John

My teaching focus reflects 20 years of experience in the music industry as musical director, keyboard player, guitarist, bass player, composer, performer, improviser and producer/mixer/arranger.

As a result, my approach is multi-disciplinary. If you’re interested in beginning or improving the following elements, get in touch.
PERFORMANCE:

Keyboards/Piano
Guitar/Bass
Improvisation/instant composition

TECHNICAL:

Using and programming synthesisers and soft-synths
Using DAWs for studio or live application
Understanding basics of sound – onstage and in the studio

CREATIVE:

Songwriting/Composition
Orchestration for small to medium-size bands
Working within other creative disciplines – TV/Film/Theatre/Radio

If you are already working in music and are looking for further professional development, please see / / Advanced Tuition / / below
Advanced Tuition

Are you looking for progression in ANY of the areas below?

(These online sessions are aimed towards the working musician who already has some experience of gigging / touring / recording.)
PERFORMANCE

Approaches to performance
Improving your playing
Exploring other styles
Working successfully with other musicians
Using FX pedals live
Using MIDI
Using softsynths live and in the studio
Synthesis (ADSR etc)
How to use different FX (modulation/delay/distortion etc)
Midi Sync and Playback Sync
Playing to Click

TOURING

Integrating technology with a live band
Working with vocalists
Effective Collaboration with crew
Building a live keyboard setup
Designing a live playback rig
Keeping performances fresh on tour
Troubleshooting live sound issues
Chain of communication on tour
How to run effective rehearsals
How are production rehearsals different from band rehearsals?

WRITING / RECORDING / MIXING

Using DAWs
Compositional techniques and approaches
Using softsynths
Mixing with plugins
Studio workflow
Writing / Mixing Template

CAREER ISSUES

When and how to learn new skills
Finding and sustaining work
Networking – how to do it your way
Career goals
Personal projects vs Commercial projects
Promoting yourself effectively
Staying true to yourself

Availability: Available weekdays/evenings and some weekends.

Willing to travel: 20 miles

Experience: As a musical director, keyboard player and guitarist, John has toured internationally with (among others) Alison Moyet, Marina and the Diamonds and Scissor Sisters. He has worked as a composer in musical theatre (Tales of the City the Musical) and live film scores (The Lost World, Tribute to George Méliès, etc) as well as commercial projects and scores for radio. His credits as mix engineer include Alison Moyet, My Girl The River, Silverclub and Simon Arlidge.

Musical Director & Programmer, Scissor Sisters, 2004-201
Musical Director & Programmer, Alison Moyet, 2013-2018
Musical Director, Kesha - 2009
Keyboards/Guitar, Marina and the Diamonds, 2011-2012.
Composer, Tales of the City, The Musical, 2011
Composer, The Lost World Live Score: 2010-2011
Module Leader, BIMM Bristol, Interactive Technology, 2013-2014

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