn · The Tooth Mother Misanthrope · 1666… Theatre Bizarre Monumentum · In Absentia Christi Moonspell · Under the Moonspell Morbid Angel · Blessed are the Sick My Dying Bride · Turn Loose the Swans Necromantia split w/ Varathron · The Black Arts Necrophagist · Onset of Putrefaction Nocturnus · The Science of Horror demo Pestilence · Consuming Impulse Renaissance · The Death of Art Sadness · Ames de Marbre Tactille Gemma · Promo ’98 Venom · Black Metal A note: these are personal favourites, not a canon — some metal, some not, all good music. Curious how any of it works on the fretboard? Book a lesson → ## Play the music that moves you. From death metal to bossa nova, we’ll pull your favourites apart and put them under your fingers. Book → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Privacy Policy URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/privacy-policy/ Summary: How Cool Gool Music handles your personal data under UK GDPR — what the registration forms collect, who sees it, how long it is kept, our policy on children’s names and photos, and how to have anything removed. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Legal · Your data # Privacy Policy What Cool Gool Music collects when you enquire, register or send in a student profile — why we hold it, who ever sees it, and how to get it changed or deleted. Privacy question? Email me → Terms & conditions Last updated · 5 August 2026 UK GDPR & Data Protection Act 2018 No analytics · No ad tracking ## Who we are Cool Gool Music is the guitar, bass, ukulele and music-theory tuition practice of Malcolm Callus, based in London SE16 and teaching worldwide online. For the purposes of UK data protection law, the data controller is Malcolm Callus, trading as Cool Gool Music, 3 Tillett Square, London SE16 6HR, United Kingdom. - Email: guitar@malcolmcallus.com - Phone: Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) - Post: 3 Tillett Square, London SE16 6HR This policy covers malcolmcallus.com and the tuition services booked through it. It is written to the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. ### The short version We are a one-person music school, not a data business. We collect what we need to teach you and nothing else. We do not run any analytics, advertising or tracking scripts on this site. We do not sell, rent or trade anybody’s details, ever. If you want your data out of our hands, email us and we’ll do it. ## What we collect, and why ### 1. One-to-one lesson registration — the registration page The registration form asks for: - Your name and surname — and, for Parent & Child courses, the names of both the parent/guardian and the child - Your email address and telephone number - Your age - Your address (house name or number and street) and postcode - Which instrument or subject you want to learn, and whether you want individual or group lessons - The days and times you are available, and the month and year you would like to start - Some musical background — genres you like, players or bands you love, why you want to play, and whether you already own an instrument - Where you heard about Cool Gool Music, including the name and contact of anyone who referred you (this is how the referral reward is paid) Why: to reply to you, to work out whether we can teach you at a time that suits, to plan lessons around your level and taste, to travel to the right address if you have chosen lessons at yours, and to credit whoever referred you. ### 2. Group course registration — the group lessons page The group form asks for your name, email address, telephone number, the course modules you want, and your confirmation that you have read the group lesson information and agreed to its terms. Why: to place you on the right course, to reach you when a group fills or a date changes, and to keep a record that the course terms were accepted. ### 3. Student profiles — the Students page Existing students can send in a short profile for the Students page: a name, an age, a line about what they listen to and play, the gear they own, the bands they’re in, a quote, and optionally a photo or video. There is a separate section on this below — see photos, names and under-18s. ### 4. Enquiries by email or phone If you email guitar@malcolmcallus.com or call, we hold whatever you choose to tell us for as long as it takes to deal with your enquiry and to keep a sensible record of our dealings with you. ### 5. Payment information We do not collect or store card numbers. Payment is by bank transfer or PayPal (see Fees). If you pay by bank transfer we will see your name and the reference you use, on our bank statement. If you pay by PayPal, PayPal handles the transaction and we see only what PayPal shows us — typically your name, the amount and a transaction ID. ### 6. Lesson recordings Lessons are sometimes filmed, as set out in the consent terms on the group lessons page — to improve the teaching, and, where consent has been given, so that short excerpts and lesson photos can be used to promote Cool Gool Music. Tell us if you would rather not be filmed and we will not film you. ### 7. Server logs Like every website, this one sits on a web server that keeps standard access logs — IP address, date and time, the page requested, and your browser’s user-agent string. These are generated automatically, are used only for security and for diagnosing faults, and are not used to build any profile of you. ## Our lawful bases for using your data Under the UK GDPR we must have a lawful basis for every use of your personal data. Ours are: - Contract — arranging, delivering and invoicing lessons you have booked, and dealing with your registration enquiry as a step towards that contract. - Legitimate interests — replying to enquiries, keeping simple records of who we teach and when, running the referral reward, and keeping the site secure. We have considered your interests and rights, and none of this is anything you would not reasonably expect from a music tutor you have contacted. - Consent — publishing a student’s name, age band, photo or video on the Students page, publishing a testimonial on the Testimonials page, and using lesson footage or photos for promotion. Consent can be withdrawn at any time, and withdrawing it does not affect the lessons themselves. - Legal obligation — keeping financial records for the period HMRC requires. ## Who your data is shared with We do not sell, rent, trade or otherwise pass your personal data to anybody for marketing. There is no third party buying, receiving or profiling data from this site. The only organisations that ever touch it are the ones needed to actually run the business: - Google (Gmail) — when you send a form on this site, the contents are emailed to our mailbox, which is a Google-hosted account. Google therefore processes your form submission as our email provider. - Our mail server — outgoing mail is relayed through mail.malcolmcallus.com. - PayPal — if you choose to pay by PayPal, you are taken to PayPal’s own site to complete the payment. PayPal is a separate data controller for that transaction and has its own privacy policy. - Our bank — if you pay by bank transfer. - Our web hosting provider — the server this site runs on, which holds the site database and the standard access logs described above. The server is located in Germany, inside the EEA. - Professional advisers and HMRC — accountants and the tax authority, in respect of financial records, where we are required to. We will also disclose personal data if we are required to by law, or where there is a safeguarding concern about a child and disclosure to the police or a local authority is necessary to protect them. ### Transfers outside the UK Our web server is in Germany. Google and PayPal are international companies whose infrastructure may process data outside the UK, including in the United States. Where that happens, those providers rely on the UK’s international data transfer safeguards — such as the UK Addendum to the EU Standard Contractual Clauses and, for participating US organisations, the UK Extension to the EU–US Data Privacy Framework. ## How long we keep it Nothing you submit through this website is stored in the website’s own database. The forms email their contents to us and then discard them — a submission is held on the web server only for a few minutes, and only if the form needs to show you a validation error. Any photo you attach to a student profile is deleted from the server as soon as the email carrying it has been sent. What we keep, we keep in our mailbox and our records: - Enquiries that don’t turn into lessons — kept for up to 12 months, then deleted. - Current students — kept for as long as you are having lessons. - Former students — basic contact and lesson history kept for up to 3 years after your last lesson, so we can pick up where we left off if you come back. Ask us and we will delete it sooner. - Financial records — kept for 6 years after the end of the tax year they relate to, as HMRC requires. - Published profiles and testimonials — kept on the site until you ask us to take them down. - Server access logs — kept for a short period on a rolling basis for security and fault-finding. ## Children, photos and names on this site We teach children, so we take this part seriously. This section explains exactly what appears publicly about a young student, what consent we need, and how to have it removed — no questions asked. ### Registering a child for lessons If the student is under 18, the registration form should be completed by a parent or guardian, and it asks for the names of both the parent/guardian and the child. We rely on the parent or guardian’s consent and instruction, not the child’s. Nobody under 13 should send us personal information through this site without a parent or guardian doing it with them. ### The Students page The Students page celebrates the people who learn here. For anyone under 18, we publish only a first name and a last initial, and an age band — for example “Charlie W., age 8–12”. We do not publish a minor’s full surname, their exact age, their address, their school, or any other detail that would help identify them, and we do not publish photographs or video of under-18s on that page. Adult students who send in their own profile are treated differently: submitting the form is taken as their consent to publish their name, age and any photo they chose to send. Adults can withdraw that at any time, the same as anyone else. The student profile form carries its own consent checkbox for under-18s, confirming that the person submitting is the parent or guardian and consents to what is published. If we are not satisfied that a parent or guardian has consented, we don’t publish. ### The Testimonials page Reviews on the Testimonials page are attributed by first name — and sometimes a surname — plus a role, such as “Paul, parent of an electric guitar student”. Where a parent has written about their child, the child is never named: no first name, surname, age, address or photograph. Testimonials are published because the person who wrote it asked us to or agreed to it, and any of them can be pulled down on request. ### Lesson video and promotional media The consent terms on the group lessons page cover filming lessons and using short excerpts and lesson photos to promote Cool Gool Music. That consent is given by the student or their guardian and can be withdrawn at any time, in writing, without affecting the lessons. If you withdraw it, we stop using the material going forward and remove it from anywhere we control. ### Taking something down You do not need a reason and you do not need to justify it. Email guitar@malcolmcallus.com with the page and the name, and we will remove it. We aim to have it off the site within 3 working days, and in any event within one month. Bear in mind that search engines and web archives keep their own copies of pages. Once we have taken something down we can ask Google and the others to refresh their index, but we cannot control third-party caches directly. Malcolm Callus holds an Enhanced DBS check. ## Cookies and tracking — the honest version This site runs no analytics, no advertising and no tracking. There is no Google Analytics, no Google Tag Manager, no Facebook or Meta pixel, no Hotjar, no Clarity, and no advertising network of any kind. We genuinely do not know who you are or how many of you there are. That is also why you have not been shown a cookie consent banner: there is nothing here that legally requires your consent. ### Cookies this site can set - cgm_skin — a preference cookie, set for 30 days. It only ever appears if you deliberately add ?skin=dark or ?skin=original to a page address to preview an alternative colour scheme. It stores a single word describing which skin you picked, contains no personal data, and is not used to identify or track you. Adding ?skin=off clears it, as does clearing cookies in your browser. - WordPress login cookies (wordpress_logged_in_… and similar) — set only when someone signs in to the site’s admin area. That is Malcolm, not you. Ordinary visitors are never issued one. ### Third-party content embedded in pages Two things on this site are served by someone else, and are worth knowing about: - YouTube videos. Where student videos are embedded on the Students page we use YouTube’s privacy-enhanced youtube-nocookie.com mode, which does not set YouTube’s tracking cookies unless you press play. One video on the FAQ page is currently a standard YouTube embed, which can set Google cookies. If you play a YouTube video, Google’s own privacy policy applies to that. - PayPal. The payment buttons take you to PayPal’s own site, where PayPal’s cookies and privacy policy apply. Fonts and images on this site are served from our own server, not from a third-party font or CDN service. ### Do Not Track There is nothing here to opt out of, so there is nothing for a Do Not Track signal to switch off. Nothing changes either way. ## Your rights over your data Under the UK GDPR you have the right to: - Be informed about how your data is used — that is what this page is for. - Access a copy of the personal data we hold about you. - Rectification — have anything inaccurate corrected, and anything incomplete completed. - Erasure — have your data deleted, where we have no overriding reason to keep it (financial records being the usual exception). - Restrict processing — ask us to hold your data but stop using it, while something is being sorted out. - Data portability — receive the data you gave us in a common, machine-readable format. - Object to processing we carry out on the basis of legitimate interests. - Withdraw consent at any time, where we relied on consent — for example, to publish a photo, a profile or a testimonial. There is no automated decision-making or profiling on this site. ### How to exercise them Email guitar@malcolmcallus.com and say what you want. Put “Privacy request” in the subject line if you like, though we’ll spot it either way. We may ask a question or two to make sure we’re talking to the right person, particularly where a request concerns a child. It’s free, and we will respond within one month. If a request is unusually complex we may extend that by a further two months, and we will tell you if so. ### If you’re not happy Tell us first and we will try to put it right. You also have the right to complain to the UK’s data protection regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office, at any time: - ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint - Helpline 0303 123 1113 - Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF ## Keeping it safe The site is served over HTTPS, so anything you type into a form is encrypted in transit. Form submissions are protected against automated abuse by a hidden honeypot field and a timing check rather than by a CAPTCHA — which means no third-party CAPTCHA provider gets to see you either. The website software and server are kept up to date, access to the mailbox and the site’s admin area is limited to Malcolm and password-protected, and student information is not shared with other students or with anyone else. No system is perfect. If you ever believe your data has been compromised through us, tell us immediately at guitar@malcolmcallus.com and we will investigate, and report it to the ICO within 72 hours where the law requires it. ## Links to other sites This site links out to social media profiles, review directories and other musicians’ pages. Once you follow a link away from malcolmcallus.com you are on somebody else’s site, under their privacy policy, and this one no longer applies. ## Changes to this policy If we change how we handle personal data, we will update this page and change the “last updated” date at the top. This version is dated 5 August 2026. ## Any question about your data? Ask directly — including “please take that photo down”. No form, no ticket, no reason needed. guitar@malcolmcallus.com → All contact details ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Rancid Soup URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/rancid/ Summary: Rancid Soup Productions, 1990–1998 — Malta's first printed underground zine, radio show and music-event organisation, founded by Malcolm Callus. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Zine · Radio · Events # Rancid Soup Rancid Soup Productions, 1990–1998 — Malta’s first ever printed underground zine, which grew into a radio show and a music-event organisation, all under one gloriously grim moniker. Read Issue 2 → The reviews Founded 1990 2 printed issues DJ NecroGool on the radio Conceived as Malta’s first ever printed underground zine back in the early 90s, Rancid Soup later grew into a radio show and a music-event organisation — so I capped the whole lot under one moniker: Rancid Soup Productions. The zine eventually dissolved. Blame my involvement with Bisoul Promotions, staying busy as a musician, and — most of all — the arrival of the e-zine. But here’s the memoir, in the form of some pages from the zine; in time I’m hoping to convert all the old radio shows to stream online too. Since moving to London I’ve kept track of the bands featured back then — and anything that stirs my fancy in today’s rather different underground — over on Rancid Soup’s Facebook page. Follow it for a steady stream of good music recommendations. The two issues ## Dig into the menu. 1 ### Rancid Soup, Issue 1 June 1990. The one that started it all — “welcome to the downfall of your stomachs.” Open Issue 1 → 2 ### Rancid Soup, Issue 2 June 1991. A huge leap on: 34 interviews, scene reports, a doom section and a free plastic spoon. Open Issue 2 → ★ ### What the critics said Terrorizer, Osmose and zines worldwide reviewed the rag. Read the press → ## Underground roots, real teaching. Decades in the scene, now poured into guitar, bass and uke lessons. Come and get stuck in. Book → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Rancid Soup 1 URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/rancidsoup1-2/ Summary: Rancid Soup Issue 1 (June 1990) — samples from the very first issue of Malta's first printed underground zine, by Malcolm Callus of Cool Gool Music. