1-to-1 lessons are available to ANNUAL MEMBERS only. They are personalised coaching sessions where you work directly with me to accelerate your progress. Proper preparation helps you get the most value out of every session.
This article explains what to do before your lesson, what to bring, and how to make sure you're ready.
Know What You Want to Work On
Before the session, identify your main goals. Common topics include:
Improving tightness and rhythm
Modal playing or theory questions
Writing riffs or song sections
Troubleshooting technique issues (e.g., picking, stamina, accuracy)
Tone and gear questions
Guidance on Lesson Pathways or Fundamentals
If you're unsure, choose one or two small areas to focus on.
I can help you refine them during the session.
Prepare a Short Clip (Optional but Helpful)
Record a 20–60 second example of your playing related to what you want to work on.
For example:
A riff
A picking exercise
Something giving you trouble
This helps me quickly understand where you are and what to address.
Tune Your Guitar & Check Your Setup
Before your lesson begins:
Tune your guitar
Check your cable, plugin, microphone and interface
Open your DAW or amp sim if you use one
Test your volume levels
If using your phone or webcam, make sure:
Your hands are visible
Lighting is clear
The mic isn't clipping
A clean setup makes it much easier for me to assess your playing.
Bring Any Questions You Have
Write down questions before the session so you don't forget them.
Examples:
“How do I tighten my downpicking?”
“Am I using the right fingering for this lick?”
“How do I write stronger chord progressions?”
“Why do I struggle to stay in time?”
The clearer your questions, the more specific your feedback will be.
Test Your Internet & Audio Before the Session
To avoid technical problems:
Restart your device
Close unused apps
Use headphones if possible
Ensure your internet connection is stable
If video/audio issues occur, I will guide you through quick fixes.
Have Your Lesson Materials Ready
Depending on your topic, gather:
Tabs
Backing tracks
Past exercises
Riffs or songwriting demos
Notes from previous sessions
Having everything accessible saves time and keeps your lesson focused.
Set Realistic Expectations
A 1-to-1 lesson is not about perfection.
It’s about:
Identifying weaknesses
Building strengths
Understanding next steps
Creating a clear practice direction
I may give you:
A personalised practice plan
Exercises to work on
Goals for your next session
The biggest improvements happen after the session, through consistent practice.
After the Lesson: Review and Apply
To get the most out of your session:
Review your notes
Practise the exercises given
Apply the feedback to your lessons/pathways
Consider submitting your progress in the Members Lounge
Book follow-up sessions if needed
Consistent application = long-term results.
Need Help Preparing?
If you're unsure how to prepare based on your goals, you can ask in the Members Lounge or contact support: