Dan Hoyes – musician, producer, tutor
Well done to Struan for an excellent take on Josh Turner’s St Louis Blues. A very long technical piece that has taken a huge amount of determination. I’ve found Struan’s song suggestions very interesting over the years, and really enjoyed having a go at this myself.
Also, congratulations to Asher for passing the Grade 5 Rock Guitar exam in December with a merit – particularly impressive as he skipped two grade, jumping from Grade 2 to Grade 5 in a very short time!
An ex-student of mine released another new single today. I taught Katie guitar for a few years when she was at school. She’s since gone on to do a degree in songwriting and performing, and release her own music. The track ‘Home’ features the Budapest Orchestra and it sounds great – such creative arrangements. Another proud tutor moment.
Congratulations to Issy and Asher for passing their Grade 7 Acoustic and Grade 2 Rock guitar exams. A great result for both.
We recorded Issy playing one of her pieces – ‘The Way Home’ by Stuart Ryan. I’ve taught her since she was just six year’s old – very proud!
Dix Neuf – a band that I tutor at school have made a music video for a track they have written. I helped them to create the parts, arrange the track, record it and edit the music video. It’s a rather spooky dream with a great twist at the end (and some superb acting!)
There are now over 370 songs that I have ready to teach. New resources include a series of riffs based on the pentatonic scale and a series of bass riffs. I’m also adding electric and acoustic guitar songs in all genres constantly. You can view the full list here.
And as always, I’m happy to look up a new song for you that you might want to play. I have subscriptions to access high quality guitar sheet music and tabs.
Congratulations to all five of my pupils who recently pass their RGT grade. Issy (Acoustic Grade 5), Elijah (Acoustic Grade 3) and Riya (Acoustic Grade 1) all got distinctions – a fantastic achievement by them all. Connor (Acoustic Graqde 5) and Max (Rock Grade 2) both got merits which was equally impressive as they were the first grade exams either of those guitarists had done – skipping grades isn’t easy!
Thoroughly enjoyed watching (and taking part!) in the annual guitar concert for all my younger pupils. With two of my pupils going on to study at ACM (Academy of Contemporary Music) in Guildford there was plenty of talent on show. It was clear to see the progression of all those that performed last year, and particular congratulations should go to all those performing onstage for the first time.
