Subjects

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Personal Message

Have fun whilst learning the guitar, and the rest will follow =)

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
Most styles can be covered ranging from Rock, Blues, Funk, Acoustic, Pop, Soul, Fingerstyle, Rock and Roll etc...

Songs - The most important part of playing the guitar, and song choice is generally up to the student. Before we start, I'll have you write down a list of ten songs that you'd like to learn, and we'll work towards learning each, one at a time.

Technique - How you hold the plectrum, fret a note or strum a chord etc. As a beginner, it is vital that your technique is correct from the moment you pick a guitar up. If you've already developed bad technique, then we can work on resolving this issue by working in a correct technique over time.

Music Understanding - Your knowledge of music and what you are playing. All the music theory I teach comes straight from the paper on to the fretboard, so that you can put it to good use in your playing.

Transcribing - The ability to work out songs by ear. One of the best, yet overlooked methods to improve yourself as a guitarist.

Improvising - The ability to make up solos on the spot, which also incorporates elements of Music Understanding.

Grades - I teach Grades 1 to 8 in Electric guitar, Acoustic guitar and Music Theory - I have a 100% pass rate to date. However, if you're looking for tuition beyond this level, I can pass you on to other teachers that will be able to fulfil your needs.

Music Technology - I use an element of music technology in lessons where I'm able to slow songs down, change key, remove guitar parts (from songs for you to play over), and record your playing all in a way that helps you learn quicker and more effectively.

Tell me about your qualifications.
BSc Honours Degree in Music Technology - University of Glamorgan 2001 – 2004.
NOCN qualification in Creative Music Making and Group Tutoring Skills – 2005.
Various Performance Diplomas and A levels 1997 – 2001.

What kind of experience do you have?
Teaching Experiences -

Private Teaching - I have taught guitar on a one to one basis, for students of all ages and abilities for the past 7 years. Lessons are specific to the students individual learning criteria.

Caerphilly Music Service - 2007 - 2009 (Multi-Award Winning Music Service) - Before moving to London, I taught guitar for two years at Comprehensive and Primary schools in South Wales.

Community Music Wales - I have tutored Rock and Pop groups for Community Music Wales since 2005.


Dynamix Music - I taught taught guitar for Dynamix Music for three years. Dynamix music is a community funded music school that offers tuition in all areas of music - keyboards, drums etc...

Cardiff Council - DART (Disability, Advisory and Resource Team) - I taught taught guitar and music theory in a group environment at DART for two years. DART is a team of people employed by Cardiff council who host and run a number of different courses aimed at helping people back to work.

Caerphilly Council and Gwent Council - Head of Arts/Insideout Project - I have tutored tutored Rock and Pop workshops for the InsideOut project and Head of Arts department since 2006.

Playing Experiences -

I have been performing and writing original music for bands since 1997. Two small independent record deals led to a European tour and countless gigs around the country. My first "proper" band PR-1 were signed to independent record label "Tripwire Records" back in 2001 and released two songs on the "Tripwire Records" compilation CD entitled Tripwire Records. My second band - These Things Take Time formed in 2003 and signed a record deal with "In It For The Money Records". The band recorded their first single entitled "and the air rushes past" in 2006. Over the years, I have performed and shared the stage with many top acts including bands such as Kids in Glass Houses, The Blackout, The Kennedy Soundtrack and Vacant Stare.

How much do you charge?
£25 per 60 minute lesson.
£15 per 30 minute lesson.

Where do you teach?
I'm based in Highbury Stadium Square (3 seconds from Arsenal Tube Station). Lessons can either take place here, or at the Students home.

When are you available?
I from Sunday to Thursday every week.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
Age 7 and upwards.

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
I have an Advanced CRB Disclosure.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
RGT - The Registry of Guitar Tutors.

Where and with whom did you train?
I have studied and learnt privately with some of the best Guitar teachers in the UK :

- Justin Sandercoe - The Guitar Institute, Katie Melua, Justinguitar.com.

- Dario Cortese - The Guitar Institute, Guitar Techniques Magazine, Dariocortese.com

- Martin Goulding - The Guitar Institute, Guitar Techniques Magazine, Guitar World magazine.

- John "Ned" Edwards - Van Morrison.