A good question, especially since the web is overflowing with instructional articles and videos to the point that it almost seems like everything these days can be had for nothing!

Well, although they say you really only get what you pay for, I'll be the first to admit there are some pretty good guides available which do indeed cost zip. So if you happen to be one of those rare people who can follow an on-screen tutorial and diligently work through it from beginning to end until you wind up playing the example piece brilliantly, then indeed you may not need the services of a guitar teacher at all. As for the rest of the world well, most people do need the discipline of working under one-on-one guidance if they are ever to achieve anything like the goal they set themselves. That is just how it is. Even the super-gifted people mentioned earlier who can soak up the odd YouTube how-to movie, well, even many of them will likely admit there still remain certain aspects to playing a piece ...

In terms of the guitar lessons I provide I've been asked to define my meaning of "Intermediate Standard". 

Well, if you've ever had to sit music examinations you will probably know what "intermediate" means, or have a fair idea about it. But for the type of tuition I provide I think the only way to try to define it is to suggest you try playing something like Andrew York's "Squares Suspended", note perfect with good intonation, (traditional music notation is available on his website http://www.andrewyork.net/SheetMusic/Wovenharmony.php) - or maybe the John Williams version of Cavatina, again note perfect and with good intonation, and from start to finish. I would say that anyone who can do so has reached the very peak of "intermediate" standard. That said no two people are alike so even this test is debatable, but at least it gives an idea as to the expectations of anyone taking lessons with me. How long it would take to reach that standard will, of course depend on the level of your ...