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Apply for Guitar Lessons

Fretboard Warriors is a structured, long-term programme with limited places.

As I only work with a small number of students over several years, I’m not able to accept every application.

This form is an important part of the process, so please answer thoughtfully and provide as much detail as possible.

Thank you for your understanding!

Debbie

Contact Details

Please introduce yourself! :D

About the pupil

Introduce the pupil :D

Birthday
Day
Month
Year

Current level

Every pupil starts at a different stage. These questions help me understand their current level, experience and musical interests.

Starting from scratch


Students are very welcome to begin from a complete beginner level.

However, as Fretboard Warriors is a structured, long-term programme with a yearly commitment, it’s important that there is a genuine interest and likelihood of consistency from the outset.


In some cases, families find it helpful for the child to have already explored the guitar informally (e.g. owning a guitar, trying basic playing, or showing sustained interest), as this can give a clearer indication of long-term commitment.


If applying from a complete beginner stage, please consider how confident you feel about maintaining this commitment over the full academic year.

Do they have a guitar?
Have they had any previous Lessons?

What have they learnt?

Tick all that apply

About Fretboard Warriors Structure

Fretboard Warriors is built on nearly two decades of teaching experience and runs as a structured academic-year programme. This approach allows students to develop properly over time, with clear direction, consistency, and measurable progress.

I understand that Fretboard Warriors runs as a structured academic year programme (September–September), not as casual or short-term lessons
Yes

There is an initial assessment lesson allowing us to meet in person, explore the student’s current level, and go through the programme in detail so we can see if we are a good fit. This can last 1-2hrs.

I understand that all new students begin with an assessment lesson to determine suitability.
Yes

About your understanding of learning the

guitar.

Guitar is a long-term skill. It takes more than 12 weeks or a few months to learn properly. It can take many years.

Are you looking for a long-term programme, rather than a short-term or “try a few lessons” approach?
Yes
No
Are you ready to commit to structured lessons and regular practice?
Yes
No

Financial Commitment

Fretboard Warriors is a structured, long-term training programme focused on real musical development and results. It is not a casual or flexible lesson service, and requires ongoing financial commitment over time.

Are you looking for a serious, long-term training programme rather than occasional or short-term lessons?
Yes
No
The average pupil can stay with me 4-7 years. Are you ready financially to commit to this?
Have you considered how you will prioritise and maintain this commitment alongside other activities over time?
Yes
No
I understand that Fretboard Warriors is a structured programme focused on long-term musical development and results, rather than casual or flexible lessons
Yes
No

Practice

Consistent progress depends on regular practice at home. For younger children, this requires active support from a parent or carer to help build routine, focus, and confidence.


As students grow and develop independence, they take more ownership, but a supportive home environment remains essential throughout.

I understand that regular practice at home is essential for progress, and that supporting practice at home is the responsibility of the parent/carer, not the teacher
Yes
How much time is available to practice?
How many days a week can you practice?

Current activities and time commitments

Progress on guitar comes from regular, consistent practice over time.

I’m looking to work with families who can support a steady routine, where guitar is given enough time and priority alongside other activities.


If your child has a busy schedule or travels frequently, that’s absolutely fine — as long as practice can still continue (for example, bringing the guitar along or maintaining some consistency).


Gaps in practice over long periods can significantly slow progress, so consistency is key.

Exams

Students follow a structured pathway that includes short, regular assessments (around 10 minutes) to track progress and build confidence. These are fully prepared for within lessons and are a mandatory part of the programme, ensuring each student is working towards clear, recognised milestones.


Over time, this gives students something tangible to show for their efforts, which can support future opportunities such as performances, further education, and work experience.

Are you okay with sitting small exams? (10mins)
Yes
No

Other

Where did you find us?

Working Together at Fretboard Warriors

Fretboard Warriors is built on over 20 years of teaching experience, with the last 14 years dedicated to developing the programme. I work with a small number of students each year to ensure a high level of individual attention and real progress.


The questions in this form are designed to help find families who genuinely value musical development and are looking for a structured, long-term approach, rather than casual or short-term lessons.


If you’ve made it this far, it’s a strong sign we’re already aligned 🙂


Students typically train with me for 4–7 years, and this involves working closely with both the student and parent/carer. Open communication around practice, equipment, and development is an important part of helping each student progress properly over time.

I have read and understood working together at Fretboard Warriors
Yes
No

Getting Started Assement

Once this form has been reviewed, I will be in touch to let you know the outcome. If everything looks like a good fit, the next step is to arrange a Getting Started session (assessment), where we meet in person, go through everything in detail, and ensure the right foundation is in place before moving forward.

During the Getting Started session, we will:

  • Assess the student’s current level

  • Identify strengths and any gaps in their foundation

  • Go through the Fretboard Warriors programme and how progress is structured

  • Discuss practice, consistency, and overall commitment

  • Answer any questions from both parent and student


If the student is brand new, we will:

  • Begin with the Fretboard Warriors kids guitar book/Programme

  • Introduce basic guitar anatomy

  • Start reading simple TAB

All sounds good to me! I am interested in a Getting Started Assessment Lesson.
Yes

Next Steps 

Thank you for taking the time to complete this form — it’s an important part of making sure we’re the right fit before moving forward.


Once submitted, please allow 5–7 days for a response. I will be in touch either:

  • To offer the next step (Getting Started session), or

  • To provide feedback if it’s not quite the right fit at this stage

In some cases, I may suggest what would need to change for us to work together in the future.


I look forward to reviewing your application.


Debbie Leigh Driver

Founder,

Fretboard Warriors

🎸🎸🎸

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