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rancid Soup · Issue 1 # Rancid Soup One June 1990. “Welcome to the downfall of your stomachs” — the very first issue of Malta’s first printed underground zine. Cool welcome, wasn’t it? ← Rancid Soup story On to Issue 2 Sit down and start choosing off the menu. Our disgusting waiting staff have torn a few samples off the pages of Rancid Soup’s first issue, especially for you. A small confession: the scans aren’t the best. The masters are back in Malta, and these were scanned from my one and only stapled copy after migrating — so forgive the wear and tear. It’s the honest article, warts and all: staples, smudges and the raw enthusiasm of a teenager who’d just discovered that a zine was a thing you could actually make. Have a look through the slideshow of sample pages on the archived site, or grab the PDF. Then step forward a year to the second issue — a proper leap on from this one — or head back to the full Rancid Soup story. ## Same passion, new pupils. The kid who stapled a zine together now teaches guitar, bass and uke. Fancy a lesson? Book → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Rancid Soup 2 URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/rancidsoup2-2/ Summary: Rancid Soup Issue 2 (June 1991) — a leap forward for Malta's first printed underground zine, from the archives of Malcolm Callus of Cool Gool Music. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rancid Soup · Issue 2 # Rancid Soup Two June 1991. Welcome, fine and not-so-fine diners, to the menu of Rancid Soup’s second issue — a proper leap forward from number one, served with a free plastic spoon. The press verdicts → Rancid Soup story In my opinion this was a great leap forward from #1 — and, going by the reviews, plenty of others thought so too. The second issue crammed in tons of reviews, demonology tales, seven worldwide scene reports, class drawings, a Stephen King works’ debate, a “Flowers & Shovels” doom-metal section, an emotional My Dying Bride article, and a full 34 interviews — all served up with a free plastic spoon to stir the whole bile-mess with. As with the first, the scans aren’t perfect: the masters are in Malta, and these came from my one and only stapled copy after migrating. Have a look through the slideshow of sample pages on the archived site, grab the PDF, or — where copies survive — a hard copy. ## What the press made of it “A good vibe and feel whilst reading through this zine; the interviews were generally deep and informative, and the occasional blast of humour came through as well.”— Terrorizer (UK) “These 70 pages of small text contain hours of reading… it never gets boring thanks to Malcolm’s entertaining scribblings and varied, well-performed English. Malcolm throws in some really unexpected questions and his interviews generally hold a good standard.”— Script Infernal (Sweden) That’s a taste — the full set of reviews and the worldwide distributor list lives on its own page. ## Thirty years on, still serving it up. These days the menu is guitar, bass, uke and theory lessons. Pull up a chair. Book → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Rancid Soup Reviews URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/rancid-soup-reviews/ Summary: What the international underground press made of Rancid Soup zine, Issue 2 — reviews and worldwide distributors, from the archive of Malcolm Callus. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rancid Soup · Issue 2 # The Critics Have Spoken Rancid Soup Zine, Issue 2 — what the international underground press made of it, plus a snapshot of the worldwide distributors who once stocked it. ← Back to Issue 2 Rancid Soup story Reviewers the world over got a copy through the letterbox. Here’s what they had to say. “A good vibe and feel whilst reading through this zine; the interviews were generally deep and informative, and the occasional blast of humour came through as well.”— Terrorizer Mag (UK) “Different from the average ones… this magazine has the attention to become artful.”— Morticianumskull Mag (Holland) “If we take your zine under Osmose mail-order, it is simply because the zine is great! Every day we receive one or two mags asking for distribution and, believe me, only 10% get distribution through Osmose.”— Hervé, Osmose Productions “A supportive and dedicated publication that contains all you’d expect from a true underground rag.”— Underground Scene Report (Holland) “Great improvement — decent printing and lay-out, a huge amount of stuff featured, a lot of honest reviews too.”— Koito Zine (Italy) “These 70 pages of small text contain hours of reading. I was surprised how long it took me to read the entire zine — but it never gets boring thanks to Malcolm’s entertaining scribblings and varied, well-performed English. He throws in some really unexpected questions and his interviews generally hold a good standard.”— Script Infernal Mag (Sweden) “Your criticism in reviews is great — your honest personality reflects there. Rancid Soup belongs to the best zines I’ve read: interviews for the quality of the questions, reviews for the professionalism and honesty.”— Biopsy Zine (Finland) “This is exactly how an underground zine should look.”— Crewzine (Czech Republic) “A real underground magazine of high professional levels.”— Fight Amnesia! (Germany) “An enthusiastic and open-minded fanzine covering most styles related to metal.”— The Order of the Cosmic Chaoz Newsletter (Norway) “Most chats are really well done, and the questions are varied — which is obviously a good thing to see. And the spoon was indeed a good idea!”— M.O.M. Mag (Poland) “The best mag from Malta and one of the best in the international scene.”— No Compassion Mag (Malta) ## What went into the soup To cook this second issue up, the recipe called for tons of reviews, demonology tales, seven worldwide scene reports, class drawings, a Stephen King works’ debate, a “Flowers and Shovels” doom-metal section, an emotional My Dying Bride article, and 34 bloody interviews — a few of the featured names being Crypt, Dreambreed, Norm Rejection, Opera IX, Skin Chamber, Beyond Dawn, Sequela, Necromantia, Koito Zine, Osmose Prod., Orphaned Land and Skepticism. And, of course, that free plastic spoon to stir the whole bile-mess with. Distributors, circa 1991 ## Where the soup was served. Distributor · Where Stage 3 Promotions · Aurora, Ohio USA Rage Records c/o Ed Farshtey Jr. · Flushing, NY USA Full Circle · Huddersfield England Aesthetic Death Records · Eckington, Worcs England Osmose Prod. · Beaurainville France Adipocere Records · Rue des Acacias France Napalm Records · Eisenerz Austria Uncle Underground c/o Jan Janssens · Boechout Belgium Syphilis Distro c/o Mika Järviö · Vantaa Finland Depressed Again Distro c/o Harri Tekoneimi · Veikars Finland Crewzine Mail-Order Richard Gürtler · Bratislava Slovakia Abstract Emotions Distro · Barcelona, Catalunya Spain Sin Org c/o Gianfranco Santoro · Colugna (UD) Italy Anomaly Music c/o Leonid Savin · Sumy Ukraine Malefica Distro c/o Godwin Micallef · Siggiewi Malta Omegazine c/o Godwin Borg · Victoria Gozo Historical note: these were the mail-order outlets of the early-90s tape-trading days — Malcolm has no copies left himself. Preserved here as a snapshot of the pre-internet underground. Enjoy your soup. ## From honest reviews to honest teaching. The same straight talk the zines praised is what you’ll get in a lesson. Book one in. Book → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Register for Lessons URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/register/ Summary: Register for guitar, bass, ukulele or music-theory lessons with Cool Gool Music — in-studio in London SE16, at your place in Zone 3, or online worldwide. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Book # Book a Lesson or Course This is where it all begins — guitar, bass, ukulele or music theory, in-studio in London SE16, at your place in Zone 3, or live online worldwide. Fill in your details and I’ll take it from there. Book now → See the fees In-studio · London SE16 At yours · TfL Zone 3 Online worldwide · Zoom/similar Welcome — your journey to learn guitar, bass, ukulele or music theory and harmony starts today. Book your lesson or course in 1–3 easy steps. - Individual face-to-face lessons — Step 1 only. - Individual online lessons — Steps 1 & 3. - Group courses — Steps 1, 2 & 3. Each step below is sent separately, so please complete and hit SEND on each step in turn before moving on to the next one. Don’t forget to check the fees page for discounts and referral cashbacks. Step 1 of 3 ## Register your details. Everyone starts here — individual or group, face-to-face or online. Tell me about yourself and what you’d like to learn, then hit SEND. Your details are used only to arrange and deliver your lessons — see our privacy policy. ## 1-to-1 Registration. What would you like to learn? *— choose —Electric GuitarAcoustic Folk GuitarClassical GuitarBassUkuleleMusic Theory & Harmony What music genres do you like most? * What attracts you about the guitar/bass/ukulele that makes you want to learn it? * Do you own an instrument already, or you need advice to buy one? * Please name 3-5 guitarists/bassists/uke players/bands you love! NB: If applying for music theory lessons, questions 3 to 5 are optional. Where have you heard about Cool Gool Music? *NB: if recommended by a friend, please list their name, surname & contact (email/phone number) so we reward them! You too can earn £14-£40 or more for recommending friends. Month & year you would like to start * Would you like to learn individually OR in a group? *— choose —Individual face-to-faceIndividual onlineGroup face-to-face in LondonGroup online Which weekdays are you available?MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday Tap all the options that apply — you can choose as many as you like. Which weekday times (in GMT UK time) are you available? (Mon-Fri 11am-11pm)11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm7pm8pm9pm10pm11pm Tap all the options that apply — you can choose as many as you like. Which weekend days are you available?SaturdaySunday Tap all the options that apply — you can choose as many as you like. Which weekend times (in GMT UK time) are you available? (Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm)10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm7pm Tap all the options that apply — you can choose as many as you like. Please tick as many days & times as possible — the more availabilities you list, the sooner I can find a time that suits you. Your Name & Surname (of both parent/guardian & child if applying for Parent & Child courses) * Your Email * Your Age * Your Address (Door No/House Name & Street Name) * Postcode * Telephone no. * Leave this field blank Send Step 2 of 3 ## Choose your group course. Skip this step if you’re booking individual lessons. First, read the group lesson info page. It has the dates, times, FAQs, T&Cs and details of what you’ll learn in each course (plus any pre-requisites). Please read it thoroughly so you choose the right course for you. Please ensure you hit SEND for THIS section before moving on to Step 3. Step 1 and Step 2 arrive as two separate messages, so both need sending. ## Group Registration. I confirm to have read the group lesson info page above & agreed to the included T & Cs. DO NOT tick this before you have filled and sent Step 1 above. Please list your name again Please re-enter your email address Most importantly, please re-enter your telephone no. * Please choose group Module no. you are interested in (you can register for more than 1 module, as long as they are of the same level)1 Beginners Guitar Parent & Child (4-8)2 Beginners Ukulele Parent & Child (4-8)3 Beginners Guitar for Kids 9-124 Beginners Ukelele for Kids 9-125 Beginners Music Clapping for Kids 4-126 Beginners Electric Guitar Age 13+7 Beginners Acoustic Guitar Age 13+8 Beginners/Improver Ukulele Age 13+9 Beginners Bass Guitar Age 8+10 Improver Singer-Songwriter Acoustic11 Improver Rock Guitar12 Improver/Intermediate Blues Workshop13 Intermediate Guitar14 Advanced Prog & Jazz Guitar15 All Levels Music Theory16 All Levels Know it Hear It Harmony17 Improver/Intermediate Songwriting18 All Levels Catchup w/o Ketchup Jam19 All Levels Improve Faster Tap all the options that apply — you can choose as many as you like. Leave this field blank Send Step 3 of 3 ## Finish your booking: payment. For group and online lessons. Your booking is ONLY confirmed once payment is received. ### Paying by bank transfer Please fill in Step 1 & 2 above and you’ll receive our bank details within 24 hours. Please add guitar@malcolmcallus.com to your address book now to make sure our email doesn’t go to spam. ### Paying by PayPal or card Choose what you’re paying for below and hit the button — you’ll be taken to PayPal to complete the payment. ## Pay for your Lesson or Course. Guitar/Bass/Uke/Theory Lessons * — choose what you are paying for — 30mins 1-to-1 — GBP 30.00 50mins 1-to-1 — GBP 40.00 4 x 50min 1-to-1 — GBP 150.00 12 X 50min group — GBP 168.00 6 x 50min group — GBP 100.00 50mins once monthly group Module 16 — GBP 17.00 100mins once monthly group Module 17 — GBP 35.00 All prices in GBP. You’ll be taken to PayPal to complete payment — no PayPal account needed, cards are accepted. Pay with PayPal ## Rather talk it through first? Any questions about levels, formats or times — I’m an email or call away. Email me (including your phone number) Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Session Guitarist & Bassist for Hire URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/services/ Summary: Music lessons and session work from Malcolm Callus — guitar, bass, ukulele and theory in four languages, group courses, live and studio session work. London SE16, at yours in Zone 3, or online. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Session Work · London & Remote # Session Guitarist & Bassist for Hire Need a player on your track, your gig or your record? I’m Malcolm Callus — 34 years a live and studio guitarist. Live dates and studio dates around London, or remote guitar and bass recorded here in SE16 and sent to you anywhere in the world. Enquire about session work → See the gear 34y live & studio guitarist Berklee Honours graduate EN · IT · DE · MT If you need a seasoned guitarist or bassist rather than a tutor, this is the page. Three ways to put me on your project — on stage, in the studio, or remotely from mine to yours. Need a player? ## What session work do you take on? 🎤 ### Live session guitar & bass A reliable, versatile guitarist or bassist for your live show or gig in London. Rock and metal, blues, funk, jazz, Latin and world music — 34 years of stages behind it. 🎚️ ### Studio session guitar & bass Guitar and bass parts recorded in the studio for your project in London. Six- and seven-string electrics, classical and flamenco nylon-strings, jazz archtop and fretless bass all on hand. 🌐 ### Remote & online recordings Send me the track and tell me the part. I record guitar or bass here in the SE16 studio and deliver it to you wherever you are in the world. ## Why hire me for your session? I’m Malcolm Callus — a live and studio guitarist of 34 years and an RGT-registered tutor of 29, DBS-checked and a Berklee Honours graduate. I’ve played and recorded across extreme metal, jazz and world music, so whatever style you’re after, I’ve been there. You can see where that came from on my bands and activities page. The instruments come with me: six- and seven-string electrics, classical and flamenco nylon-strings, a jazz archtop, an eleven-string fretless Glissentar and a fretless bass, plus the desk and preamps to track them. My main flamenco acoustic and the Glissentar do the heavy lifting on stage. The full gear list is here if you want to know exactly what you’re getting on the take. Everything runs from the London SE16 studio in Rotherhithe, on location around London, or online worldwide — Mon–Fri 11am–11pm, Sat 10am–7pm and Sun 11am–5pm. I work in English, Italian, German and Maltese. Get in touch and let’s talk about what the track needs. ### Looking for lessons instead? Teaching is the other half of what I do — guitar, bass, ukulele and music theory, from total beginner to advanced. Start at guitar, bass and ukulele lessons, or see the lesson fees. ## Let’s make music. Live, studio or remote — tell me what you have in mind. Enquire → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Students URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/students/ Summary: Meet the players Malcolm Callus teaches at Cool Gool Music — current and past guitar, bass and ukulele students in London and online. Add your own profile. