"Mr Winter is such a wonderful teacher, my daughter is loving guitar lessons . Thank you 😊"
Link: https://goo.gl/maps/NRr5cZrBvorupBEs7
"Damon is an amazing guitar teacher who is genuinely interested in helping his students progress through their guitar journey and evolve their skills. The amount of preparation Damon puts into his lessons and the opportunities he offers to play with others are testament to that. Damon finds that middle ground between making things fun while also pushing you just outside your comfort zone, encouraging you to find new skills you may not have realised you have or which just needed a little nudge to come out. Damon makes sure his lessons are a safe environment without judgement, which often leads to fun little moments when your music skills all often sudden 'click' and you share a wonderful breakthrough musical moment together. 🙂 Damon first and foremost strives to make playing the guitar fun and accessible for his students, focusing on being able to play well selected songs from start to finish regardless of your skills level. While Damon's teaching style does not focus on 'dry' music theory he will gently insert snippits at key moments of your journey to explain important concepts while motivating his students to delve deeper into theory knowing that it is an essential aspect of the journey. Having a firm education as a classical guitarist, Damon is always able to answer the inevitable questions that you stumble upon regarding some of the finer details of music theory. I cannot recommend Damon enough. Get started now! (No, I was not paid to say all of this, in fact, I pay him! 😋)"
Link: https://goo.gl/maps/DGN4xDJJ7eiu5S6n8
"Excellent guitar instructor for me as I am just starting the guitar. Damon has a wealth of knowledge and experience that he is able to teach at my beginners level and makes it fun."
Link: https://goo.gl/maps/zQvQcRYkAvPesrs39
"Damon's passion and enthusiasm are infectious. He is exactly what I need to take my playing to the next level and breathe life into my playing and love of music."
Link: https://goo.gl/maps/ZF2KNQKk559qZkb96
I would not (and do not!) hesitate to recommend Damon
My daughter began guitar lessons with Damon (Mr. Winter to his younger students) when she had just turned 8. She had previously attended group lessons at her school for one term but we were looking for a more individual approach. After only two terms, my daughter had gained the confidence to enter her school talent show with a solo performance of "Stay Stay Stay" (guitar and singing) by Taylor Swift. She was extremely nervous but utterly determined and ended up being 7 finalists performing on stage in front of 1,000 people. She didn't win, but she was great and she very much enjoyed the experience and had fun - something that the Modern School of Guitar very much encourages. Damon is excellent with his students - patient but firm and encouraging. His communication and professionalism with me as a parent is fantastic. My daughter is looking forward to many more lessons with the Modern School of Guitar and I would not (and do not!) hesitate to recommend Damon to others looking to learn guitar or extend their musical repertoire. - Melanie Roger
Wonderful teacher and motivator
My 12 year old daughter has been going to Damon for guitar lessons for the last year. She has made great progress during that time, but more importantly her love for music has strengthened. She still needs 'encouragement' on the practice front - but Damon is great in motivating them to take on the responsibility for their development in between lessons. His way of interacting with Hannah during lessons is magic - she responds so well to his way of teaching. Having the two concerts throughout the year is a great way to see how much work has gone in through the year and it gives the students something to work towards. Highly recommended! - Kate Parsons
Brilliant guitar tutor
I wrote to Damon at the beginning of 2012 “27 y/o male with no musical background whatsoever.” Eight months later Damon has patiently and enthusiastically transformed me into a keen and competent guitar player. He is always keen to source and teach me songs I request to learn, he has also introduced me to other genres such as Flamenco and the Blues. Damon has been an excellent teacher and is very encouraging to help me progress, I don’t even feel embarrassed that all the kids he teaches are better than me! Highly recommended. - Nicholas Jacques
Awesome tutor
My 10 year old son and I are taking guitar lessons together from Damon. Damon is a brilliant tutor, my son and I are learning heaps and having fun together. - Martin Carr
Fantastic teacher, highly recommended!
