IrvineValleyMusic

05/01/2026

Happy New Year to you all.

A quick update regarding my classes……

Due to a change of personal circumstances the Guitar Workshops at Centre Stage that I have run for the past few years are taking a break for the time being.

I am planning to set up a new workshop/band workshop in the Spring and I’ll put the details out when I have them.

Thanks to everyone who came along and to Centre Stage and I hope to see you all soon.

23/07/2025

An amazing photo for so many reasons, especially today.

07/07/2025

One of my old students doing ok for himself as his band supports the mighty Judas Priest!

28/06/2025

Looking for new members. Struggling to play? Not sure what to work on? Would like to learn in a group with others? Come along for a free taster…..

21/01/2025

John Sykes, his playing on Whitesnake’s ‘1987’ album was a milestone moment in my musical education. Most notably on the track ‘Still Of The Night’ and THAT solo!

A statement said Sykes, who co-wrote some of the rock band's chart hits, had been ill with cancer.

21/01/2025

Its been a busy start to the year with lots going on so here's a little catch up on where you can find me teaching during the week.

Mon to Thu - Irvine
Tue Morning - Kilmarnock Adult Beginner Guitar Group
Wed Morning - Galston One To One Lessons
Fri Eve - Between Galston, Kilmarnock and Kilmaurs for One to One Lessons

13/01/2025

So I’m watching SAS Rogue Heroes series 2 on the IPlayer and my former student and band mate, Joshua De Marcos is in the whole season. He briefly appeared in Season 1 so it’s great to see him back. It’s always great to see students growing up and doing what they love.

I can add this to the list that includes students that supported Bon Jovi at Wembley Stadium, became critically acclaimed solo musicians, one who is touring the world playing drums (not bad for a guitar player), had beautiful families and got married, moved country, one that used to jam with David Gilmour at his house and would me for advice (🫣), and a friend who plays with ELO. These are just the ones I know of………

07/01/2025

Great to be back in Kilmarnock this morning with the adult guitar group. Shaking off the holiday cobwebs with a little exploration of how to turn an exercise into musical ideas starting with this Harmonic minor Scale pattern.

05/01/2025

It’s that time when I need to put on some new strings. These are currently my favourite strings although I’ve never been a fan of the new string sound, I always prefer them once they’ve settled in a bit and lost some of the brightness.

20/12/2024

There's been lots of chat in music circles about this documentary that came out a couple of days ago. It's really interesting especially if you're a drummer.... and yes I have a Phil Collins / Genesis story or two up my sleeve.

"I’m not a singer that plays a bit of drums; I’m more of a drummer that sings a bit”. This famous Phil Collins quote perfectly captures the essence of a man ...

15/12/2024

Pt 2 - An interesting interview from Seal about how he wrote his most famous song, but look carefully at the strings on his guitar and the unfamiliar chord shapes he's using - what do you notice?

Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/x79n7yRBzjgSeal () performs and discusses the REAL story behind "Kiss from a Rose" (1994) with M...

15/12/2024

Pt 1 - An interesting interview from Seal about how he got started writing songs, but look carefully at the strings on his guitar and the unfamiliar chord shapes he's using - what do you notice?

Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/x79n7yRBzjgSeal () tell the the story of how he wrote "Crazy" from Seal I (1991) and performs a ...