Chris Walshe
Qualifications:
BA Music (hons); MA Music Production
Experience:
Chris has been playing guitar since 1996; and teaching guitar since 2001 at the tender age of 16. He has played in function bands as well as reggae outfits. Live performance and recording are a huge part of his experience playing both acoustic and electric guitars across a range of genres: rock/pop/funk/reggae/jazz/blues/soul. Along with this is 10 years teaching experience that has been invaluable.
Teaching Style:
I teach the students by setting attainable goals for them to achieve. The focus of the lessons is to encourage the student to enjoy the instrument by learning music that they genuinely love and at the same time building on their technique. Within minutes they are playing their first song, and within 6 weeks I make sure that this number is well into double figures. Material from previous lessons is revised in each lesson at the beginning and then the students add to this by learning a new piece for the next lesson. By doing this they build their repertoire and technique alongside each other. I also like to focus on theoretical aspects of music in order to help students understand how songs are written, so that they then can begin composing their own songs that sound just as good as any popular or established artists. With the very motivated students I try to help them become their own teachers, giving them assignments that focus on themselves as they play.
Syllabi:
Students are given study pieces in every lesson as well as an aspect of technique to work on alongside their songs. The basic syllabus looks like this, although is subject to change depending on the student’s own preferences. This is an example of rock guitar playing that I teach. However all elements of this syllabus can be applied to whatever style the student is interested in. Songs will be chosen by the student, as well as me. (And yes, you can learn Smoke on the Water).
Beginners will learn:
Open Chords – Barre Chords – Power Chords – Blues – Basic fingerstyle methods – Strumming – Pentatonic scales – Basic soloing.
Intermediate Level Students will learn:
Alternate Picking – Advanced Pentatonics – Major Scales – Advanced soloing techniques – Tapping – Legato – Arpeggios – Modes – Theory – Stylistic tips and tricks from the great guitarists.
Advanced Students will typically be building on theoretical skills as well as technique but feel free to call or email me to ask me if I can help with anything in particular.
Specialties:
My specialities are in Rock/Pop/Funk/Soul/Reggae/Jazz/Acoustic guitar. I work a lot in production as well and like to help students to learn to record their own compositions and encourage them to get involved with other musicians in bands or ensembles.
Other Services, Areas of Knowledge & Musicianship:
Music theory – Harmony – Improvisation – Music production. Smoke on the Water in all twelve keys.
Teaching location:
Burley Park/Hyde Park/Headingley. I will travel to students, so they can learn in the comfort of their own home.
Lesson Prices: 
| Lesson Length | 30 min | 1 hour |
| Price | £14 | £22 |
Current Offers / Discounts: First Lesson half price!
University students £10 per half hour.