news & blogs

‘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 …

The electric bass guitar is 70 years old this year – at least in respect of the first production made – assembly line – model; namely the Fender Precision bass c/o Leo Fender. From 1951 onwards, it was destined to Read More …

In his day, Bert was regarded as a hot guitarist – one of the best. It is undeniably true that he influenced a generation of guitarists that followed – guiding and encouraging them with his book, ‘Play in A Day’ Read More …

“The present day composers refuse to die. They have realised the necessity of banding together and fighting for the right of each individual to secure a fair and free presentation of his work.” These are words that were included in Read More …

I have felt for quite some time, that the word, ‘development’ has a possible euphemistic tone to it; that might betray the reality. It suggests change…and not all change is good. Not all change is a sign of improvement or Read More …

I sometimes tell my students that the Ukulele should never try to be a pale imitation of the Classical Guitar; and that its unique appeal should be recognised: namely that it is a much smaller instrument than the full sized- Read More …

In just a few week’s time, Frank Zappa the composer extraordinare would have turned 80…had he lived on past the end of 1993 to the present. Sadly he didn’t quite make it to his 53rd birthday – a couple of Read More …