How Long To Practise Guitar?

One common question asked by beginners, as well as by intermediate guitar learners trying to take their skills to the next level, is how long to practise guitar each day. Should you set aside a solid hour or more per day to practise? As a guitar teacher in Leeds, I often get asked by my […]

What are the Different Types of Guitar?

One of the most daunting tasks when starting to learn how to play guitar can be choosing between the different types of guitars that are on the market. Everybody knows the two ‘main’ types of guitar – acoustic and electric – but there’s much more to it than that. In this guide I’ll take a […]

Chord Melody in Jazz Guitar

For the jazz guitar players and listeners out there, many would have heard this style of playing before as it can be found in numerous recordings. A lot of learners aspire to play chord melodies on the guitar to get one step closer to sounding like their favourite jazz players on the instrument. Let’s dive […]

Learning Guitar By Yourself vs Having a Private Tutor

Teaching yourself the guitar is definitely possible – some of the 20th century’s most successful guitarists were famously self-taught, including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Noel Gallagher. But what is the best way to learn guitar? Holed up in your room alone for six months, or with the help of a professional guitar teacher? Let’s […]

Music Journalism

Leading Flautist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra Complains of Unequal Pay (News Piece) Elizabeth Rowe has been the principal flautist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 2004 and in her fourteenth year she decided to sue the BSO for $200,000 in unpaid wages. The gender discrimination lawsuit came as a result of numerous failed attempts […]

Leeds Conservatoire Virtual Tour

Having been at Leeds Conservatoire for six years, the best thing about the place is the facilities. There are well-equipped practice rooms, spacious band rooms, and studios at professional standards. Go see for yourself! This blog will provide a bit of personal written commentary… Unfortunately, the virtual tour isn’t working at the moment. – Old […]

Top Practice Spaces in Leeds

If you are looking for a rehearsal studio in Leeds, you have quite a few places to choose from. As a guitar teacher in Leeds, I have students who ask me where they can practise in their spare time. Some of them play in their own bands, while others are solo artists. Whichever type of […]

Best Live Music Venues in Leeds

BOX Bar (City Centre & Headingley) With two buzzing locations, one on Infirmary Street in the city centre and the other up in Headingley, BOX brings together big energy, and a solid lineup of live music. While best known for its game-day atmosphere and massive screens, both venues regularly host live bands, DJs, karaoke, and […]

Quality vs Quantity

Quality vs quantity. Some say it’s always about the quality. Some say if you focus on the quantity, the quality will come. Some say it always has to be both! For me, it’s about how high you set the standard for each individual piece of work. It also depends where on the spectrum you’re at. […]

The Triangle of Getting Gigs

The usual things you hear from working musicians: Don’t be late, don’t be a dick, be prepared… A graduate student once told me a simplified and organised version of the same thing. He said that in order to ‘get gigs’ you need at least two out of the following three things: Be nice/kind, be good […]

Best Guitar Shop in Leeds

Not only does Leeds offer a vibrant and active music scene, it also has a handful of music shops which gives music lovers, from the amateur hobbyist to the seasoned professional, the opportunity to go into a physical store and try out some guitars. See the best beginner amps I recommend from experience. Whether you […]

Preparing for Exams/Auditions!

My favourite method This particular method was very helpful for me when auditioning for Leeds Conservatoire (then known as Leeds College of Music). I had done three separate auditions over the years – one for Diploma, one for BA and finally the MA. There is a particular method that I go through when there is […]