Made to Play Guitar
(No Artificial Flavours)
Authentic guitar instruction in a communal environment. Structure when you need it. Freedom when you don't.
From First Notes to Musical Expression
Learn guitar in an environment that respects technical foundations while encouraging your unique voice. We create the space for both structured learning and creative exploration.
Our Origins
What began around a kitchen table in East London has grown, but we've maintained the intimate, communal atmosphere where musicians develop together.
Skill Development & Community
At Kitchen Jam, music is inherently social. We balance essential technique with collaborative playing, building both capability and confidence in a supportive environment.
OUR PROGRAMMES
Early Years (0-6)
First musical experiences through sensory play and movement, building foundational rhythm and listening skills.
Children (6-11)
Engaging guitar and ukulele instruction that develops technical skills through enjoyable, structured learning.
Teens (13-18)
Performance-focused programmes balancing technique with creative expression in a collaborative band environment.
Adults (18+)
From complete beginners to returning players - structured, judgment-free instruction in your preferred style.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
Real Experiences, Real Music
"Dan is a great teacher full of enthusiasm and totally engaged with the students.
He presents all the tasks in an interesting and relevant way. Best of all: we come out of the class absolutely buzzing and full of enthusiasm.
Taking these classes has been a total game changer for us - we're loving every minute"
Deb
“My son has been learning guitar with them for nearly 5 years and he has been very happy with the school as well as myself.
He gets to practice all the “cool” tunes as well as techniques, and most importantly, he likes all the friends in the school and plays in the band with them.
They have lots of performance opportunities and workshops and I really like the community spirit that the school has!”
Akiko
“Joining the school was one of the best decisions I’ve made since moving to London!
My confidence is hugely improved since joining.
I’m constantly making progress with my technique and approach to practicing”
Chardelle
Darryl Powis
Founder
Darryl established Kitchen Jam in 2014, beginning with lessons around his kitchen table in Leyton. This approach—intimate, communal, and focused on musical connection—remains at the core of our teaching philosophy.
Darryl established Kitchen Jam in 2014, beginning with lessons around his kitchen table in Leyton. His vision: creating a guitar learning environment balancing technical development with personal expression.
Musical influences: John Mayer, Tommy Emmanuel, Cory Wong
Formerly with the band Neon Nurse, Darryl's vision was to create a guitar learning environment that balanced technical development with personal expression, moving away from the sterile approaches he encountered elsewhere.
His musical influences include John Mayer, Tommy Emmanuel, and Cory Wong, which helped shape the eclectic and inclusive approach to guitar instruction that defines Kitchen Jam today.
Dan Mayhew
Lead Instructor & Head of Guitar
Dan joined Kitchen Jam in 2017 and now leads our instructional team, setting the standard for our teaching approach. His experience touring with Iron Maiden tribute band "Hi-On Maiden" brings professional performance perspective to his instruction.
As both a guitarist and drummer, Dan brings a multi-instrumental understanding to his teaching. He developed our children's curriculum, effectively translating complex techniques into accessible lessons for young players.
Dan specialises in helping students develop technical proficiency while maintaining creative freedom and enjoyment, drawing from influences like Guthrie Govan and Steve Vai.
Dan leads our instructional team, bringing professional performance experience from his time touring with Iron Maiden tribute band "Hi-On Maiden." Multi-instrumentalist specializing in both technical proficiency and creative expression.
Influences: Guthrie Govan, Steve Vai, John Petrucci
Carys Jones
Early Years Music Specialist
Carys combines early childhood education expertise with accomplished musicianship to create engaging first musical experiences. Specialises in developing foundational rhythm, listening skills, and fine motor coordination through movement and play.
Carys combines her early childhood education background with accomplished musicianship to create engaging first musical experiences for our youngest students.
She specialises in introducing foundational concepts through movement, play, and age-appropriate instrumental exploration. Her approach develops rhythmic understanding, listening skills, and fine motor coordination.
Carys' sessions build musical confidence while establishing the groundwork for future instrumental learning, whether on guitar or other instruments.
Barry De Jager
Mini Musicians Program Chef
Barry brings 15 years of diverse performing experience to teaching young musicians. His approach treats children with the same musical respect as professionals, developing proper technique while keeping lessons engaging.
Barry brings 15 years of diverse performing experience—from metal bands to folk duos—to his work with young musicians. He approaches children's music education with the same seriousness and respect he brings to professional performance.
His teaching philosophy centres on introducing quality music regardless of age, developing proper technique from the beginning while keeping lessons engaging and accessible.
START YOUR JOURNEY
01
Initial Contact
Tell us about yourself or your child and what you're looking to learn. We'll arrange a complimentary introductory session.
02
Meet Your Instructor
Connect with an accomplished musician who understands both technical foundations and creative expression.
03
Join Our Community
Begin learning in a supportive environment designed for musical development at your own pace.
