One-on-one lessons with experienced tutors. Your instrument, your pace, your goals — in-person in Newcastle or online, your choice.
“John has taken my guitar playing from just repeating old songs to actually playing freely. Highly recommend!”
Alex C. — GuitarEach session is focused and intentional. No filler. No wasted time. Just 40 minutes of real progress on the music that matters to you.
We don’t use a one-size-fits-all syllabus. Your tutor gets to know how you learn and builds around that — whether you need structure or freedom.
Most lessons happen face-to-face in Newcastle, KZN. Based further afield, or prefer to learn from home? Online via video call works just as well.
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Keyboard, Drums — plus Tailored Lessons for anything else music or event related.
Both our tutors are multi-instrumentalists with real-world performance experience. Whatever you want to learn, you’re in the right place.
Not sure which instrument is right for you? Your first lesson can be an exploration session — no commitment required.
In-person lessons in Newcastle are our default. If you’d prefer your tutor to travel to you, a R150 travel surcharge applies — payable directly to your tutor. Prefer to learn online? Just let us know when you book — no surcharge.
“John has taken my guitar playing from a place of just repeating old songs to actually playing my guitar freely, bringing a sense of joy and satisfaction that I had always been searching for. Highly recommend his work!”
“John had an exceptional way of making it relate to me, and he understood exactly what I wanted to learn — so I actually stayed interested in continuing. I still play drums to this day because of it. Would highly recommend!”
“Learning to play guitar is one thing, but using a guitar in a band is a totally different thing. The guy from T.A.M. taught me how to use my instrument in a band — and that is way better than sitting at home jamming alone! Ever grateful!”
Our tutors aren’t just teachers — they’re working musicians with years of stage, studio, and session experience. They teach because they love it.
“Great musicians are made through purposeful learning and the right guidance.”
John is the founder of The Amateur Musician and has spent years teaching and performing across multiple instruments. He’s as comfortable behind a drum kit as he is on guitar, bass, or in a studio producing a full track from scratch. His lessons are patient, structured, and driven by one thing: making sure you leave every session with a genuine win.
Available: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday afternoons · Friday evenings
“A player first. A tutor who brings music to life.”
Kyle is a Keys Specialist with deep roots in gospel music and years of real-world performance experience. He’s played in church bands, live settings, and session work — and what he brings into every lesson is the same thing he brings to every stage: genuine love for the music. His teaching is warm, encouraging, and built around helping you find your own voice on the keys.
Available: Monday – Friday evenings · Saturday mornings
Not at all. We teach complete beginners and returning players alike. If you’ve never touched an instrument before, that’s completely fine — we’ll meet you where you are.
In-person lessons take place at a convenient location in Newcastle, KZN. Your tutor will confirm the exact details with you when they follow up.
Your instrument, a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a working camera and microphone, and a stable internet connection. That’s it. Your tutor will guide the rest.
For standard lessons, we match you with one of our tutors based on your instrument and the time slot you choose — all our tutors are experienced multi-instrumentalists, so you’re in good hands either way. If you’d like guaranteed access to a specific tutor, check out the Mentorship Package.
Yes. If for any reason your lesson isn’t the right fit, just let us know and we’ll sort it out. No awkwardness, no drama.
We ask for 48 hours notice to reschedule. Life happens — we get it. As long as you give us enough notice, your lesson can be moved to another slot that month.
No lock-in. You pay month to month. If the lessons aren’t right for you, you’re free to stop. We’d rather earn your loyalty than lock you in.
Yes — while most of our lessons happen in person in Newcastle, online lessons via video call (Zoom, Google Meet, or FaceTime) are available too. Just choose “Online” when you book.
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Keyboard, and Drums as standard private lessons. Want something else — production, performance, event work, or another instrument entirely? Ask about a Tailored Lessons package with John.
Standard lessons follow a structured approach for the core band instruments at a flat R1 000/month. Tailored Lessons are custom-built around your specific goal — production, performance, event skills, and more — with John. Pricing is scoped per student, from R1 200 to R2 000/month.
A premium one-month package where you book a specific tutor as your mentor — guaranteed direct access plus 1-on-1 coaching agreed between you and your tutor. Ideal for students working toward a specific goal. R2 000 for one month. Click “Book [Tutor] as your mentor” on a tutor’s card above.
Via EFT. Once you submit a booking request, your tutor will personally follow up with banking details and confirm everything before your first lesson.
No. Submitting the form sends us your request — it doesn’t charge you anything or lock in a slot automatically. Your tutor will personally follow up to confirm everything first.
TAM is focused on adult learners, but we do occasionally teach motivated teenagers. Get in touch and we’ll let you know if we’re the right fit.
No experience required. No long-term commitment. Just great lessons, a tutor who gets you, and music that actually sounds like you.
Book your first lesson →R1 000 / month · 40-minute weekly lessons · Cancel any time