I've been learning from Damon for about 2 months now. As a 26 year old with no previous experience playing guitar Damon has been fantastic on setting me down the path of learning and appreciating both modern and more traditional styles of music. Friendly, with great lesson plans and great results I'd suggest The Modern School of Guitar for any aspiring musician, young or old! - Daniel Johnson
Professional and friendly
My ten year old son has been taking guitar lessons with Mr Winter for 6 months now; he improves with every lesson and his passion for the instrument is wonderful to see. I highly recommend The Modern School of Guitar and Mr Winter's techniques and constant follow up with each of his students. - Nilla Loheni (mother of Leo)
Excellent guitar teacher. Fun friendly and highly accomplished teaching skills
My son has been going to Damon Winter at The Modern School of Guitar for over 2 years now. He has progressed beyond my expectations in both his ability and self motivation to play the guitar. I put this down to Damon having the right mix of fun and structure to motivate his pupils. I highly recommend The Modern School of Guitar to anyone considering having guitar lessons and for all types of guitar playing. Rock, classical etc - he does them all. Cheers Patrick. - Patrick Lees
Excellent guitar teacher, very patient
I have been learning with Damon for year now with my daughter and we have been impressed by Damon's ability to inspire and teach - good to see someone who delivers big time. Also does Wedding guitar playing for those about to get married. - Terry Smyth
Very professional and extremely helpful
Our seven year old daughter recently started lessons with Damon. From our first point of contact Damon was very professional and extremely helpful in assisting us to buy what we needed (without overspending!) to begin our daughter's musical journey. Damon takes particular care to choose songs our daughter likes and frequently asks for feedback which he is receptive to, Our daughter really enjoys her weekly lessons and we are enjoying seeing and hearing the progress she is making. - Dale Craig
Great teacher
Our 7 year old son started lessons with Damon a few months ago and we are very impressed with how much Damon has achieved with him. He has made great progress and enjoys his lessons. Damon is always enthusiastic, kind and patient, but also injects some fun into every lesson! - Carlene Phillips
The guitar teacher you have been looking for!
If you are looking for a guitar teacher you will tick all the right boxes with Damon Winter. A highly experienced musician but most importantly an expert at teaching. I have sat in on many of Damon's sessions with my teenage daughter and have noticed that he is always consistent with his carefully chosen way of explaining all stuff musical. He is encouraging, patient and when the pupil doesn't get it quite right he says so in the nicest possible way. Damon sets high standards and if you don't believe me come to one the six monthly concerts where all the pupils get the chance to perform to an audience of adoring parents, friends and family. It will make your heart go bumpity bump with pride. - Grant Southam
A must for all adults who always dreamed of playing the guitar!
I had been wanting to play the guitar for ages. But always thought it would be too hard as I'm not naturally talented . Anyway I decided to jump right in, bought a guitar and booked my first lesson with Damon. Damon's promise is to teach you a song in your first lesson. And he did! Honestly, I feel so lucky to have come across Damon. I am finally making my 'dream' a reality! Damon is a very patient and friendly teacher with a great structure in his lessons and homework. He pushes you along gently so you can always see yourself improving. I couldn't recommend him more highly! - Sophie Lister
Excellent music teacher, highly recommended!
