Music Gym is Watford's specialist rock and pop guitar school. Based at the Meriden Community Centre (WD25 9ET), we teach electric and acoustic guitar to children from age 7 through to adults — from absolute beginners who have never held a guitar to experienced players working towards Rockschool Grade 8.
Every pupil plays on our Yamaha electric guitars during lessons. You don't need to bring your own instrument — just turn up and play.
Matteo is Music Gym's lead guitar and bass teacher. He's an active gigging musician and a Yamaha-trained instructor who brings real-world performance experience into every lesson. Whether your child is learning their first power chord or you're an adult picking up the guitar for the first time, Matteo makes lessons engaging, challenging, and fun.
Parents regularly single out Matteo in their reviews:
★★★★★"My now 9 year old son has been learning guitar here with Matteo for 2 years now after attending a free trial lesson. He started as an absolute beginner and is now already rocking the stage playing various classics from Rage Against the Machine, Ozzy Osborne, Metallica. After every weekly lesson we get lesson notes (sometimes with personalised videos) provided by email with the homework for the week."
★★★★★"Matteo might just be the best guitar teacher in the world! Everyone at Music Gym live and breathe it. They care deeply for not only music, but for young people and seeing them reach their potential. They are warm, professional and brilliant at teaching."
★★★★★"Our teacher, Matteo, is phenomenal. His energy and enthusiasm for the guitar are infectious, and he takes great care to guide us through a range of techniques and genres, blending in music theory using practical examples from the songs we're working on. There's a reason I'm still going to Music Gym after all these years."
Our dedicated guitar room has 11 Yamaha electric guitars, amplifiers, a PA system, and music stands. Every pupil gets their own guitar for the duration of the lesson. No sharing, no waiting, no need to buy an instrument before you start.
We teach the music your child actually wants to play. From Arctic Monkeys to Ed Sheeran, Green Day to Taylor Swift — our lessons are built around songs that inspire. We follow the Yamaha Guitar Encounters curriculum, which is the only structured rock and pop guitar course with full grading from beginner to Grade 8.
Group guitar lessons have a maximum of 8 pupils. That's small enough for individual attention but big enough to learn ensemble skills — playing in time with others, listening, and building the confidence to perform. It's how real bands learn.
We are a dual Rockschool and Yamaha exam centre. Guitar grades from Grade 1 to Grade 8 carry UCAS points at the higher levels — the same value as classical grades from ABRSM. Over 3,000 grade passes across all instruments since 2011.
For pupils who prefer individual attention, or for more advanced players, we offer private 1-to-1 guitar lessons with Matteo. These are 30-minute sessions tailored entirely to your goals.
The sweet spot for starting guitar. Pupils join our Yamaha Guitar Encounters group (up to 8 per class) and learn electric guitar from scratch. They'll be playing recognisable riffs within weeks and can work towards their first Rockschool grade when ready. 60-minute lessons, £89.38/month.
★★★★★"I had been looking for a long time for a guitar teacher for my daughter. I thought 1:1 was the answer but then I found the Music Gym. They are warm, professional and brilliant at teaching."
Teenagers often come to us already playing a bit and wanting to level up. We build on what they know, plug the gaps in technique, and get them grade-ready. Many of our teen guitarists go on to perform at our showcase concerts — and several have gone on to study music at college. Group or 1-to-1 options available.
Our Monday evening Adult Guitar Club is one of our most popular sessions. Complete beginners and improvers welcome. It's relaxed, sociable, and structured — you'll learn real songs, proper technique, and music theory without it ever feeling like homework. £75/month for the group. 1-to-1 also available at £128.12/month.
"It's genuinely one of the highlights of my week — so much so that it's one place where I don't welcome bank holidays! If you're thinking about learning guitar as an adult, this is a great place to start."
In your first term, a beginner guitarist at Music Gym will typically cover:
By the end of the first year, most pupils are ready for their Rockschool Grade 1 exam — and many achieve it with distinction.
Music Gym is the only Yamaha Music School in Hertfordshire. Our guitar lessons follow the Yamaha Guitar Encounters curriculum — a structured, graded rock and pop course that's been refined over decades. It covers everything from beginner basics through to advanced technique, improvisation, and performance skills.
The course is designed to keep pupils motivated by teaching the music they love, while building a solid foundation in technique, theory, and musicianship. It's the opposite of dusty classical method books — it's guitars plugged in, amps turned up, and songs that make you want to practise.
Not to start. We provide Yamaha electric guitars for every pupil during lessons. When your child is ready to practise at home, we can advise on the best starter guitar for their age and budget.
Group lessons start at age 7. For ages 5–6, we can offer 1-to-1 guitar lessons — call us to discuss.
Group guitar lessons (ages 7–11) are £89.38/month. Adult group is £75/month. 1-to-1 lessons are £128.12/month. All prices are pro-rata across 41 teaching weeks via monthly GoCardless direct debit. There's a £15 joining fee and a free taster lesson for beginners. See full pricing.
Yes. We're an accredited Rockschool exam centre. Pupils can take graded exams from Debut through to Grade 8 right here at Music Gym — no need to travel to an external exam venue.
Meriden Community Centre, Garsmouth Way, Watford, WD25 9ET. We serve families from across Watford and surrounding areas including Bushey, Abbots Langley, Kings Langley, Croxley Green, Garston, and North Watford.
Not sure if guitar is right for you or your child? Book a free taster lesson — no commitment, no instrument needed. Just turn up and play.
★★★★★"Music Gym in Watford is a go-to place if you are a music lover and have a passion to learn and get certified. Alan and the team are doing a tremendous job. Safe place to leave your child to learn and enjoy their time."
Call 01923 523027
Also at Music Gym: Drum Lessons · Singing Lessons · Piano & Keyboard Lessons · Pricing · Book a Taster