I have over 13 years of experience in studying guitar, including 4 years studying BMus Composition at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. I also studied classical guitar under Graham Devine during my time at Trinity. Education experience: 

I have a real passion for helping others to learn and have assisted practitioners as a Learning and Participation Apprentice at Chichester Festival Theatre with groups of all ages and backgrounds. I have also lead workshops in schools in South East London as part of the Engaging Audiences and Creative Educator programmes at Trinity. 

 

Grading and Music Theory: I am familiar with the grading systems and exams of Trinity and ABRSM and can guide you through these up to Grade 8 should you wish. In addition I can also lead you through your theory exams up to Grade 5 as well as into more contemporary and experimental musical territory if you are interested. Tailoring studies and pieces: As a composer I can both tailor studies for you to play, depending on your technique, background and interests, as well as arrange pieces for you that may have been originally written for other instruments and ensembles. Song writing / Composition: 

I can guide you as song-writers and composers too - in fact I became a composer after veering off from the sheet music I was tasked to play as a student - I appreciate there will be points of divergence when learning which are also worth pursuing and will encourage and support you at these junctions. Self taught: 

I recognise many guitarists are self taught before they begin more formal tuition and value and encourage the idiosyncratic techniques you may bring with you - jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery’s thumb technique is "unorthodox" for instance but gave him a unique and brilliant sound. I will aim to integrate what you bring with a widely applicable technical foundation. My specialisms: My primary technique and background is classical guitar and so this is the territory that I can contribute the most in. However although the technique and instrument are my specialisms this is only a small part of my repertoire and I have been as much influenced by blues, folk, jazz and funk as I have from the classical canon. I believe that by learning this technique though, as well as applying it within diverse styles, it can open up great possibilities for the instrument (including electric).