Guitar and Songwriting Lessons by an MA Music Researcher from City, University of London

Find out more about Ioannis

• When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  I remember watching my older cousin playing piano, when I was around 5 years old, and how amazed I was every time she was playing. I begged my parents to buy me a piano and start taking lessons and they did send me to a music school when I was 7. After many years of learning how to play the piano I decided to try playing the guitar. I immediately fell in love with this instrument and fast forward here I am teaching it!

• Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  I would have to go with Radiohead. I still listen to their music after so many years and it only gets better!

• Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  Something I find is challenging to many students, is to find the chords of a song they like by simply listening to it. I try to give them the tools and guidance to be able to listen to any song and find the chord progression without checking anything online. This skill takes time to develop, but with the right guidance, discipline and repetition, everyone is able to achieve amazing results.

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  Every instrument has its own challenges, especially when you want to master it. From personal experience, I would say brass instruments. I once tried to play the clarinet and I can tell you that didn't go very well..

• What are your keys to success?

  There are no magical solutions or secrets to success. You just need to work hard, be consistent and don't be afraid to fail. Don't expect overnight results, be patient and believe in yourself! Success is around the corner :)

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  The first has to be Thom Yorke. I have actually met him 5 years ago at the studio I used to rehearse with my band, but I didn't speak to him. I would love to have a conversation with him over a pint and let him tell me some crazy stories from the 90s. The second person I would like to meet, it would definitely be Mac DeMarco. This person is pure fun and I would learn some crazy recording techniques from him, which I would use on my next album! Lat but not least, it would be Keith Richards and I don't really think I need to explain why.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  "John Lennon wrote Good morning, good morning after hearing a Corn Flakes commercial."

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  I am passionate about music and passing through that passion to other people, is something extremely fulfilling to me. At the end of the day, music is fun