“If you learnt to play the guitar here in the Isle of Man over past few years, it’s quite likely you were taught by John Gregory” – Manx Radio

“Best guitar teacher I have ever met.  I always come out of a lesson with more knowledge and confidence in my playing. He even got me strumming (I prefer lead) and to the point that I chose a Martin guitar for my 50th. He has changed my life. What a great man. Thanks John.” – Ian on Facebook

“Having spent many years failing to learn the guitar I have now finally found success.
And the reason for this sudden change in fortune lies squarely with John!
“His unbridled enthusiasm for the guitar and for all types of music is quite simply infectious.
“Lessons are tailored to my needs and can be as structured or as diverse as needed to keep me engaged – which is no mean feat!
“Constantly supportive, inventive and knowledgeable it is always a pleasure to spend time with John.
“Highly, and I mean HIGHLY, recommended.” – Will, Douglas

“Massive thanks to John Gregory for his excellent teaching and patience. You’re the best!” – the mum of a 11 year old who passed his first guitar exam with a distinction.

“I contacted John to see if he would take me on as a guitar student – something I dabbled in about 20 years ago but didn’t take very seriously.

In the twelve months since January 2013, John has taught me far more than I imagined I would be able to learn in such a short space of time. I can now confidently pick up my guitar, and make music with it.

He teaches in a very relaxed style, it’s easy to feel very comfortable in his presence and I have never felt any pressure other than that I’ve put on myself, to practice and get better, but you will want to practice, if you want to learn to play, it’s as simple as that.

John has stories to tell behind the songs he teaches you, you will learn the ‘tab’ method of reading music very quickly which will enable you to play songs you recognise, and he will also teach you music theory (if you want to learn it).

If you want to learn to play this great instrument, John is the guy to teach you.” – Steve

‘Just had my first ever proper actual guitar lesson from John Gregory. I’ve happily strummed away and figured things out with the help of the tutorials on YouTube, songs on the Guitar Tabs site and good old fashioned trial and error, for decades and I have done OK.

But I want to learn more and develop, so I decided to treat myself for my 45th year and take proper lessons.

I have struggled with things as simple as scale and box positions in the tutorials I have seen because no one really explains the theory behind them, they just show the mechanics, they don’t explain the how and why it fits together, if I don’t have that my brain struggles and I don’t grasp the concept.

“John’s passion is infectious, his relaxed manner enables good tuition, allowing you develop and progress with ease. I would definitely recommend John for guitar tuition.” – Nick, Braddan

“To John, thank you very much for all your help and encouragement in teaching me how to play the guitar. I am very grateful for the opportunities you have given me to develop my performance skills and this has improved my confidence. You have been a very supportive, motivational and kind teacher and thanks to you I will continue to play guitar in the future and keep composing my own songs, many thanks again.” – One of John’s students about to head to university

“As a beginners’ beginner in June 2013 I sought a guitar teacher. 
Having zero knowledge of guitar teachers I decided on John because he has put something back into the Island’s community, which I liked.
“I have enjoyed both individual and group lessons with John. He is very relaxed and friendly as a teacher. 
Through his advice and interest in Blues I started to listen to Blues music. And I am very happy to say that I now have a bottle neck slide and resonator guitars which get played daily. 
Many Thanks John.” – Stevie B, Douglas

“I came over in September last year and needed a guitar teacher. I found John – he is so reasonably priced, highly recommended and so patient. Thank you John.” – Colin, of Douglas

“John’s lessons are laid back, fun and will get you playing guitar YOUR way before you know it. (Trust me, I’ve tried other guitar lessons in the past and got nowhere). So, if you REALLY want to learn guitar, give John a call. You won’t regret it!” – Kathryn

“Your friendly, informative lessons have let me progress within six months to being able to play a plethora of songs in such a short period of time. My guitar is not now sitting gathering dust as it had done for the last 15 years. Thank you so much for opening my world to music.” – Elaine, Ramsey

“How many of us remember music lessons with glum, uninspiring teachers who criticised our performance and lack of practise? Well, you will never have a lesson like that with John. John is enthusiastic, patient, considerate of the music his pupils like and encouraging. He wants his lessons to be a relaxing, enjoyable experience – and they are. The best way to learn!” – student from Douglas

“Having taken lessons with John for a short while, and starting from absolute scratch — never held a guitar before starting lessons — I was most relieved to find that John took the time to explain everything in detail, down to the fact that I am left-handed and that the fingering was then “back to front” for him!   He is the kind of person that can, and will, latch on to any aspect of playing that the student takes more of a liking to, and help develop this. For instance, either a basic strumming pattern, or more complex finger-picking.  Basically I would have no second thoughts on recommending John to someone who’s interested in starting guitar lessons.” Alan – Douglas 

“We set a challenge for John knowing he was the proud parent of an enquiring three year old, ‘Come and play your guitar and encourage us all in our sing along sessions’.
“With trepidation John arrived together with a great big black case housing his guitar. Our children were enthralled not only because John could play and sing but he was also male and a daddy. A rare sight in the Early Years Profession.
“John has quickly established himself into the life of the nursery and we all look forward to our Wednesday afternoon sing-a-longs.
“A recent comment from some of our parents having met John at our January Tea Party celebration, was ‘So you are John, you are a legend in our house’, and that personifies John. We are so lucky to have you share in our working week, you bring much pleasure – Thank You.” – Victoria House Nursery, Douglas, where John hosts a weekly sing along session.

 “John Gregory has been involved in running a music session within the Star Club.The Star Club is a scheme that provides support for our members who suffer from mental health issues.John attends on a weekly basis to teach the guitar to our members. These members have a wide range of different musical skills. John shows great ability in tailoring his sessions to meet individual needs, regardless of their ability. John is enthusiastic about teaching the guitar and all the members engage well with him. He is approachable and has a genuine interest in ensuring members benefit from his musical talents. He has shown dedication and commitment to this project. His enthusiasm has inspired our members to persevere and continue developing.” Testimonial from The Star Club where John ran a weekly guitar session for 18 months.

“John played for the members at Manx Blind Welfare and they all thoroughly enjoyed it. He is an incredibly talented guitarist and it was wonderful to have a blues performer of his calibre play for us. We hope to welcome him again to our centre very soon!” Laura Jones – Manx Blind Welfare Society.

“Tonight we bring you the amazingly talented John Gregory and his talk ‘Music makes us human’. John’s passion for music, both performing and teaching, has taken him on some fascinating adventures. We loved hearing his story and hope you will as well.” TEDx Douglas

“John Gregory swept into Ramsey Grammar School on a self-created wave of positivity which took everyone who met him along with it. He introduced students and staff to his own unique concoction of music therapy and finger picking country blues guitar playing which took its inspiration from the rich musical heritage of the American Deep South. He took us all on a tour of the music of artists whose names in themselves conjure up the rich backstory of American musical and social history – Big Bill Broonzy, Mississippi John Hurt , Muddy Waters and Bob Dylan to name but a few. His way of being had a profound influence on the staff and students he worked with, making everyone feel that they could transcend the challenges of the present and discover a new range of self expression, fulfilment and joy, even a new persona, through the medium of music. It was and continues to be a pleasure and a privilege to work with him. “

Annette Baker Former Headteacher Ramsey Grammar School 

Testimonial from Laxey School where John Gregory and Tim Cass performed some live music for the children: “It was great for our children to see some live music and to be exposed to Blues because a lot of them had never heard of it!

“The music was suitable for all our age ranges, good fun and educational. Thank you.”.