I am delighted to announce I have become a member of the Registry of Guitar Tutors.

RGT is the world’s largest organisation of guitar teachers.

It’s honorary patrons include Sir Paul McCartney, David Gilmour, Hank Marvin and Gordon Giltrap.
This morning I found out my application – which included a detailed summary of my work and experience as a musician and two references – had been successful.

I would like to thank all my students, those that attend my three tuition groups, Victoria House Nursery in Douglas for employing me as their ‘music man’ and most importantly my wife Angela and daughter Alice for their love and support.

I am a full time guitar tutor and while I work some long hours it would be wrong to describe it as a job – music is my absolute passion and it is my aim to pass that onto my students everyday. I feel very privileged to do what I do and make a living as a musician.

Happy guitar playing,

John

I was very sorry to hear earlier today (Sunday, October 27 2013) that Lou Reed has died.

I saw Lou Reed perform three times, once in Manchester in 1996 and twice in the Isle of Man in 2006.

He is responsible for some of my favourite songs and guitar riffs.

I love both The Velvet Underground and a lot of his solo work and I even met him very briefly after one of the Isle of Man gigs when he signed a setlist for me.

Here is a picture I took of him at the Villa Marina, Douglas, on June 9 2006.

Lou had a big impact on the world of rock music and his music legacy will continue to live on.

John

Well, Wednesday, October 9 2013 is a date I will always remember.

This is because I went to see the great Stefan Grossman in concert. He was playing at a venue called The Works in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, England.

Stefan is one of my very favourite guitarists. He was taught directly by the Rev Gary Davis and knew Mississippi John Hurt, Son House, Skip James etc.

Not only is he a great performer and recording artist – with a music career dating back to the 1960s – his brilliant tuition books/CDs/videos/DVDs have inspired thousands of guitar players worldwide.

He is a true acoustic guitar legend and it was a pleasure to have the opportunity to meet him and see him play,

Happy guitar playing,

John

Guitar player – and guitar maker – Pete Woodman gave a fascinating guitar workshop at Bordello in Douglas, in the Isle of Man, recently.

The event was organised by Isle of Man based guitar tutor John Gregory.

Pete talked about the history of resophonic guitars, their construction and some notable players, as well as demonstrating several instruments.

John and Pete also performed a couple of numbers together.

The event was very enjoyable and John would like to thank Pete for such an interesting evening.