My 3 older brothers all learned from Kevin when they were at high school. My mum is also quite involved in the music scene around town – she was Kevin’s music professor at university. When I told her I was thinking about learning the guitar she mentioned Kevin’s name straight away.

Last year when I was at teachers college I begun to realise that the guitar was an instrument I really enjoyed but also found that I wasn’t going to get any further without having lessons. Now that I am a teacher it has become a wonderful tool to use in the classroom for daily sing-along’s with the class as well as for school concerts and assemblies etc. I also love the way my brothers will bring out their guitars on family occasions, and how the music brings us all together.

I’ve had lessons with Kevin for almost a year and can say it’s been the best money I’ve spent all year. I feel more confident and also enjoy playing it more than I ever did.

The biggest thing I have learned from Kevin is the belief in myself and having the confidence to keep trying. Kevin really motivates me to keep at it and to get it right, and he constantly reminds me that the hard work will pay off. I can already tell that it is.

The duo lessons are great because it provides the perfect balance of individual work as well as putting your new knowledge into practise under pressure. Kevin is able to teach whatever you’re ready for and give you the feedback you need. It is also great being able to play with others because the guitar is such a social instrument that it is important to have the confidence to perform with others.

Kevin is very thorough in teaching the correct technique and making sure you do things correctly rather than racing through. After having played the guitar on my own for so long this has been the hardest thing for me because I’ve really had to go back a number of steps and by doing so have discovered how much there is to learn!

Being a teacher myself, I can tell that Kevin puts a lot of effort in to helping his students. He is passionate about the guitar. This passion helps me feel motivated and keeps me working hard. He treats me like an individual and teaches me what I am ready for, not just what’s next on the agenda. I really like this about the lessons because there is a clear direction. If I think back to the first day of school this year right before I started lessons, I was so nervous and pretty terrible playing the guitar with my class. Some of the children even laughed at me which was a big confidence knocker! Nearly a year on I was able to play 8 songs on the guitar for our end of year prize giving in front of a large audience and I absolutely loved it! I can’t wait for more opportunities to play my guitar with and for others!
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I chose to take guitar lessons because it was an activity that was quite foreign to me and it interested me. Up until that point all I had done was sport 24/7 but playing the guitar was a nice change and provided me with a different sort of a challenge.

I’ve had lessons with Kevin for nearly two years now. One thing that I have gotten out of Kevin’s lessons is they have extended my musical interests. He has taught me some older rock songs which I would never have listened to had I been on my own.

The duo lessons have been good but the single thing that has helped the most is he taught me the basics and the right way to do them right from the start, which makes for a lot faster and easier playing of the more complicated songs once you get there.

To anyone considering taking up the guitar, I say challenge yourself because you can’t take anything positive out of regrets. I was in that same boat not long ago and have thoroughly enjoyed the guitar lessons.
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I started going to Kevin for lessons to further my skills and knowledge after my previous teacher recommended him.

I have been having lessons with him for around 4 years and he has helped me take the knowledge and skills and apply them more to my own playing. In the past I learnt many songs, etc, but I would forget them because I wasn’t taking licks, riffs, and other ideas out of the songs and applying them to my own songs and solos.

I have also found the class/duo format great as it allows you to share different ideas and improvise more. The workshops are great to – I have attended the pedal workshop and the jazz guitar one taken by Larry Koonse.

I used to play in the 101 Lab band and I improved my playing in many ways. It increased my improvising skills, taught me how to relate to other instruments in the band like the drums and bass but most of all in increased my confidence. From there I have moved on to playing my own gigs.

If you are thinking of taking lessons with Kevin I say “Do it! You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain!”
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I took lessons with Kevin firstly because of my previous teacher’s recommendation.   The lessons with this teacher were going well, but after a certain amount of time she thought that Kevin would be better able to help me with the bass in the future, so I switched teachers. I had also tried to learn on my own for a period, but that didn’t work as I found I needed lessons with a good teacher to keep things on track.

I’ve had lessons with Kevin for almost a year now and my playing has improved immensely during that time. I feel a lot more confident reading music and I’ve had the opportunity to get better at playing with other people.  As a bass player, I really like having a guitar player in my lesson because it’s a lot of fun playing with someone else and it means that I’ll have experience playing with others if I want to join a band in the future.   I have also learnt that keeping good time and rhythm throughout the songs is very important which initially didn’t come naturally!

