“As a teacher I want to nurture your unique sources of inspiration and help you find joy in playing”
Music is a language that can be spoken in many ways. It can be a wonderful channel for self expression, personal growth, culture, community and connection. As a teacher, the most important thing for me is that each one of students are more present, inspired and joyful as a result of learning the guitar.
Using my own curriculum, both ABRSM and Trinity syllabuses, I teach online and in person from my studio in the centre of Braunton. I teach a broad range of musical styles and tailor my approach to your specific individual goals, drawing on any sources of inspiration you might have. My primary teaching philosophy is help you find enjoyment in the process of learning, acting as your personal guide so you can reach your full potential.
In the spirit of fostering more care and connection through music, I host termly benefit concerts where students get real-life performance opportunities whilst raising money for local social and environmental charities. I am also in the process of setting up a fund to enable lower income families access to regular guitar lessons.
My studio is fully equipped and features a waiting space for family, so all you need is your instrument and a desire to play!
If six strings isn’t your thing, I run a ukulele circle on Tuesdays at 6pm from my studio, which is open to all ages and abilities.
I look forward to walking along side you on your musical journey.
Qualifications
I hold a first class honours degree in classical guitar from the Royal College of Music and a DipABRSM in instrumental teaching, along with ABRSM grade 8 guitar and grade 8 music theory. I have almost a decade of teaching experience, leading national guitar ensembles, teaching in schools and running my private tuition service.
I have been lucky enough to perform both solo and in band settings in venues such as the Wigmore Hall, The V&A, Royal Opera House and festivals in the UK and Spain.
During my time at the RCM I studied the Alexander Technique with Judith Kleinman, who also introduced me to Yoga. Her teachings helped me gain a deeper understanding of embodied playing/performing and the power of creating positive connections with ourselves and the world around us. Values which become central to my practice as a musician and educator.
About
Over the years I have been lucky enough to perform, write and teach in a wide variety of musical settings with musicians from all over Europe. This includes extensive experience playing contemporary and classical solo guitar repertoire during my time at the Royal College of Music, leading guitar workshops and ensembles with the National Youth Guitar Ensemble Fellowship and co-writing/performing the alt-rock band Alanaire’ debut album in Mallorca.
Having grown up in the Brecon Beacons I am glad to be settling ocean centric lifestyle here in the South West. I feel grateful to continue sharing my passion for the guitar whilst enjoying outdoor spaces. I hope my work can give back to the people, communities and natural environments that have given me so much.
Testimonials
“I find him a pleasure to be with, a very creative musician and more to the point a very good teacher as well. He actually got me to write and play a solo within a few weeks. Can’t recommend him highly enough.” - Gail
“He is a wonderful teacher and makes the guitar sessions truly musical! He is talented, patient, generous with his time, positive and always smiling. He is amazing with children and knows exactly how to get them engaged and to give their best! A true professional.” - Shirine
“We are so happy that we found Eirian to teach our daughter. He is kind, patient and encouraging. We would absolutely recommend him to anyone who wants to learn the guitar in a fun way.” - Shona
Contact
Should you want to start lessons a new or expand your existing interests in the guitar, don’t hesitate to get in touch for a free 20 minute consultation lesson at my studio. Submit your request via the form.
Being out in nature sparks my creativity in many ways. I find the sense stillness when riding a wave or running along the coast paths hard to find anywhere else. In appreciation of these spaces I have come up with a small collection of compositions.
Composition
(click on piece titles to play)
Featuring mountainous landscapes and those who get out in them.
Meaning ‘wash’ in Welsh. A celebration of water cycles.
An adventure to Portugal. Surf, new faces and a feeling of expanse.
‘Letting go’. A Niyama observed by Indian yogi and mystic Patañjali
‘The Big Bridge’ is a natural rock formation off the coast of Mallorca, Spain.
Featuring some of longboardings finest days at Nias and Airports, Indonesia.
For surfer and ocean explorer Torren Martyn. Featuring Indonesian sounds.
Inspired by Asher Pacey’s film ‘No Straight Lines’. A showcase of twin fin surfing.
Capturing parallels between people and ocean life using traditional Australian instruments.
Pictures by Rupert Swan