Category: Uncategorized

I’m back on one of my favourite topics: the art of solo-style guitar. I guess there are a myriad of start points when it comes to arranging something for solo-style guitar. Yes, I am assuming that it is an arranging Read More …

A part of my week is spent around the border region. That’s Dumfries and Galloway and Cumbria principally. So…if you are looking for instrument lessons (guitar – bass – mandolin – Banjo – Ukulele) and you are based in this Read More …

This is an area of guitar playing that is at the forefront of my mind at the moment – partly because it is an important part of my gigging repertoire – and because I have students that want to learn Read More …

I am asking this question particularly with reference to solo guitar instrumentals and my experience with that idiom; though the question is relevant elsewhere. What I’m talking about specifically is SET solo arrangements – where there is no scope to Read More …

Solo guitar instrumentals are one of the most challenging yet fun ways to play a guitar; as well as the most satisfying. By solo I mean no support from anything: pre-recordings, backing tracks, loopers or other musicians. Nothing! The challenge Read More …

I have had a chance over many years to consider what it is that BANDSKOOL should be: what it should represent, what its ideals are; and to whom its services should appeal. Well, this much is true: BANDSKOOL is about Read More …

‘The Times – they are a changing’…Bob Dylan was and is right. However, the times are always changing…it’s just a question of how fast are the changes happening – the rate of change. Any historian – indeed anyone who has Read More …

Guitarists are not known for being very good readers for their instrument. Let alone being good at sight reading! Why is that? Well, it’s to do with a few things that I could list: self taught – unorthodox learning curve Read More …

The Count Basie band really did lay the template for swing bands: the groove, the feel…the whole deal! Here they are live in the 60’s. This is a great recording:

The course is intended to run from August/September onwards – all things being equal and with sufficient support from players/students. It is designed with a particular kinds of players in mind. Namely the following: Young musicians at secondary school/6th form Read More …