Kevin makes the lessons fun and varied, while also helping you to progress your skills at a good pace.  You’re in very good hands with Kevin.
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I decided to take the lessons with Kevin because I wished to go further with guitar and heard he was a brilliant guitar teacher.

I had previously taken lessons with another teacher, but stopped after a year as I had reached my potential in those lessons. I found that my progress with my old teacher was slow and the lessons were boring. After that I tried to teach myself at home, but what I was learning was incorrect and I was teaching myself bad habits.

I have been taking lessons with Kevin for over four months now and I have improved a considerable amount for the amount of lessons I have taken. He has taught me how to read music in different ways and also learning many new techniques and strategies has helped. I think the ability to read and understand music properly is the single biggest thing that has helped me.

If you are thinking of taking lessons with Kevin I would say “These lessons are well worth the price and you will benefit greatly from the lessons – more than you can ever imagine.”
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With my last teacher I used to just give up and not practice because I struggled with the way he was teaching it, but now I have learnt that he was teaching me things that were wrong.

After he left, I decided I wanted a better quality of teacher and Kevin came recommended to us. After one year with Kevin I have improved 110%, I can now read notes, I enjoy practising, and I am learning so much. After a little hesitation, I have found that reading notes is the single biggest thing that has helped me the most.

I am glad I learn guitar with Kevin. If you are unsure, I say go to Kevin because he has lots of experience, he makes it easy to understand, and gives you lots of praise.
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Taking lessons with Kevin has in one word given me: Freedom. Under Kevin’s tutelage I have learned how to play confidently without being mired in an academic marshland and he’s helped me to not overplay. Lessons have opened my mind to styles of music I never knew or didn’t like and to constantly seek new and inventive ways to be creative.

The single thing that has helped the most is discipline. Regular practise leads to success. Learning music is a slow but rewarding journey and it requires a daily application to achieve goals.

I have attended Kevin’s Effects and Amplifier seminar, which filled in the holes of the simplicity and the touchiness of electronic enhancers. Kevin is an excellent communicator in groups large and small.

I had the fortunate opportunity to be invited to play in the first Lab Band for a while a long time ago, and while it was a dauntingly professional prospect it was highly enjoyable and memorable, being quite a different experience than any band situation.

Kevin has studied knowledge not just of the guitar, but also of business and psychology. Application of that knowledge passed on has affected all aspects of my career and personal life in a positive and beneficial way. Kevin’s a world-class teacher, mentor and friend.

If you are frustrated with your playing and have tried all the books, all the videos, all the teachers, endless different YouTube versions of the same song, and are truly serious about wanting to improve, you’d be lucky to find a better educator in New Zealand, let alone the world.
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I have been going to Kevin for 15 months, he was recommended by my previous teacher who said he could further my skills as she was unable to take me to the next level.

It was frustrating being unable to play to the standard to which I wanted, and Kevin has showed me the correct movements, ways to negotiate the guitar neck, chords and which fingers to use. I have improved immensely in all areas

I think the single thing about the lessons with Kevin that has helped the most is being able to play without looking at the strings, frets, and fingers. I am very pleased with my progress, and hopefully one day will be good enough to play in the 101 Lab Band!

Kevin is very professional, has an easy manner in teaching you the techniques, and teaches you how to have fun with your guitar.
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I have had lessons with Kevin for four years now in person. I found him through a family member and decided to take lessons with him because he has a known reputation as the best guitar teacher around. Other teachers I had before Kevin seemed uninterested in teaching crucial musical elements which hindered my progress as a musician and bass guitarist.

Before I started taking lessons with Kevin I found learning songs to be difficult and my sight reading ability was poor, so the lessons have improved my playing immensely. He has taught me both to read music to a high standard and with a good technique, making everything a lot easier.

Probably the ability to sight read has benefitted me the most, due to this I have been able to play in many different types of ensembles and have been able to expand my musical interests.

I have attended a song writing seminar and a rhythm section seminar which have both been of huge value. Talking to a song writer about the steps they go through to write a song showed me both how to start and where I was going wrong. While the rhythm section seminar was really useful in explaining the role of each of the instrument in a rhythm section and provided excellent tips when playing with other people.

Perhaps the defining factor with Kevin is that he doesn’t just teach you to be a guitarist/bass guitarist he teaches you to be a musician, something which I think is often overlooked by many guitar tutors these days and really limits your ability to play with other people.
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I have known Kevin for over 20 years and have been going to him for fun for most of that time. I say fun as opposed to lessons as it is fun.

Kevin’s teaching style is so relaxed that you don’t even know you are learning. He is approachable, easy to get on with, and is equally at home with a new learner or a seasoned pro. I intend to carry on with my lessons because while I am only an amateur Kevin makes you feel and play like a professional.
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I decided to take lessons with Kevin after reading his book The Secrets of Successful Practicing. I wanted to start taking my music seriously, and after I read his practising book I knew he was the right teacher for me.

I had a teacher at school, but I wasn’t learning much and I really wanted to learn how to read music notation. The best thing about Kevin’s lessons is he motivates me to go further every week and the speed of the lessons are not too fast or slow. All of his tips on playing are some of the best advice I have ever had.

I regret not going to him earlier, you will not regret it either!
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I found out about Kevin through his guitar column in the ‘NZ Musician’ magazine and wanted to get ‘in person’ guitar lessons from the most professional guitar teacher I could find. I had lessons with another teacher, but left because I could not study the genre of music that I liked.

Taking lessons from Kevin has improved my playing immeasurably! I can now play many other people’s songs and compositions, and my own. I have improved through my lessons to the point where I am happy to admit to others that “I can now play the guitar!”

I play in The 101 Lab Band and it is essential ‘on the job training’. The people in the band are a vibrant mix of musicians and individuals. While the band is hard work, it is also fun and social!!! The band also galvanizes your playing! I have also been to some of the great workshops and seminars he puts on, including some with world-renown musicians

Kevin is a supportive teacher, never hurtful/critical, is reliable, consistent, thorough, and has depth of both theoretical and practical guitar practice. He is professional, a true teacher, likes what he does and above all else is kind. He supports all music genres.

If you are considering taking lessons – Hope and pray that Kevin has a vacancy for you!
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I heard about Kevin through one of his long-time student’s and have been having lessons for 10 months now. I have had many teachers in the past, but felt like I wasn’t really learning the right stuff, wasn’t learning enough theory, and wanted to read music notation. I can now sight read basic music and understand a lot of what I play more. It’s great so far I feel like I’m learning the guitar the way it should be taught.

One of the things that helped the most is that after learning music from Kevin for just a few months I was able to play guitar for the band in a local Operatic Society production “Slice of Saturday Night”. The thing that has helped the most is learning to read music and filling in all the gaps of things I missed out on with my previous teachers.

Learning guitar and the theory behind it properly is very rewarding, so get in with Kevin now and learn how to do it.
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I started learning guitar with Kevin from the beginning and have had lessons for just over one year now. Nearly all of the lessons in person, but we have had a few lessons over the internet while I was overseas.

I’ve always wanted to play the guitar and now I am actually doing it. It is great to have a hobby and have something different to do after work (practice!!). I really enjoy the lessons with Kevin. I like how he mixes songs and theory, so it gives me the extra incentive to practice.

In one year Kevin has taught me pretty much most of the chords, notes, and I can already play many songs that I love. I also like the fact that I can choose the songs I want to play, so I don’t get stuck into practicing songs that I don’t like. 

I attended the beginner’s pedal seminar a month ago, and really enjoyed it. I am about to buy my first pedal and it was good to learn about the different types of pedals and effects and be able to choose the best type of pedal as a start.

Kevin is a fantastic teacher, very knowledgeable and talented so don’t waste another minute, book your lesson!! He has loads of experience teaching guitar and is very patient.
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Someone told me about Kevin and I have been having lessons with him for about 10 years now. I decided to take them because he emphasised reading and theory in the modern music context. I had a classical guitar teacher before Kevin and had completed Grade 8 Trinity College, but wanted to continue playing more in the blues and jazz direction.

Kevin’s lessons have helped give me technique in the modern context. For example, the alternate picking technique has been of huge benefit in both rhythm, timing, and soloing. I am also getting lots out of the soloing training, but the thing that has helped the most is being able to read modern charts. The workshops with Danny Caron and Bruce Foreman were inspiring to.

Playing in the Lab Band has definitely improved my playing and again the reading of modern jazz charts has improved my playing enormously. It is also great to play with others.

If there is there something I can say to someone who is considering taking lessons with Kevin but is not sure yet – “Don’t hesitate”.
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Graham has performed on numerous TV and radio shows and some of the largest music venues across the globe, including the Grand Ole Opry. He has also performed with some of the biggest names in country and bluegrass music like legends Bill Monroe, Tex Morton, and Slim Dusty to name a few.

