Mike Papapavlou named Guitar Teacher of the Year 2020

Guitar Teacher of the Year 2020
(Image credit: Future)

Of all the categories to win in the Guitarist of the Year 2020 competition, Guitar Teacher of the Year was perhaps the most elusive. While the other categories were decided by amalgamating the public vote, judges' choices and Guitar World staff picks, this one has been determined purely by way of nominations.

Guitarist of the Year 2020 winners

Guitarist of the Year 2020 PRS prizes

(Image credit: Future)

• Electric Guitarist of the Year 2020: Igor Paspalj
• Acoustic Guitarist of the Year 2020:
Alan Gogoll
• Young Guitarist of the Year 2020:
Juho Ranta-Maunus
• Bassist of the Year 2020:
Danny Sapko

We searched far and wide for the guitar teacher who had made the most impact on as many students as possible, and based on the sheer volume of nominations, the victor was crystal-clear. It is our distinct pleasure to announce the winner of Guitar Teacher of the Year 2020, Mike Papapavlou!

Mike began his teaching career in 2010 when he moved from his home country of Cyprus to England to obtain his bachelor's degree in Music at Newcastle University.

His method of teaching is based around what he dubs the “three Ps: patience, persistence and perseverance. Through these, he says, “anyone can play, do and accomplish anything on guitar, in their musical career or in life!

He says of the most rewarding aspects of teaching, “through music and guitar discovery, my students get a greater understanding of themselves and their unlimited capabilities!”

Along with receiving a feature on GuitarWorld.com, Mike will be brought on as a Guitar World freelance contributor in 2021. So stay tuned, the Guitar Teacher of the Year will be sharing many of his tips, tricks and stories right here in the not-too-distant future...

Guitarist of the Year will return in 2021. To stay in the loop, sign up at GuitaristoftheYearAwards.com.

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Sam Roche

Sam was Staff Writer at GuitarWorld.com from 2019 to 2023, and also created content for Total Guitar, Guitarist and Guitar Player. He has well over 15 years of guitar playing under his belt, as well as a degree in Music Technology (Mixing and Mastering). He's a metalhead through and through, but has a thorough appreciation for all genres of music. In his spare time, Sam creates point-of-view guitar lesson videos on YouTube under the name Sightline Guitar.