Experienced tutor in Guitar in Santa Cruz, Duncan offers private lessons tailored to your needs.

I liked how much time we spent going over guitar theory.

Duncan Shipton has the guitar skills, knowledge of music theory, and the organization and patience necessary to be a great teacher. Duncan structures his lessons to include basic skills (scales, etc.), and adapts his teaching to the musical interests of the student. My son started taking guitar lessons with Duncan in second grade, and has been playing for four years. He has learned to play all kinds of music ranging from Bach Inventions to Led Zeppelin. He already has a very deep understanding of music theory that will help him throughout his life with any instrument he chooses. In his words, “Duncan is an awesome teacher! He is very clear about what to do, and how to do it.”

Amazing skills, patience, and temperament.

He can take what my child is interested in and teach the technique needed at a level that helps them grow while providing the creative fun of the favorite song

Duncan has been an awesome teacher. He really builds off what I am learning each class and I see the progress in how I'm playing. I'm even getting better at learning songs on my own too. It's very exciting! He's also very patient, encouraging and good at explaining things like hand placement and music theory. I get a good mix of exercises to practice, along with songs I can have fun playing. Highly recommend! Also, he's a good communicator with lesson scheduling and he's flexible.

I really enjoy learning jazz guitar with Duncan. He is a patient, kind, gifted, and encouraging teacher. Duncan's deep knowledge of the history of jazz in general and of the styles and techniques of the genre's major guitar players enriches each lesson. His skill and proficiency shines in every musical example he demonstrates. He listens carefully and delights in answering questions. I recommend Duncan Shipton without reservation. If you are looking for a guitar teacher - and not just for jazz, by the way - you won't find anyone better.

Super informative. Duncan clearly answered all of my music theory questions then assigned simple exercises to help me build the necessary muscle memory. His lessons are challenging and rewarding. Thank you, Duncan!

I appreciate that Duncan can give insightful and great tips on any style even with styles he’s not familiar with. It just shows what a great musician he is. I’ve taken lessons with him for 3 years and I appreciate that he can take a step back and realize when you need to exercise self discipline but, when you’re struggling with motivation he finds a way to motivate you.

For starters he is a super easy going guy who is very fun to work with. Although I am primarily a rock oriented player, Duncan has further depth beyond just rock guitar; he is also a serious jazz player - this is reflected in the depth of his music theory, which I love having available.