“The lessons with Kevin have met all my goals plus more and have helped me in many ways with my professional career. Teachers like Kevin are rare on a global scale. I like the way he breaks complicated things down and makes them easy to understand, which only comes from years of experience.”

Graham is also a sought after teacher of banjo, guitar, and mandolin and was already an advanced player when he sought out my advice and expertise. See his enlightening video testimonial below to see what value he has got out of his lessons with me.

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I have been going to lessons with Kevin since 1999. The only music teacher before Kevin was the high school trumpet teacher many years ago. Looking back I think I would have continued with the trumpet if the teacher had half as much enthusiasm that Kevin has.

If I had tried to teach myself I am sure that the guitar would have ended up in the cupboard very quickly. In my view having well structured lessons with a professional teacher like Kevin is essential if you want to master the guitar.

From not knowing one end of a guitar from the other to being able to now play and read quite advanced music is a dream come true for me. With every lesson with Kevin I gain another piece of the seemingly vast music jigsaw puzzle. The thing that has helped the most is with Kevin you not only gain the knowledge and develop the skills to play the guitar but you also get help and advice on how to use that skill and knowledge to bring out the best in your playing.

Being involved with Kevin has enabled me to have the opportunity to attend seminars and workshops with some of the great guitarists in the music industry. Also, the 101 Lab Band is a tremendous concept and gives you the opportunity to play with other guitarists. From the various times that I have been in the band I have found that it is a tremendous avenue for me in helping me gain confidence in not only my playing but also singing in front of an audience. I am now playing in a band doing some gigs and enjoying every moment.

Kevin is not only a great teacher but also becomes your coach, mentor and friend who has a passionate interest in helping you not only reach but exceed your musical ambitions. If you are really serious about learning the guitar then you need to get in touch with Kevin like I did so many years ago. I can guarantee that you’ll have no regrets.
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I have had about ten years of tuition from Kevin at different times during twenty-two years playing guitar.   My very first lessons were with another teacher, which I found very useful, but it was part of a short series of group lessons and there was no opportunity to have follow-up lessons afterward. Later I had several lessons from local teacher Graham Lovejoy through my high school and suggested I contact Kevin for further development.

At fifteen years of age I was a predominantly self taught player and knew that I needed to improve my guitar technique. Kevin was recommended to me as a teacher who could help me. Later on in my playing career I decided that I needed to also improve my musical, chord theory, improvising and melody composition knowledge and I chose Kevin to assist me in achieving those more advanced aims.

Kevin has helped me think about what I am doing while I’m playing, he has guided me to become a more careful and considered musician. When I play with other guitarists I notice few can play both by ear and using music, improvise as well as read music, I believe my lessons with Kevin have helped me develop these skills.

Education is very important if you want to be a good musician and Kevin knows the process involved to take your playing from a beginner to an expert level.
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Kevin was recommended as one of the best guitar teachers to me and I was at a point where I needed more focused guitar tuition to further my skills. I felt that I had to take this step if I wanted to get anywhere with learning the guitar.

I have been taking lessons with Kevin for three years now, but I had multiple teachers before I joined Kevin. I started playing guitar at an early age at another local tuition company with large group tuition, needless to say the teachers were sporadic in their teaching and over the years I was there I received teachings from many different teachers in many different classes. My guitar playing was suffering for it and at times I felt that the point was reached where I should just give it up. However, I liked the instrument too much to give it up and upon inquiry found a teacher, Kevin, who was dedicated and serious about his work.

Kevin has taken me from guitar player with a few shreds of knowledge in the basics to a guitar player who has a solid base and can confidently tackle new advanced material with ease. He has taught me a lot, more than can be summed up in a few lines; from rhythm, soloing, improvisation, equipment selection and use to professional techniques for the real world; Kevin has taught it all.

The Duo format is advantageous in many ways; as a player I was very nervous playing in front of others.  Kevin’s lessons cured me of this affliction; playing and practising with another person at my skill level has dramatically increased my confidence when playing in front of a crowd. The Duo lesson also keeps your rate of learning up and also prepares you for professional life when you have to play both in large crowds and with other musicians, thus this format is a great benefit to those who take advantage of it.

If I was to pick out of the multitude of things Kevin has taught me, the single most important one I would have to say is direction. Kevin has given me direction to my guitar playing; he has given me a large skill base and a direction to go in.

