Kevin Downing is a guitar guru
- The Evening Standard

Kevin's knowledge of all areas of the music business has helped me with my entry into the business. He takes an interest in me personally, which is very motivating.
- Kathryne-Alex Weston

It was great reading your new book "The Secrets of Successful Practising for Guitarists" it was just so inspiring. I felt my playing had become a bit stale lately, but this book has really made me improve even more. It is easy to read and full of great tips and ideas you can put into use immediately no matter what level you are.

- Byron Foley

It is very clear that Kevin is a guy who loves his work and is genuinely unselfish with his knowledge.
- Colin Blakely - Guitar Teacher, Gisborne

My guitar lessons are the highlight of my week. You are defintely the best teacher around, and very patient to.
- Ashby Howitt

Thanks for the inspiration and guidance you have given me over the past few years. You really are a legend teacher.
- Steven Fraei

I am very impressed with your remarkable attitude when it comes to assisting others. No wonder your students display such fine attitudes, they have an extremely good role model.
- Stephanie Leney-Smith - Guitar Teacher, Tokoroa.

The lessons with you Kevin are so good I just can't wait untill the next one
- Lynne Dean

One of the reasons I love my lessons with you Kevin is that after each one I can't wait to get home and begin pratising again. I don't know what it is, but after each lesson I feel so inspired and motivated to continue.
- Christine Wilson

Kevin Downing's practise manual "The Secrets of Successful Practising for Guitarists" is more like a bible, as he leaves nothing to chance.

- The Guardian

The one thing I like about Kevin and everything he does is his very high standards.

- James Trent-Bradley

When I first began playing all I wanted to do was to play songs, but I soon realised there was more to playing the guitar than that. Now I wished I had have come to you when I first started because I have just wasted five years of my time.
- Benjamin Turner

The performance groups have had a remarkable effect on my confidence. It is hard to believe, but I hardly ever get nervous now when I perform. They really give me alot of motivation, and the contact with other musicians is invaulable to. Kevin is an excellent teacher, well organised, and provides great value for money.
- Barbara Walker

If you are a committed guitarist then look no further than"The Secrets of Successful Practising for Guitarists" to boost your enthusiasm and ability.

- The Guardian

The visting artists that you have such as Robben Ford, Steve Erquiaga, Bruce Forman, Tom Warrington, and Danny Carron, are so motivating that I go home and practise like mad.

- James Quick

The concert by your performance group students was frighteningly good. It is hard to believe it was either their first or second performance, and that they started from nothing.

- John Craig

The Guitar Tips Newsletter that you produce is so full of relevant and helpfull information. I can't wait to get it each month. I feel it has helped me improve not only my playing ability, but the way I approach the instrument and music as well. Every guitarist should be on the mailing list

- Theresa Kermode

I can't imagine enjoying learning the guitar more than I have done with you. You have been a great inspiration. Thank you.

- Hayley Anderson

Dear Kevin,
I received your book this week(Practice Secrets) All I can say is I can't believe how inefficent my practice sessions have been over the years. I wish I had the book when I started playing...I would be a much better player by now, And it would have taken a lot less time. Now I understand how some players can develop so quickly, while others take so much longer!!(Like myself) I am presently reorganizing my whole approach. I'll keep you updated as to my progress.
Thanks again, Mark

- Mark Chirico - USA

No one has ever taught me as much about music as you have. You are the best teacher I have ever had.
- Micheal Lambeth

Hi Kevin,

I thought I'd drop you a line to say thanks for inspiring me to pick up the guitar again through reading your book
"Secrets of successful practising...".

I first picked up a guitar when I was 13 and learnt all the basic chords and was making satisfactory progress as a self taught guitarist. The day came however when I reached a plateau, got bored and pretty much gave it up altogether.After reading your book, I've got a good idea what I have to do to get back on track.

Your book was easy to read and well layed out- so well done! I can't wait to read your next one.

- Jim Gorman

I recently signed up with Kevin to learn guitar, but later changed my mind. Kevin acted as a thoroughly honorable businessman during this process, reversing all the charges and even bought the book he recommended (not bought from him) from me at full cost price.

I'd just like to recommend him as a true professional and honest businessman, as well as acknowledging him a great guitarist!!

You'd have to go a long way for better service!!

- Roger Birch

"The Secrets of Successful Practising for Guitarists"

"I read this in one sitting, and from cover to back it keeps you
reading. Full of practical and useful applications that every Guitar
Teacher, Student and player should learn and use! Great Book"

Stu Edwards - Head Teacher
Allmusic Academy


- Stu Edwards

I'm finding your practicing book to be the best tool ever to help with my playing ( apart from playing itself! ). I am recommending it to all of my students and have just placed an order for another copy. I have got many students on to your monthly newsletter also, which is excellent, I look forward to it every month!

