I teach many adults to play the classical guitar. Some arrive on my doorstep as complete beginners, others have learned as children and are returning to a much-loved hobby. Others have played at a high level for many years and are looking for fresh insight and inspiration.
Location
My teaching studio is in the creekside village of Devoran near Truro. Bright and airy but also colourful and cosy, it is a welcoming and friendly space for adults to come for lessons. It has a wooden floor to provide a good clear acoustic, and a relaxed, peaceful ambience.
Online Lessons
Online lessons can be arranged on Zoom, FaceTime or Skype. All you need is a good internet connection, and an open mind!
The Lessons
Through regular one-to-one lessons, you will learn all the skills needed to enjoy playing the classical guitar to the highest level you are able :
- With a long-standing interest in the Alexander Technique, I help students to develop a balanced and relaxed playing posture, which is supportive but at the same time fluid.
- I give exercises and studies to develop an effective playing technique. I encourage natural and ergonomic hand positions which achieve maximum effect with minimum muscular effort.
- From the very first lesson, I encourage pupils to create a beautiful, well-projected and varied tone.
- I help students to understand all the intricacies of the written musical score.
- I foster an interest in understanding the form, structure and harmony of pieces being learned.
- Above all, I encourage players to search for the true musical spirit of the pieces they are learning, and to explore and express their own unique musical personality.
The Rewards
Why the classical guitar? I think it often starts with a love of the sound of the instrument and its repertoire. But as learning progresses, it can bring many rewards :
For many, practising an instrument is therapeutic. Just doing something purely for oneself, for no particular reason other than the pursuit of beauty, can greatly improve our wellbeing.
Life moves fast, we are all so busy. Playing the classical guitar can help us to slow down, and to mindfully focus on the very precise movements that must dance together to bring a piece of music to life.
Developing a new skill has been proven to enhance our wellbeing and happiness.
Playing the guitar can even become a spiritual experience. When we are truly at one with the music, we seem to transcend everyday life.
And finally, playing a musical instrument uses the left and right side of the brain at the same time, which is great for the health of our brains!
Arranging Lessons
Adult pupils have a 45-minute or 60-minute individual lesson, and I am flexible about how often these take place.
As well as individual lessons, from time to time I arrange ensemble sessions and workshops, when pupils can get together to perform to each other, and to experience playing within a guitar ensemble.
READ SOME TESTIMONIALS FROM PUPILS PAST AND PRESENT
"Music is nourishment, and a comforting elixir. Music multiplies the beauty of life and all its values"
(Zoltan Kodaly)