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Students · Cool Gool Music # The Students Some of the players I’m teaching now or have had the pleasure to teach — with thanks to every one of them. Studied with me? Add or update your own profile below. Book a lesson → See the fees ## Meet Cool Gool students, past and present. Here’s a wall of the individuals I’m currently teaching, or have taught over the years — thanks to them all for letting me share what others taught me in this massive world of musical expression we all belong to. If you’ve studied, or are studying, with me, feel free to upload or update your details further down. Some fields are optional — fill in what you like, and the more you add, the better your card looks. (You may spot El Diablo further down — that one is a spoof a “mystery” student once sent in, kept at the foot of the page because music is meant to be fun.) Get Rewarded ## Student of the Month & the Super Student Series ★ ### Student of the Month An award based on the effort students put in to improve. Every winner gets interviewed — read their stories over on the Cool Gool Facebook page. ▶ ### The Super Student Series Students upload videos of themselves playing to YouTube. Featured players get their clips shared — watch the Super Student Series on YouTube, and it could be you next. 84 players & counting ## The Cool Gool student wall. ### Artem Arustamov Great fun! I really like that everything Malcolm teaches is very well orginized, structured and all the new topics are build upon previous lessons. During a year studying guitar with Malcolm I’ve learned much more then for several years learning on my own Age: 29 Listens to: All kinds of Rock, Blues, Jazz, Metal Guitar/s owned: Squier telecaster Dream Axe: Something with a weird shape and even weirder colours Plays since: By myself and not very successfuly – since 2019; with Malcolm – since 2022 Current band: n/a Previous bands: n/a ### Ettore C. Nice, fun time. Age: 8–12 Listens to: Rock, pop and metal Guitar/s owned: Crafter HM-100 Dream Axe: Not been playing long, will start dreaming later 🙂 Plays since: Oct 2020 ### Kym Marquis-Lee Great fun! Malcolm is hilarious and extremely talented. He teaches you to have confidence in yourself and before you know it you’ll be playing like a pro! Age: 26 Listens to: Rock, pop, acoustic, trad, country, folk… the list goes on! Guitar/s owned: Acoustic Dreadnought Dream Axe: A pink acoustic-electric guitar! Other gear: Piano & drums Plays since: a while ago! ### Michael Ahimah Efficient, comprehensive, easy to follow and enjoyable. Age: 40 Listens to: Rock, soul, funk, folk, blues and metal Guitar/s owned: Fender DG-5CE Guitar Dream Axe: Prince’s guitar 🙂 Other gear: My creativity 🙂 Plays since: July 2019 Current band: waiting for me to be good yet 🙂 ### Matthew Benjamin He’s experienced, knows how to teach, can have fun & has a good selection of tea 🙂 Age: 34 Listens to: Bit of everything really inc. stuff Malcolm suggests Guitar/s owned: Cordoba GK Studio Dream Axe: I don’t think guitars are like axes 🙂 Other gear: Fender Jazz Bass Plays since: Early 2000s ### Kelly Whiting Malcolm is a really great teacher and with his guidance, my guitar skills have developed so much since beginning lessons with him. His method of teaching also sets you up for success, while being as efficient as possible to get the more boring stuff (theory/technique) learned quickly so you can do the fun stuff of playing fun songs or even making your own music. Getting to understand the theory behind the music made things so much easier too. I started off just wanting to learn to play songs, but now I’m gaining the knowledge to sit down and one day be able to understand any piece of music and come up with my own solos. Definitely better than struggling along with youtube videos! I’d highly recommend lessons with Malcolm. The adjustment to online lessons during Covid has also gone really smoothly! Age: 29 Listens to: Everything really Guitar/s owned: Taylor Mini GS Dream Axe: An electric acoustic Other gear: Piano & voice Plays since: Piano on and off since age 5 and choir since age 8, guitar only recently Current band: currently a member of the London City Voices choir ### Aaron B. Just brilliant! Age: 8–12 Listens to: All types Guitar/s owned: Acoustic concert uke Dream Axe: An electric uke Other gear: My swagga 🙂 Plays since: 2007 Current band: Never been in a band ### Paul Case Malcolm is a very structured teacher. I learn a ton each lesson and it’s clear he has a huge amount of knowledge and skill. Age: 33 Listens to: Folk, Rock, Punk, Indie, Metal etc Guitar/s owned: Les Paul Classic Dream Axe: I am a practical guy, I don’t dream 🙂 Other gear: Blackstar 60W Amp Plays since: Formally since early 2019 Current band: I wish! ### Aydin Arif Very fun and enjoyable, learning new things every time without knowing. Age: 31 Listens to: 80s rock n metal Guitar/s owned: Westfield bass Dream Axe: Dean John entwistle bass Other gear: Red sub amp bass amp bp150 Plays since: 2007 Current band: Never been in a band ### Jaxon Interesting! He likes to keep me on my toes! Age: 8–12 Listens to: Rock, Indie, Grunge Guitar/s owned: Squier by Fender & LA guitar Dream Axe: Gibson Les Paul Gold Other gear: Fender 20g amp, Zoom G3xn multi effects pedal, Blackstar FLY mini amp Plays since: Jan 2017 Current band: Solo ### Alex Hawkes Malcolm’s lessons are never dull! He brings bags of enthusiasm to our lessons (think Jack Black’s character from School of Rock) which he balances with discipline and knowledge (think Mr Miyagi from Karate Kid). He’s helped me gain a better understanding of music and brought far more structure to my guitar playing. Age: 33 Listens to: Alternative, indie, psychedelia, & some jazz Guitar/s owned: Yamaha acoustic, Fender Stratocaster & Fender Jazz bass Dream Axe: Fender Telecaster Other gear: A Line 6 amp with some fun built-in effects Plays since: I’ve been playing in bands since I was a teenager, but only started studying music over a year ago with Malcolm Current band: I currently play in a band with friends, but we’ve not achieved anything of any substance… yet! ### Lucasz I learn new things with each lesson, which is the most important thing for me. Age: 34 Listens to: rock, folk, classic, blues, electronic, ambient, too many to list Guitar/s owned: Yamaha F310 acoustic Plays since: May 2018 ### Joel W. Malcolm is a dedicated teacher. He looks for ways to engage students and stimulate their interests in music. My son had lessons from quite a young age, and the thought that went into teaching methods and techniques meant the lessons were never boring. I really believe Malcolm is passionate about helping his students to succeed and enjoy learning. Age: 8–12 Listens to: All sorts – from Coldplay to Taylor Swift, Leona Lewis to Bruno Mars Guitar/s owned: Concert Ukulele Dream Axe: Electric uke Plays since: January 2016 ### Joe “Slow motion hand” Ardini Malcolm is a very knowledgeable teacher and at the same time he is able to keep you focus on your career path, regardless you want to be a campfire guitarist or a top guitar player. Super cool teacher, but not as cool as me! But who is? I am cooler than all Westminster Parliament put together 😀 Age: 39 Listens to: My twin brother Joe Satriani Guitar/s owned: Epiphone Les Paul Slash edition Dream Axe: Gibson Les Paul Other gear: My sunglasses 🙂 Plays since: 2018 Current band: Joe Ardini and the Remainers ### Anita Majumda Malcolm is an excellent teacher – really committed to helping me learn and master the instrument. Definitely no shortcuts with this guy!! Age: the question ladies do not answer 🙂 Listens to: Rock, Blues, Punk anything with loud driving guitars Guitar/s owned: Ibanez RG and Epiphones Dream Axe: 1959 Les Paul Gold Other gear: Keyboard, Drums, Uke, bass, sitar Plays since: A while Current band: Anita Maj ### Hidayat Pretty direct and straight to the point! By the time you know it you’ll realise you’ve actually learned something! Age: 22 Listens to: Indie Rock, Indie Pop, R&B, Funk Guitar/s owned: Squier Jazz Bass Dream Axe: Fender Precision or Jazz Bass Other gear: My fingers 🙂 Plays since: May 2018 Current band: Me, myself and I ### Nancy B. Malcolm is a very patient teacher who has taught me a lot and helped me through 7 exams. Age: 13–16 Listens to: Punk, Glam and Rock Guitar/s owned: Fender Strat, Epiphone Les Paul & Epiphone Hummingbird Dream Axe: A higher end Fender Strat Other gear: Boss ME25 & guitar amps Plays since: Jan 2013 ### Peter Copper He is a great teacher who genuinely wants you to improve. His lessons are always well structured and fun. Age: 27 Listens to: Hip hop, house, rock n roll, reggae…… Guitar/s owned: Washburn acoustic Dream Axe: I already own it Other gear: Guitar stand 🙂 Plays since: Jan 2018 ### Rob Cruz Invigorating, fun, structured & progressive. Malcolm encourages me to practice – I’ve seen a lot of improvement and can now improvise and solo in a way I hadn’t thought I would be able to. I’ve found someone to jam with as a result of the encouragement, learning and confidence Malcolm has given me. I really also enjoy the group lessons – jamming the blues in the park with Malcolm and my fellow students on a sunny evening was a great feeling. Age: 37 Listens to: Dirge metal, stoner rock, grunge and …… Lana del Rey Guitar/s owned: Beautiful red and black Gibson SG, & an acoustic Dream Axe: Would like an extensive collection!! Other gear: Blackstar amp & an unpleasant companion pedal Plays since: I was a little kid with a screechy violin Current band: Jamming with a drummer ### William “Lazer” Ayerst Malcolm really knows his stuff, and often the reasons behind certain exercises and techniques aren’t immediately obvious, in short order they are thrown into sharp relief with a ‘Gotcha!’ moment. He’s constantly working with me at a challenging level, but not one which goes beyond my level of comprehension. I’m thankful we got back on track after an interruption of studies and can’t recommend him more highly. Age: 31 Listens to: Classic Heavy Metal, Stoner Rock, 50’s Jazz & Romantic-era Classical Guitar/s owned: Gibson Explorer, Ibanez Saber, Fender Strat Dream Axe: I’ve got them, honestly – maybe a Kemper Profiler 🙂 Other gear: Orange Crush 120H Head, JHS AT pedal, MXR 5150 pedal Plays since: 2012 Current band: Eschatologist ### Paul Gill I’ve had teachers previously, but no-one even close to the experience of learning with Malcolm. He has a way of drawing the best from my ability whilst never making me feel like I’m out of my depth. Being able to also make my lessons fun without intimidating is a real skill – not many teachers/ people in day to day life have this ability, but Malcolm has it in spades, & I’d strongly suggest him to anyone serious about learning ukulele. Age: 39 ….. but I play the ukulele to look younger 🙂 Listens to: Jazz, Rock, Funk, Classical, Soul & more Guitar/s owned: Brunswick Tenor Ukulele Dream Axe: Fender 52 Tele Ukulele Other gear: Mahalo Soprano Ukulele Plays since: Feb 2016 ### John Ford Malcolm is a very good and enthusiastic teacher. He encourages students to express themselves and to enjoy playing, as well as making sure that the fundamentals of theory and technique are in place. My confidence in my guitar playing has increased enormously in just 9 months of lessons. Age: 53 Listens to: More than can be listed here Guitar/s owned: Yamaha Acoustic Dream Axe: I don’t dream of guitars, but after seeing Wishbone Ash in 1979, I’ve always liked the Gibson Flying V as played by Andy Powell Other gear: Roland Piano and a Harmonica Plays since: Piano since I was 9; guitar since 2015 ### Charlie W. I really like my lessons & it’s lots of fun. I like playing my uke rather than computer games. Age: 8–12 Listens to: Justin Bieber, Lucas Graham, Michael Jackson Guitar/s owned: Soprano Ukulele Plays since: January 2016 ### Guus Hoovenaars Brain-expanding! Age: 37 Listens to: Florence & Machine, Bjork, Coldplay, Queen, Michael Jackson, Talking Heads, Robyn, Lykke Li, Missing Persons, Elton John, Blondie, The Arcade Fire, Petshop Boys, Bob Geldof, Lana del Rey, etc. Guitar/s owned: Fender Strat Deluxe, Eastwood Tuxedo, Larivee Om, Fender Precision Deluxe Dream Axe: Got them all already 🙂 Other gear: Vox AC30 Plays since: 1998 Current band: GM4K ### Claire Reynolds I really enjoy learning guitar with Malcolm, he explains things well to a newbie like me! Age: 36 Listens to: Country, Pop Guitar/s owned: Acoustic guitar Dream Axe: …let you know once I start daydreaming 🙂 Plays since: Jan 2018 ### Alex Gunn He’s a great teacher – encourages organisation, independent learning and most importantly passion for music. Age: 18 Listens to: Mostly various kinds of Metal, but also Rock, hard rock, and old-school punk etc Guitar/s owned: Yamaha Pacifica 112V Dream Axe: Ibanez GIO (emerald burst) Other gear: Stagg amplifier Plays since: 2017 ### Karina Leigh I find Malcolm a very tough and regimented teacher. But hey, if you really want to learn, that’s exactly the discipline you need. I’m not the best at keeping up with practice or homework but Malcolm’s never judgemental, always supportive and very adept at assessing what level I’m at and what I need to do next to improve. I keep up my lessons because I enjoy them and because Malcolm always makes me feel like I have the potential to be a good guitarist. Age: Jurassic 🙂 Listens to: Anything from Metallica to Simon & Garfunkel. Good guitaring essential. Guitar/s owned: Gibson Les Paul, Fender Strat, Takamine, Yamaha acoustics, too many guitars (said no-one, ever) Dream Axe: Duesenberg Signature Series Johnny Depp Model because I’m mad about Johnny Depp Other gear: Marshall/Peavey amps, Boss effects board Plays since: Forever, but seriously since earlier in 2018 Current band: Awaiting a signing 🙂 ### Alex Achikeh Malcolm has taught me how to praise Jesus in style 🙂 He is a great and passionate teacher. Our lessons are very enjoyable and he has given me a great musical foundation upon which to build on. I taught myself before Malcolm to a certain level but Malcolm has pushed me way beyond the level I was at before I met him 🙂 Age: I live an amount of years in different dimensions 🙂 Listens to: Hillsong, Chris Tomlin, Kari Jobe, Planetshakers, Jimi Cravity, Cold Play Guitar/s owned: Martin D18 acoustic & Peavey Raptor Plus electric Dream Axe: Gibson Les Paul Standard, and of course my Martin Other gear: Fender BassBreaker 15, Fender Mustang II, Boss OD3 Plays since: December 2015 Current band: Jesus & The Bare Angels 🙂 ### Graham Seabrook Malcolm really understands what I want to learn and tailors the lessons to fit that. Age: 30 Listens to: Metal Guitar/s owned: Ibanez with a pine finish Dream Axe: Blue ESP Horizon Other gear: Small amp Plays since: 15 years on and off Current band: None at the moment ### Leondre A. Very good teacher – I have learnt a lot! Age: 13–16 Listens to: Pop music like Bruno Mars, Empire Music, Tiny Tempah Guitar/s owned: Acoustic guitar GearforMusic 8CJ, Mahalo Red Star soprano ukulele Dream Axe: Electric guitar Other gear: Yamaha electric organ Plays since: 2014 ### Alex Priestley Top guy! Age: Too old for the young, too young for the old Listens to: U2, Coldplay, The Killers Guitar/s owned: Geddy Lee Jazz Bass Dream Axe: 1960 Vintage Fender Other gear: Korg Cube amp Plays since: 1990 ### Henry B. My experience has been great – I have learnt a lot more with Malcolm than with my previous two teachers combined! Age: 8–12 Listens to: AC/DC, Nirvana, Iron Maiden, Green Day Guitar/s owned: Fender Strat copy, Gibson SGJ, Jackson JS11 Dinky Dream Axe: Gibson Les Paul Black Beauty Other gear: Marshall MG100 amplifier Plays since: Sept 2012 ### Chris Roos I really enjoy my lessons with Malcolm & the feeling of progress that I make. I am also preparing for RGT exams, which is helping me to guide my practice. Age: 31 Listens to: A bit of anything & everything but guitarwise it is mostly percussive acoustic stuff Guitar/s owned: Seagull S6 acoustic & Epiphone Casino electric Dream Axe: A PRS Other gear: Orange Crush amp Plays since: Been playing for a good 15 years but only picked up studying in 2012 ### Kemal “Spider” Suleyman Malcolm makes learning fun & enjoyable, using his crazy humour to help remembering things much easier. Would highly recommend to others. Age: 31 Listens to: Rock & alternative Guitar/s owned: Epiphone Les Paul Standard, Stagg Electric, Cort Electric Dream Axe: A PRS & a Martin acoustic Other gear: Fender Mustang 2 amp, Boss ME-70 Gtr Multi-FX Pedal Plays since: 2005 ### Bastian Didier Thanks! Age: 32 Listens to: Post-Rock Guitar/s owned: Ovation semi-acoustic & Fretlight electric Dream Axe: PRS Plays since: 2011 ### Amit Chatterjee Clearly explains technique & is patient with me when I do not do my homework. Overall, allows me to freely express myself to learn at the rate I am comfortable with. Age: 30 (but I tell the girls I am younger) Listens to: Rock & indie Guitar/s owned: Epiphone Gibson Les Paul Model Dream Axe: A real authentic Gibson Les Paul Other gear: A small guitar amp I am too shy to mention the model of 🙂 Plays since: 2 years alone, less than 1 with Malcolm Current band: I hope my pic shows I got the image to become any successful band’s guitarist of choice 🙂 ### George Stein He taught me how to practice, how to improve my technique & how important it is to good playing! I am quite musical and I love being able to play better! I can feel myself improving – working with Malcolm is fun & rewarding! Age: 52 Listens to: Everything, but especially classic rock, pop, jazz & classical music Guitar/s owned: Fairclough Acoustic River, Simon & Patrick Songsmith CW Burst A3T, Simon & Patrick Woodland 12 Spruce Dream Axe: Gibson Les Paul Custom Other gear: None yet, but I need a small amp soon Plays since: 1967 (piano & trumpet) ### Daniel Bellington Malcolm is easy-going & approachable. He makes lessons fun and interesting Age: 28 Listens to: Various genres of music Guitar/s owned: Yamaha F310 Other gear: Amp Plays since: 6 months ### Ashley Malcolm is great fun – knows his stuff and even more his metal! That is exactly what I was looking in a guitar teacher Age: 19 Listens to: Black metal, black/death, blackened folk metal Guitar/s owned: BC Rich Dagger Dream Axe: Dean Razorback DB Other gear: Boss Metal Zone mkII Plays since: October 2011 ### Matt Koss Structured but fun! Been with him for over 2 yrs so that says something. Age: What a rude question 🙂 Listens to: Various Rock & Metal Guitar/s owned: My 1st cheapo Squire Start & a Takamine G-Series acoustic Dream Axe: Not yet decided, PRS maybe Other gear: Line 6 UX1 Plays since: Feb 2010 ### Damilola Hassan It is fun and interesting, and at a good pace. Age: 21 Listens to: R & B, Dubstep, House & Hip-Hop Guitar/s owned: Eastwood LA-125 acoustic Dream Axe: One with an interesting shape Other gear: Keyboard Plays since: 2011 ### Sid the Kid Awesome rockstar! I want to be like him. Age: 8–12 Listens to: Justin Bieber and Indian music Guitar/s owned: Yamaha CS40 classic guitar Dream Axe: Acoustic steel string Other gear: Keyboards Plays since: Oct 2010 Current band: I plan to be on stage once I am 20 ### Marko M. Malcolm teaches very well. He is very expressive so his class is always entertaining & never boring. Age: 8–12 Listens to: Pop Guitar/s owned: Encore ENC36N Classic Guitar Dream Axe: An electric guitar Plays since: Sept 2010 ### Stanley T. Hardworking but in a fun way! Age: 13–16 Listens to: Rock & blues Guitar/s owned: Gibson SG & Fender Telecaster Dream Axe: A Fender Jagstang Other gear: A Blackstar amp Plays since: a few years. With Malcolm since April 2010 Current band: no name yet ### Pavan Kumar Wonderful teacher! Very passionate for music and patient with my slow learning. Age: 38 Listens to: Indian, Classical & film soundtracks Guitar/s owned: Yamaha FG700MS Dream Axe: An even better acoustic Other gear: Maxim MX25-181 keyboard Plays since: Guitar since Oct 2010 Current band: Plan to have one some day ### Dave Gasson Brilliant. Took up guitar to see how it goes, and Malcolm has convinced me to continue Age: 53 Listens to: Anything as long as I like it Guitar/s owned: Yamaha FG720S acoustic; Vintage Advance Series electric Dream Axe: nothing really Other gear: Roland amp Plays since: January 2010 Current band: None but you never know about the future ### Roscoe M. Cool! He makes me laugh when he calls me Roscoe Bobbits 🙂 Age: 8–12 Listens to: Indie rock Guitar/s owned: Electric Tiger and acoustic Squire DG-6NAT Dream Axe: nothing Other gear: Tiger GCC-805 amp Plays since: Since age 7 Current band: We don’t yet have a name ### Richard Harper He constantly pushes me to get better (although I might hate him a little for it hehe!) Age: 34 Listens to: Hard Rock & Metal Guitar/s owned: Dean Vendetta (left-handed) Dream Axe: One made of pixie dust Other gear: Hughes & Ketner 30W Combi Amp + Line 6 gearbox effects Plays since: 6 months ### Peter de Bont Being originally a banjo player, and largely autodidact at that, I was never taught how to play the guitar properly. I’m learning something new every time now and lessons are good fun! Age: Ssshhh! It is a state secret 🙂 Listens to: Classical & jazz Guitar/s owned: Electric G# guitar, electric tenor guitar/banjo, dobro, old Hoeffner jazz guitar Dream Axe: A metal dobro Other gear: Behringer & Magix Guitar Recording equipment + and some cheap stuff I won’t throw away for sentimental reasons Plays since: Again after a hiatus since May 2010 Current band: Me, myself & I ### Max M. It’s cool – I get a lot out of it and I find it really fun!!!!!!!!!!!!! Age: 8–12 Listens to: Rock and indie Guitar/s owned: Bass guitar & 2 acoustics Other gear: Tiger GCC-805 Amp Plays since: Music since 2006, guitar since 2008 and bass since 2010 ### Kevin Broughton Age: 34 Listens to: Rock Guitar/s owned: Yamaha Acoustic Fg700MS Other gear: A MacBook Pro Plays since: 2010 ### Tristan Barraclough He is clear and direct but at the same time laid back in his teaching. Which makes learning with him very fulfilling and a whole lotta fun. Rock on! Age: 30 Listens to: Cream, Jeff Beck, jazz & a 101 others that I can’t fit in such space Guitar/s owned: Tanglewood Evolution acoustic guitar Dream Axe: Some electric eventually Other gear: Spoons 🙂 Plays since: 2010 Current band: Me, myself & I ### Dave “Two Riffs” Xmas Amazing! Just when I thought I couldn’t get any better I’ve been booted into the right direction of greatness by Malcolm. Top stuff!! Age: 27 Listens to: All genres of Metal, blues, & old 70s prog Guitar/s owned: Gibson Les Paul Custom, Gibson Flying V, Dean Explorer, Ibanez RG, a crap acoustic & a bass!! Dream Axe: Any that are really expensive!!! Other gear: Marshall TSL 100 half-stack, Ibanez tube screamer, Vox Wah , Dunlop Rotovibe, Line 6 pod, Line 6 combo, Sessionette combo, drumkit + more stuff somewhere… Plays since: … since I can remember!! Current band: F.S.I & a couple of exciting projects in the pipeline! ### Andy Langthorne Malcolm explains the theory and techniques in an easy to understand way so you can get on with rocking! Age: 24 Listens to: Rock & some metal Guitar/s owned: Ibanez RG Dream Axe: Gibson Les Paul Custom Plays since: Feb 2010 (+ sat for my 1st exam with Malcolm lately & got a Distinction!) ### Sam Taffs Malcolm is a great teacher – if you want to learn fast and without any bull, then Malcolm is the person to see. If you are serious about learning he will teach you really well and you can progress quickly. I went to grade 3+ in 8 months with him and now onto grade 4. Age: 26 Listens to: I listen to lots of different music – anything from hip hop to folk, jazz or blues Guitar/s owned: Les Paul (Epiphone); Washburn steel string acoustic; Nylon string Spanish Dream Axe: Parker fly Other gear: Drum kit Plays since: Did music in school, but started with Malcolm mid-2009 ### Caroline Chen He makes me do homework 🙂 Age: Do I have to answer this lol? Listens to: Indie rock/pop, electro Guitar/s owned: American Fender Stratocaster Dream Axe: Got it already! Although I wouldn’t mind a Telecaster as well. Other gear: Vox amp Plays since: Classical piano when I was young, electric guitar only since 2009 ### Rohin Imberger Age: 36 Listens to: Rock, Folk, Instrumental, Indie, Blues Guitar/s owned: Walden Natura Plays since: 2009 ### Norbert Scicluna Great! He was the reason I stepped up from classical guitar to rockin out on my electric! A great and dedicated teacher! Age: 23 Listens to: EVERYTHING! I really don’t care if it’s pop, rap or metal. But my mp3 player is only filled with thrash and death metal m/ Guitar/s owned: Dean FBD tribute, Ibanez Gio, Fender Stratocaster electrics Dream Axe: Dean FBD tribute (that’s why I bought it) Other gear: Randall half stack, Marshall combo, & loads of Boss floor pedals like Metal Zone, Chorus, Overdrive, Equaliser, Tuner, & Noise Gate Plays since: 1998 Current band: We got no name yet, we are too busy playing to bother 🙂 ### Zhuan A. Brilliant! I’ve learnt so much over the past few months, and I really enjoy his lessons. Age: 13–16 Listens to: Rock, metal, and whatever else appeals to me! Guitar/s owned: Ibanez S470DXQM, Tanglewood acoustic, Stagg F300 Dream Axe: Ibanez S5470 Other gear: Roland Microcube Plays since: 2007 Current band: Just a small band at school with some friends ### Theo Almenis Age: 32 Listens to: Thrash & heavy metal, 70s Funk, Blues, early punk, euro rock, and last but not least the Blackberry Jam Guitar/s owned: Jackson Dinky Pro, Aria Pro 11, Peerless Acoustic & Ibanez RG Series Dream Axe: Jackson Charvel (your guitar as a gift before leaving Australia) Other gear: Marshall 9000 50 X 50 Power Amp + 4 X 12 Speakerbox, Zoom 4040, Digitech GFX 1 Preamp, Yamaha Portasound & Tascam Porta II Mini-Studio, Boss Heavy Metal & Flanger Effects Plays since: 12 yrs old (tutor note – neither if you had been studying for 32 yrs would you get my guitar, so dream on Mad Thrasher 🙂 ) Current band: Inslain ### Eljay Lambert Learning with Malcolm is great! He is encouraging and friendly and a great boost for anyone wanting to learn but lacking a bit of confidence. Age: 22 Listens to: metal, hip hop and funk Guitar/s owned: Jackson RR3 Pro Series Randy Rhodes model, Squire Stratocaster, a fake Les Paul, and a spanish acoustic Dream Axe: A custom Les Paul Other gear: Vox amp; Jim Dunlop cry baby wah pedal Plays since: Early 2009, the last 2 months of which with Malcolm Current band: Death Remains (main band) + some other pretties like laying tracks for an up & coming UK hip-hop producer.. ### Stefano Garombo Good fun ! Very productive and lots learnt Age: 18 Listens to: Metal (all types), hard rock, blues, classical, jazz Guitar/s owned: Ibanez RG350, LTD C401FM Dream Axe: Gibson Les Paul Custom Other gear: Peavey Valveking, Line 6 Pod X3 Live Plays since: 2001 ### Jack G. Every lesson is fun! Age: 13–16 Listens to: Pop, rock, indie Guitar/s owned: Roytek bass guitar Dream Axe: Ibanez bass guitar Other gear: amp Plays since: Piano & music from age 8-10; bass from 2008 ### Peter F. I’m enjoying it! Age: 13–16 Listens to: Tonnes of metal! Guitar/s owned: A Cort bass Plays since: 2009 ### Alexander B. Fun, exciting and interesting. I really enjoy the lessons. Age: 8–12 Listens to: 80’s pop Guitar/s owned: Valencia CG1K mini-classical guitar Dream Axe: An electric guitar Other gear: Yamaha YPT-310 Keyboard & a recorder Plays since: 1 year guitar, 2 years overall ### Enzo L. I love it! Age: 8–12 Listens to: Rock & indie Guitar/s owned: Squire Mini-Fender Dream Axe: Holy cow! I can’t answer this one, I dream of many guitars 🙂 Other gear: Yamaha DD-65 Rhythm Machine; Roland MiniCube amp; Zoom GX1 FX; Soundbox 50 keys Plays since: 1 year Current band: Boys of History ### Rowland Phillips Fun but serious at the same time. Age: 31 Listens to: Hard rock and pop Guitar/s owned: Les Paul Gibson and a custom acoustic Dream Axe: No idea, but definitely a loud one Other gear: Amps, MP3 devices, laptop etc Plays since: Late 2007 ### Marianne B. I have learnt a lot so far. I have lots of fun. Age: 8–12 Listens to: Soul, Pop, Jazz Guitar/s owned: Valencia Classic Guitar Dream Axe: Skylark Retro Solid Electric Guitar in Metallic Red Other gear: Yamaha Keyboard YPT-310 and a recorder Plays since: 3 years ### Robert Grech Age: 20 Listens to: 80’s Metal, early 90’s doom metal Guitar/s owned: Fender Stratocaster (mexico) Dream Axe: Jackson Randy Rhoads Other gear: Torque 150watts amplifier, Boss metal zone, Ibanez virtual amplifier, Yamaha distortion pedal Plays since: Piano from 1988 to 1995. Guitar from 1998 ### Brandon S. Age: 13–16 Listens to: Most types of music except rap Guitar/s owned: Tanglewood Nevada FST 32K Electric Unbranded Acoustic Dream Axe: Fender 62 Jaguar Other gear: Tanglewood MG-10 Guitar Amp Plays since: 1997 ### Jonathan E. Age: 8–12 Listens to: Mostly Light Rock and Pop Guitar/s owned: ¾ sized Classic Guitar Dream Axe: Electric Plays since: just started ### Emvin T. Age: 13–16 Listens to: Hip-hop rock, nu- and heavy metal, and some death and black metal Guitar/s owned: Fender Mini Dream Axe: B.C Rich Warlock Handmade Series Plays since: 1666 Current band: friends ### Scott W. Age: 13–16 Listens to: death/progressive/doom metal Guitar/s owned: a Gibson explorer + a crappy old Hohner Dream Axe: Esp M307/ Jackson SL1 Other gear: Boss Metalzone and a shitty amp (for now) Plays since: 1999 by myself, 2002 with teacher Current band: Erythuria ### David Alan Caruana Excellent guitar tuition method! I asked specifically to learn the basics of guitar (I already knew music theory & piano) in the direction of improvisation and Malcolm put me through the paces in a structured way, starting from exercises to strengthen the fingers and achieve correct positions on the guitar, through scales and arpeggios onto advanced techniques. If you’re willing to back up each lesson with a few solid hours of practice, the Cool Gool method is definitely the best way to get you playing what you want to play! Age: 27 Listens to: Heavy metal, death metal, jazz, classical (esp. baroque), elettronica, trance, uhmmm … anything but Rap & Britney Spears when she’s trying to sing (rest of the time she’s truly quite OK actually hehe!) Guitar/s owned: Guild DeArmond M75, Apollo Les Paul Special-HB clone, Ovation Applause electric/acoustic, Ritmo Classic nylon string, Keen 5 string bass Dream Axe: Gibson black beauty or Les Paul Custom AAA flametop in cherry sunburst Other gear: Too much to list as home studio includes two pianos, various synths, Laney valve amp, Zoom 606 FX, 12 chan mixer, large PA, various ethnic instruments & what not…. Plays since: Since aged 4 years old i.e. 1979 ### Conrad Aquilina Age: 22 Listens to: pure death fucking metal, anything with good guitars, and above all music delivered with passion Guitar/s owned: Tanglewood TW-360, Fenix by Young Change (Strat Copy), Parker Nitefly Dream Axe: Parker fly Other gear: Marshall Valvestate 40W amp, Zoom 3030 Fx, good old metronome for those lonely days, picks, fast fret, and the like! Plays since: 1996 alone, 1999 formally ### Johann M. Age: 13–16 Listens to: Black Metal Guitar/s owned: Fender Squire Dream Axe: BC Rich Warlock Other gear: Nil Plays since: 2002 Current band: Diabolical Carnage ### Peter Gange Malcolm is the greatest teacher and friend. He come to Australia back in 2003 and I only had the pleasure of meeting and learning from him half way into his stay here. He made sure I understood the theory he laid out before he left. What he taught me is so beneficial and I’m forever grateful for it. Age: 26 Listens to: Metal, thrash, death, anything heavy & fast. But also other styles. Guitar/s owned: Jackson Randy Rhoads, Aria Acoustic, Yamaha Acoustic, Dean from hell Razorback, Fender acoustic Dream Axe: I already got the Jackson, it fulfills my dreams Other gear: Marshall Valvestate VS 100, 2 4 X 12” Quads Plays since: A teen, but only really studied theory when I met Mal in 2003 Current band: Void in my life I need to fill.. ### Sebastian C. Age: 13–16 Listens to: Metal Guitar/s owned: Currently some shitty acoustic Dream Axe: ESP 207 Plays since: October 2001 Current band: Deface ### Mike Sledge Malcolm has been a great help! An awful lot of work but my playing is light years ahead of where we started. Good clean fun! Age: 49 Listens to: 60s & 70s Rock n’ Roll, Alternative rock & some country music Guitar/s owned: Fender Stratocaster Electric & some cheap acoustic Dream Axe: Eric Clapton Fender Stratocaster Other gear: Vox Valvetronic tube amp Plays since: June 2009 ### Stephen Mikulic Age: I do not answer rude questions 🙂 Listens to: The many styles of Metal, especially Power Metal and Doom Guitar/s owned: Jackson Kelly, Fender Stratocaster Yngwie model, Ibanez Destroyer ll Dream Axe: Still searching, I have many yet to play Other gear: Zoom 9050 FX, Marshall Valvestate (for now), considering buying a Reynolds Sledgehammer amp Plays since: First played guitar at 10 years of age, have been playing on and off since Current band: Lycanthia ### Reg Barber Age: 28 Listens to: Glassjaw, One Minute Silence, Hell is for Heroes, Coheed and Cambria, Finch, Soad, Amen, Thrice, At the Drive Inn, Lost Prophets, Million Dead, Thursday Guitar/s owned: Yamaha Drop 6, Yamaha Image Custom Dream Axe: PRS McCarty Other gear: TSL 100, Super Phaser, Cry-Baby Wah, Super Chorus Plays since: 1996 Current band: Animism ### Quan Tran Age: 28 Listens to: Classical, pop & karaoke Guitar/s owned: Ashton CG- 44 Classical guitar Dream Axe: Jose Ramirez Classical guitar Other gear: My fingers Plays since: On and off since 1996, with Malcolm for 2003 Current band: My room in Sydney ### Troy Cook Age: 31 Listens to: Metal, Metal, Metal Guitar/s owned: Washburn Dimebag Signature Series 333, Ibanez RG 570 , Washburn electric/acoustic Dream Axe: Washburn Dime 3 Other gear: Zoom 9150 digital effects, metalzone distortion Plays since: 7 years Current band: Zeitgeist (Gothic Metal) ### Mario Cachia Age: 27 Listens to: All types of rock and guitar-related music Guitar/s owned: Explorer Dream Axe: not yet dreaming 🙂 Plays since: 1 month only Current band: too soon for this Just for fun ## One that isn’t real. Years ago a “mystery” student sent in this spoof profile and I’ve been sport enough to keep it. It is the only made-up card on this page — every player on the wall above is a real student. ### El Diablo, El Idiota Loco de la Gitarra (this entry is a joke) Malcolm is a great guy and a wonderful teacher, although he fights like a girl. Age: Unknown (since ever and forever) Listens to: Mexican Death Techno or anything by Carlos Santana Guitar/s owned: El Diablo Signature Edition Strat Dream Axe: I own my dream guitar losers! Other gear: The fastest fingers in the east Plays since: 1666 Current band: Eating Strange Biscuits Machine Previous bands: Were not up to my standard Your turn ## Add your student card. Studied or studying with me? Fill in as much as you like — the more you add, the cooler your card. Fields marked optional can be left blank. For anyone under 18, please read children, photos and names on this site in our privacy policy before submitting. ## Student Profile. Your Name * Age Music you listen to * Guitar/Bass/Uke Owned * Your Dream Guitar/Bass/Uke Other equipment owned Been studying music since * Current band Previous bands/music projects What can you say about your learning experience with Malcolm Upload your picture (formats accepted are jpg, png or bmp)JPG, PNG or BMP, up to 8 MB. If the student is under 18: I confirm I am the parent or guardian of the student named above, and I consent to their first name, age band and photo being featured on this page.Please tick this for anyone under 18. Adults submitting their own profile can leave it unticked. For under-18s we only ever publish a first name and an age band — never a full name or an exact age — and a photo only where a parent or guardian has consented. Leave this field blank Send ## Not on the wall yet? Book your first lesson, put in the work, and earn your spot among the Cool Gool crew. Book → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Theory & Ear Training Lessons London URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/theory-ear-training/ Summary: Music theory and ear-training lessons in London and online with Malcolm Callus — write your own songs and learn by ear, for any instrument and any level. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Theory & Ear Training · London # Music Theory & Ear Training Lessons Want to write your own songs, or lift the ones you love straight onto your instrument? Learning to listen gets you there faster. Two courses — for any instrument, any level — in London or online worldwide. Book a lesson → See the fees In-studio · London SE16 At yours · TfL Zone 3 Online worldwide · Zoom/similar Theory is simply the ideas musicians before us found to sound good — grouped together so we can learn them quickly, instead of spending years rediscovering them ourselves. Whatever instrument you play, theory and ear training help you listen to your own ideas and other people’s, and find them on your instrument. Music is a listening art, not a visual one — which is why theory isn’t the same as sight-reading. You can know all the theory in the world and still not read a note. What these courses build is the ear. Pick the path that fits your goal ## Two music theory & ear training courses. 1 ### Know It, Hear It! Practical, hands-on theory and ear-training to find the melodies in your head — and off your favourite songs — onto your instrument. A group course, with no sight-reading. 2 ### Music Theory Graded Exams Prepare for popular or classical theory exams, in a group or one-to-one — at mine, at yours or online. This course does involve sight-reading. 3 ### How songs are built How scales and chords are built, relate to each other, and turn up in real riffs and melodies. 