The latest seminar I attended from Kevin was on the usage of pedals and effects for the guitar. This proved to be an invaluable insight onto the usage of such devices, previously being a person whose only knowledge came from fiddling around with them. Kevin has a colossal knowledge of all things guitar and I immensely enjoyed hearing him share his knowledge.

I would 100% recommend taking lessons with Kevin, at no point have I ever regretted the decision and my guitar playing has improved tremendously for it. Kevin is a down to earth guy who knows his stuff, he’s easy to talk to and his teaching ability is surpassed by none..
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I have been playing bass for over 12 years, but I found there were a lot of gaps in my musical knowledge and realised I couldn’t fill these gaps on my own. Kevin has a very good name in Palmerston North and a friend who had previously taken lessons from him recommended him.

I took lessons in high school but when I left to go to university I had to stop due to studies taking over.  After 9 months of lessons with Kevin I can now sight-read to a reasonable level and have a greater understanding of musical concepts that I didn’t have previously. I can now look at licks and riffs I’ve been playing for years and understand why they work so well. Also Kevin’s insights on professionalism and musicianship are a great addition to each lesson.

Kevin is very patient and will not rush you through the concepts he is teaching, he will make sure you understand fully before you move on.  Even if you already know how to play to a reasonable level, most musicians have gaps in their knowledge that can prevent them from reaching their full potential. If you have goals in mind Kevin will provide you with the skills to get you where you want to go.
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I had played guitar for 2 years before I met Kevin and before I left Tauranga my teacher at the time had said to me “go see this dude called Kevin Downing.” So I did. And I’ve been taking lessons with him for almost 3 years now.

My guitar playing skills have improved over 100% because Kevin teaches how to read and understand music theory, notes and lots of other stuff, as well as some pretty choice songs too. The professional program we use is great, and you are always doing challenging stuff right from the word go. Also, the duo style playing with a person about the same ability as you is cool as.

I reckon that learning music has helped me the most because I wouldn’t have improved a lot more without the music. My all time favourite thing about learning with Kevin is that everything unfolds as you get better and he knows whether you are ready or not. Bro if you need a guitar teacher or want to learn guitar or bass from scratch or get better, get together with Kevin. He’s the man.
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I attended a couple of beginner guitar courses and our tutor recommended Kevin along with a few friends who recommended him as well. I’ve had no reason to doubt becoming a student since. Kevin is my first “real” guitar teacher.

I started one-on-one lessons in August 2010 and have just started duet sessions. I can say Kevin reads you like a book and knows exactly what you need to work on and what to practice to become the best guitar player you can be – he’s a short-cut to guitar god-ness. He says it like it is.

What has helped me the most is having a mentor and being able to read music. Active tuition really makes me work towards my musical goals – if I wasn’t being trained each week I’d easily fall into bad habits and not make the progress I’m making now.

If there is one thing I can say to you it is “Book in now – do it!” You’ll be amazed how quickly your skills develop if they’re channelled correctly – it takes a bit of work, time and money, but so does anything worth doing.
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I came across Kevin’s book The Secrets of Successful Practicing at the library.  The book discussed problems and solutions that I was facing for years, and I felt that it would be an honour to take lessons from someone with such high level of expertise and experience.

I was mostly self taught after a negative experience with a teacher when I was in my early teens and I was not progressing with that teacher, and also felt like I had no talent for guitar.

I have had lessons with Kevin a little over a year.  With him I have learned about the power of successful practicing and now feel like I am in control of my progress.  At the same time I also learned that you need a mentor no matter what level you are at. A mentor is very much like a friend (with top qualifications) that points you in the right direction and helps you see and fix mistakes that you can easily overlook.

I am now part of Kevin’s Music Teacher Mentoring Program which is life changing in many ways.  He has life experience and insights that go beyond music and business training.  It is hard to explain – but there is a spiritual and intellectual aspect that makes working with Kevin very special.

His faith in my ability and hands-on practical guidance has made the difference between dreaming and living my dreams.  I was on the verge of giving up music and Kevin brought it back to life!  If I had to pick one thing that helped me the most – it would be learning how to practice efficiently and avoid “overwhelm”.

