quick links:

tel: 01472 320878

audio samples

forgotten memories
waltzing with ellen / solstice way
canon
3 folksongs
early in the day
harvest rose
impromptu blues
wanting for nothing
romancero / anda salero
tiddesley jig
bittersweet
estela/quisiera/zamba
barefoot through the sand
old clee rag
someone to blame
avenue waltz
down at the fitties
ashes and blood
the st. giles pavane
long time ago (yesterday)
what then is love but mourning / awake sweet love

sheet music:

a little idyll page 1  page 2
daffodil rag
jasmine
rambling
snakes and ladders page 1  page 2
two by two

guitar lessons

Types of guitar:

I play and teach classical guitar. This doesn't mean my pupils learn to play only classical music. The term "classical" as used here refers to the kind of instrument: a nylon-stringed guitar. "Classical" guitars are also known as "Spanish" guitars. A true "flamenco" guitar is similar (also having nylon strings) but not quite the same as, a classical guitar. The main other non-electric guitar, which has steel strings and a bigger body, is generally known nowadays simply as an "acoustic" guitar.

Apart from their construction, there are other ways in which classical and acoustic guitars differ. The main one is that classical guitars are usually played fingerstyle (ie: plucking the strings with the fingers of the right hand) whereas acoustics are more often strummed with a plectrum. This is by no means a hard and fast rule; the differences between classical and acoustic guitars in terms of how you actually play them are not that great, and which kind of instrument you go for depends on personal preference. Generally I recommend beginners to get a classical as they tend to be cheaper than acoustics, and are easier on the fingers. Children younger than ten are usually best suited by a three-quarter size guitar. These are always nylon-strung and generally very inexpensive (less than £50 will get you a perfectly good beginner's ¾ size guitar).

What you learn:

I attach great importance to enabling my pupils to become musicians, rather than just knowing where to put their fingers to hit the right notes! So, musical literacy and an understanding of the fundamentals of music theory are a high priority in lessons.

On the other hand, I am only too aware that these days pop music is the only kind of music that most teenagers ever listen to, so we do plenty of work on strumming chords and on simple improvisation, these being the two main tools of the aspiring rock/pop guitarist. Although I don't teach electric guitar as such, much of what is learnt in my lessons can be adapted and applied to the electric guitar.

In common with a good many music teachers, I think of exams as being something of a necessary evil. Whilst it's not essential, I do like my pupils to study for grade exams, as it gives a purpose to their practice. Both Trinity College and London College hold regular practical exam sessions in Grimsby so there are no big transport problems involved.

Phone 01472 320878 for details of current prices and book a free half-hour lesson to get an idea of what it's all about.