About Me
I have been teaching the classical guitar in East Molesey for many years and have students of all ages from 8 to mid 70s. I teach privately and in one preparatory school, I also teach at a Sixth Form Performing Arts College. I have been CRB checked and approved. I was the classical guitar teacher at Kingston University. I have taught at Esher Church of England Middle School, Thames Ditton Middle School, Surbiton High School for Girls and The West London Institute for Higher Education.
I studied with Gilbert Biberian and John Mills and I am able to teach all levels from beginners to advanced. I enjoy teaching beginners of all ages and some of my students (current and ex) are now enjoying successful teaching careers of their own. At Kingston University I supervised many students through to graduate and post graduate level. I aim to provide my students with a thorough understanding of classical guitar technique together with an ability to read musical notation and understanding of musical style.
I can prepare students for all the examination boards (e.g. ABRSM, Trinity). Most of my Grade 8 students have passed with distinctions. I do not however, insist that students take any exams. My overriding desire is that all my students enjoy learning to play the guitar and I have many students who have been with me for years who simply enjoy studying the repertoire with me as their guide.
I am interested in all aspects of the classical guitar from the early lute repertoire through to contemporary classical music in which I pursue my own research. I have a PhD in Music, which was awarded for my thesis on the assessment of rhythmic accuracy in the new complexity repertoire. I am an Associate of the Royal College of Music (ARCM performers) and am a member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians (MISM).
My other interests are in Hindustani music and I play and teach the sitar. I am also trying to learn to play the hurdy gurdy. Among my other interests are mathematics (in which I have a BSc, MSc and an MPhil) and I am a member of the London Mathematical Society.
What some of my students say:
Grahame is a really talented guitar teacher. He has an incredible knowledge of music and guitar and that combined with patience and a real passion for sharing that knowledge to allow his pupils to become the best they can be, makes lesson times just brilliant. I have been having guitar lessons with Grahame once a week for just over three years and I can honestly say that my lesson is one of the really high spots of my week. I learn so much and it is a time that I am so completely absorbed in learning that none of the work or other issues that I am thinking about come into my mind. I always thought that I would never be able to read music, but now I can and I am delighted.
- Judith P
Grahame is an excellent classical guitar teacher. I studied under him at Kingston University. Grahame's knowledge of classical guitar repertoire is second to none. He also helped me to find my first proper teaching job, which changed my life for the better. A truly inspirational teacher.
- Cliff S
I started learning guitar with Grahame a little short of my fiftieth birthday, so my prodigy days were well past. Grahame has proved to be the perfect tutor, patient, clear and relaxed. Needless to say Grahame has great expertise and the opportunity to hear him play it is one of the unexpected joys of learning with Grahame. There are no short cuts to acquiring the necessary technical knowledge to play classical guitar (I have asked) but Grahame's philosophy that the aim is to make music and that the journey of learning should be life long makes even playing scales a pleasure. Highly recommended.
- Ian G.