Guitarstand Blackhill is a small and friendly group, which is very welcoming of new participants. There is a range of abilities within the group, but no-one is excluded, and the pace of playing will always vary to ensure that everyone can effectively participate. There is a nice balance between learning new techniques, and playing along to old guitar favourites, and all of the playing material is provided in advance, so that participants have the opportunity to practice in advance, assuming they have the time. Can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon!
Peter
PeterPonteland
By David from Lanchester I walked into my first Guitar Stand session at Bullion Hall a complete beginner, keen to give it a go, but not knowing anything at all about the guitar. Two years later, I am playing songs, barre-chords, Scales and pentatonics. Tom offers a flexible learning approach, allowing you to work at your own pace. You can jump between the type of sessions and locations. I found this great in helping me fit in with work and lifestyle and also helped me stay motivated. Bullion Hall and Blackhill are helping me do just that…
David
DavidLanchester
I’ve been attending Tom’s guitarstand at Consett for a while now. I was going to the Sage in Gateshead learning finger picking and strumming. I was looking for something different and stumbled across Tom’s page. I was getting a bit frustrated doing only parts of songs and having to learn the rest at home. Why not give the guitarstand a go. So that’s how I started, and was instantly hooked. The people who attend are at different levels so there’s always someone to get advice from. The people … John from Rowlands Gill
JohnRowlands Gill
The virtual one to one sessions have really helped me home in on the music theory and fretboard awareness and have been a nice distraction throughout the pandemic.… By David from County Durham
David (Online)County Durham
“I have attended the GuitarStand at both Bullion Hall and Blackhill for several years now and you are met with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere where you can learn at your own pace with no pressure on anyone. Tom takes his time and explains everything in layman’s terms and is very patient ,so come along and enjoy yourself”… By Malcolm from Stanley
MalcolmStanley
Tom has been running virtual jam sessions as we can’t meet up face to face due to Covid restrictions. These have kept us all playing together as well as learning new songs. If you have been thinking about picking up the guitar come and give this ago. It’s a welcoming environment and loads of fun.…
David (Play-Along)Durham
“I have just started lessons with Tom online on Zoom and I am now on to week 4. I am very much a beginner with the guitar and the pace of the lessons is great for me. A good mix of practical teaching mixed with the inevitable bit of theory. After having my guitar for about a year I can now feel that I am making some progress”… Chris - Online
ChrisLanchester (Online)
I joined Blackhill guitar club about 2 years ago, as I was playing simple chords without really knowing what I was playing. Since then, I have learnt so much more, what chords are, how scales relate to them and my general playing has so much more improved. Mainly due to the feel good atmosphere of its members and the excellent guidance from Tom it's instructor. Lockdown has shown me that's it's difficult to progress without the aid of the club, I'm pleased to be back.
AlanBlackhill
I joined the group over 3 years ago and have enjoyed my time learning basic skills with Tom Welch . This group is a mixture of young, older, male & female members learning how to play a Guitar. This has been an ambition of mine for many years and I wish I had started years ago. Tom let's you learn at your own pace, there is no pressure put on you and you also get help from within the group also. It is a friendly group and we have a laugh, but we can serious serious when required. At £10 for 2hrs it is very affordable and I would absolutely recommend the tuition. So why not come along and meet a good set of people, make new friends and also get the best tuition from a very good teacher who has time for everyone, from starters to good players who are still wanting to learn as they go along.
KeithBirtley
I joined in Tom's play along session online, on Monday evenings when the Covid epidemic was rampant, and we carried it on afterwards, as we enjoyed it so much. I can recomend these sessions, as you are in the comfort of your own home in a relaxed atmosphere, but still learning. It is also a practice session for the Wednesday evening group.
JohnTyne & Wear
When we went to total lockdown and lost our meeting at Bullion Hall there was the Idea of having a weekly hour on a Monday evening 7.30 to 8.30 we started with Skype but soon moved to Google meet we play a few songs with Tom being our singer and we play along after a song we can discuss any problems we have with particular chords this is an open discussion where we help each other or get Toms expertise to help where he can this is a free hr where you can join in and get Toms assistance this gets you playing your guitar instead of watching soaps I recommend you come along for a free hour what better way is there to get your guitar out. Keith County Durham Sent from my iPhone
KeithTyne & Wear
I joined the Bullion Hall guitar stand a couple of years ago. I feel that my guitar playing has improved dramatically.  Tom has a way of teaching without any pressure, but with patience that makes you want to push yourself to improve. All of us on a Wednesday evening are starting to play well together, although we are at different levels, due to Tom's encouragement 