4 ### Rhythm you can feel Figure out the rhythm of a song and tap it straight back. 5 ### Post-1950 pop & rock The harmony and language of modern popular music, and how keys change. And how key pop and rock stars of this and last century used them. 6 ### Graded syllabi ABRSM / LCM classical theory to Grade 5, or LCM Popular Music Theory to Grade 8. ## Who it’s for Anyone studying any instrument! Everyone is welcome, including musicians and singers who aren’t students of mine – the only prerequisite is a love for music! Courses run from beginner to advanced, and suggested daily practice depends on your grade. These group lessons in practical theory are the fastest way to understand your one-to-one lessons and get far more out of them. You’ll learn to hear how chords and scales are used in songs, which gives you a solid grip on contemporary music whatever your level on your instrument. We focus on how scales and chords are built, how they relate and how they turn up in riffs and melodies; how to work out and tap back the rhythm of a song; the harmony of post-1950 pop and rock, and how it was used in popular songs; and how songs change key. You can reach the next level in just 12 lessons. ### How lessons are delivered We use a mix of paper (mostly for the graded exams), software (to help you identify melodies and chords) and an instrument — your choice of keyboards, guitar, bass or ukulele, or bring your own instrument (whatever that is). For the graded route, choose between ABRSM or LCM classical music theory up to Grade 5, or LCM Popular Music Theory up to Grade 8. ## Your first twelve weeks The first four weeks are about the pulse, because everything else sits on it. You clap and tap back rhythms heard once, split a bar into halves and quarters, read and write basic rhythmic notation, and learn to find the downbeat in a song you have never heard before. Most people are surprised how much of what they thought was a theory problem turns out to be a counting problem. Weeks five to eight move to pitch and construction: intervals sung and recognised by ear, how the major scale is built and why the minor scales differ, the chords that sit on each degree of a scale, and the circle of fifths as a working tool rather than a diagram to memorise. You start naming the chords in songs you already know by listening to them. Weeks nine to twelve put it to work on real music: the harmony of post-1950 pop and rock, the ten or so progressions that account for a huge share of it, how songs change key, and how to lift a melody or a chord sequence off a recording straight onto your own instrument. Graded students spend this block on past papers instead. ### Which course, and which syllabus Know It, Hear It! is the ear-led route — no sight-reading at all, aimed at songwriting, working songs out and getting far more from your instrument lessons. The graded route does involve reading, and follows either ABRSM or LCM classical music theory up to Grade 5 — the Grade 5 that many boards require before higher practical grades — or LCM Popular Music Theory up to Grade 8, which stays anchored in contemporary music. Both are open to any instrument, and to singers. Malcolm has helped me really understand how music works fundamentally, and trained me to recognise musical aspects by ear. He also works closely with me to better my songwriting, which is my passion when it comes to music.— Nahian, acoustic & electric guitar student ### Where lessons happen In-studio in London SE16 — Rotherhithe, Canada Water and Surrey Quays — at your place anywhere within TfL Zone 3, including Bermondsey and Borough (SE1), Walworth (SE17), Deptford (SE8), New Cross and Peckham (SE14, SE15), Lewisham (SE13) and Canary Wharf (E14), or live online worldwide over Zoom/similar. When the weather’s kind, studio lessons can even move out to a private front garden. Get in touch and we’ll pick what fits you best. I teach music lessons right across South East London — see the areas I cover →. Course fees ## Simple, honest rates. Payment plan · Per lesson · Total Standard two instalments of £90 · £15 · £180 12 sessions upfront best value · £12.50 · £150 Note: these are the theory-course rates. For one-to-one instrument lesson prices and blocks, see the full fees → ## Ready to train your ear? Tell me your instrument and whether you’re after Know It Hear It! or the graded exams. I’ll get you started. Book → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Tutor Gallery URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/pictures/ Summary: A photo scrapbook from Cool Gool Music — the musicians Malcolm Callus has met and the guitar students he has taught in London over the years. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gallery · Cool Gool Music # Tutor Gallery A photo scrapbook in two halves — the musicians Malcolm has met over the years, and the students who’ve come through Cool Gool Music. The pictures are being scanned and added; here’s what’s coming. Book a lesson → Pics with musos This gallery comes in two parts — one looking outward at the artists Malcolm admires and has met, the other looking closer to home at the players he’s taught. Two galleries ## What you’ll find here. 1 ### Part 1 — Pics with musos Key musicians and musical figures met along the way, from legendary rock and jazz icons to Malcolm’s own tutors, fellow guitar educators and instrument makers. View → 2 ### Part 2 — Students & their bands Photos and info about some of Malcolm’s students and the bands they play in — plus a few words on what learning at Cool Gool Music was like. Meet them → 📷 ### Photos coming soon The full set is being scanned and captioned. Check back — or better still, come make some new gallery moments of your own. ## Fancy being on the wall? Every student here started somewhere. Book a lesson and start your own story. Book → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Ukulele Lessons URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/uke/ Summary: Ukulele lessons in London with Malcolm Callus — SE16 studio, at yours across SE1, SE8, SE14 and E14, or online worldwide. Kids, beginners and singer-songwriters; group courses from £14 per 50 min. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ukulele · Lessons # Ukulele Lessons Small, friendly and endlessly fun — the uke is a brilliant first instrument and a gorgeous accompaniment for singers. Lessons for kids, beginners and singer-songwriters, in London or online worldwide. Book a lesson → See the fees In-studio · London SE16 At yours · TfL Zone 3 Online worldwide · Zoom/similar Also known as the uke — or ukelele, as it is just as often spelled — the ukulele was born in 19th-century Hawaii, found fame in the USA a century later, and spread around the world from there. It belongs to the lute family, and its four strings are tuned like the guitar’s 3rd (G), 2nd (C instead of B) and 1st (E) strings, plus a top A. Think of it as the low four strings of an eight-string guitar — G, C, E, A — but pitched higher. Smaller than a guitar and easy on the hands, it’s a favourite with kids and, as a superb strumming and vocal-accompaniment instrument, with singer-songwriters of every age. Four strings, endless fun ## What you’ll learn in ukulele lessons. 1 ### Chords & strumming The joyful heart of the uke — clean chords and rhythms that swing. 2 ### Fingering technique Clean, comfortable fretting so every note rings true. 3 ### Picking & fingerstyle Play with the fingers for a harp-like, flowing sound. 4 ### Single-string melodies Pick out tunes note by note, not just chords. 5 ### Songs Learn the tracks you love — the fastest way to keep going. 6 ### Reading TAB Read TAB as standard, plus notation if you’d like it. ## For kids & beginners We start with some basic chords and strumming patterns, then move on to melodies as you progress. For children, the soprano and concert sizes are the ones I’d suggest — comfortable to hold and easy to play. ## For singers Here you’ll also learn to play with your fingers, so the sound turns more harp- or lute-like and flows like a waterfall under your voice. Throughout, we keep a close eye on the pulse of the music — that’s what lets you sing and play at the same time without either one falling apart. ### Sizes, tunings & buying tips The uke’s tone and volume change with size — from the small, bright soprano up through concert and tenor to the rounder, fuller baritone. Most ukes come in standard re-entrant High-G tuning (great for accompaniment), while Low-G tuning suits guitarists switching over, as it opens up more scalar and melodic playing. The baritone is the exception, tuned like a guitar’s top 4 strings — D, G, B, E. When buying, choose one where you can see the wood: coloured varnish ruins the sound. Fun variants exist too, from the pocket uke (sopranissimo) to the U-bass and the guitalele. ## Your first three months on the ukulele The ukulele reaches a first real song faster than any instrument I teach, and month one proves it. We tune up, get a loose, relaxed strumming hand going, and learn the four chords that between them unlock hundreds of songs — C, F, G7 and A minor — with changes clean enough to keep going without stopping. Children usually get there in three or four lessons, adults often in two. Month two is about rhythm rather than new chords: down-up strumming, the swung feel behind most uke standards, and chunking — the muted percussive chop that makes one ukulele sound like a small band. We play in time with a backing track or with each other, and add D, E minor and B flat, which cover the keys most songs actually sit in. Month three moves off chords and onto notes. You pick single-string melodies along the first five frets, read TAB properly, and start the harp-like campanella-style fingerpicking that lets the instrument carry a tune and its own accompaniment at once. Singers begin putting voice and hands together here — a skill of its own, and worth the time it takes. ### Where the level goes after that After the first term the routes fan out. Some students build repertoire — Hawaiian standards, pop covers, folk, a jazz standard or two — and learn to arrange a song for solo ukulele. Others go technical: barre chords, movable shapes up the neck, and Low-G tuning to open up the lower register for melodic playing. Children who started on a soprano often move up to a concert around this point, simply because their hands have grown into it. ### Milestones instead of grades I do not put ukulele students through graded instrument exams — here the milestones are performance ones: your first song front to back, your first time playing and singing at the same time, your first solo arrangement, and for the youngest players, the group song they help write. If you do want something certificated, the music theory and ear-training grades (ABRSM or LCM) are open to any instrument, ukulele very much included. My daughter is very young and she really enjoys learning the ukulele from Malcolm. He is very systematic and patient especially with a child so young… If one would follow the ways he teaches, the foundation would be really strong.— Palak, parent of a ukulele student ### Where lessons happen In-studio in London SE16 — Rotherhithe, Canada Water and Surrey Quays — at your place anywhere within TfL Zone 3, including Bermondsey and Borough (SE1), Walworth (SE17), Deptford (SE8), New Cross and Peckham (SE14, SE15), Lewisham (SE13) and Canary Wharf (E14), or live online worldwide over Zoom/similar. When the weather’s kind, studio lessons can even move out to a private front-garden area. Get in touch and we’ll pick what fits you best. I teach music lessons right across South East London — see the areas I cover →. Simple, honest rates ## What ukulele lessons cost. One-to-one ukulele lessons are £30 for 30 minutes or £40 for 50 minutes, in-studio or online, with four weekly 50-minute lessons block-booked at £150. Group ukulele courses come to £14 per person per session paying 12 upfront — and on the parent-and-child modules that one fee covers both of you. Lessons at your place are £40 plus a small travel surcharge. See the full fees, blocks and referral cashbacks → ## Ready to strum along? Tell me who’s playing — you or a young beginner — and what you’d love to play. I’ll get your first ukulele lesson booked. Book → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Which Instrument Should I Learn? URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/guitar-bass-uke-lessons/ Summary: Guitar, bass and ukulele music lessons in London and online with Malcolm Callus — electric, acoustic and classical guitar plus theory. SE16 studio, at yours across SE1, SE8, SE14, SE17 and E14. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Not sure what to play? # Which Instrument Should I Learn? Guitar, Bass or Ukulele Six routes in, one tutor. Here’s how electric, acoustic and classical guitar, bass, ukulele and music theory actually differ — so you can pick the right one before you spend a penny. All ages, total beginner to advanced, from my London SE16 studio, at yours within TfL Zone 3, or online worldwide. Book a lesson → See the fees In-studio · London SE16 (Canada Water) At yours · Within TfL Zone 3 Online worldwide · Via Zoom Choosing your first instrument is the one decision that shapes everything after it. I teach guitar — most styles of acoustic, electric and classical — along with bass guitar and ukulele, and/or music theory and ear training, to all ages from total beginner to advanced. Pick the one that suits your hands, your ears and the music you already love, and the practice looks after itself. You’ll need your own instrument so you can practise at home, but if you do not have one, I can suggest at 1st lesson. Individual lessons run in person from my London studio in SE16 6HR (Canada Water), at your place anywhere within TfL Zone 3, or online internationally. Still weighing it up? Compare the six below — each card links to a full page on that instrument, with videos to help you decide. Every instrument, one tutor ## How do guitar, bass and ukulele differ? ⚡ ### Electric guitar Contemporary music as we know it was shaped by the electric guitar — from pop to rock/metal, reggae to jazz, etc. More about electric lessons → ♪ ### Acoustic guitar The folk or western steel-string: a ringing tone made for singing along or accompanying a singer. Never short of picnic mates. More about acoustic lessons → ✦ ### Classical & flamenco The nylon-string guitar — rounder-toned, for classical, Latin and Spanish styles, split into concert and flamenco. More about classical lessons → ▼ ### Bass guitar The low end of any band in any style, tuned like the guitar’s lower four strings. Played by fingers or pick for two different tones. More about bass lessons → ◔ ### Ukulele Smaller than a guitar and easy on the hands – a favourite with kids. Four sizes (soprano to baritone) shape its tone. More about ukulele lessons → ♫ ### Theory & ear training For any instrument: hear how music works, write your own songs and get far more from your one-to-one lessons. Available also to students of other instruments.More about theory lessons → ## Which instrument & size to buy? Before you spend anything, a few ground rules. The thinner the guitar the easier it is to play; the fatter, the louder it sounds — so if you’re a beginner, don’t buy a dreadnought acoustic or anything bigger. An electric is the easiest of all to play, though you’ll want a small amp (around £35) to go with it. For acoustics and ukes, coloured varnish ruins the sound, so buy one where you can see the wood. As nylon-strung classical guitars have too wide a neck for most beginners, only go that way if you’re a teen or adult specifically set on classical, Latin or flamenco, where a decent entry-level instrument runs to about £200. ### Roughly what to spend - For kids (smaller size): electric ~£100 · acoustic ~£60 · ukulele ~£30 - For adults (full size): electric ~£170 · acoustic ~£90 · ukulele ~£60 These are recommended spends for a decently good instrument — you’ll find cheaper, but this is the sweet spot. Prices swing with demand, which is why a full-size guitar can cost less than a three-quarter one. Match your height to the right guitar size before you buy, and if you’re weighing up which instrument to learn on, each lesson page above has videos to help you decide. Learn your way ## How much do lessons cost? Lesson · Format · Price 30 min · one-to-one · Studio · online · £30 50 min · one-to-one · Studio · online or 4 lessons for £150 · £40 50 min · one-to-one · At yours · TfL Zone 3 plus a small travel surcharge · £40 50 min · group course · Per person 12 sessions upfront · £14 Individual, group, in-person or online — same tutor, same standard. See the full fees, blocks and referral cashbacks → ## Ready to make some noise? Tell me the instrument, your age and level, and how you’d like to learn. I’ll get your first lesson booked. Book → Call +44 7983 868507 (please don’t Whatsapp) ============================================================================ ## BLOG POSTS ============================================================================ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # 10 (or more?) red hot benefits why learning with a tutor is better than learning alone URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/learning-music-with-a-tutor/ Published: 2020-08-03 Summary: Guitar tutor Malcolm Callus on 10+ red-hot reasons why learning music with a tutor beats going it alone — saving time, avoiding bad habits and more. