Music Graduate offering bespoke lessons in electric/acoustic guitar, ukulele, and music theory!

Find out more about Tristan

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

  I've loved music ever since I can remember, I grew up listening to a range different musical styles. My mother has always played a lot of folk music, I would spend hours in the car listening to her Nick Drake CD's and so naturally I fell in love with the guitar. For those of you haven't heard Nick Drake's music, I encourage you to do so. I've never heard anyone play the guitar quite like he did.

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

  I'm a big fan of ambient music. Some of Brian Eno's ambient works and William Basinski's 'Disintegration Loops' are some of my favourites. I enjoy listening to this kind of music in more of an unconscious, meditative way. I'll also spend hours listening to Miles Davis and Bill Evans recordings.

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

  A course in how to learn music by ear and analyse its harmonic and melodic content. I encourage all of my students to learn some of their practice material by ear. Developing a sharp musical ear will help any student progress much more quickly on the guitar.
  
  One of my favourite solo's is Wes Montgomery's solo on 'Days Of Wine And Roses', there are so many nuggets of music theory goodness here. I could spend quite a few lessons dissecting it!

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

  I think the drums are one of the hardest instruments to master. Drummers are really holding down the time for the rest of the band, they keep the band together. They also in charge of in injecting a song with energy or bringing the mood and dynamics right down. The drummer must be able to do all of these things whilst doing them in style and with great rhythmic feel. For this I really admire drummers and their craft as musicians.

• What are your keys to success?

  Regular and structured practice of your instrument.
  
  
  An openness and humbleness to learn from anyone.
  
  
  Keeping yourself inspired.
  
  
  
  And most of all, having a positive, optimistic mindset.

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

  Grant Green - I'd quiz him on his approach to improvising. He is so funky! Antonio Carlos Jobim, his compositions are some of my all time favourites, I'd want to pick his brain on how he composes. Aretha Franklin - just being in her presence for a moment, I'm sure I would learn something.

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

  I played a gig outside of a Fish and Chip shop once, my band was asked to play there in celebration of the restaurant's 3rd year in business. It turned out to be a really amazing gig, with crowds of people gathering on the pavement to watch us. It has taught me to say yes to any musical opportunity or adventure however big or small it may seem, a lot of good will come from just saying 'yes' to things.

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

  I regularly take the time to learn new music for my guitar students. I take a genuine interest in their musical preferences and will work with them to formulate a unique course for learning the guitar. Another one of my main focus points as a music tutor is to encourage students to play with other people. I help my students to build the necessary confidence needed to take their passion for music to the next level, which could be joining a band, performing at an open mic night, or recording a song.