Guitar, bass & music theory lessons for your DofE
A ready-made Skills activity for 14–24 year olds at Bronze, Silver and Gold. One-to-one guitar, bass or music theory lessons in Northamptonshire, Bozeat (near olney) or online, with goals set at the start and your Assessor's Report done at the end.
In the first lesson we agree realistic goals you can write straight into eDofE.
Regular one-to-one lessons, with practice at home making up the rest of the time.
Short progress notes after lessons, so there's a clear record of what's been achieved.
As your assessor, I write your Assessor's Report and add it to eDofE.
Choose one or combine several to build a Skills programme that's specific to you. We'll agree the focus at your first lesson and turn it into clear goals for eDofE.
Agree your activity with your DofE Leader before you start, using the programme planner on the DofE website.
Each level has a minimum time for Skills. At Bronze, Silver and Gold you choose which section to do for longer, so check your plan in eDofE.
| Level | Start age | Skills section | If Skills is your longer section |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | School year you turn 14 | 3 months | 6 months |
| Silver | School year you turn 15 | 3 months | 6 months 12 months if you didn't do Bronze and add the extra time here |
| Gold | 16+ | 6 months | 12 months 18 months if you didn't do Silver and add the extra time here |
DofE asks for an average of about an hour a week on each section. A weekly lesson plus practice at home covers that comfortably. At Silver and Gold, activity can be grouped into fewer, longer sessions if that suits your timetable. Everything must be finished before your 25th birthday.
The guitar takes a lifetime to learn and there's so much you could achieve. Start your Skills section by aiming for Gold, and gain a skill that lasts a lifetime. Learn rock, acoustic, classical or music theory – online, in person or a mix. Whether it's 3, 6 or 12 months, the first step is booking your intro.
Book introSix months will fly by! You'll move well beyond basic chords, develop smooth coordination between your fretting and strumming hands, and play the rhythm parts of your favourite songs. Guitar or theory grades are available online or in person. Book your intro and start your guitar journey today.
Book introAfter 12 months, you'll have a clear picture of the progress you've made, the strengths you've developed and the opportunities still ahead. When you complete your full Gold Award, you can be invited to a DofE Gold Award celebration in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.
Book introAre you a beginner, or returning to playing after a break? The Intro Pack PDF is for practice after your introductory session.
An Assessor's Report should accurately reflect what you achieved for your Bronze, Silver or Gold Award. Every award is based on your own accomplishments – your commitment, time and effort – so every report is tailored to your journey. It's written as a personal account, never generic wording.
Already having lessons with me? eDofE lets you backdate the start of a section by up to three months, so recent lessons can count. Ask your DofE Leader to confirm what you can backdate.
Whether you're completing your Bronze, Silver or Gold Award, you've achieved something to be proud of, and you should be congratulated on your commitment and progress.
Consider increasing your lesson length from 30 minutes to 45 or 60 minutes. The extra time supports your continued development and helps you make further progress towards your musical goals.
DofE can feel like a lot to organise. The Skills section shouldn't be the hard part.
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Parents are welcome to sit in on lessons or be present in the room for online lessons. For students under 18, please get in touch as the parent or guardian to arrange lessons.
Ask a questionWhether you're with Scouts or Girlguiding, a youth group, an open award centre, an independent programme, or doing Gold through DofE Direct as an adult, you choose and arrange your own Skills activity. I make that part straightforward.
Check with your DofE Leader or adviser that guitar or music theory lessons work for your programme, and add me as your assessor in eDofE.
Your assessor must be over 18, know the activity, and not be a family member. That's why a teacher is often the easiest choice.
Yes. Learning a musical instrument or music theory is a popular Skills activity at every level. Confirm your choice with your DofE Leader or adviser.
No. Lessons start wherever they are, and goals are set to match. Beginners make great progress over a Skills section.
You'll need one to practise on. Please ask before buying – I'm happy to recommend a good-value instrument for their age and budget. Music theory needs no instrument at all.
No – DofE requires an independent assessor who isn't a family member. As your teacher, I can be your assessor.
Yes. Lessons work over Zoom, which suits busy timetables and anyone studying away from home.
Yes, if you'd like. Working towards a Trinity, RSL or ABRSM theory grade makes a clear, motivating goal.
DofE rules are set by the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and can change. Check your eDofE account or your DofE Leader for your exact requirements.
Tell me the level (Bronze, Silver or Gold), how long your Skills section is, and whether you'd like guitar, bass or theory.