Tutor Profile

Cal

Private Guitar and Composition Tutor in Guildford

Hi, I’m Cal — a Vocal, Performance & Artist Development Coach (DBS Checked), multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, pasta enthusiast, and Star Wars fanatic. Whether you sing, write, perform, or play, you know that music is more than just notes. It’s emotion. It’s identity. It’s connection.

I work with emerging artists, semi-professionals, and working musicians — as well as committed beginners who resonate with a deeper, embodied approach. If you’re ready to explore your artistry with clarity, curiosity, and care, you’re in the right place.

But even with experience, something can get in the way: tension, burnout, disconnection, fear. The voice doesn’t lie — it reveals what we’re holding, where we’re stuck, and what’s waiting to be released.

My work is about helping you move through that. To return to honesty in sound. To find expression that feels like you.

Teaching Experience

I’ve been teaching professionally for over five years, delivering 3,000+ hours of one-to-one tuition across the UK and internationally. My students include Brit School and ACM entrants, working artists, and dedicated creatives committed to refining their voice, performance, and musical identity.

My coaching spans:

Vocal technique, range, tone, and control Performance preparation and audition readiness Artist development for singer-songwriters Songwriting and creative mentoring Musicality and expression coaching Somatic support for those navigating anxiety, burnout, or creative block

I specialise in supporting neurodivergent musicians through affirming, adaptive, and embodied coaching. While I bring lived experience to this work, these practices benefit all artists seeking greater freedom, confidence, and connection in their craft.

Students can access structured lesson packages and a dedicated online studio suite via MyMusicStaff, where they can manage bookings, cancel or reschedule lessons, and track their progress — all in one place.

There are no late fees when paying monthly in advance, and if a lesson is cancelled at least one hour before the start time, a make-up credit is automatically applied (valid for up to three months).

The system also includes 24/7 booking, practice logs, and automated reminders, so you can stay focused on what really matters: learning, growing, and creating.

Tutoring Approach

My teaching is student-centred, emotionally attuned, and artist-led. Whether you’re here to polish your technique or reconnect with your voice, we’ll work together in a way that respects your process and supports your goals.

I use a flexible four-phase structure to guide development:

Building: Technical foundation and vocal ease Balance: Integrating style, control, and musical identity Exploration: Expanding colour, range, and advanced tools (e.g. belting, distortion) with vocal health in mind Play: Performance coaching focused on emotional connection and creative presence

Alongside vocal science-based pedagogy and music theory, I draw from somatic and neuro-affirming practices to support nervous system regulation and authentic expression. For me, growth isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence, expression, and the joy of showing up honestly in your music.

Lesson Options • 30-minute lessons – ideal for beginners or focused technical work • 45-minute lessons – the standard format for most students • 60+ minute lessons – best for artist development, songwriting, or performance coaching

Current Offers • 25% off your first lesson • 10% off regular monthly lessons • Free Singing Straw for all new students • Concession discounts available for Blue Light Card holders and full-time students

We are musicians. Music shapes how we connect, how we express, how we understand the world. There’s always another artist to discover, another phrase to write, another feeling to express. That spark — that need to create — runs deep.

Let’s craft your sound. 💙

A small observation now that it's all together: if you're aiming increasingly toward semi-professionals and artists, I'd consider changing "committed beginners" to "developing musicians" or "serious beginners". It subtly elevates the positioning without excluding anyone. Everything else feels very aligned with the direction Ripley Sounds is heading.

Qualifications

CVTA: Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy

Professional · John Henny's: Contemporary Vocal Teacher Academy · Distinction · 2021

Music Industry Practice: Songwriting & Creative Artistry

Bachelors · Academy of Contemporary Music · 2:1 · 2019

Reviews

Feedback
21
Published21
Unpublished0
Extra comments0
First Tutors

I’ve really enjoyed singing lessons with Cal - he’s a fab teacher, creates a safe learning environment, and is supportive & encouraging through any challenges. He’s very reliable and tailors the lessons brilliantly! Highly recommend! :)

Tutor response

Thank you Steph, for your kind words! It's a joy being part of your journey.

First Tutors

Really great teacher. My son is thoroughly enjoying his sessions. Easy to work with and arrange lessons with too. Would thoroughly recommend.

Tutor response

Thank you so much Deborah! He's learning really well and I'm excited to see where his musical journey leads.

First Tutors

Callum listened to and took note of the health issues our son faced over the past 18 months. The lessons have given him confidence in his voice and himself, inspiring him to try new songs and increase his repertoire. The warm up exercises to loosen and prepare vocal cords are helping with neck muscle tightness too. Callum is quietly kind and thoughtful, matching each lesson to our son's ability and also his musical interests. He appears genuinely interested in the students

First Tutors

Cal is a fantastic teacher who’s helped me improve both my acoustic and electric guitar playing, as well as gain confidence in singing. He’s patient, encouraging, and has really helped me develop better vocal technique and control. I’ve made real progress with him and can’t recommend him highly enough!

Tutor response

Thank you Henry for your kind words! It's a pleasure to see you go from strength to strength as a well rounded musician!

First Tutors

Callum's tuition has been invaluable in developing a young person's skills in the presentation of a sophisticated piece of writing and developing public speaking capabilities. His knowledgeable, and friendly advice has been crucial in inspiring confidence and achieving impressive performance. His help has been greatly appreciated, and we cannot recommend him more highly.

Tutor response

Thank you Barbara for your kind words! It was a real pleasure teaching your Grandson. He was so poised and passionate in his speech, he did your whole family proud.

View all of Cal's reviews
Tuition onlineTuition at tutor's homeDBS checked
  • This tutor has an average feedback rating of at least 4.75/5 from 20 or more reviews.
  • This tutor is a Professional (self-declared)
  • This tutor offers a 25% discount on their first / introductory lesson.
  • This tutor is happy to teach online
Map showing tutor's approximate location