Damon is an excellent teacher. He is enthusiastic and knowledgeable, he tailors lessons towards what I am trying to achieve, and mixes relevant theory with fun stuff. My guitar playing has improved significantly in 6 months of lessons, and I am keen to learn more. Thanks heaps Damon! - Dr. Wil Harrison
Damon is a very professional teacher, and accomplished musician, who makes leaning fun
My two nephews have been learning guitar with Damon Winter since the beginning of this year. It has been wonderful watching their progress, and the winter showcase, where students of all ages performed, was amazing. Damon teaches correct practices and right from the beginning showed my nephews ways to enjoy music. I have had the privilege of sitting in on several lessons, and have been impressed with his patient, thorough teaching style. He is a fantastic guitarist, accompanying the boys in duets and encouraging them to develop their own musical preferences. I would recommend The Modern School of Guitar to anyone of any age, wanting to learn, appreciate and enjoy playing the guitar. - Tracey Montgomery
Great guitar school
Our 10-year old son has been having guitar lessons with Damon for 3 years and when I ask him what he likes about his lessons he would say: "what I like is that I can have fun and at the same time learn a lot". Damon is a very professional teacher, patient and very kind. What we like is that he is teaching guitar basics and is also very open to our son's music choices. - Karine David (mother of Thomas)
Great guitar teacher
I can't speak highly enough of Damon as a teacher. My son Ethan (9) has been with him nearly a year. He has motivated Ethan and fostered his enjoyment of the guitar. He has also challenged & stretched him all the while ensuring strong technical development with the instrument. Damon is also the kind of teacher who goes out of his way - twice now he has taken time out to come guitar shopping with Ethan, helping us work out the particular instrument he needed. Fantastic stuff and greatly appreciated - I'm really pleased Damon is teaching Ethan, long may it continue!!!!. - Troy Hicks
An exceptional teacher and a wonderful pedagogue
Truly the first thing I loved about Damon is his skills of making anything looks simple when it comes to guitar. He's got this ability to keep you always motivated and proud of what you've achieved. His voice, methods and passion just give you so much love and energy to keep you playing and practicing guitar. Thank you Damon. - Merouane Rahal
Friendly, kindly, fun and professional guitar teacher
If you want to learn how to play any kind of guitar, Damon is the only one you are looking for. He is a friendly, kindly, fun and professional guitar teacher. I am so impressed he always tries to help you for all the questions about guitar. So bring your guitar, book with Damon, start your guitar dream! - Jerry Xie
The best guitar teacher
Damon has been teaching me guitar for two years now, and I have learnt so much about not just how to write songs, but also classical guitar skills and just learning more and more every lesson I never knew! He is the best. Go to him! - Sophie Dyson (18 years old)
Link: https://goo.gl/maps/NRr5cZrBvorupBEs7
"Damon is an amazing guitar teacher who is genuinely interested in helping his students progress through their guitar journey and evolve their skills. The amount of preparation Damon puts into his lessons and the opportunities he offers to play with others are testament to that. Damon finds that middle ground between making things fun while also pushing you just outside your comfort zone, encouraging you to find new skills you may not have realised you have or which just needed a little nudge to come out. Damon makes sure his lessons are a safe environment without judgement, which often leads to fun little moments when your music skills all often sudden 'click' and you share a wonderful breakthrough musical moment together. 🙂 Damon first and foremost strives to make playing the guitar fun and accessible for his students, focusing on being able to play well selected songs from start to finish regardless of your skills level. While Damon's teaching style does not focus on 'dry' music theory he will gently insert snippits at key moments of your journey to explain important concepts while motivating his students to delve deeper into theory knowing that it is an essential aspect of the journey. Having a firm education as a classical guitarist, Damon is always able to answer the inevitable questions that you stumble upon regarding some of the finer details of music theory. I cannot recommend Damon enough. Get started now! (No, I was not paid to say all of this, in fact, I pay him! 😋)"
Link: https://goo.gl/maps/DGN4xDJJ7eiu5S6n8
"Excellent guitar instructor for me as I am just starting the guitar. Damon has a wealth of knowledge and experience that he is able to teach at my beginners level and makes it fun."
Link: https://goo.gl/maps/zQvQcRYkAvPesrs39
"Damon's passion and enthusiasm are infectious. He is exactly what I need to take my playing to the next level and breathe life into my playing and love of music."