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- We’ve all at some point asked: “Should I learn music alone & save money (or at least that’s what who decide to learn alone think) OR should I contact someone more experienced to show me the shortcuts?” Certainly, it’s a dilemma between the stairway to heaven or the highway to hell? Or was it a highway to heaven & a stairway to hell (as explained in the video)? ## #1 – Saves you time We all know the story of the tortoise and the hare! So let’s say you want to build a room in your backgarden? Unless you know how to build it yourself, would you get an expert or spend time to learn building it? ## #2 – Saves you money Paying someone else saves you money! As much as an oxymoron that may sound, in the long-term it saves you dosh from your piggy bank! Let’s say you know how to build a room in your back garden already, but it’s not your main job. So to build it, it will eat the time from you making money for your own living. Similarly if you are going to learn music, if you choose to do everything by trial and error vs guided by the shortcuts an expert in the field shares with you, in the long run either it eats into other factors of your life/ you do not accomplish enough. ## #3 & #4 – Live interaction: you can probe the tutor & the tutor can correct you on the spot While there are many good videos online, you cannot just ask the presenter on the spot, but you have to email/ leave a comment and wait for their reply. You surely do not want to be kept hanging, when that quick answer can trigger your imagination to ask further about the subject. Make hay while the sun shines! Similarly, if the tutor notices that you misunderstood something or needs to correct a posture in your playing, nothing beats the here and now, supported by the why and its benefits. More about posture in the video. ## #5 – You learn within the reach of your ability Lo & behold! The main benefit of taking lessons with a pro is that lesson material is presented to you within the reach of your ability, your progress is constantly being monitored within that ability, and challenges presented to you are the next level up. What happens when we seek to learn anything is that we seek to learn what interests us, which as natural as that seems, we do not know how easy/hard something may be. Yes we want to be as good as our idols sooner without knowing the work they put into it, but take it easy tiger, Rome wasn’t built in one day. I compare this with a video game. One starts with level 1 progressing gradually level by level. However if one goes on random YouTube videos, one does not know if that video is level 1 or 5, and if e.g. one lands on level 5 they might find the guitar daunting. Whereas it’s just that one would not have gone through the 4 previous levels that build the skills progressively up. So yes you choose what to learn, and lessons are catered around your objective (no one is asking you to play a different video game than the one you want to), however the tutor is there to break it down to you in the simplest way possible keeping in mind your interests (eg a metal guitarist is more likely to want to learn tapping than fingerstyle, yet it would be advisable for him to first learn different shapes of the same vertical scale & to view the horizontal lines connecting them, as if one goes steadfast into tapping, time would have to be spent backtracking to learn those scales shapes & building that technique). ## #6 – Better focus = more value for money You pay x amount of money to get x amount of tuition time. Surely you do not want to be distracted – eg an appealing thumbnail on YouTube’s sidebar/ a friend calling you, which is generally what happens when one does it alone. Naturally, a lesson will always drift towards both parties (student & tutor) pushing towards achieving the most value for money out of the lesson time. For lessons with me, I put my mobile on silent and out of my reach, and suggest the same from you! ## #7 – You build a rapport with a friend whose interest is your progress Learning with someone else earns you a new music buddy. Besides being in a tutor’s interest to show their students the simplest way to play their instrument, over time we become friends and it’s not the 1st time that I have got discounted gig tickets for my students, etc etc. ## #8 – Organic dynamic nature of lessons + live advice re sound As much as technology advances, it never replaces that on-the-spot feel about sound. How e.g. a certain sound can be developed close to a sound of another guitarist you like. From time to time, I help students to determine what’s necessary to achieve their dream sound by adding a bit of delay or removing some noise gate on their current set up, or suggesting better gear if it calls for it. ## #9 – Doing it right in the first place to not have to fix it later Learning how to play things right from the get-go, the probability of building bad habits that hinder your technique is less, which in turn opens up your fingers to quickly respond to the music in your head. This brings back the story of the tortoise and the hare. More in the video! ## #10 – Nothing worth paying for is free! This is what it says on the tin. Am sure some relative/friend of yours has at some point taught you this life lesson! There is modesty to be learnt with each step of any wonderful learning journey (including yours), as the only one way to eat an elephant is a bite at a time. I welcome you to your 1st bite — book your first lesson! ## Two BONUS benefits ## #11 – You quickly find tunes in your head / understand theory under your fingers Let’s now talk about being efficient musicians. The way our head functions to produce music is that we get an idea, our eyes ensure that idea is being played by the fingers, that in turn produce a sound that’s confirmed by the ear before the mind accepts it back as the idea it originally was. Seems complex doesn’t it? But isn’t that what you do when you talk (in which case your mouth replaces your eyes), or even simpler, isn’t that what you do when you write? Music is a language, hence it uses senses, and is hence easy when you learn it right! At the video, you can watch how this happens when learning a new chord or scale comparing it to one you already know. Learning with a tutor facilitates how soon you make that mind-eyes-fingers-sound-ears-mind connection. ## #12 – You learn how to get the most out of your practice to be creative The best tutors always want the extract the best from you! A good tutor will always explain to you what you can achieve by doing any exercise, and is always there a step ahead of your journey, ready to challenge you to the next level. Remember your video game? But this time you have a guide so you do not unintentionally skip levels. Besides helping you understand why you practise something, you’ll in turn learn when it’s time to stop/reduce an exercise to make way for something more challenging. Like a tortoise not a hare, you do less but achieve more! Quality over quantity of practice. I hold a once-only training session about this called “Improve Faster – Become Amazing Sooner”. Read more about it on my group lesson page (Module 19), which can be learnt online/in-person, and is also open for non-current students. For videos that go alongside articles like this one, please subscribe to the Cool Gool Music channel on YouTube. And if you would like to take your playing further, you can book a lesson with me in London or online. Modern approaches to guitar, bass, ukulele & music theory tuition. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Let your mistakes be your light! URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/music-mistakes/ Published: 2019-10-21 Summary: Guitar tutor Malcolm Callus on why mistakes are your best teacher — lose the fear of getting it wrong and learn an instrument the way you learned to speak. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- One thing I notice both as a musician jamming with others, and as a music tutor, is the fear of mistakes. While I understand the concern when playing in front of a crowd, there’s NO excuse when one is learning, as the only critic is your 4 walls. Yet, sometimes when one is learning an instrument, they forget that the best learning of one’s mother tongue happened while still in the cot, with little to no consciousness. Similarly in music, best to think less – to walk the fire, to swim the water, to take risks. What do I mean? When we are writing songs, we should just try ideas and see how they sound. Sometimes (or many times) we think too much wanting to know about the theory of why something will sound right. But how about we instead experiment and if it sounds right then it means we are using some theory rule, even if we do not know which? After all, haven’t we all learnt to listen and speak before how to read and write? Same when practising. We need to try stuff. Take e.g. a solo – some are scared to improvise, others just go for it. Or a strum pattern of a song – some spend ages trying to get all the down and up strokes exactly like a video by the original songwriter, while others do not look up a video at all (remember the pre-YouTube years?), just sing the song’s rhythm, & start strumming it without understanding how it would be written. So who gets on with it first? The 2nd of course! ## Efficiency Which brings me to the next point – efficiency. When you practice, don’t overthink because if something comes out wrong, your ears will let you know, thus learning how not to do it. Great! So try again! Wrong again? Amazing! 2nd lesson learnt in how not to do it. And sooner than you realize, you run out of all the options of how not to do it, that you will do it right! Get the point here? I am from Malta (a Mediterranean island). Do you know how most of us learn how to swim? Our parents throw us into the sea, and that way through learning how not to swim, there is only maybe 10% of the technique of swimming they later have to explain! Efficiency at its best – of course they are in the water with us to ensure we don’t drown, and that’s where lessons with a pro tutor come in – he teaches you how to swim alone, but never lets you drown. Quick question here! You to stranger: What’s your name? Stranger: Lucy Verbally ask the above – takes 1 second to get an answer. Now write the question on a paper & hand it to Lucy, and she’ll write her name on the paper, and you read it back. Surely that took longer didn’t it? It’s the same with your instrument – go for it, and it gives you answers sooner! This is also what makes the best musicians live, always confident they can turn any mistake into a clarification, like in a face-to-face conversation vs an endless Facebook argument (we’ve all facepalmed at those endless threads). ## Writing our own songs And now to writing our own songs. Sometimes we are in our element, and writing the best tunes. But other times we are in a different mood – drunk, or tired, or simply not our usual self. But we feel an urge to play, maybe stronger than when we are our normal self. So whatever your mood, don’t overthink, just film/record yourself. Do NOT think of the mistakes you could do, but go for it, and only later, do listen and watch. For example, my video above! I just was out and about, and needed to express myself so much that once home I just filmed (as you can see I literally placed my mobile on the chair and started). Did I care about the camera angle/ filming quality? NO….. because music is audio not video! So that’s my suggestion to anyone – when your creativity calls do not clutter your head thinking about mistakes/ lack of perfection/ perfect filming/ bla bla bla, but just go for it! You’ll thus build a library of snippets, and only later when writing a song that you extract the best parts of whatever you got. Till next time, keep making mistakes, as they will be your light! For videos that go alongside articles like this one, please subscribe to the Cool Gool Music channel on YouTube. And if you would like to take your playing further, you can book a lesson with me in London or online. Modern approaches to guitar, bass, ukulele & music theory tuition. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # What does playing a music instrument mean to you? URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/why_play_an_instrument/ Published: 2016-10-09 Summary: Guitar tutor Malcolm Callus asks his students what playing an instrument means to them — honest answers on why people fall in love with music. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Update 2020: I asked the same questions to different students a few years later. Enjoy their video. Original article from October 2016: For the last few months, I’ve been asking all my students this very question in view of later compiling it into this blog, an exercise meant both to drive them to want to play more (by understanding each others’ perspective why they love playing guitar/bass/uke), and also for the better good of motivating anyone reading this to pick up an instrument – whatever the instrument – and play. To that effect, I include some videos for further inspiration. Answers varied from “my way of communicating to Jesus through praise” (Alex, acoustic student) to “a way to develop my creative side” (Graham, online electric student) to “a treat for my retirement” (Martin, acoustic student) to “something completely different so enjoyable that time flies away” (Byron, uke student) to “infinitely deep and rewarding – something you enjoy alone or share with others” (William, online electric student), to the even more out-there “a way to be inspired and tap into the rhythm of the universe!” as Rob, an electric guitar student put it. However you look at it, playing a musical instrument means different things to different people, and the aim of this article is to highlight that. To me, as a tutor and performer alike, it means a lot, but mostly: - A way to translate my never-ending quest for being creative. In my daily life and even outside of musical fields, I constantly seek and am thrilled by novel ideas, hence the guitar is my tool to give my share for more alternative ways to create new music. An artist first, then a musician, then a guitarist. In other words, I always try to feed any audience that element of surprise. Being creative is a constant challenge to keep the mind fresh, as through finding ways to make dreams an aural reality (i.e. writing songs), one stays young. Read this article for more details about the benefits that learning music has on the mind. - A therapy. If there are long periods of teaching without creating new music, I feel an urge to express myself the soonest possible. So in a way, without a musical instrument, I do not feel alive. Music is a fire in the belly, and the instrument is only a medium to convey that passion. - A means to happiness. As a young professional, I was an office department manager. But I quit as most of the time I thought of the guitar anyway. I took the step of moving from small Malta to mega London to live from what I love – MUSIC! I have persisted long hours of study to be where I am, and I still sacrifice time from other things, but ultimately I am doing what I love, and I would not have it any other way as nothing is as rewarding as seeing others excel in their instrument thanks to my help. In a nutshell, my life is surrounded by music and the rest fills the blanks, never the other way round. So one can imagine how it feels to read the same line of thought re-echoed by my budding young rocker Henry B. who thinks that: The guitar means everything to me. It’s one of the main things that keeps me motivated in day to day life, and I would like to become a musician/teacher when I grow up. Whenever I play the guitar I always derive great satisfaction!!! Or as adult student George Stein, also a pianist, puts it: I can’t live without music and sound. I would rather be blind than deaf. As a little kid, I could pick out simple melodies on the piano on my own… it always made sense. I started piano age 7, trumpet age 8, drums at 10 & baritone horn at 12. Later as a young man I started to play around with guitar, but never pursued it. A few years ago I bought a decent Tanglewood 6-string acoustic and started to play more, initially on my own before I realised that I’d get further faster if I took lessons. Fast forward 3 years into lessons, the guitar is starting to make sense… still not like the piano (that will still take a while) but I feel like I can play. I now own 6 guitars, play at least a little pretty much daily,…. I like being able to play, and making music is just such a thrill, every time… I guess for me, learning guitar has enabled me to continue to not only make music, but to also grow and develop as a musician. It’s fun, and it fills an important space to me. Life without music – all kinds – isn’t really life. Words of weight there for you! But yes, playing any instrument is a therapy, a challenge, and a reward. I have never been particularly musical, but have always appreciated musicianship in all its forms. For me now, I find the ukulele an escape from everything. Because it requires the same concentration as say, reading, but also incorporates participation, it is such a soothing and welcome relief from the day to day grind. It has already brought me immense satisfaction and I have already found a groove with it that I didn’t realise was even available. opines Paul Gill, an adult who studies ukulele with me, just because “it is different than all my peers learning guitar”. That is uniqueness for you! And I applaud him for that – sometimes it is sound to watch the rest, then take a different path! Like everything one works for in life, learning does not come without its sacrifice. As acoustic guitar student John Ford puts it: Playing guitar can be demanding, sometimes frustrating, but it also allows me to switch off from day to day things and focus on trying to create something approaching music. The possibilities of the instrument are endless and every time I pick the guitar up something different will happen – sometimes bad things, but sometimes a chord change, a riff or a solo will fall into place and the world seems a better place. Irrespective of how daunting challenges might be, especially for younger students, they still see the rewards, as one Marko Mosquera forths: To me the guitar is an instrument which can be good but at the same time challenging. It can be really enjoyable and fun to solo as well as play songs but at times it’s a hard amount of work. It’s an instrument which can be used for so much, but I do find it at the same time hard and frustrating. Not necessarily a bad thing as after all we all need to overcome some challenges or do something a bit different, which is why I started playing guitar in the first place. But then again – The guitar is like a lover which your partner tolerates. It is not even forbidden or weird to play with your lover in front of your partner. For me, bass guitar time is when I don’t think about work and duties, and after spending a long time playing I feel relaxed. And I don’t need to have bad feelings about that lover:-) is how lovely my bass student David Badin verses it. How could you think of the challenges when the rewards outweigh them? Positivity and persistence! The only mindframes to overcome challenges and become good! Learning the guitar is fun yet challenging and I don’t even mind doing my homework. I like the feeling of learning a new song or solo, my guitar is so versatile, you can play almost anything with it. is how Nancy B. faces it. She already has a Grade 5 exam under her belt, and is currently prepping for Grade 6. Something precious, a means to play songs. All my family are musicians so I look forward to play with my cousins on stage is young teenager Leon’s aim and reason to play acoustic guitar. Or as adult Paul Killick views his acoustic guitar: … mainly trying something I’ve always wanted to do, something completely different from anything else I do in life; being creative gets me out of my comfort zone! Also, it helps me appreciate the guitarists I like more! As a musician, the moment I decided to pick the guitar, I wanted