gypsy jazz guitar lessons
with Jonny hepbir
“…Finally! Someone who plays rhythm guitar correctly with the right feel and sound… that alone deserves 10/10”
Denis Chang – founder of the DC music school based in Canada, renowned Djangologist.
JONNY HEPBIR is a Gypsy Jazz guitar tutor with over thirty years experience, based in Margate in Kent.
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He has played with many of the great names in Gypsy Jazz today, including Bireli Lagrene, Lulu Reinhardt, Stochelo Rosenberg, Paulus Schäfer, Feigeli Prisor, Angelo Debarre, Rino van Hooijdonk, Robin Nolan and jazz guitarists, Mundell Lowe and John Etheridge, as well as countless other fantastic players.
Jonny offers one to one tuition for players who are new to the Gypsy Swing style all the way through to advanced coaching for more experienced players wishing to improve their ability.
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Tuition can be booked as either regular or ‘one off’ sessions for individuals or small groups, either in person or online.
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Jonny provides one to one lessons at his home in Margate from 1 hour up to full day sessions depending on your requirements (lunch and refreshments are provided for those attending full day sessions).
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For those who are unable to attend a lesson in person, he also conducts lessons online.
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Fees and availability on application, please email info@jonnyhepbir.co.uk for more information.
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As well as one to one tuition, he has held many successful workshops around the country, helping players of all ages and abilities get to grips with the guitar style of Django Reinhardt and the Gypsy Jazz style.
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Tuition includes:
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+ Gypsy picking technique for both rhythm and solo
+ Gypsy Jazz repertoire
+ Economic chord voicings
+ Improvisation – scales, arpeggios
+ Tricks and devices
+ Dynamics
+ Left / right hand techniques
+ Vibrato
+ Embellishments and all the recognised characteristics of Gypsy Jazz guitar
+ How to relax playing higher tempo tunes as a soloist and rhythm player
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For further enquiries please call +44 (0) 7712 332967 or email info@jonnyhepbir.co.uk
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You can also access Jonny's FREE Gypsy Jazz mini lessons by CLICKING HERE
“Jonny, you REALLY helped me with my right hand technique, I give you credit for helping me enormously”
Paul Mehling – leader of the Hot Club of San Francisco and The Godfather of American Gypsy Jazz.
“It has been said that it’s too late to teach an old dog new tricks. Well….Jonny disproved that statement.
I travelled from Cairns Australia to Margate in the UK in November this year and spent two weeks with Jonny to study Gypsy Jazz Guitar. Not only did Jonny prove to be a gifted player, he also has the patience of a saint and is an encyclopedia on all matters Gypsy Jazz.
Thanks Jonny for your dedication, professionalism and patience and (his partner) Emma for your hospitality and encouragements. Not only did I learn some exciting Gyspy Jazz Guitar techniques, I made great new friends!” Gudmundur Fridriksson, Cairns, Australia 2015
“It has been said that it’s too late to teach an old dog new tricks. Well….Jonny disproved that statement.
I travelled from Cairns Australia to Margate in the UK in November this year and spent two weeks with Jonny to study Gypsy Jazz Guitar. Not only did Jonny prove to be a gifted player, he also has the patience of a saint and is an encyclopedia on all matters Gypsy Jazz.
Thanks Jonny for your dedication, professionalism and patience and (his partner) Emma for your hospitality and encouragements. Not only did I learn some exciting Gyspy Jazz Guitar techniques, I made great new friends!”
Gudmundur Fridriksson, Cairns, Australia 2015
“My first lesson with Jonny was really great! You know that you are learning from someone who has really mastered the Gypsy Jazz style. Within an hour I understood the basics of ‘la pompe’ rhythm, which he managed to explain much better than anything you would find in books or instructional videos. I can’t wait for the next lesson!”
David Partouche, France
"I like Jonny's attitude to Gypsy Jazz, wanting to get to the spirit of the thing, the excitement. not overly concerned with technical details unless they were something that was going to get you to a more interesting place. he was interested in how I approached the style and showing me some options to try out and use if they worked for me."
Jeff Young, London 2019
"Just wanted to express big thanks for being such a great inspiration to Jamie - the start of an exciting journey for him"
Paula Preston, Hampshire 2017