Programs About Pricing Availability FAQ Book Now

South Melbourne · Private Tuition

Guitar & Piano
Lessons

Guitar and piano lessons with a working musician, for all ages and levels. Rock, country, fingerpicking, blues, pop, classical and more.

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Availability

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Green = available. Red = booked. Click any date to see individual time slots and book directly.

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Available slots
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Ready to get started?

Fill in your details below and pay securely via Stripe. James will be in touch within 24 hours. First time here? Your first lesson is a one-off trial. After that, you'll book a 5- or 10-week term to lock in your weekly slot.

Group class: Your time will be held pending. You're only charged ($40) when a second person books the same slot.

None of this is required, but the more James knows ahead of time, the better he can plan your first lesson.

Price per lesson$70
Total$70

🔒 Secure payment via Stripe · Card details never stored

Why MCQ Music

Real teaching. Real results.

♩
Personalised Curriculum
No generic lesson plans. Every session is built around your goals.
⏱
Flexible Scheduling
Mon to Fri, 12pm to 9pm. Book online in minutes.
🎸
All Styles Welcome
Rock, country, fingerpicking, blues, classical, pop and more.
★
Working Musician
James is an active performer and songwriter, bringing real-world experience into every lesson.

What Students Say

Real results, real students.

★★★★★

I'd been wanting to learn guitar for about twenty years and just never got around to it. Honestly wasn't sure I'd be able to pick it up at my age but James was so patient and just focused on the stuff I actually wanted to play. Really glad I finally did it.

David M.
Guitar · Adult learner, 50s
★★★★★

James figured out pretty quickly what kind of music I was into and just ran with it. I wanted country and fingerpicking and that's exactly what we've been doing. It never feels like a chore. I look forward to it every week which is more than I expected!

Robyn T.
Guitar · Adult learner, 40s
★★★★★

My son has been doing piano with James for about six months now and the difference is amazing. He used to need reminding to practise and now he just goes and does it himself. James is really good with kids, he keeps it fun without letting them slack off.

Sarah K.
Piano · Parent of student, age 9
★★★★★

I'd been playing guitar on my own for years and kind of hit a wall. James helped me actually understand what I was doing rather than just copying tabs. He clearly loves music and that comes through. My playing has come a long way in a pretty short time.

Tom R.
Guitar · Student, mid-20s

Programs

Guitar & Piano Lessons

Every lesson is tailored to your goals, pace, and musical taste. All ages and skill levels.

♩
Guitar
🎸
Rock, country, fingerpicking & more
Acoustic and electric guitar across rock, country, blues, pop, and fingerpicking. From first chord to advanced improvisation.
Skill Levels
☆
Beginner
Open chords, strumming, your first songs
☆
Intermediate
Barre chords, fingerpicking, scales
☆
Advanced
Improvisation, composition, theory
Ages 5+All levels30 to 60 min
Book Guitar →
♪
Piano
🎹
Beginner & intermediate · Classical, ballads & contemporary
James teaches piano alongside his guitar tuition, ideal for beginners and intermediate players looking to build keyboard skills, develop music reading, and explore a range of styles.
Skill Levels
☆
Beginner
First notes, posture, simple melodies and chords
☆
Intermediate
Scales, sight-reading, repertoire building
Ages 5+Beginner to Intermediate30 to 60 min
Book Piano →

Your Instructor

Learn From James

James McHugh
♩ Guitar & Piano Instructor
James McHugh

James is a dedicated guitar and piano instructor based in South Melbourne. He specialises in rock, country, fingerpicking, and blues on guitar, with a passion for helping students of all ages discover their musical voice.

A performing songwriter and musician himself, James brings real-world stage experience into every lesson, whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced player looking to sharpen your skills.

◎120+ students taught · 15 years of experience · Guitar & piano expertise
Specialties
Rock & Country Fingerpicking Blues Pop Piano Ballads Music Theory Songwriting

Pricing

Pricing

Choose the lesson length that suits you.

Quick Session
30 Minutes
$50 / lesson
  • Great for busy schedules
  • Ideal for younger students
  • Technique focus
Book →
Most Popular
Standard Lesson
45 Minutes
$70 / lesson
  • Ideal for most students
  • Technique + repertoire
  • Theory included
Book →
Full Session
60 Minutes
$80 / lesson
  • Deep dive into your goals
  • Best for adult learners
  • Full theory & practice
Book →

Term Packages

Lock in your weekly slot.

New students start with a one-off trial lesson. After that, ongoing lessons are booked as a 5- or 10-week term, which secures your weekly slot for the whole block.

5 Lessons
Half Term
5 weeks of consistent, structured progress.
🔒 Your weekly slot is reserved for 5 weeks. No one else can take it.
Book Half Term →
10 Lessons
Full Term
A full 10-week block, the most effective way to make real progress.
🔒 Your weekly slot is locked in for 10 weeks. Maximum commitment, maximum results.
Book Full Term →

Group Classes

Learn Together

A social way to learn music alongside others.

Group Classes
👥
Learn together, grow together
Now taking interest (spots limited)
Register your interest below to learn alongside another student. Once two people select the same time slot, the class is confirmed. A great, low-cost way to learn.
Duration
45 Minutes
Price
$40 per person
Instruments
Guitar & Piano
Minimum
2 people, same slot
Register Interest →

FAQ

Common questions.

Cancel more than 48 hours before your lesson and you'll receive a full refund or free reschedule. Cancel within 48 hours and the full lesson fee applies, since the time slot can't be filled at short notice. If James ever needs to cancel, you'll receive a full refund or a free reschedule.
New students can book a one-off trial lesson to try it out. After the trial, ongoing lessons are booked as a 5- or 10-week term rather than casually week-to-week. This locks in your weekly slot for the full block so it can't be taken by another student, and keeps your progress consistent.
Use the booking form above: choose your instrument, select the trial lesson option, and pay via Stripe. James will confirm by email within 24 hours. If it's a good fit, you can then book a 5- or 10-week term to continue.
Bring your instrument if you have one. If not, James has instruments at the studio. Just bring yourself. Everything else is provided.
Yes, online lessons via Zoom or FaceTime are available for students who can't come in person.
Register your interest by selecting "Group Class" in the booking form. Your time is held as pending. Once a second person books the same slot, it confirms and both are charged $40. If no one else books your slot, James will reach out with alternatives or offer a private lesson at the standard rate.

Contact

Get in touch.

📞
Phone
0499 232 898
✉
Email
jamesmcqmusic@gmail.com
📍
Location
South Melbourne, VIC
⏰
Hours
Mon to Fri, 12pm to 9pm
📸
Instagram
@jamesmcq__
👍
Facebook
MCQ Music
🎵
Music Links
linktr.ee/jamesmcq
Not sure yet?

If nothing on the calendar suits you right now, register your interest and James will reach out when a spot opens up.

Cancellation Policy
48+ hours noticeFull refund or free reschedule
Under 48 hoursFull lesson fee applies