to do it the serious way. I remember my parents insisted to not buy me a guitar as a gift on a plate but wanted me to work for it (maybe that boosted my persistence after all), so for a whole summer I worked for one, and once I got it, I sought a guitar teacher. I had this will to become as good as possible the soonest possible to form a band, so the expertise of those who had been down the road before me was not an option but a must. Many years later, as a tutor, I know that learning alone (off friends, the internet, going to gigs, etc) does not even start to compare to finding someone to guide you. Like the tortoise and the hare story, learning alone is like jumping from here to there without plan, whereas with a tutor you are presented with steps one at a time, facing up to challenges gradually rather than eating more than you can chew. ## How lessons changed their playing So I also asked my students how they feel about lessons and how they view their playing as compared to when they started….. Kicking off with the previous Paul Killick: I have got a little better than I was, and when I do exactly what is suggested, I have got a bit better again! It’s teaching me the discipline to follow instructions. I have always tended to shy away from/give up on things that I can’t immediately do, so it’s good for me to keep at this, even when sometimes I feel I don’t have the natural aptitude for it. It’s teaching me to persevere I guess. Lessons definitely teach you the good habits, the framework you need to be able to grow as a musician. And it gives you little goals each week, which leads to a sense of achievement weekly. Or as online student William Ayerst put it: After a few months of struggling, I was able to play without wanting to clamp my fingers over my ears, and after a few years I’m finally starting to feel like I’m passable. The biggest realisation for me was that there was no shortcut – no trick or hack to get better – just hours and hours of hard work. Having lessons has given focus to that work and ensured I’m always pushing my boundaries further, instead of spinning my wheels. For bassist David Badin it’s a matter of confidence: I feel more comfortable playing and holding the bass than before. I could play tabs before but I didn’t have the basics. Learning about rhythm, notes, scales, etc. clarified what and why I’m actually doing and I feel more confident while playing. Young Nancy, a complete beginner when starting few years ago opines that: Lessons have enabled me to progress at a much faster pace than just watching the internet. A teacher can help you not only learn new things but also master them. Slightly older Marko reckons that: I think it’s fair to say that I’ve advanced a fairly good amount from when I started playing. I learnt a lot more different topics on the guitar I thought did not exist. I have gone from starting to play with an acoustic guitar to moving on and playing with an electric guitar where you need to conquer different and more fast paced genres of music as well as being able to use it for different things because they are very different. Fellow young chap Henry believes that: My playing has vastly improved in the last 3 years that I have been studying the guitar. I have managed to get to a Grade 5 Level in 3 years thanks to lessons. Lessons are beneficial as they give purpose to the study of guitar, as you have something to work towards rather than sitting on your bed learning riffs off the internet. It also means that you can improve your playing much more quickly, because if something is wrong with your playing, a teacher can tell you, but the internet cannot. To the words of adults, bassist Lyn Hanrahan finds that: Taking lessons has been essential for me. I need the structure to keep me practicing and help me learn correctly. Malcolm gives me that structure. and Rob Cruise feels: Much better – before I was floundering around just trying to rigidly learn the songs I liked with no understanding of how they are put together or basic technique. The most satisfying thing about lessons so far is that I have been able to start to improvise and solo quite quickly, which I never thought I’d be able to do. Speaking of rewards – persistence pays back sooner than you think! As reflected in the words of some ukulele students….. Letting young Charlie W. go first: There is a big difference from when I first started as Malcolm has taught me a lot. Also I can play a song and lots of rhythms now. In addition, adult Byron Heard is “amazed how your fingers learn their way without you thinking about it, if you practice enough.” And maverick-minded Paul Gill (the adult who plays the uke to vary from all his guitar mates remember?) reckons that: Considering that I couldn’t strum a melodic note before I started my lessons, the difference between my musical knowledge when I started and now is astounding. The benefit of having a teacher who can acknowledge your ability and push you when you need to is invaluable. Some students are more specific to what they want to learn and how they look at their instrument. For example, Graham Seabrook, an online student from Malaysia finds: My playing has developed considerably since taking lessons. I think one of the main differences is the progression from being able to play a vertical C major scale to understanding how I can play it horizontally to connect along the fingerboard. Personally I feel this is the foundation of being a good player, as developing this further would eventually allow me to jam with other musicians in any key. John Ford, sitting comfortably in his London lounge, writes: I have been taking guitar lessons for approximately 9 months, after spending a long time bashing around on the instrument with no real purpose. In that time I have seen my playing, instrument understanding, scale & chord knowledge, techniques and musical theory have all improved considerably. The lessons have been really useful as they not only focus on individual areas but also help me appreciate how they all fit together. And acoustic student Alex Achikeh views it that: I am much more confident in playing and my rhythm has improved drastically. My technique has improved in what chords I knew previously especially when it comes to using the 1st and 2nd position to change between chords. There is a lot more structure to my learning and it allows me to develop in many areas that I would not have explored otherwise. It has given me the foundational knowledge of the fretboard which in terms makes it much easier to play scales and to play music rather than let music play me. “To play music rather than let music play me!” is a motto anyone learning any musical instrument should pick up as a creed! Last few words from multi-instrumentalist (now predominantly a guitarist) George Stein: I understand the skill set, and know better what’s required to play what I want. Other people have told me that I sound good, that I can play now… I am still pretty self-critical, but when I record myself and play it back, I do have moments where I think… “gosh, that’s me?” So I’m learning, I’m improving, and I’m getting more confident. I recognise this feeling, because I’ve had it before with other instruments… the point where you think, ‘yeah, I got this!’. Without a level of technical skill, even the most talented person will not be able to really express themself & make music, on any instrument. I think I now know how to practice, and how to get better. Finding the time to properly practice is often a challenge, but lessons have given me a body of knowledge that allows me to develop much faster than if I were to try learning alone. I’m probably not always the easiest student, because at one level I’m a beginner, on another level I am perhaps a bit more advanced (and impatient). But the structure and the education I’ve got from lessons have really benefited me. I’m familiar with a few instruments, but I always loved guitar, and the different styles of music you can make with guitar. And I always dreamed of playing guitar. So in some ways I’m realising a dream. Maybe it’s not too late to be a Guitar God?? It’s never too late! Feeling inspired? Book a lesson today. Or you already play but having a bad day, you feel rusty, or you need some words to motivate you how to find time for the guitar among other things in life? Just watch Steve Vai talk about the guitar. For videos that go alongside articles like this one, please subscribe to the Cool Gool Music channel on YouTube. And if you would like to take your playing further, you can book a lesson with me in London or online. Modern approaches to guitar, bass, ukulele & music theory tuition. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # If you can feel it, you might as well try it! URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/satch/ Published: 2016-02-09 Summary: Guitar tutor Malcolm Callus on the power of trying — 'if you can feel it, you might as well try it', plus lessons learned from writing lyrics for his bands. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To quote a great inspiration to most of us (more about him later): “If you can feel it, might as well try it”. But first, a story from when I shared lyric duties for 1 of my bands. Our vocalist had better English than mine, yet wondered how I wrote better lyrics than his. My answer was that what I presented would be the 5th/6th draft, as actually I’d have corrected a lot. With each draft, I’d let the words talk to me back, seaving the manure from the gold in a bunch of hay. How I differed from him was that I never expected amazing lyrics at my 1st attempt, but would rather let the good parts shine through the bad as I re-read them over and over again. Nothing that a novelist wouldn’t do when writing a book, and as soon as he applied that approach, his lyrics improved! Similarly, let’s bring this to the table how to become a good improviser, which is music on the spot without time for drafts. Yet, drafts do happen, in our practice time. So what I generally suggest to my students is: - Record your solos. - Listen back & seave out your own golden licks. - Repeat them to generate new golden ones. Time and time again, this approach made them understand that fire only burns the 1st time, and once you know how to walk it without getting burnt, it’s fun! And it works! Every time without fail. So back to the quote above, by none other than Joe “Satch” Satriani! With “If you can feel it, might as well try it” Satch tells us that after hours of training and singing scales (your drafts), melodies and fingerings become sort of attached to each other with less effort. So when you actually improvise, whatever you hear in your head can be translated onto your fingers. Be adventurous! The main thing is knowing how and where to resolve, purposely repeating “mistakes” before resolving. The safe bet is to play a semi-tone up/down to find the note that sounds right (within the key), as explained in my articles on treating the fingerboard as an alphabet and turning a wrong note into jazz. In closing, here’s some Satch talk….. For videos that go alongside articles like this one, please subscribe to the Cool Gool Music channel on YouTube. And if you would like to take your playing further, you can book a lesson with me in London or online. Modern approaches to guitar, bass, ukulele & music theory tuition. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # If you forget your dreams, you die! So hold on to your dream that is music! URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/dream-music/ Published: 2015-11-06 Summary: Guitar tutor Malcolm Callus on holding on to your musical dream — patience, persistence and why you should never give up on the music you love. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- “If you forget your dreams you die” is a line a friend once quoted me from “Run to the Light” by metal band Trouble. Basically I was having a bit of a bad day as despite all the efforts my band was not going anywhere. Or at least I thought. The restless teenager I was, I had no patience once we released our demo to wait for the reviews to start rolling in (hence my blues). But hey presto, some months later and we actually ended up being received stunningly well around the globe. We all get good & bad times – that’s life! But each time a student comes to me feeling they are not improving, I mention my above example from my teens, that the fact they keep on practicing, they are stocking more information into their subconscious which will come across naturally without pushing it. And that in blocks of 4-6 months they will see improvement in how they play. Without fail, it always works. So the point here is always give time for the flower to blossom, for the caterpillar to become a butterfly, for yourself to improve, and never expect too much too soon, as that is a demotivator none of you need. Now let us focus on an actual dream I had lately, but first 4 realities that happened lately in my life: - To ensure I meet people from all walks of life not just music, I also work in an art gallery & when there I go to Prets for lunch. - I have an Australian student called Trent who loves wearing flip-flops & has lately moved house. - I will soon launch a ukelele course, with a demo & registration day 1 week before. - I reward students who recommend their friends for lessons. - I teach students also at their place. So a few days back, I dreamt I was outside Prets eating while taking registrations for the ukelele course. One lady comes up with the uke. Once she left, I noticed Trent with his flip-flops & his Peavey Composer guitar (I got the same model as a uke) and 2 guys talking in Aussie accent holding ukes. I ask Trent if the others were his friends, and he tells me that he came with them to get a £10 reward for each. So he got £20, a tenner for each of them! On the course start date, the guys came but the girl not (turns out she was Trent’s mate’s girlfriend, so Trent’s mate will be teaching her later himself). So did I loose a student? Actually not, the guys decide to change plans few days later, and ask me if I could teach all 3 back at their place, which is something I do, as I teach at students’ homes too, in group and separately. So this is an example of when I was waiting for my band reviews in my teens, every loss is a blessing in disguise that opens future doors. Always stay positive, love your instrument, and play! That parenthesis aside, the dream forths on that the first time I arrive for the lesson, these jolly Aussie folk are having their house-warming party, all in flip-flop & drinking Fosters:) So that’s a surprise party for me:) So what’s this dream suggesting? The ‘strangers’ in our dreams are actually people we’d have seen when out and about as the brain cannot make-up new faces for us to dream about. So given the amount of true facts that happened at about the time of the dream, its narration all makes sense to me. How reality comes into our dreams, or at least mine, is something one cannot understand (is there a need to?), although I think this is the same way one learns chords & scales, or to a higher degree, songs come to us while asleep. Yes we do practice chords and scales while awake, but we really learn them while asleep. How many times have you been rehearsing with your band, and that same night or the day after, you get the riff B that connects Riff A to Riff C? So the next time you start dreaming music, it means you are actually improving, and that is your subconscious reacting to your daily practice. Also back to reality, daydream as much as you can that you can become a rockstar. But do not stop at that. Life will throw you many setbacks – the way to make it to the top is what you learn from each setback, and how you soldier on with perseverance. But never, and for no reason, should you stop dreaming! Good luck my friend! For videos that go alongside articles like this one, please subscribe to the Cool Gool Music channel on YouTube. And if you would like to take your playing further, you can book a lesson with me in London or online. Modern approaches to guitar, bass, ukulele & music theory tuition. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # The 1st time it’s a mistake, the 2nd time it’s jazz URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/jazz/ Published: 2015-10-21 Summary: Guitar tutor Malcolm Callus on improvisation — 'the first time it's a mistake, the second time it's jazz' — and how to build the confidence to solo. