The most important skill a musician needs is the ability to listen. I believe the same applies to teaching. My approach is different for every student, because every student is different. It's important for me to understand what motivates an individual, and what they hope to gain from each session.

I aim to ensure students always understand why something is worth learning. This usually involves demonstrating how a skill or piece of knowledge can be applied. My background as a Physics graduate means I like to emphasise the practical uses of everything I teach.

Developing practical and technical skills is part of learning an instrument. However, being a technically skilled guitarist does not make you a musician. A musician understands and engages with music on a level beyond the instrument they're playing. They're able to express themselves through their instrument; creating drama, tension and resolution out of thin air. My ultimate goal is not just to teach a student how to play the guitar. It's to teach them how to be a musician.