About Me
Hello and thank you for your interest in my guitar lessons! Allow me to share a little bit about myself. I’m a full-time gigging and recording musician and after having spent a few years in London I’m now based in Lichfield. Over the years I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy a variety of work as a session musician, accompanying a range of different artists represented by labels such as Sony and the Universal Music Group. This has given me the opportunity to play at renowned music venues, festivals and radio stations both across the UK and abroad. I also have a home-studio set-up in which I record electric and acoustic guitar for both film and television soundtracks - these have included a BAFTA winning animation and the main ad campaign for Fender’s Professional II series of guitars which can be found here. The variety of work I’ve taken on in my career has helped me develop my skills across a wide range of musical styles from rock and heavy metal to jazz and classical music - and everything in-between.
I’ve had over 15 years experience gigging the function scene, which has seen me play at prestigious venues, hotels, restaurants and bars all across the UK as well as having the odd function abroad. For the past 8 years I have been performing with function band Bandit who are represented by the highly regarded Alive Network Agency. I also provide guitar and vocals for indie rock band Skyline, represented by Anthem Music Agency. I am also one half of the prestigious vocal/guitar duo The Blue Wild for which I assume acoustic guitar, keyboard and backing vocal duties. In the past year or so I have also been musical directors, sound technician and guitarist for The Bandeoke Experience. On occasion I provide both electric and acoustic guitar for one of the world’s leading Dolly Parton tribute acts The Dolly Show.
I also have an original music project for which I create guitar-led instrumental rock/fusion. All tracks that I have released are entirely written, recorded, produced, mixed and mastered by myself. Please feel free to navigate to the media tab of my website, where you can hear my latest EP release and enjoy a sample of my own guitar playing!
My Teaching Philosophy
Over the 15 or so years I’ve been a guitar tutor I’ve taught hundreds of students from beginner to degree level and from 7 to 75 years old. In my experience I’ve found that all students are unique in a few different regards, namely:
the way in which they learn
what techniques come naturally to them compared to those they find more challenging
what their objectives are
how quickly they progress
As a result of all these variables from student to student I ensure that my guitar tuition is always catered to each individual. Even though I may be teaching a number of students at the same Grade level with the same syllabus, for example, this does not mean my approach will be the same for each of them and I endeavour to help every student reach their full potential.
The greatest reason why I teach is because I love sharing my passion for the guitar and music overall. These have always been a huge part of my life and I find it very rewarding to see how beneficial learning an instrument can also be to all of my students. Numerous studies have confirmed the significant role that learning an instrument can have on the cognitive development of younger students and I’ve also seen it have a very positive impact on their self-confidence. Furthermore, students of all ages can enjoy a great sense of accomplishment through the progress they make and the skills they develop.
I always aim to provide an encouraging, friendly and engaging atmosphere in all of my lessons. Whilst learning an instrument requires discipline and hard work, it is important to me that students are having fun and enjoying their time in our lessons rather than seeing them as an obligation or a chore.
No matter what stage you’re currently at on your own guitar journey, I’d love to find out how I can help you to achieve your goals. Whether it’s learning a few simple songs, passing a grade exam or even developing the skills to write, record and produce you own music, it would be my pleasure to help you realise your full potential. Most importantly, I hope that you will find learning the guitar and developing a wider appreciation of music to be as rewarding as I have found it to be in my life.