David Caswell ARCM
classical guitar on the isle of wight
Welcome to my website. If you are looking for classical guitar lessons here on the Isle of Wight, then you have come to the right place! I've been playing guitar since childhood and studied at the Royal College of Music in London. Since graduating in 1987 my time has been divided between teaching, giving concerts, and researching into the area of Latin American guitar. My love for South American music has taken me many times to Argentina, Venezuela and Cuba. Friendships made on my travels have led to the concert series in St Catherine's Ventnor; when friends are touring in Europe they have added the Isle of Wight to their itinerary. It is a pleasure to welcome them here and to see them in concert.
So please feel free to browse the site. If you are looking for classical guitar tuition, or for quality guitar music for a wedding or an event, then you will find further information on the specific tabs, or just scroll on down! Concerts at St Catherine's will be advertised here as and when they happen, and if you would like to be added to the mailing list for these events, then do drop me an email.
The music now playing is the milonga 'La Trampera', by Anibal Troilo. It was recorded in Rosario, Argentina, a duet with talented guitarist and composer Enrique Gule.
Thank you for your visit!
Music for weddings/functions
It has been a pleasure over the years to provide music for many functions, weddings, parties and corporate events. Having some live guitar music can bring a sense of occasion to an event; it can be used to welcome people to the venue,
as a solo spot during the service or function, and afterwards to celebrate the event, giving guests a chance to enjoy the music in a relaxed setting.
The repertoire often chosen is light classical, popular and Latin American music and is tailored to be in keeping with the mood of the event. It can be gentle background music,
a solo presentation, or more lively, as required.
Quality amplification can be provided, and is nearly always required to give the guitar a greater presence.
I'm happy to consider playing at events either here on the Island, or on the mainland, if you would like to discuss this then please be in touch.
St Catherine's concerts
I have been delighted to bring many of my Latin American friends here to the Island, and to see them in concert in the beautiful setting of St Catherine's church in Ventnor. As and when they are on tour in Europe, I am able to be their host, and St Catherine's is a very welcoming venue. David Tamcken and his team have worked hard to make the concerts a success, and I'm very grateful to him for all his help and support.
We have kept ticket prices to an absolute minimum, so as to encourage as many people as possible to experience and enjoy the guitar music. The concerts offer a great opportunity to see authentic Latin American music, and also to provide a meeting place for guitar lovers on the island.Performers have included Luis Alberto Soria, Carlos Carmona, Victor Villadangos and Analia Rego, who are all top class guitarists from Argentina. We also enjoyed a harp concert given by virtuoso Colombian harpist Ricardo Curbelo. We were recently treated to a fine concert, given by Argentine guitarist/composer Pepe Ferrer, and included the delightful
sounds of the oboe and cor anglais of Sarah Williams.
Details of any forthcoming concerts will be posted on this page, and if you would like to be on the mailing list then please send me your email address.
5 Ashley Way, Brighstone, Newport,
Isle-of-Wight Po30 4HH
Tel: 01983 740 947
07929 728 301
Tuition
I'm pleased to be able to offer classical guitar lessons at my
home in Brighstone. Lessons are available for all ages and abilities and are usually half hourly or hourly sessions.
All aspects are covered, technique, reading notation, and repertoire from all musical eras.
My qualifications are from the Royal College of Music:
ARCM (Teachers with Hons), Dip ARCM (Performers)
and Advanced Certificate of Postgraduate Studies. As with all people working in schools these days, I have a current CRB check certificate, have attended Child Protection training, and am a member of the ISM.
Teaching experience has been gained over some thirty years,
and employers have included Berkshire Young Musicians Trust, Hindhead Music Centre and Farlington School for Girls in Horsham.
It is a pleasure to help students prepare for examinations,
and we have a Trinity centre here in Brighstone which is very convenient. For those wishing to take the ABRSM exams then there is a centre in Binstead. Exams, however, are not for everyone, and lessons can be tailored to the needs of each individual student.
I have an extensive library of printed music, books, articles and recordings, and am happy to make this available to students as appropriate.
Contact details:
