Originally a classically trained trumpeter from the age of seven, I went on to play in an orchestra and brass band before switching to
guitar some four years later. With a very early exposure to varied bands/artists like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Tal Farlow, Jimi Hendrix, Julian Bream, Black Sabbath, The Beatles, Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana and Gary Moore, I found the
transition to guitar very natural and, whilst still at school, formed my first band ... and gave my very first guitar lessons!
My formative years coincided with the emergence of the neo-classical movement where artists like
Yngwie Malmsteen were setting totally new standards for guitarists in terms of harmonic vocabulary
and virtuosic technique (especially from an improvisational angle). The biggest impact that that particular era had on my own musicianship was the fact that it
suddenly became clear that I had never been taught how to actually 'apply' all those seemingly boring scales I had been
playing for years as a trumpeter (all too often a senseless flaw in the classical education system as the application of scales was as vital to Mozart and Bach
as the obvious jazz greats like Miles Davis and John Coltrane). There I had it (!!!) ... if I was ever to take teaching seriously,
I would apply absolutely everything and anything theoretical to a real musical context (a philosophy that, to this day, is an essential part of my tuition method)!
I began teaching part-time whilst studying at art college and, apart from times where my art/design work or band-business has taken over, tuition has always been an inherent importance to my life as a musician.
Attending tuition clinics by the likes of Frank Gambale (Musicians Academy), Steve Lynch, Dave Kilminster and Shaun Baxter encouraged me to take my own aspirations of becoming a full-time tutor more seriously and I went on to become a fully-approved member of the Registry of Guitar Tutors.
Along the way, I've played in many bands over the years (everything from highly technical thrash metal to blues and jazz-flavoured acoustic ensembles) and
this experience continues to elevate my natural tuition method beyond the mere organisation of 'little black dots' on a page (the nature of guitar dictating that 'rules' often have to be twisted, turned and broken to cater for any number of idiosyncrasies).
Currently, I also play lead guitar in 3-piece instrumental rock band Virtual Bettina.
ELECTRIC AND ACOUSTIC GUITAR TUITION
I teach privately from my home where I maintain a healthy clientele encompassing the S.E. London / Kent region (with a direct catchment area of Bromley, Petts Wood, Orpington, Bickley, Chislehurst etc.).
Being a member of the RGT, I can offer students the option of studying and entering grade examinations at any level (preliminary grade plus grades 1 through 8).
All RGT graded exams are accredited by the Qualifications & Curriculum Authority (QCA) and have been placed on the National Qualifications Framework. UCAS points are awarded for RGT grades 6 to 8.
DURATION
Usually 1 hour for a weekly or fortnightly slot. Casual students are always welcome but priority must always be given to
my regular schedule.
CONTENT / FEES
Essentially, my lessons are tailor-made to suit your needs but most students agree that also following the
RGT grade syllabus is a great way to cover all the essentials and gauge development (even though they may choose not to take examinations). Having an avid interest in an eclectic range of musical styles (from all eras) is also reflected in the quality and depth of knowledge I can pass on.
My fees keep in line with the typical charge for professional private music instruction in the London / Kent area. Please contact me for more info.
Thank you for visiting my site !!! ;-)
