Why play classical guitar in an era of electronic and beat drum music?
There is something timeless about acoustic instruments. The classical guitar is totally organic, the sound is created with your own fingers and as such each player extracts their own subtle tone variations. This makes the instrument very personal and creates an intimate relationship between the player and listener. It is not a loud instrument; by its nature the classical guitar elicits serenity. With the absence of electronic beats, the music takes on a more informal, laid back quality, perfect for projecting the peace and tranquillity I enjoy in music.
So do you think this type of music has a place in the contemporary world?
Many of us have busy lives, full of all sorts of stresses and tensions. At the very least this music offers refuge at the end of a lousy day. More deeply, the music provides a place to slow down and reflect, to absorb or relax.
Who are your guitar heroes?
In classical guitar Andre Segovia and Julian Bream, because of their total individual approach to tone and music, In jazz Wes Montgomery, because of his beautiful sound and laid back approach. In acoustic folk John Renbourne, because of his open approach to music from Renaissance to blues. In rock guitar Jimi Hendrix, because of his originality and wide ranging influences. Hendrix could play beautiful ballads too.
How have they influenced your playing?
All these players have had technical influence on my playing. From the octave playing of Wes Montgomery, to the rich, warm tone of Segovia. But more importantly they taught me that you have to be yourself. Hendrix gave me courage to experiment and try any note on the fingerboard – it’s okay to play a wrong note. I feel grateful to have heard and been able to learn from these great players.
Do you have any composing heroes?
There are so many great composers that I enjoy and inspire me, but perhaps J.S. Bach is the greatest composer we have had. I listen to his music every day, and continue to be awed by it. I enjoy lots of Baroque and Renaissance music because of the peacefulness and shear beauty of the music, but every period of music has great composers.
Has being a teacher had an impact on your composing?
The best thing about private teaching is that you get to choose your own material. I have always chosen what I think is some of the best music in the classical guitar repertoire. I get to play, study and discuss this music in detail – which helps me as much as it benefits my students.
What types of music do you enjoy personally?
I tend to like individual composers of all styles and eras. From the lute music of John Dowland to Nick Drake. World music from India (like Gazal) to modern Flamenco (Gino Diauri) and all the great music coming out of NZ. Singer/songwriter Karen Hunter, classical guitarist Bruce Paine and many more. Some of these people I’ve been lucky enough to work with.
What do you want your music to communicate to listeners?
Music for me has been a journey. A journey of discovering what music is and what purpose it has in my life. I would like to share that with others. Most of all I would like the listener to enjoy the music.