Kevin is a world class guitar coach and mentor. He plays regularly with some of the world’s top players and has coached many very successful guitarists, guitar teachers, and songwriters.  If you have a chance to study with Kevin – grab it!  It is a real honour, a source of inspiration, and the best investment you can make!
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My Mum found out about Kevin through word of mouth and his website. I was interested in playing the guitar and I enjoyed playing it but I didn’t really know how.  My Dad got me started, but after beginning with Kevin he has really helped improve my playing.  I can now read notes and my fingers are now really flexible and strong to move up and down the guitar easily. I play fluently now and feel confident playing.

One thing in the lessons that helped a lot was when I broke my arm and couldn’t play, Kevin gave me a theory book and taught me all the names of the notes and what they looked like, which made it so easy, so when I went back to play the guitar and I could read music!! I could still learn without actually having to play.

At 12 years of age I am the youngest person in Kevin’s 101 Lab Band and I think it is heaps of fun. I get to play with other people and that makes playing a lot more fun and exciting. We play more songs and I get to play solo’s. I like listening to other peoples solo’s as I learn a lot from those that are more advanced than me.  Being in the 101 Lab Band has improved my playing and my timing as playing in a group this is really important – this is really different to if I was playing on my own. I have learnt about performing on stage and if you make a mistake you just improvise over it, and you never know it might even sound better than what it was suppose to.  I still feel nervous on stage performing, but the audience is grateful and we are just playing to them.

I would say that taking lessons with Kevin is a great thing to do if you want to be fantastic. You need to be motivated and put the time and effort in, and then you get the rewards.  Kevin is awesome, the lessons are so much better than I could ever get at school, he is patient, he takes his time to know what I need and teaches me in a way that I need.
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I decided to take lessons with Kevin because it sounded like he took a range of students, in both ability and age, and I liked the fact that he had as much experience as he did. Since having lessons with Kevin for over a year now I’ve learnt so much about music performance and theory. I came from a culturally strong singing background but with not a lot of confidence around instruments. Kevin showed me how to develop my confidence and how to be involved in all aspects of music, especially the instrumental side.  I wouldn’t otherwise think I had the ability to be involved in it.

Studying music with Kevin is very rewarding. He is always encouraging and sensitive to your personal circumstances. He is very supportive of your musical interests and passions and is able to respond to your individual learning needs and long term goals in music.
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In the words of Sam’s mother Andrea - We were recommended Kevin as a very good guitar teacher by the teacher Sam had as a beginner.  After talking with Kevin we felt that he had the passion and enthusiasm to teach and inspire Sam as a young budding guitar player and to keep him interested and enthusiastic to do his practice at home.

Sam has been having lessons with Kevin for about 3 months now and is very keen to continue.  Sam enjoys learning to play the guitar with Kevin and has improved immensely in the short time he has been going.  Kevin’s teaching style and positive encouragement have boosted Sam’s confidence and overall passion for wanting to learn.

Anyone wanting to learn (or their child to learn) guitar, we think would be very happy with Kevin as he makes each lesson enjoyable, uses music that is well known and the improvement we have seen in Sam’s playing came right from the first class.  Most important though is that Sam is really happy and looks forward to his lesson each week.
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I found out about Kevin from my previous teacher who was studying how to be a music teacher with him.  She said he is the best guitar teacher in the Manawatu area.

I have had lessons for just over 6 months now and he has helped me in learning the notes all over the guitar neck, music reading, and theory – the so-called boring stuff – and made it really fun. I like the duo/class format as it is faster learning and you get more learnt than the normal one on one guitar lessons.  Kevin has put the fun back into my playing.

The thing that is really noticeable is that all the things Kevin teaches are what most musicians don’t realise they need to know.  If you are thinking of getting lessons I would say definitely go for him, he is the best.
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I started lessons with Kevin because I heard through a friend he was a good guitar teacher and my previous teacher was moving on.

After 1½ years of lessons Kevin he has helped me learn to read music, filled in the gaps where I had missed things, helped me with my parts for the school band, helped me with my soloing, and helped me win “The Best Guitarist Award” at the Manawatu Jazz and Blues Festival for the last two years. I have also been to a pedals workshop, which was awesome.

If you are considering taking lessons with Kevin but are not sure yet – you should take them because you will learn a lot and become a better player. He is very patient, doesn’t get angry and has a good sense of humour.

Here is a video of Jacob playing “Sweet Child of Mine”.