Link: https://goo.gl/maps/ZF2KNQKk559qZkb96
- The following reviews appeared on the (now defunct) New Zealand website Localist.com. Original location: https://www.localist.co.nz/l/wzhdtc
I would not (and do not!) hesitate to recommend Damon
My daughter began guitar lessons with Damon (Mr. Winter to his younger students) when she had just turned 8. She had previously attended group lessons at her school for one term but we were looking for a more individual approach. After only two terms, my daughter had gained the confidence to enter her school talent show with a solo performance of "Stay Stay Stay" (guitar and singing) by Taylor Swift. She was extremely nervous but utterly determined and ended up being 7 finalists performing on stage in front of 1,000 people. She didn't win, but she was great and she very much enjoyed the experience and had fun - something that the Modern School of Guitar very much encourages. Damon is excellent with his students - patient but firm and encouraging. His communication and professionalism with me as a parent is fantastic. My daughter is looking forward to many more lessons with the Modern School of Guitar and I would not (and do not!) hesitate to recommend Damon to others looking to learn guitar or extend their musical repertoire. - Melanie Roger
Wonderful teacher and motivator
My 12 year old daughter has been going to Damon for guitar lessons for the last year. She has made great progress during that time, but more importantly her love for music has strengthened. She still needs 'encouragement' on the practice front - but Damon is great in motivating them to take on the responsibility for their development in between lessons. His way of interacting with Hannah during lessons is magic - she responds so well to his way of teaching. Having the two concerts throughout the year is a great way to see how much work has gone in through the year and it gives the students something to work towards. Highly recommended! - Kate Parsons
Brilliant guitar tutor
I wrote to Damon at the beginning of 2012 “27 y/o male with no musical background whatsoever.” Eight months later Damon has patiently and enthusiastically transformed me into a keen and competent guitar player. He is always keen to source and teach me songs I request to learn, he has also introduced me to other genres such as Flamenco and the Blues. Damon has been an excellent teacher and is very encouraging to help me progress, I don’t even feel embarrassed that all the kids he teaches are better than me! Highly recommended. - Nicholas Jacques
Awesome tutor
My 10 year old son and I are taking guitar lessons together from Damon. Damon is a brilliant tutor, my son and I are learning heaps and having fun together. - Martin Carr
Fantastic teacher, highly recommended!
I've been learning from Damon for about 2 months now. As a 26 year old with no previous experience playing guitar Damon has been fantastic on setting me down the path of learning and appreciating both modern and more traditional styles of music. Friendly, with great lesson plans and great results I'd suggest The Modern School of Guitar for any aspiring musician, young or old! - Daniel Johnson
Professional and friendly
My ten year old son has been taking guitar lessons with Mr Winter for 6 months now; he improves with every lesson and his passion for the instrument is wonderful to see. I highly recommend The Modern School of Guitar and Mr Winter's techniques and constant follow up with each of his students. - Nilla Loheni (mother of Leo)
Excellent guitar teacher. Fun friendly and highly accomplished teaching skills
My son has been going to Damon Winter at The Modern School of Guitar for over 2 years now. He has progressed beyond my expectations in both his ability and self motivation to play the guitar. I put this down to Damon having the right mix of fun and structure to motivate his pupils. I highly recommend The Modern School of Guitar to anyone considering having guitar lessons and for all types of guitar playing. Rock, classical etc - he does them all. Cheers Patrick. - Patrick Lees
Excellent guitar teacher, very patient
I have been learning with Damon for year now with my daughter and we have been impressed by Damon's ability to inspire and teach - good to see someone who delivers big time. Also does Wedding guitar playing for those about to get married. - Terry Smyth
Very professional and extremely helpful
Our seven year old daughter recently started lessons with Damon. From our first point of contact Damon was very professional and extremely helpful in assisting us to buy what we needed (without overspending!) to begin our daughter's musical journey. Damon takes particular care to choose songs our daughter likes and frequently asks for feedback which he is receptive to, Our daughter really enjoys her weekly lessons and we are enjoying seeing and hearing the progress she is making. - Dale Craig
Great teacher
Our 7 year old son started lessons with Damon a few months ago and we are very impressed with how much Damon has achieved with him. He has made great progress and enjoys his lessons. Damon is always enthusiastic, kind and patient, but also injects some fun into every lesson! - Carlene Phillips
The guitar teacher you have been looking for!
