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.
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.
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
On Sat 21st May, we welcome back to the church the Cuban Guitar Duo of Eduardo Martin and Ahmed Dickinson. They played for us before the pandemic, and what a wonderful concert it was, featuring the excellent compositions of Eduardo Martin.
If you like Cuban music then don't miss this concert!
Contact details:
5 Ashley Way, Brighstone, Newport,
Isle-of-Wight Po30 4HH
eltangueroingles@hotmail.com
Tel: 01983 740 947
07929 728 301