in Acton W3
Robert Trujillo, bass player from the legendary band Metallica, was one of my students and would come and visit me every time he was touring in London. I also had the honour to play with the Gypsy Kings in 2010 in London.
Self-taught musicians are going to take two to four times longer to acquire skills in their playing. Some never progress. During my teaching career I have focus mainly on fixing student’s bad habits due to self-taught errors. Guidance is one of the main keys to success. I teach flamenco and classical guitar which are not a world apart!They have similar techniques that, at a beginner and intermediate level, can be approached in the same way. Music theory for guitar is also applicable to both styles. However, when I teach classical guitar I focus more on sight reading, classical repertoire, grades and scales. I only teach classical guitar to beginners and intermediate students. Advanced students need to study with highly trained classical guitarists. When I teach flamenco I focus mainly on the flamenco repertoire. Finding a good teacher is like finding a needle in a haystack! I am not saying that I am the perfect teacher but I can say that I have spent my life studying and understanding the secrets behind the mastery in guitar playing and composition. I am happy to share my knowledge with you.
There are many different teaching methods, some more effective than others. My methodology has developed consistently through years of experience, research and development. I am fortunate to have taught students who have become professional musicians, others who are now good friends. One of my students took part in a flamenco guitar audition in Cordoba, Spain and was personally selected by Manolo Sanlucar to study and live in his house! I assess my student, observe their strengths and weaknesses. I will then meticulously correct their guitar technique, body posture, hand position, relaxation, concentration, breathing and awareness. I teach them how to practise, build a repertoire of falsetas from traditional to modern covering most techniques used in flamenco and classical guitar. My aim is to give students the tools to perform confidently and to be respected as professional guitarists.
My flamenco teaching repertoire ranges from original compositions to music by guitarists such as Antono Rey, Vicente Amigo and Paco De Lucia, Sabicas and Ramon Montoya. Rhythms including solea, bulerias, tangos, farruca, guajira, seguiriya.My classical teaching repertoire focuses on sight reading, Trinity College or ABRSM grades. When teaching flamenco I will focus on the following techniques:
I hold regular individual guitar tuition for beginners, intermediate and advance student. Classes can be recorded with audio or video devices and music is transcribed in Tablature or Notation. For students that would like to join a group course that is excellent value for money I would suggest the group course in the CityLit, London.