Beginnings I have been playing guitar since I was sixteen. Once I heard Hank Marvin playing Apache I was hooked! Other later influences include Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Chet Atkins, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, James Taylor and many more. I have played in a number of small local bands since then and have had a lot of fun! Content I play and teach a variety of styles from folk finger-style to heavy rock, rhythm and lead guitar. I have a collection of different guitars to draw upon too. Whatever your style is I am sure I will be able to help you develop your skills and knowledge. If you are unsure of what is best for you, I will be able to help you decide which road to take. The foundation skills and knowledge for all styles of guitar playing remain much the same. I use a variety of sources for my teaching, and I can teach students aiming to take grade exams, which I can organise through the LCM/RGT, but I am just as happy for you to bring your favourite songs along.
Guitar for All All ages and abilities are welcome of course, but particularly welcome are those of you who wished they had started playing at a younger age, or have not played for a while and would like some help to get back into playing this amazing instrument. You're never to old to enjoy playing the guitar!
Lessons, Tech and Video My teaching studio is a sound-proofed cabin in my garden, equipped with amps, sound system, internet/laptop/printer and so on. All you need to bring is your guitar and any books, music etc.. If you have a "smart phone" with a video camera, I am very happy for you to video any aspect of my lessons so it doesn't get forgotten when you get home. This can be very useful for some aspects of my lessons, where I am demonstrating technique for instance. I can organise this for you using my own phone/camera if required. While in Lockdown using Skype/Zoom it is worth noting that it is possible to record the lesson for later reference.
Guitar Shops and On-Line Shopping To me, guitar shops are like "Aladdin's Cave" full of treasures, but sometimes going into one of these shops can be intimidating for people new to guitar or inexperienced. I am very happy to help out here and accompany my students shopping for a new guitar, amplifier or accessory and can offer advice based on my own experience and knowledge on what these days can be a bewildering choice of instruments and equipment. In these times of Lockdown only essential shops are open so more people are buying musical instruments on-line. Again I am happy to advise if required as it can actually be more difficult choosing from pictures on a screen.