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My son was taking lessons with Kevin and I had two lessons with him while my son was away on holiday, and loved it. What a blessing in disguise that was as I had never had lessons before. I was self taught by other musicians. I have been with Kevin approximately 8 years and his teaching has hugely impacted my playing. He has taught me to read music, corrected my technique, improved my rhythm and improvising, as well as learn new skills I never thought possible as a self-taught musician. Kevin has filled in a lot of holes in my playing, and as a result I am now sought after for rock bands and also play in a Jazz Big Band which would never have happened without the skills he has taught me.

I love the duo lessons. At first I thought this would impact my personal development, but it has actually enhanced it. Perhaps a bit of a selfish thought, but I wasn’t sure about having two players together. It is amazing the material that we are learning and the skills that I am developing because of it.

I would advise you to take the opportunity if you are thinking of studying with Kevin. He teaches to your pace and makes the lessons relaxed and fun, but still brings out the serious learning aspect. If only I had started lessons years before I did, my playing would be at a significantly higher level now.

Another thing I have learnt which wasn’t apparent at the beginning is that the more advanced one gets, the more one needs a professional teacher, coach and mentor like Kevin.
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I found out about Kevin through my Dad and have been taking lessons with him for one and a half years now.  I knew that Kevin is a very advanced guitar teacher with a high reputation and I wanted to get the best lessons I knew I could get.  I had a couple of teachers at boarding school, but knew I wanted to change to Kevin’s lessons when I left.

The lessons have helped improve my playing a lot.  I am now much more capable of reading music, I can play a larger variety of music, my improvisation skills have increased a lot, and I have learned techniques that make guitar playing easier and more effective. I really like the duo/class format. It gives you the major advantage of experiencing playing guitar with other people while getting the same, if not more work done compared to one on one lessons. It has helped me a lot and I feel as though I am now well set for joining a band.

I have been to one of Kevin’s seminars about effect pedals.  It was great and very informing. I found it very helpful because I was looking at buying an effect pedal and after going to the seminar I knew which one to buy first.

The thing that Kevin has helped me with the most would have to be reading music. I used to think that I would be able to learn guitar without having to read all this music, but it’s given me a massive advantage.

You can’t go wrong with having lessons with Kevin, he teaches all levels and will turn you from an amateur to a guitar guru quickly.
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The first time I heard about Kevin was when I overheard a conversation in a music shop. I was so intrigued with the conversation that I decided to take lessons with him because my guitar playing was at a dead end.  I learnt more in the first year of guitar lessons than in the previous twenty years trying to teach myself.

My lessons with Kevin have unlocked an amazing ever-expanding world of music, and having Kevin as a music teacher is like having a personal coach, mentor and friend.  He can see the bigger picture and encourages me to excel.

I really enjoy the music workshops with top overseas players that are available.  These musicians have such different ideas on how they approach their music and what inspires them.

I also love being in the Lab band, it’s great to play music with other great players.  This year we even got to perform with top USA jazz guitarist Bruce Foreman at the Jazz and Blues Festival.  It was a dream come true and we had a great time.  The Lab Band has built my confidence in playing while giving us the chance to learn to play together and finding out what is really important about being in a band.

Kevin has the skills to help you achieve your music goals. He was brave enough to take me on as a student even though I had been floundering around for years.  Take your music dreams along to him, they will be respected and nurtured.

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After a local music store gave me Kevin’s business card I checked out his informative website.  I then contacted Kevin and was impressed with the time he spent explaining things and the interest he showed in me.

I started playing as a teenager with firstly modern music, then moved onto classical guitar, and then bought an electric guitar.  I went through several teachers, due to them retiring from music teaching, leaving the district, and not being skilled enough to take me further.

I have been to several seminars Kevin has organised and have met some amazing performers, both national and international, but The 101 Lab Band is the main reason I continue with my lessons as it gives me a purpose.  I couldn’t believe the great sound we made the first time I played in the band.  It still amazes me how often a new song can sound so good the first time we play it together.  Amazing opportunities are opening up for me due to Kevin’s contacts and the hard work he puts in to us. I have found some wonderful friends in the band, but the biggest thing is now I am able to live the dream of performing. My family has been extremely supportive and excited by my performing, so Thank  you Kevin for this opportunity.

Kevin works from a variety of material and tailors the lessons to your specific interests so it doesn’t get boring.  I think the duo lessons make you listen well and you get plenty of practice playing with the other person.  It is fun sharing the experience, especially when you are with someone of equal experience and it gives you the confidence to call others for practice sessions.