- Rob Moody - Guitar Teacher, Australia.

Love your practising book. Best book, best value for money ever.
- Chris Uitenweerde - South Africa

This practisng book has been the biggest break in my twenty years of playing guitar!!! Have been applying the time management principles and I can already see the big advantages of this planned approach. Far better results in less time. For someone with a busy schedule as I have right now due to work, music and emigration plans this is just what you need to keep progressing instead of standing still!!!


- John Dierckx - Guitar Teacher, Holland

I have been taking distance education lessons in guitar with Kevin Downing since late August 2002. I am grateful to him that I have been able to benefit from his experience and input as a first rate guitar teacher and mentor. This has been achieved by telephone and over the Internet. Having the option to learn in this way has been a radical concept for me and very convenient. Lessons by telephone, using the speaker function, have been successful and rewarding and I have always come away feeling inspired and encouraged.

Kevin is skilled at what he does and is able to assist with clear directives, evaluating pieces played with his helpful critiques, and is always ready to share from his wealth of experience.

The Internet has also been very useful. In between lessons queries can be sent via email and Kevin is always prompt in replying with answers and advice.

These methods, in my opinion, are very viable options for continued learning and advancement.


- Lynne Smith - Guitar Teacher, Wanganui.

Hi Kevin,

All your advice is full of so much information. I wish I had all this info when I was 15 and floundering with practising. But perhaps it's only now (many years later....I'm now 32...eek), that I've got the genuine desire to learn eveything I can, that I'll find the info so valuable.

Your support through your website, newsletters, and assistance (such as sending me those reports) is so excellent. I had all but given up on guitar. Thought I was too late to do anything now which was sad because I was a good guitarist as a teenager (but without the necessary knowldege of practising requirements etc to develop into a great guitarist). Your support has (most importantly) let me see that it is possible for me to be a great guitarist by committing myself to develop all 6 areas, and that knowledge has fired up my enthusiasm and creativity.

I also have a one year old daughter and I am so excited to be learning these techniques to share with her when she's ready to learn a musical instrument.

Thank you Kevin. I consider you a very inspiring mentor.

Warm regards
Debs Gracie

- Debs Gracie

I received your book and am already putting it into my practice routine. If only I'd found it sooner! I will be recommending it to anyone serious about learning the guitar.

I recognised myself in your book as being "exam focused". I spent 10 years learning and practising piano reaching grade seven and not able to play a thing! I also studied theory and played in bands at school and varsity, but never made the connection between all the essential elements of music. Your practising book connects the dots between technique, musical knowledge, and musicianship. It was staring me in the face all along and your book has helped me to see it.


- Rob Kelly - London

I've been playing bass for 40 years and all that time people have told me that reading music was too hard. Then I started with Kevin to learn how to do it. Now 5 months later I am in my first reading band and looking forward to the many gigs they have. This band includes the best players in the area as well.

- John Norris

I reckon this book (The Secrets of Successful Practising) will change my life as learning to play guitar has been a
life-long dream, now I can see it happening. Thank you!


- Rebekah Burgess

I read your book "The secrets of Successful Practising" and it improved my playing so much, I couldnt believe I have wasted a couple of years without improving, but now I'm back on track and I'm loving it. You are the master!!!!!

- Cameron Collins

Your book "The Secrets of Successful Practising for Guitarists" turned out to be invaluable for me. It is direct, supportive, encouraging, and I cannot convey how useful and inspiring it is. It is very weird I had to find such knowledge at the other side of the world.

- Pedro Arizmendi Gutiérrez - Mexico.

I just finished reading your book, "The Secrets of Successful Practising", and am writing to say "thanks!" I've been playing the instrument for more than 20 years, but I've seen very little advancement in my playing from about the first two to three years and following. Much of this, I know, is due to lacking effective practice and study habits. Your book has given me perhaps the most comprehensive approach I've ever seen relating to structuring practice for accomplishing my musical goals.

- Drake Tunson - USA

Thank you so much for playing on our wedding day!! It was such a good day and you definitely helped make it something very special!!


- Vicky & Nigel

"I felt like I was standing still in one place for years. Despite trying very hard I was only getting more frustrated and I even began to despise the instrument I love. After only 8 months of lessons I definitely feel the difference. I am moving forward, my playing is becoming lighter everyday and is a source of joy and inspiration. I am rediscovering an immense love for the instrument! Thank you Kevin, learning under your guidance is a true blessing and I am eager to push the limits and discover new frontiers!"


- ~Inga (ingamusic.com)