JohnWashington Tyne & Wear
I have now taken part for over a month at the Guitarstand sessions at Blackhill Community Centre on Saturday afternoons . The experience I have had with Tom and all the other participants is absolutely terrific and I cannot wait for the next session. Everyone is so friendly, helpful and encouraging, led by Tom who is an excellent teacher, guitarist and brilliant at explaining all the theory as well as the practical side to everything. It's a great time and place to dip your feet into guitar if you are feeling a bit unsure. I am glad I took the plunge. PETER FROM CONSETT
PETERBRIDGEHILL
Really glad I found this great guitar group. It's the perfect way to bring yourself on and have some fun as you go. Tom caters for all levels, making sure that no one gets left behind. I'ts a great way to spend a couple of hours, and Tom gets the blend of learning and enjoyment just right. DANNY-COUNTY DURHAM
DANNYSTANLEY
Hi Tom, Thanks for today - I really enjoyed the session, although the tempo of many of the songs were a bit quick for me. I also found I was tempted to sing along, but when I did, I immediately lost the strum pattern. More practice needed. Vaughan - Chester-Le Street
VaughanChester-le-Street
Lookng to fill my time after retiring, I bought a cheap acoustic guitar and a 'Guitar Tutor Book'. I learned a few chords from the book, after which I got bored and the guitar spent the next year on top of my wardrobe. I only picked it up again after hearing about group guitar sessions at Bullion Hall. I have been attending these sessions now for a couple of years, (minus time out for covid restrictions). Each session involves playing through a number of songs, working from simple chord sheets. This allows learners to progress at their own pace as well as being an enjoyable experience. A small amount of necessary theory is also discussed, bur not enough to confuse or bore you. I find myself looking forward to my regular Wednesday evening Sessions, which I now view as much a social occasion as a learning experience
DaveWashington
Another brilliant session Tom. I'm getting better with my timing and it's bringing me on greatly.. Recommend these sessions to any guitar players.
JohnStanley, County Durham
Wednesday was nice and relaxed. I've missed playing with other musicians, so I enjoy just sitting and playing in the circle.
DaveOuston - Chester-Le Street
My daughter has been playing acoustic guitar with Tom now for nearly 4 years. She even continued throughout lockdown with messages of encouragement from Tom along the way to keep her interested. After lockdown, she slotted back into regular one to one weekly lessons which she enjoys. We've seen a massive improvement in her music reading and playing skills thanks to Tom who is kind and patient with her enough for her to be able to try other musical instruments at school. We would highly recommend Tom as a personal Guitar Teacher for children. My daughter was 4 yrs old when she started.
KarinConsett, County Durham
Toms group gives you the opportunity to play with other guitarists of all abilities, in a relaxed and friendly setting. He provides a wide variety of types of songs to play in an easily read format, and he changes them regularly so you never get bored playing the same tunes week after week. Everyone is made welcome and it's great to be part of a group of musicians, all enjoying the experience of learning from Tom, each other and as they play,
DaveStanley, County Durham
I have now taken part for over a month at the Guitar Sessions at Blackhill Community Centre on Saturday Afternoons. The experience I have had with Tom and the other participants is absolutely terrific and I can not wait for the next session. Everyone is so friendly, helpful and encouraging, led by Tom who is an excellent Teacher, guitarist and brilliant at explaining all the theory as well as the practical side to everything. It's a great time and place to dip your feet into guitar if you are feeling a bit unsure. I'm glad I took the plunge.
PeterConsett
Adam's guitar playing has progressed really well in a very short period of time. He only began learning with Tom in January of this year and even some of our musician friends have commented on how amazingly he has developed in such a short period of time. I would recommend Tomas a Tutor to anyone who is considering taking up the guitar.
CatherineLanchester - County Durham
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GuitarStand@

GuitarStand@

THE GUITAR STAND is designed to help beginners, those of an intermediate level and even advanced players to develop. 
To achieve this I promote member interaction with players of a similar or more advanced level. Here, we all help each other. Everyone has something they can bring to the table at THE GUITARSTAND.
More advanced players are particularly welcome, as I believe the more experienced members can help bring on the newer players as well as enhance their own standard. 

Bullion Hall (Community Centre)

South Approach, Chester le Street, Co. Durham, DH2 2DW

Wednesday 6:15pm – 8:15 pm

Blackhill Community Centre

Derwent Street, Blackhill, Consett, Co. Durham, DH8 8LS

Saturday 12.30pm – 2.30pm

Even though many of Covid restrictions have now been lifted, I would reassure all members that the main issues are still being taken seriously.
 You can get in touch by E-mailing guitarstand01@gmail.com