Guitar Teacher

Oskar de Mari-Jones

Guitar Lessons

I’m a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, with First Class Honours… My degree was in performance on classical guitar and historical plucked instruments (lute, theorbo, vihuela, baroque guitar etc)... I’ve also studied improvising through the Jazz tradition with some of Australia’s finest jazz guitarists, as well as composing for guitar and ensembles. My approach to technique is somewhat similar to Alexander Technique, but with more of an emphasis on practical physicalities directly related to guitar; in this regard, my ideas on technique come from the John Williams, Denis Azabagic tradition, as taught to me by noted guitar composer and pedagogue Phillip Houghton. I have some experience with guitar related injuries (eg tendinitis, RSI), using proper technique – leverage, balance – as a means of prevention and healing. I’ve taken many students through the AMEB classical guitar grades with good results. With regards to the lute, I can direct students to resources for hiring/buying properly constructed instruments (there are a lot of duds out there!) and I can teach the basics of an historical approach to the instrument and its repertoires, including the basics of continuo (accompaniment).

Oskar de Mari-Jones

Bachelor of Music (music performance, classical guitar and lute): Sydney Conservatorium of Music

Performing Experience: various performances, solo and ensemble, Sydney Opera House, Recital Hall Angel Place, Sydney Conservatorium Recital Hall, various live music venues, clubs etc

Teaching Experience: over ten years teaching experience, specialising in classical guitar with an emphasis on natural guitar technique, injury prevention/recovery;
Jazz and Improvisation, Harmony/Theory, Lute and Early Music, Composition, Popular guitar styles too (great for beginners and intermediates – for the more advanced student, you might want to find someone who specialises in your chosen genre, eg metal, funk, etc)

Work with Injuries: I’ve studied natural technique with a focus on leverage and balance, as a means of preventing and helping with RSI and other playing related injuries. Obviously no promises can be made in this area, but if you suffer from pain or tension when playing guitar, I might be able to help.

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