AD-Group Jazz Guitar Lessons

ADULT DIVISION JAZZ GUITAR GROUP CLASSES

Adult Division Group Classes for Jazz Guitar are available for the following level:

- Beginner level (here "Beginner" refers to the Jazz element of the music. Participants need to be established guitarists (Grade 4+) who wish to explore Jazz) - NOT SUITABLE for guitar Beginners)

- Intermediate level (here "Intermediate" refers to the Jazz element of the music. Participants need to be established guitarists (Grade 6+) who wish to further their previous knowledge of Jazz Guitar playing) - NOT SUITABLE for Intermediate Level guitarists with no previous Jazz background)

What are AD Group Classes?

AD Group classes are designed to ensure that your learning outcomes are based on your experience when you begin, and what you wish to achieve during your course of study.

There are no mandatory exams or assessments as part of the Adult Division group classes. However, exams or assessments can be planned together with your tutor and prepared for during each running term.

Group class participants can look forward to an expert tutor leading their classes, as well as a supportive learning environment through peer-to-peer learning.

Possible class concerts will present fun and motivational challenges for you and your study colleagues.

Join like-minded adult learners today in exploring your passion for music performance, no matter what level or experience you have.

Class Times, Duration and length of term:

All Adult Division Instrumental/Voice Group classes are Evening Classes, with a duration of 60 minutes per class.

Each term runs for 12 classes (The schedule will be announced by your tutor at the beginning of the term, i.e. to inform you about possible breaks like bank holidays or other potentially teacher-related breaks.)

To view available class days and times for the Spring Term 2026 please click here: AD Group Classes schedule

A list with remainig places can be found here (AD Group Classes - Remaining Places)

Please note: RIAM does not provide instruments (other than pianos – for class times only).

All instruments required for participation in AD Group classes have to be provided by class participants themselves.

Bradley Johnston

Bradley Johnston began his academic and practical journey at the age of fourteen when he gained a full scholarship to study at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Young Musicians Programme (Centre for Advanced Training), under the direct supervision of Dr James Birkett - studying jazz guitar and related advanced jazz theory. 

As a professional educator, Bradley is currently a member of the specialist teaching team on the Young Musicians Programme (CAT) based at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead, United Kingdom and a freelance peripatetic tutor across the North East. He specialises in jazz guitar (both plectrum and finger-style techniques) and theoretical and practical approaches to improvisation. He has taught in a variety of settings: from primary education, to further and higher education, through to adult education, and works across the full range of jazz, folk, popular, rock and commercial music styles. Furthermore, he has led multi-instrumental workshops on jazz and improvisation.

Bradley holds a First Class BMus (Hons) degree in Jazz, Popular and Commercial Music, PGCE teaching qualification, and a Masters (MMus) degree, and has over 13 years performance experience playing at a professional level with national and international artists, including Rick Taylor (Elton John & George Michael), Kathryn Tickell, Andy Sheppard, The Jazz Passengers (Debbie “Blondie” Harry), Tim Garland (Chick Corea) and Fraser Fifield. 

Bradley has performed at many prestigious venues and festivals throughout the UK with a range of ensembles (including solo appearances). Some of his performance and teaching highlights include performances at the Isle of Skye Swing and Jazz Festival, The Parliamentary Jazz Awards (London), Manchester Jazz Festival, Gateshead International Jazz Festival, Pershore Jazz Festival, Upton Jazz Festival, and residential tutor of the ‘Rick Taylor Ensemble Week’ based on the Isle of Skye. 

Prerequisites

Participants must be 18+

Please note:

RIAM does not provide instruments.

Please feel free to use whatever guitar you feel comfortable playing (both acoustic and electric guitars are welcome).

Note: if using an electric guitar, amplifiers are not provided by RIAM.

A small, portable amp can be brought (as approved by the tutor) for occasional use at room volume levels.

Brilliant class fantastic tutor highly recommended! (Participant Spring 2025)

Our tutor is a very interesting character with vast knowledge and a lovely approach to teaching. Classes were fun and we achieved a lot in our short term. (Participant Spring 2025)