Music Theory Lessons in Sheffield
From grade 1 basics through to harmony, improvisation, and jazz analysis
Music is a language — and like any language, it gets a lot easier once you understand how it actually works. I’ve been teaching theory alongside my instrument lessons for over 20 years, to students prepping for ABRSM grades, GCSE music exams, A-Level analysis, and to working musicians who want to write better songs or solo with more confidence. Lessons are built around what you actually need to learn — no drilling scales for the sake of it.
20+ years playing
Multi-instrumentalist and theory tutor — I teach the same theory across bass, guitar, piano, ukulele and double bass. You’ll learn it once and apply it to every instrument you touch.
Built around you
Whether you’re prepping for ABRSM grade 5 theory, GCSE / A-Level music, or just want to understand what you’re playing — every session is built around your actual goals.
5★ rated on Google
75 reviews, 5.0 average. Students from total beginners through to working musicians and university music students.
What you'll learn
Theory covers everything from naming notes through to advanced jazz harmony. Here’s the spread.
The basics
All the notes, key signatures, time signatures, major and minor scales, intervals, basic chord building. Grade 1–3 theory in plain English.
Reading & rhythm
Treble and bass clef, sight-reading, complex time signatures, syncopation. Practical reading skills you’ll use whether you’re playing in an orchestra or jamming with mates.
Harmony & chords
Chord progressions, modulation, secondary dominants, chord extensions, jazz substitutions. Why songs sound the way they sound — and how to write your own.
Ear training & soloing
Relative pitch, working songs out by ear, soloing techniques, modes, pentatonics, altered scales, bebop language. The bits that turn theory into actual music.
Who I teach
Total beginners through to working musicians. Whatever stage you’re at, lessons start where you are.
Complete beginners
Just started learning an instrument and want to actually understand what you’re doing? We’ll start with the basics — notes, keys, rhythm — and you’ll be reading music within a few lessons.
Exam students
ABRSM grade 1–8 theory (grade 5 theory is required for ABRSM grade 6+ practical, so a lot of students come in specifically for this). Also GCSE Music, A-Level Music, BTEC Music — all covered.
Songwriters & composers
If you’re writing songs but stuck repeating the same chord progressions, or your melodies aren’t going where you want — theory is the missing piece. We’ll work on harmony, structure, and how to take your ideas further.
Jazz & improvisers
Modes, altered scales, chord substitution, bebop vocabulary, voice leading. The advanced theory needed to improvise confidently over jazz changes or any complex harmony.
How lessons work
Theory lessons happen at my home studio in Sheffield — there’s a piano on hand for working through examples, sheet music to read from, and recording gear if we need to capture and analyse anything. Theory’s a subject that benefits from being able to play things as we discuss them, which is one reason I teach it alongside my instrument lessons rather than in isolation. If Sheffield isn’t workable, online theory lessons over Zoom work brilliantly — we share notation on screen and work through it together.
Every lesson is one-to-one. We’ll start with where you are, what you’re trying to achieve, and what’s holding you back. From there I build a plan around what you’ve actually told me — not a generic theory syllabus unless that’s what you’ve asked for (e.g. ABRSM grade 5 prep).
The first lesson is a one-off — book in, see if you like the way I teach. From there, students typically book a regular weekly or fortnightly slot and I charge in monthly blocks paid up front.
Pricing & availability
Same rates whether you come to the studio or have lessons online. The first session is a single payment — after that, students settle into a regular slot and I charge monthly in advance.
30 minutes
£15
In-person or online
45 minutes
£20
In-person or online
60 minutes
£25
In-person or online
When I'm available
Studio hours are Monday to Thursday, 12pm – 10pm. Online theory lessons can flex around that — message me with the times that work and we’ll find a slot.
Theory plus an instrument
Most theory students also play an instrument — and theory makes a lot more sense once you can hear and play the things you’re learning. If you’re not yet learning an instrument, here are the ones I teach.
Bass Guitar Lessons
Sheffield’s bass specialist. Theory is essential for walking basslines, jazz, and session work.
Guitar Lessons
Acoustic and electric. Theory transforms how you play, write, and understand the fretboard.
Piano Lessons
Piano is the best instrument to study alongside theory — the layout makes everything visual.
What students say
5.0 stars from 75 verified Google reviews. Theory students, exam candidates, songwriters, working musicians — the lot.
Do I need to play an instrument to take theory lessons?
No — theory can be learnt as a standalone subject, especially for exam prep or early-stage learning. That said, theory clicks faster when you can hear and play the things you're studying. If you're not learning an instrument yet, even basic piano alongside theory speeds everything up. Message me if you're unsure what's right for you.
Can you help me prep for ABRSM grade 5 theory?
Yes — ABRSM grade 5 theory is one of the most common reasons students come for theory lessons (it's required to take grade 6+ practical exams). I cover the full grade 5 syllabus and we work through past papers in the run-up to the exam. Most students need 8–12 lessons depending on starting level.
Do you teach GCSE / A-Level music theory and analysis?
Yes. GCSE Music, A-Level Music, and BTEC Music all have substantial theory and analysis components — set works, harmony, chord progressions, listening skills. I cover all of it, including helping with composition coursework and dictation exercises.
I write songs but feel stuck — can theory help?
Almost certainly yes. Most stuck songwriters are reusing the same 3–4 chord progressions and not sure why their bridges feel weak or their melodies don't go anywhere new. Theory gives you the vocabulary to spot what's happening and break out of patterns. We'll work on harmony, modulation, song structure, and melody writing.
Can I learn jazz theory specifically?
Yes. Jazz theory has its own vocabulary — modes, altered scales, chord substitutions, voice leading, bebop language, ii–V–I patterns. We can focus entirely on jazz if that's what you're working towards, whether for soloing, comping, or arranging.
Ready to start playing?
Book your first theory lesson — single payment, no commitment, see if we’re a good fit.