ABOUT ME

Hi, I'm Justin.

I am a professional guitar teacher, coach and music mentor with more than 20,000 hours of experience teaching in both the UK and US.

I draw upon 40+ years of musical experience as a multi-instrumentalist in order to provide comprehensive expert guidance to support and inspire students at all levels to realise musical ambitions.

My early years were spent in a classical music setting, studying piano from the age of four and achieving grade 8 cello by the age of 13.

I spent four years studying at London’s esteemed Guitar Institute (now ICMP) where I was fortunate to be mentored by several internationally renowned luminaries including Shaun Baxter, Lee Hodgson, Dave Kilminster and Iain Scott. I completed a Perfomance Diploma, was recognised with a special performance award and became one the earliest graduates there to be awarded a full Honours Degree in Music.

Subsequently, I have  completed a Post-Graduate Diploma in Sound Engineering & Music Technology and received certification of QTS.

After several years as a session musician, I transitioned to teaching. I have gained a reputation as an experienced and respected music educator with more than 20,000 teaching hours in multiple countries. In addition to 10 years as course leader of A-level Music Technology, I have taught in excess of 1000 guitar students of all ages and levels in 1:1 settings, lectures, workshops and a unique range of group courses.

There have been innumerable wonderful students over the years with many progressing to a career in music. This long list includes: touring musicians in bands and professional orchestras; instrumental and classroom teachers; composers with credits for films, video games, TV adverts and sound installations at institutions including the Albert Hall;  producers, sound recording and mixing engineers and more.

In 2008, I founded Fusion Music, a  popular and hugely successful guitar school in St Albans, UK.  With an innovative approach to guitar education, Fusion Music quickly grew to nearly 100 students learning each week with 750+ total enrolments for students learning in a relaxed social setting in a range of over 30 unique short group courses.

After 10 years as proprietor and principal instructor, I left Fusion Music behind and moved to Maryland, USA where I spent two years teaching students along the I-95 corridor from Baltimore to Washington DC.

Since returning to the UK, I now live in Bawtry on the South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire border. I can be found most days enjoying the serenity of secluded woodland walks accompanied by my cocker spaniels, Ray-Bans on, AirPods in the ears and the wind in my hair.

I hold a keen interest in US Governmental & Political affairs, enjoy reading and watching crime and political thrillers, love maths(!) and humourous wordplay. I am inspired by excellence, beauty and by those who operate with integrity, authenticity and dare to think differently. Finally, I am a longtime ardent supporter of Manchester United, and on this topic I ask for understanding: it's been a tough few years!