If you are looking for a guitar teacher you will tick all the right boxes with Damon Winter. A highly experienced musician but most importantly an expert at teaching. I have sat in on many of Damon's sessions with my teenage daughter and have noticed that he is always consistent with his carefully chosen way of explaining all stuff musical. He is encouraging, patient and when the pupil doesn't get it quite right he says so in the nicest possible way. Damon sets high standards and if you don't believe me come to one the six monthly concerts where all the pupils get the chance to perform to an audience of adoring parents, friends and family. It will make your heart go bumpity bump with pride. - Grant Southam
A must for all adults who always dreamed of playing the guitar!
I had been wanting to play the guitar for ages. But always thought it would be too hard as I'm not naturally talented . Anyway I decided to jump right in, bought a guitar and booked my first lesson with Damon. Damon's promise is to teach you a song in your first lesson. And he did! Honestly, I feel so lucky to have come across Damon. I am finally making my 'dream' a reality! Damon is a very patient and friendly teacher with a great structure in his lessons and homework. He pushes you along gently so you can always see yourself improving. I couldn't recommend him more highly! - Sophie Lister
Excellent music teacher, highly recommended!
Damon is an excellent teacher. He is enthusiastic and knowledgeable, he tailors lessons towards what I am trying to achieve, and mixes relevant theory with fun stuff. My guitar playing has improved significantly in 6 months of lessons, and I am keen to learn more. Thanks heaps Damon! - Dr. Wil Harrison
Damon is a very professional teacher, and accomplished musician, who makes leaning fun
My two nephews have been learning guitar with Damon Winter since the beginning of this year. It has been wonderful watching their progress, and the winter showcase, where students of all ages performed, was amazing. Damon teaches correct practices and right from the beginning showed my nephews ways to enjoy music. I have had the privilege of sitting in on several lessons, and have been impressed with his patient, thorough teaching style. He is a fantastic guitarist, accompanying the boys in duets and encouraging them to develop their own musical preferences. I would recommend The Modern School of Guitar to anyone of any age, wanting to learn, appreciate and enjoy playing the guitar. - Tracey Montgomery
Great guitar school
Our 10-year old son has been having guitar lessons with Damon for 3 years and when I ask him what he likes about his lessons he would say: "what I like is that I can have fun and at the same time learn a lot". Damon is a very professional teacher, patient and very kind. What we like is that he is teaching guitar basics and is also very open to our son's music choices. - Karine David (mother of Thomas)
Great guitar teacher
I can't speak highly enough of Damon as a teacher. My son Ethan (9) has been with him nearly a year. He has motivated Ethan and fostered his enjoyment of the guitar. He has also challenged & stretched him all the while ensuring strong technical development with the instrument. Damon is also the kind of teacher who goes out of his way - twice now he has taken time out to come guitar shopping with Ethan, helping us work out the particular instrument he needed. Fantastic stuff and greatly appreciated - I'm really pleased Damon is teaching Ethan, long may it continue!!!!. - Troy Hicks
An exceptional teacher and a wonderful pedagogue
Truly the first thing I loved about Damon is his skills of making anything looks simple when it comes to guitar. He's got this ability to keep you always motivated and proud of what you've achieved. His voice, methods and passion just give you so much love and energy to keep you playing and practicing guitar. Thank you Damon. - Merouane Rahal
Friendly, kindly, fun and professional guitar teacher
If you want to learn how to play any kind of guitar, Damon is the only one you are looking for. He is a friendly, kindly, fun and professional guitar teacher. I am so impressed he always tries to help you for all the questions about guitar. So bring your guitar, book with Damon, start your guitar dream! - Jerry Xie
The best guitar teacher
Damon has been teaching me guitar for two years now, and I have learnt so much about not just how to write songs, but also classical guitar skills and just learning more and more every lesson I never knew! He is the best. Go to him! - Sophie Dyson (18 years old)
