Develop your lifelong enjoyment of Music. Learn More Listen to Des and his students Learn more about the ukulele cruise

Learn to play guitar or ukulele with us

We specialise in beginner lessons and encourage a lifelong enjoyment of music, no matter your age. Our students come from all walks of life and ability levels.

Learn the Guitar

Whether this is your first time learning guitar or you gave up some time ago, you need a dedicated guitar teacher to help and motivate you. At GuitarStart, we tailor guitar lessons to individual needs and help you to achieve your goals. Des Mahoney, the owner and teacher at GuitarStart, has over 15 years’ experience in teaching music.

Learn the Ukulele

Love Music? Do you want to learn a simple, easy to play instrument that’s lots of fun? Often described as “The World’s friendliest instrument”, & “the most fun you can have with 3 chords”; the Ukulele is an easy & enjoyable introduction to playing Music. GuitarStart can help you on your way.

Des sitting on a stool outside with arms resting on a guitar in his lap

Meet Des

Des Mahoney is a qualified teacher with over 15 years of experience and a guitar player since the age of 14. He has received a number of recognitions including Swinburne TAFE teacher of the year award and Vice-Chancellor's teaching award. Now he combines his love of music and teaching in providing Guitar & Ukulele Lessons to the community.

Since starting GuitarStart he has won an award for Feel Good Stories as well as the Excellence in Business Award 2020/2021 Whitehorse Business Group - Sole Trader category

More About Des About the Awards

Listen In

Click on the video to listen to Des & his Ukulele students performing their Festival Music Video, or click on the "pop out" button in the top right of the Video screen to watch in full screen.

If you want to hear from Des click on the "Keep Listening" link.

What Our Students Say

I had a lovely email singing your praises. Thank you so much for what you are doing.

Sue - Cruise Director

Latest News

Hills Ukulele Festival (HUF)

The Students excel the Teacher!

Our intrepid group of UkeAlohas courageously, professionally, and joyously played on at the recent Hills Ukulele Festival (HUF); without me and other Covid-affected players who couldn't make it.

Gallery of Students

A Community Centered Way of Learning Music

Des believes that everyone should have the option to experience the joys of music and does his best to spread this joy throughout the community through volunteering, donating instruments, and performing for charity and community events as well as encouraging students to do the same.

Community Focus

Community Focus

Des donates his time and energy to helping the community discover the joy of music.

About Our Community

Performing at Events

Performing at Events

Des encourages all of his students to perform live at charity and community events.

About our Performances

Ukulele Cruises & Specialised Training

Ukulele Cruises & Specialised Training

Des is a Tour Leader and Tutor for Ukulele Cruises with workshops and performances.

About the Cruise