I'm a 32-year old guitarist and composer based in Den Haag, teaching electric and acoustic guitar, in combination with music theory (if that is of interest to the student). I teach in English or in Greek. I am half Greek and half Scottish and I have been living in the Netherlands for the last 6 years.
I offer lessons in all styles, to all age groups, and for any experience level (ranging from students who have never touched a guitar before, up to advanced players who are looking for new challenges).
Face to face lessons are preferable, but I also teach online.
I am a patient and open minded teacher, and my desire is to help you learn what you want to learn, and make sure you have fun with playing the guitar and nurture your curiosity and excitement about the world of music creation !
My Credentials:
I hold a Bachelors of Music degree from Birmingham Conservatoire (UK), and a Masters of Music from The Hague Royal Conservatory. My experience as a guitarist ranges from classical guitar studies, to playing electric guitar in rock bands, as well as experience as an improviser, performer of notated contemporary classical compositions, creator and performer of ambient and electronic music. I also am very experienced in ambient and electronic-influenced guitar music, which has given me an in depth knowledge also of the guitar in combination with technology such as guitar effects, computer software and multichannel setups which expand the audio palette of the guitar. I have written songs, I have written orchestra pieces, I have worked as a DIY home producer, I have released albums, and I've performed in concert halls, rock venues, squats and festivals. I even some experience in beat-making.
My music has been performed in and has taken me to several countries, including Portugal, The Czech Republic, The U.S.A., Canada, Korea, Greece, The U.K., The Netherlands.
My Teaching style:
My emphasis is to teach you based on your interests and your needs. The lessons are based around each individual student. You bring me the music you like and the things you want to learn, and I build my lessons around that.
I've taught students everything from post-rock, to metal, to K-Pop to Nepalese songs... This way the student gets to explore music on their terms, and not based on a pre-decided set of songs or exercises. Alongside this I bring exercises and other songs that help build around the skills we learn through your songs, and help you develop the techniques needed for you to learn to play the music you love. Whatever music excites you I encourage you to bring it to our lesson, as this also gives me a chance to discover some new music !
What's more, depending on your interest, we can also explore music theory, ideas on composition and songwriting, even the basics of how to record your own songs at home.
For experienced players:
If you are an experienced player looking for new challenges and new perspectives, my wide ranging knowledge of music in a large spectrum of music will help you push your playing and knowledge of music into new worlds !
Topics of our more advanced lessons could include: in depth exploration of the possibilities of guitar pedals, using Ableton live with the electric guitar, reading scores, writing scores, exploring extended guitar techniques, using multi-amp setups, recording your own songs, playing contemporary classical works that include the electric guitar, exploring finger picking, using alternative guitar tunings, going deeper into music theory, exploring genres you haven't heard of (ranging from classical, to experimental, to free jazz, to electronic music)