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- “The 1st time it’s a mistake, the 2nd time it’s jazz” is a saying that goes around among musicians, mostly among soloists. What’s this about, and why is it so important? As a musician, I constantly improvise. As a tutor, I constantly showcase how to improvise. Why? It all boils down to one thing – approaching fire with fire! In other words, giving students the confidence that the sooner they walk the fire (i.e. start to solo), the sooner the fire won’t burn anymore (everything becomes easier once you try it). A point I love during lessons is that once I teach a scale, I immediately give students a backing track and ask them to start playing the notes not in order, to be free, to play anything whether it makes sense or not. Both student & I know that they need to go back home and practise that scale in alternate/economy picking vs a metronome to brush it up both visually and rhythmically, however we ignore that point, we think less and get on with it! The point here is to improvise (= singing with your instrument) and as everyone has sung before in their life (shower singing counts!), it’s by nature that they find their way. The subconscious is a big boy, we all know more than we think we do, so just play and it works sooner rather than later. Make no illusions, it will start as crap, but the more you do it the ratio of crap:gold will soon go from 9:1 to 0:10. Point here is not how to start soloing, but for any of you that have been soloing for a while who would like to know what happens when for some reason they hit a ‘wrong’ note, a note that does not harmonically fit with the backing chordal accompaniment. So back to our idiom – the 2nd time it’s jazz! What happens then? Repeat the ‘wrong’ note! And many times (at least 5-6 as the pic says). There’s a way how to of course, so keep reading………… ## Three ways to improvise in a band - The simplest way – you know the chords being played by the rhythm section (as a band you rehearsed the songs and probably also know the other guitarist’s notes, if not also the bassist’s, + you know the drummer’s patterns, when the vocalist comes in & what note, and more or less the keyboard notes too). So there you go – you have worked already what scale to use, and off you go! - A still simple way – let us say you have not rehearsed, but are jamming for the 1st time live with new musicians. They’ve been so great to hand you the song’s chord chart, so although you won’t know all other musicians’ parts, the chart more or less indicates what they may play. Enough info for you to choose the scale to solo with. - The more advanced musical way (not necessarily a hard way) that occurs when you jam with musicians live for the 1st time and they DO NOT give you a chord chart/ state the key – you are simply out there in the fire, and you gotta deal with it! With experience this isn’t difficult, so here’s how to build that! You basically go on stage, keep your guitar volume down, and start hearing others’ chords to get the gist of it while playing some notes (just as you murmur before singing)! Then you put the volume up and continue listening to those chords on the spot, and this way you will solo using right notes without the need of knowing the chord harmonies. But one might argue if they should be listening out to all intervals within a chord (as in aural tests in exams) to thus decide which notes within the scale to use. Which becomes too much work at every bar and takes out the fun and fire out of soloing! Absolutely not! In a jam scenario, you just play and when you strike a note out of the chord (the ‘wrong’ note), you just move a semitone up/down. One does not need to know why it works (if you do, check out my ear training & theory course Know It Hear It!), but it works. As when you do, you are giving an illusion to the listeners of changing key. So to ensure that illusion strikes home effectively, just repeat that wrong note a couple of more times and then return back to the ‘right’ notes (not necessarily in order, but you could go to a ‘right’ note and return to the ‘wrong’ one some more times – the possibilities are endless). Believe me, that when you manage to overcome this fear, that fire does not burn as you know how to walk it, it’s now the sweet fire of musical passion! For all who need to see to believe, we would not have Surrealism nowadays (and with it all those amazing out-worldly artworks on some vinyls you own) if Dali had not started seeing things differently than the ‘right’ rules of the time! ## Dealing with wrong notes when they happen So, to recap, how to deal with wrong notes when they happen? That could happen at a gig when a couple of hot women dance dirty a few feet away from you (or any other reason anyway) not? You can loose track of which chord you on, the tempo, the key,… Naughty boy! When that happens, you have not been paying attention to one, two, or all of these: - What are you playing? - What is everyone else playing? - How is what you are playing fitting in with what everyone else is? This listening list includes the notes you’re choosing, the phrasing you’re choosing and how loudly you’re playing. So if at any time you notice the band is getting shaky, go through this list to ensure it’s not you, and if not identify who it is and do what is possible to tighten up the band. Maybe playing the same wrong notes that the other band member is playing? After all this is what makes live music so beautiful – that it sometimes differs from the recorded songs! Music, and in particular, improvisation is a listening art! So remember to always listen with your ears not your eyes. Because those hot women can distract your eyes but not your ears:) Suggested related reading — my article on treating the fingerboard as an alphabet. For videos that go alongside articles like this one, please subscribe to the Cool Gool Music channel on YouTube. And if you would like to take your playing further, you can book a lesson with me in London or online. Modern approaches to guitar, bass, ukulele & music theory tuition. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Enough burgers! You need a fit body to let healthy music flow out of you! URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/enough-burgers/ Published: 2009-08-03 Summary: Guitar tutor Malcolm Callus on why effortless playing is an athletic discipline — fitness, posture and getting the best sound for the least effort. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- What is it with some players who despite their solid understanding of music’s “right” notes, they still get tired (or even feel pain) when playing for a long stretch of time? The answer is simply that musical performance is an athletic discipline like any other sport, and that effortless playing depends on the body’s fitness. Getting the best result for the least effort is indeed the most elegant way of doing anything, but is it practice that makes perfect? I would rather say repeating nonsense achieves fluent nonsense. As the reknown Alexander Technique mentions “prevention is better than cure and hence one is to focus on how to carry out actions to build GOOD habits.” So consult, stop to listen to others with less/ no physical shortcomings, and then re-approach one’s methods afresh. Sometimes dropping the stubbornness that something is good only because it has worked for many years is the key to open a new door. So here follow some guidelines I’ve over the years shared on how to play comfortably, and why everything IS possible! As you may note, these are split into physical and mental exercises – the physical is first as it’s the actual practical task you try; however you’ll sure instantly notice a change in application (maybe easier) when you re-try the practical tasks after reading the mental part. All following physical examples are for a right-handed guitar player. ## Physical exercises - Simply rest the right hand on guitar. The weight of arm keeps guitar in place, so do not try to push the guitar inwards from the right as this effects the posture. - Strap to be fitted so that guitar is same angle whether sitting/standing. - Thumb should not curl around fingerboard but rather act as a pivot midway behind the fretboard in line with the 2nd finger from the front. If not, the palm of the hand is narrowed, restricting playing of notes on adjacent frets. - A good posture depends on your body staying balanced and erect, avoiding undue twisting, with your head, elbows and neck able to move freely, your back standing/ sitting up firm & no twisting of shoulders to side. - The left shoulder isn’t to lean sideways towards the guitar. The hand and elbows are free as to pull the guitar inwards to the left of the body, if at all necessary. - Avoid picking too loud with right hand as this in turn demands left hand to apply more fretting pressure. - Despite a tutor’s guides, the best way to improve is to experience things first hand. A good way is for you to play a piece focusing on new posture without much attention to the piece, then playing the piece again with the old posture. This will reveal how the new posture differs from the old, and how easier it is. ## Mental suggestions - There’s no way but the best way. It’s the easiest to master, so make a habit of that. This is known as the cycle of conscious incompetence > conscious competence > unconscious competence i.e. first you’re aware of your shortcomings, then you practice enough to garner skill & the knowledge that you know what you’re doing, then your knowledge becomes so innate that you don’t even think about it, and it flows out of you when you perform. - Mental rehearse what needs to be done, and focus on it before actually playing it. This way the muscles will probably react more positively, as research has proven that the muscles react when thinking about something as they would when one actually does it. - Practice with awareness of your goals vs too much unfocused practice repeating same mistakes. I.e. playing flamenco differs from playing metal so new postures for each might have to be learnt, as what works for one style might not necessarily work for another. - Listen to the music to produce a tone befitting the style being played vs just focusing on getting a better tone. Decreasing your physical efforts makes you more sensitive to producing tone colours, in turn enjoying music more. - Instruct yourself with positives not negatives (DOs not DONTs). So you might still argue that the old way works better? Well try the new way, see how it functions for you, think about how it differs from your previous methods, and only then reject it. A Chinese idiom goes: “I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand.” And I bet you that if you understand the easiest way, it will become your new habit and you will not reject it. Just as many professional guitar players before you have not. For videos that go alongside articles like this one, please subscribe to the Cool Gool Music channel on YouTube. And if you would like to take your playing further, you can book a lesson with me in London or online. Modern approaches to guitar, bass, ukulele & music theory tuition. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Change your Burger Sauce URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/change-your-burger-sauce/ Published: 2009-05-14 Summary: Guitar tutor Malcolm Callus on finding your own voice — why copying the players who first inspired you is only the start of your musical journey. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Onto breaking rules, this article does not follow along the lines of any of my previous threads, but is my music business contribution one can get by signing up for the teachmusic.co.uk mailing list….. now onto our burger sauce! It’s safe to assume that a good 9 of 10 players started out hearing some other player’s music, what turned them to the guitar in the 1st place. What makes each of them prefer one or more music styles over others is their very pre-exposure to their fave genres that form comfort zones within their minds regarding what to expect out of music, hence why one prefers the subtleness of a nylon string performance over the more fiery chainsaw playing in early industrial, or vice-versa, and any sound in between that the different forms of guitars produce. At some stage, guitarists then turn to lessons and to us as educators. As educators we play the foremost role of capturing our students’ dreams, aiding them in their quest to turn them into reality. For most it might just be to cover songs at their local pub/ family bbq, but for others getting their name out there just as their idols before them is the name of the game. And this is where music itself takes a back seat and the actual business mind is called to the forefront. For a moment, imagine one runs a worldwide take-away food franchise. Was it a love for fast-food that made one start? Probably the answer has less to do with burgers & chips than with the opportunity of a fruitful long-term business. Which makes one observe that while musicians have way progressed from just playing their instruments well to learning more about backline, accessories & sound (from choice of strings, electronics, effects & amps to producing, sound engineering & mixing), some still do not recognize the extent it would benefit them if they put their hands on actually promoting their name. Not only via cheap/free routes the Internet provides, but by financially investing in their own product to see it hit off the ground. To return to the take-away concept, it might be less satisfactory running a junk-food franchise than playing music, yet look at the way they run forward – every now and again they change bread, add a sauce or whatever, thus making a new menu out of it. In other words, they create opportunities for themselves. Easy to them nowadays after so many years of success, but in their humble beginnings, there definitely was lots of investment (maybe at a loss of money, surely at a loss of time). So why does it turn out that sometimes musicians fail to see the opportunities ahead of them, figure even create new ones? After all musicians are doing what they like most (playing their instrument) so one probes if, by logic, promoting oneself should only come as 2nd nature, same as owning professional gear to sound good! Needless to say, playing music is more satisfying than selling food not?:) The point comes in the conclusion. The music industry (as any other) runs on the expectancy that nothing falls free from the sky. As educators, we are to foster this thinking in our students, at least the most ambitious. This will pave itself in our students managing their time even further as they start thinking more as self-employed dogs in a world of many more competing for the same bone! I once read in an innovations management blog that “If the tree cannot be moved, a new route has to be found”. This is an area that musicians – educators and performers alike – might like to look into. For videos that go alongside articles like this one, please subscribe to the Cool Gool Music channel on YouTube. And if you would like to take your playing further, you can book a lesson with me in London or online. Modern approaches to guitar, bass, ukulele & music theory tuition. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # The fingerboard – the be all, maybe even end all! URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/fingerboard/ Published: 2009-05-07 Summary: Guitar tutor Malcolm Callus on the fingerboard — why knowing your instrument's neck, much like learning to speak, is the be-all of fluent playing. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Speak! Wherever we live, that’s the very act we do daily. Even if we spend a day alone at home, we still end up speaking to ourselves. The very skill of associating pronunciations to single letters, and how their sound varies according to their placement in words of our mother tongue, became innate with ourselves from the very moment of our inception, if not earlier inside our mother’s womb. And daily we use this very skill to communicate opinions to others, presuming – maybe hypothetically – that the listening party will understand everything exactly as we mean it. Yet when this often results otherwise, we speak again to explain further. Daily, constantly and effortlessly we use speech to explain ourselves. Now let us bring this to the string instrument world. The fingerboard is our alphabet; the scales, arpeggios, chords, voicings, i.e. the very tools to put letters together to form words, which form sentences that form paragraphs, depend on a starting note on the fingerboard, and knowing where they are. At some point in our education we learn the theoretical knowledge that defines what scale may be used and when, and as lead players, when presented with a chord chart we recall a multitude of scale patterns that fit. Presented with some one else’s opinions (compare your chord chart to this very blog for a moment), we react to what we are reading by adding our opinions (by adding your own thoughts to my opinions here as you read along, like you’d add melodic licks while reading a chord chart). How? By recalling and playing around scale patterns that fit. That is one way, and a successful one. ## Let’s start breaking the rules! Yet have you ever considered the maybe more primordial approach of totally forgetting the patterns? Here we go. Approach the fretboard only as a series of notes and if, for example, the key chosen is G major (having only one sharp being F), then apply an A-B-C-D-E-F#-G alphabet across the fingerboard, free of any patterns. All you have at your disposal is this flashy fingerboard with each fret representing a note. Feel free to play all notes as naturals except your Fs that have to be F#s. You are more than likely to be using scale shapes you have learnt, but you are not thinking of them, but only of note letters! And this is what gives you the freedom a growing child has when unaware of grammar mistakes, a freedom that paves a more adventurous explorative path. Speak! Play whatever you hear in that inner ear of yours – it’s an opinion and it can only get better by speaking it out, getting feedback about its presentation from others, even your own self on hearing it back. This is how improvisation phrasing is improved. Learning by doing! Think less scalar, think more phrasal. You get politicians the world over speak bull for a career yet make a name in history, so why not with us musicians whose words, speech, and opinions are of a higher value? Speak! As the Romantic playwright Victor Hugo once wrote “Music is that which cannot be silenced”, so speak as this world is nicer with more melodies! For videos that go alongside articles like this one, please subscribe to the Cool Gool Music channel on YouTube. And if you would like to take your playing further, you can book a lesson with me in London or online. Modern approaches to guitar, bass, ukulele & music theory tuition. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- # The discourse of musicology and timbre URL: https://malcolmcallus.com/musicology-and-timbre/ Published: 2009-03-17 Summary: Guitar tutor Malcolm Callus on musicology and timbre — how Beethoven composed while deaf, and what really makes music move us, from the Cool Gool Music blog. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- How was it possible for Beethoven to create music well after he turned deaf? What was the very fact that made the rumble of bass-guitar-voice-drums that was The Sex Pistols appeal so highly to music researchers from a scientific point of view? What makes an experienced journalist write about music without being a musician the same way you and I recognize the contrasting tastes of 2 different chocolate cakes without having the culinary expertise of a pâtissier? Creativity always having been the crux of what makes an artist, innovations to one’s music allow its listeners more anchor points to experience it differently out of “the musician’s box”. Hence, the above, similar and others, are some of the many Q&As I approach through this blog, as to convey a sense of looking at music not only from a chords’ & scales’ point of view, but further! For videos that go alongside articles like this one, please subscribe to the Cool Gool Music channel on YouTube. And if you would like to take your playing further, you can book a lesson with me in London or online. Modern approaches to guitar, bass, ukulele & music theory tuition. ============================================================================ End of https://malcolmcallus.com/llms-full.txt