About Us - Chelsea Guitar School

Mike Babenko former owner of Chelsea Guitar School (over 30 year) specialises in providing the finest quality music instruction to all students. I offer beginner, intermediate and advanced instruction in all styles of music on guitar.

My mission is to help enrich the lives of children and adults through music education by introducing new students to a rewarding discipline, and by helping experienced students mature as musicians. The benefits of proper tuition in the early stages to develop good technique is well known and I emphasise theory and ear training to enhance steady progress. I'm also skilled at catching bad habits before they develop further.

I cater for all ages from children to adults and all levels from those seeking a musical career to those learning an instrument simply for fun. I also assist students preparing for examinations. All lessons are held at home in the warm and relaxed atmosphere of a professional teaching environment.

I am committed to maintaining a high standard of professionalism and musical integrity.

Beginners have the option of renting a guitar instead of buying.

I have Working with Children clearance.

I have been a student at Chelsea Guitar School for 8 years and have not only learnt about classical guitar, but also so much about music in general. I have taken two classical guitar AMEB exams and passed with honours. Mike is a great teacher and is always kind, patient and encouraging.

Joely, 16

Mike is such a wonderful teacher and he is so patient. My 8 year old enjoys coming to the lessons and his confidence grows each week. I have no hesitation in recommending Mike.

Stephanie

Mike Babenko at Chelsea Guitar School is an excellent teacher who has helped me significantly improve my proficiency in guitar playing. He has also taught me a much deeper understanding of all aspects of music including musical composition and theory. As result, my enjoyment in playing and appreciation in listening to music has continued to progress to whole new levels over the many years I have been with Mike

John

When I first contacted Chelsea Guitar School I told Mike Babenko that I was a bit hesitant to take up the guitar as a 52 year old. He reassured me that it was never too late to learn guitar. He was right. Although I'm still a beginner, Mike is successfully (and patiently) navigating me through music theory, learning chords, songs and how to read music. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how my mind is adapting to each new exercise. I have found it has increased my discipline and focus at work as well.

Dawn

I have been a student of Mike Babenko at Chelsea Guitar School since 2003. Mike is a patient and highly effective teacher, always happy to explain different techniques, but just as keen to keep his students' skills developing and moving forward. He is a great guitarist himself, and his demonstration of styles has been very useful in helping me improve. I enjoy my lessons with Mike, and look forward to continuing as a Chelsea Guitar student.

Brian

I decided to learn guitar in my 60’s, after retiring from full-time work. Mike was recommended by my daughter and it has been a great experience. In my view, Mike is the ideal teacher for me. He is very patient but keeps moving forward so that I always feel like I’m making progress. His lessons provide me with a good mix of music theory and practical guitar skills. With his skilled accompaniment, he can make anything I play sound great. My only regret is that I didn’t start when I was 15.

David