Kevin is patient, supportive, and positive. You always go away from lessons feeling good about your achievements and wanting to practice the new work. Kevin really has got the tools and expertise to make you a great guitarist.
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I’ve been going to Kevin for lessons for 3.5 years now.  I first found out about Kevin after picking up his book The Secrets of Successful Practicing and after reading it I thought “This guy really knows his stuff”. His book is fantastic. Very keen and new to guitar I sought him out as soon as possible.

When I first met Kevin I was self taught pretty much, with a few people showing me this or that. I was stuck in a musical rut. After a couple of months of solid tuition with Kevin I felt an exponential increase in my musical ability.

Kevin’s lessons have helped in every way possible. There is a lot more to being a musician than just playing an instrument and Kevin teaches it like a pro, skills like reading, improvising, jamming, playing gigs and getting up there in the music business are all important too. Kevin is not just a guitar teacher he is a music mentor. Always willing to help and never selfish with his incredible amount of knowledge.

I’ve learned so much from Kevin I can’t believe it. I went from being a bedroom guitar player only knowing a few chords to doing gigs with blues legends like Bullfrog Rata. It’s been an incredible journey. The 101 Lab Band was my first experience playing live which for most people (myself included) is a very scary thing. The way Kevin organizes his performance groups is great. It’s simply the best way of easing new guitarists into the world of live performing or giving more experienced players a chance to branch out a bit.

If you are considering lessons then, do it, do it, do it now!!!! He is by far the most experienced, knowledgeable and friendly music teacher out man!
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A friend who I used to jam with had been going to Kevin for a while and recommended that I should take up lessons with him.  After reading Kevin’s book The Secrets of Successful Practicing I realized to really progress I needed to take lessons.  After my friend recommended him I decided to go ahead – that was one and a half years ago.

I have had a few guitar teachers over the years. I found that what I was taught didn’t really prepare me for the “real world” of music, which I discovered when I worked at the Rockshop and joined my band Shufti (also known as Easy Street). Kevin has been good in helping me to clearly understand things and has taught me to be able to apply my skills in the real world.

He has also helped me become more confident and I am now able to communicate easily with the other members in my band, but the single most thing that has helped is being able to understand music theory in a clearer way.

Taking lessons with Kevin is a good investment especially if you are serious about guitar or thinking of a career in music. Kevin helps to make you a musician, not just a guitar player, and that is so important when you are out in the “real world” of music.
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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.
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I have been working with Kevin for over 15 years.  I love the lessons and find them very motivating.

I feel my biggest improvement is that I now have the confidence to perform, and I feel confident in my playing ability. I have also learned to be creative through improvisation, which I find is so rewarding.

I have been playing in Kevin’s 101 Lab Band for the past 3 years, and I am finding that there is always a challenge for me in it. The fact that I now perform with confidence has a lot to do with being in the band and it has been so much fun.

To sum up my experience of working with Kevin over the past 15 years – Since I began with him, my playing career and my life in general have both travelled down a very positive path to become the kind of player I had always dreamed of being. I am looking forward to continuing this working relationship for many years to come.

I would definitely recommend others study with Kevin. He is the most professional and yet friendliest guitar teacher I know. And you can guarantee quality tuition from someone who knows what he’s doing.
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“I have several friends who are past or current students of Kevin, and I really wanted to learn the best technique to get the most out of my time and money – so I went to the best.

I have been going to Kevin for 10 months and have been able to go right back to the basics and get my technique right, which has made practising much more enjoyable. I like getting the songs to play along with and find this a great way to practice.  I am really inspired to practice and love getting something new each week.”
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I have been with Kevin since Jan 2003 and I hope it goes on as it has been a huge experience. I was a self-taught player for many years and didn’t know what I was doing. I had no idea of basic techniques or ideas of being a musician and with Kevin’s expertise I can now read music up to a good level and have gained a lot of knowledge. The most important thing about learning was learning to read music at the beginning.

My advice is to find a teacher that teaches you to read real music, not tab. Also, don’t look for the cheapest teacher it is more cost effective to get a great teacher who charges a little more. Music is a long-term passion and it grows with a good teacher who is teaching you how to do it properly. A good teacher will also teach you how to practise properly and how to achieve and handle success.

I used to be a school teacher and now – thanks to Kevin Downing – a full time guitar teacher and performing musician based in Arrowtown, New Zealand. My life has changed is so many ways – I am now living the life I always wanted to thanks to Kevin.

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